The Best Way To Discover Italy For Food And Wine Lovers
Europe is a fantastic area of the world to visit, offering wine, food, and endless culture. However, at the top of the list in these key areas is undoubtedly Italy! From the bustling city streets of Rome to the maze-like waterways of Venice, every corner of this beautiful country provides a wonderful experience for your taste buds. In my latest article, I will guide you through Italy’s rich landscape of culinary expertise. Carry on reading to find out more.
Amalfi Coast: Coastal Cuisine And Limoncello
Following the coastal road in the stunning region of Amalfi will take you past grand villas, lemon groves, quaint fishing towns and even terraced vineyards. Amalfi coast trips are a popular option for holiday-makers seeking evergreen destinations.
This area is famed for its authentic local cuisine (such as its citrus-infused fresh seafood) and glorious drinks (such as a shot of limoncello at the end of your meal). Furthermore, if you want to immerse yourself in the culture, you could even book a Mediterranean cooking class (so you can share the delights with your friends and family back home).
Tuscany: Vineyards And Culinary Traditions
Tuscany boasts endless rolling hills and a wide selection of food choices (and is typically renowned for heartier cuisines compared to its Amalfi counterpart). Additionally, it is a popular landscape for Hollywood movies such as Gladiator, The English Patient or Piazzale Michelangelo of Florence.
Tuscany has so much to see and do, it will keep your schedule ticking over during your much-earned break. However, if you are looking for extra inspiration, then be sure to try Chianti wines (whether it’s on a vineyard tour or at a traditional farmhouse).
Emilia-Romagna: Italy’s Food Capital
One of the top destinations on your hit list should be Bologna, which is affectionately known as La Grassa (the fat one) and is typically referred to as the culinary capital of Italy. In other areas of the region you will discover Parma’s famed hams, prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano. If you struggle to find the best artisanal products back home at your local store, you will find everything you desire during your trip to this charming corner of Italy.
Piedmont: Truffles And Barolo Wines
Piedmont (which borders France and Switzerland) boasts a skyline filled with medieval towers, world-famous Barolo wines, and even an annual Alba white truffle festival. If you love all things luxurious, then this is the place for you! It is rich with culinary heritage and is equally popular in summer and winter (as it offers excellent skiing opportunities to complement those wine-tasting events).
Sicily: A Melting Pot Of Flavours
Sicily is undoubtedly the home to a wide variety of different flavours – the sun-basked Mediterranean island is well-known for Arancini, Granita and Sfincione (although there are many more wonders to find!). There is a glorious mix of Arab, Greek and Italian influences, which ensures this region has an amazing tapestry of unique food and drink options for you to discover (special mention must go to the street food!).
Additionally, Sicily is famous for Mount Etna (along with the vineyards at the bottom of the mountain). The Etna Wine Road (which is actually a sloping train journey) features a multitude of wine stops along the lowest slopes of the largest active volcano in Europe.
Summary
If you want to experience magnificent culinary treasures on your travels, mark Italy on your map! You will provide your tastebuds with unparalleled flavours (along with the eye-catching visuals offered by the country’s cities, landscapes and coastal areas).
Will you be visiting Italy soon? Please share your travel plans in the comments section below.
