Italy is the world’s largest wine producer, followed by France and Spain. Italy boasts an immense area of 1,730,000 acres of cultivated vineyards, which accounts for roughly 19% of the world’s wine.

Although Italy is the biggest exporter of wine in the world, it is also the country with the highest consumption of it.

Every region in Italy has its own tradition and wine making process, and that is thanks to the rich history that wine has in Italy. Greek settlers started the trend of wine production long before the Romans, and the tradition has remained instilled in the Italian roots.

Today we’re going to take a look at the top 5 mountains and vacation destinations you can take in the coming season!

1. Sforzato – Valtellina

The Valtellina is a very beautiful and scenic valley in the north of Italy. In it, you should try the Sforzato, by the canteen “Nino Negri”, which is the staple iconic wine of the Valtellina. It is a strong and robust red wine and accompanies very well the local dishes like Pizzoccherri and Sciatt.

2. Costasera – Dolomites

If you like skiing, you will most probably like the Marmolada Mountain, which is the highest of the famous Dolomites. Here you will find plenty of beautiful ski tracks, epic mountain scenes, and amazing wine. We recommend the Costasera Amarone Classico, a fruity, easy going, and intense wine that pairs perfectly with a cut of red meats.

3. Etna Rosso – Etna

Mount Etna is one of the few mountains on which you can climb, ski, and watch the sea all at the same time. Along the base of the mountain, you can stop for a quick sweet snack made with the local pistachios, and accompany that with a chalice of Etna Rosso, a red, strong, dry, and potent wine. One of the best in the region.

4. Ribolla Gialla – Sappada

Back to the Dolomites. In the small village of Sappada, you can find the Ribolla Gialla, by the Cantina Puiatti. This is a very affordable white wine, with floral notes and a soft taste. The main characteristic of this wine is the yellow color, given by the local grapes.

5-.Santa Maddalena – Rittner Horn

Last, but not least, we have the Rittner Horn. A mountain of the patrimony of UNESCO that holds one of the best mountain views in the world. From the Rittner Horn, you can see the red vineyards of Santa Maddalena, which contribute to the redness of its wine. Santa Maddalena, also known as St. Magdalener, is a red wine, soft and versatile. You can pair it with a platter of finely cut meats and cheeses.