| So you have decided to go to Umbria; the only | | | | DOCG. The first is made southeast of Perugia |
| region of Italy that has neither a seacoast nor a | | | | from virtually 100% Sagrantino grapes. This wine |
| border with a foreign country. Let's hope that | | | | may be dry or sweet. The second is vinified |
| won't stop you from visiting this beautiful region, | | | | southeast of but much closer to Perugia from the |
| still somewhat unknown to tourists. Whether or | | | | red Sangiovese, one of Italy's signature grapes, |
| not you are Catholic, you should see the Basilica di | | | | and some lesser local red or white grapes. |
| San Franceso dedicate to Italy's patron saint, St, | | | | Another well known but often overrated Umbria |
| Francis of Assisi. Don't miss the frescoes | | | | wine is Orvieto DOC produced southwest of |
| illustrating his life. On the other hand, you may | | | | Perugia from a variety of white local grapes. This |
| want to avoid Calendimaggio (May 1), Easter, the | | | | wine is usually dry. Sweet Orvieto is highly |
| feast of St. Francis (October 4), and Christmas | | | | recommended but hard to find. |
| because of the crowds. | | | | Common white grape varieties include the local |
| Perugia, the capital is an artistic center. The | | | | Grechetto, the ubiquitous Trebbiano, and |
| Duomo (Cathedral), Palazzo dei Priori (Town Hall) | | | | Chardonnay. Common local red varieties include |
| which contains the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria | | | | Sangiovese, and the international Gamay, |
| (Umbria National Gallery), and Collegio dei Cambio | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Sagrantino is |
| (Bankers' Guild Hall) are steps from each other. | | | | hardly common; it's found on some 250 acres |
| They and the nearby Museo Archeologico | | | | (about 100 hectares), and only in Umbria. |
| Nazionale with its excellent collection of Etruscan | | | | Companies selling wine tours of Umbria include |
| artifacts are all worth seeing. In addition Perugia is | | | | iExplore, LeBaccanti, Umbria Wine Tours, and |
| known for at least three things, Perugina | | | | Alabaster and Clark Wine Tours Worldwide. |
| chocolate, the Umbria Jazz Festival held during | | | | Umbria wineries that accept visits and provide |
| July, and Italian language schools. Head about ten | | | | lodgings (agriturismo) include Antonelli-San Marco in |
| miles (fifteen kilometers) southeast to the town | | | | Montefalco, Azienda Agricola La Fiorita S.R.L. - |
| of Torgiano to see the Cantine Lungarotti winery | | | | Lamborghini in Panicale, Barberani, Azienda Agricola |
| and the neighboring Museo del Vino with a great | | | | Vallesanta in Baschi, and Decugnano dei Barbi in |
| collection of historic wine tools and equipment. | | | | Orvieto. A few words of warning are in order. |
| Umbria's most highly ranked wines are Montefalco | | | | Make sure that you check ahead of time for |
| Sagrantino DOCG and Torgiano Rosso Riserva | | | | opening hours and whether English is spoken. |