So you have decided to go to Abruzzi in central Italy on the Adriatic coast, less than 50 miles (about 80 kilometers) from Rome at its closest point. There are no big cities here but plenty of medieval and renaissance hill towns definitely worth visiting.
Pescara, the region's largest town, is home to Italy's first summer jazz festival, an important one that is still held every July. Abruzzi is packed with mountains, ski trails, and seaside resorts. You won't want to miss the mountainous Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, one of the largest protected areas in all Europe.
Right in the heart of this park you'll find medieval Castel del Monte, one of "I Borghi Piu belli D'Italia", the most beautiful villages of Italy.
The best regional wine is the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG made from the Abruzzi's signature Montepulciano red grape in a small region near the city of Teramo running to the Adriatic Coast. Its more inexpensive cousin Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC which may contain the popular Italian Sangiovese grape is made virtually anywhere within Abruzzi.
This is the most widely exported Italian wine. The major white grape is Trebbiano found in the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC wine. Abruzzi also grows Chardonnay. You won't find as many grape varieties here as you do in most other Italian regions.
On the other hand, the mix of mountain and sea air and the relatively dry climate are fine for winemaking. Tour this region to see what producers are doing with the terroir. You may find some bargains.
Companies selling wine tours of Abruzzi include Abruzzo Tours, Delicious Italy, Vinearia, and Wine Tours Italia. Abruzzi wineries providing visits include Fattoria La Valentina in Spoltore, Camillo Montori in Controguerra, and the biodynamic winery Emidio Pepe in Torano Nuovo.
The latter two wineries have a restaurant and rent lodgings A few words of warning are in order. Make sure that you check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some places may charge admission; others may expect you to buy some of their products.
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