Sip The Coastline: A Guide To Italy’s Finest Wines
The Italian coastline is an area where vineyards cascade down hillsides meeting the sea, and each village has its own world, from flavors and weather to wine. The coastal trails and piazzas draw in the crowds, but those who truly want a taste of Italy visit the vineyards and taste the results.
From the volcanic lands of Sicily to the limestone cliffs of Liguria and the gentle slopes of Tuscany’s coastline, there is a whole world of Italian wines to explore. Here are some of our favorite wines to try along the Italian coastline:
Pinot Grigio: The Riviera’s Crisp Elegance
No Italian coastal vacation is complete without a glass of Pinot Grigio. Though globally celebrated, the most exquisite examples hail from Friuli and Alto Adige, where the grape reveals its finest qualities - zesty citrus, ripe pear, and crisp alpine freshness.
Light, vibrant, and effortlessly drinkable, this is the quintessential wine for sunny afternoons, delicate antipasti, and moments by the sea.
Gavi di Gavi: Piedmont’s Coastal Muse
While technically from Piedmont’s rolling hills, Gavi di Gavi has become identified with Ligurian sophistication.
Crafted from the Cortese grape, it offers a refined bouquet of delicate florals, green apple, and almond, underpinned by a lively acidity that elevates the region’s famed seafood and herb-accented pastas. Imagine a late afternoon in Portofino, a plate of fritto misto before you, the light catching your glass of this cool, elegant white.
Grillo: Sicily’s Radiant Coastal White
Journey south to Sicily, where Grillo has quietly evolved from a humble Marsala component to one of Italy’s most captivating whites. Native to the island, this varietal is sun-kissed and fresh, offering vibrant citrus, melon, and tropical fruit notes with a bright, lively acidity.
Perfect paired with seafood crudo or savored as a sunset aperitivo by the sea, Grillo is a breezy, unfussy celebration of coastal Sicily.
Etna Rosso: The Volcanic Marvel
Climb to the slopes of Mount Etna, where vineyards cling to ancient lava flows in one of Europe’s most exhilarating terroirs. Etna Rosso, primarily crafted from Nerello Mascalese, is a study in elegance and boldness.
Red berry fruit, smoky minerality, and an aromatic herbaceous lift create a wine that mirrors its fiery origins with Burgundian refinement. Ideal with Sicilian aubergine dishes and slow-roasted lamb.
Dolcetto: Piedmont’s Laid-Back Red
Returning to Piedmont, Dolcetto offers a relaxed and approachable counterpart to the region’s more austere reds. Despite its name, meaning ‘little sweet one,’ Dolcetto is typically dry, with plush dark cherry and plum notes, soft tannins, and a hint of spice.
Best served slightly chilled, it is the perfect companion for a Riviera picnic or a casual evening with pizza and grilled meats.
Sangiovese: The Soul Of Tuscany
The backbone of Tuscany’s legendary reds is Sangiovese, Tuscany’s signature grape, found from Chianti and Brunello to the region’s revered Super Tuscans.
Along Tuscany’s coastline, this grape produces medium to full-bodied wines rich with bright cherry, wild herbs, and earthy undertones. It pairs perfectly with rustic pastas, hearty ragu, and the famed bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Italian wines are best enjoyed where they’re made—along the coastline, surrounded by sea and sun.
Contact our expert consultants to create a private yacht charter that pairs vineyard visits, curated tastings, and unforgettable views in one seamless journey.
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