Cabernet Franc around the world

Manincor Wine Shop and Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Manincor's gravity-fed underground tasting cellar at Castel Campan above Lake Caldaro, pouring biodynamic Goess-Enzenberg wines from 50 hectares including the Reserve della Contessa Sauvignon Blanc.

Chateau Margaux ★ 4.9

Premier Cru Classe Bordeaux at Margaux AOC, estate founded 1572, now owned by the Mentzelopoulos family. Cabernet-dominant blends with 18 to 24 months in new oak barrel ageing.

Tasting: By appointment only, Monday to Friday; closed weekends, August, public holidays and harvest. Tasting for professionals only.

Signature wines: chateau-margaux-grand-vin, pavillon-rouge-du-chateau-margaux, pavillon-blanc-du-chateau-margaux

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2016), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)

Chateau Lafite Rothschild ★ 4.9

First-growth Pauillac estate with 112 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines. Owned by the Rothschild family; fully organic since 2024 with Saskia de Rothschild at the helm.

Tasting: Currently closed for renovations until 2026. Alternative visits at Chateau Duhart-Milon.

Signature wines: lafite-rothschild, carruades-de-lafite

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2003), Wine Spectator 100 (1996)

Chateau Latour ★ 4.9

First-growth Pauillac estate with 78 hectares at the southeastern tip of Pauillac commune. Owned by Groupe Artemis since 1993; withdrew from en primeur system in 2012.

Tasting: By appointment only for professionals; visiting restricted.

Signature wines: latour-grand-vin, les-forts-de-latour, pauillac-de-latour

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Advocate 100 (2003)

Chateau Mouton Rothschild ★ 4.9

Pauillac first-growth elevated from second in 1973, famous for its artist-label series. 83 hectares planted 81% Cabernet Sauvignon; Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy is technical director since 2020.

Tasting: Visits by appointment; museum of wine in art open to visitors.

Signature wines: mouton-rothschild, le-petit-mouton, aile-dargent

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1982), Wine Advocate 98 (2016)

Chateau Haut-Brion ★ 4.9

The only non-Medoc first-growth in the 1855 classification, estate since 1521 in Pessac. Merlot-driven blends from iron-rich gravelly soils; Domaine Clarence Dillon owner.

Tasting: Visits by appointment only for professionals.

Signature wines: chateau-haut-brion-rouge, haut-brion-blanc, le-clarence-de-haut-brion

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1989)

Chateau Cheval Blanc ★ 4.9

Iconic Saint-Emilion estate on 39 hectares with an unusual 52% Cabernet Franc dominant blend. Withdrew from the Saint-Emilion classification in 2022; co-owned by LVMH.

Tasting: Visits by appointment; contact through official site.

Signature wines: chateau-cheval-blanc, le-petit-cheval, le-petit-cheval-blanc

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1990), Wine Spectator 100 (1947)

Vieux Chateau Certan ★ 4.8

Pomerol's counterpart to Petrus, owned by the Thienpont family since 1924. 14-hectare contiguous plot planted 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc; 100th anniversary celebrated in 2024.

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

Signature wines: vieux-chateau-certan, gravette-de-certan

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2015), Vinous 98 (2018)

Chateau Ausone ★ 4.9

Historic Saint-Emilion estate of 7 hectares planted 55% Cabernet Franc on limestone plateau; family-owned Vauthier; ultra-limited annual production of around 1,500 cases.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: chateau-ausone, chapelle-dausone

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)

Chateau Cos d'Estournel ★ 4.8

Saint-Estephe second growth with 91 hectares, famous for pagoda-adorned winery. Fully organic since 2024; Michel Reybier owner; produces red, second wine, and a white Sauvignon-Semillon blend.

Tasting: Visits and tastings available through La Maison d'Estournel hotel.

Signature wines: cos-destournel-rouge, les-pagodes-de-cos, cos-destournel-blanc

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2003), James Suckling 100 (2016)

Chateau Lynch-Bages ★ 4.7

Pauillac fifth growth that consistently overdelivers, with 90 hectares planted 67% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cazes-family owned since 1939; 18 months in 75% new oak barrels.

Tasting: Visits, tastings and accommodation at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages; village dining at Cafe Lavinal in Bages.

Signature wines: lynch-bages, echo-de-lynch-bages

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2010), Wine Advocate 97 (2016)

Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron ★ 4.7

Pauillac second growth of 73 hectares owned by AXA Millesimes. Alexandra Lebossé winemaker since 2017; produces grand vin, Les Griffons second wine; a white from 2022.

Tasting: Visits available; contact chateau for details.

Signature wines: pichon-baron, les-griffons-de-pichon-baron

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2016)

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande ★ 4.7

Pauillac second growth adjacent to Chateau Latour. 89 hectares with unusually high 32% Merlot for Left Bank; Louis Roederer Champagne owner since 2006.

Tasting: Visits available by appointment.

Signature wines: pichon-lalande, reserve-de-la-comtesse

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2019), Decanter 97 (2020)

Chateau Pontet-Canet ★ 4.8

Pauillac fifth growth leading Bordeaux biodynamics; 81 hectares certified Demeter since 2014 and Biodyvin since 2010. Tesseron family owners; Mathieu Bessonnet technical director since 2020.

Tasting: Visits and tastings available by appointment.

Signature wines: pontet-canet

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Advocate 100 (2012)

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion ★ 4.8

Graves Cru Classe adjacent to Haut-Brion in Talence, sharing the same Domaine Clarence Dillon ownership. 23 hectares producing powerful, structured Cabernet-Merlot blends.

Tasting: Visits by appointment only.

Signature wines: la-mission-haut-brion-rouge, la-mission-haut-brion-blanc, la-chapelle-de-la-mission

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1989)

Chateau Leoville-Barton ★ 4.7

Saint-Julien second growth family-owned without interruption since 1826. 48 hectares planted predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon; known for exceptional value among classed growths.

Tasting: By appointment for professionals and private visits.

Signature wines: leoville-barton, la-reserve-de-leoville-barton

Scores: Wine Advocate 99 (2016), James Suckling 99 (2018)

Chateau Leoville-Las Cases ★ 4.8

Saint-Julien second growth known as the 'super second' of the appellation. 97 hectares with the famous walled Grand Clos enclos; Delon family ownership.

Tasting: By appointment for professionals.

Signature wines: grand-vin-de-leoville-du-marquis-de-las-cases, clos-du-marquis, le-petit-lion-du-marquis-de-las-cases

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Spectator 99 (2016)

Chateau Angelus ★ 4.8

Iconic Saint-Emilion estate known for its bell-tower icon. 27 hectares of Merlot-Cabernet Franc; organic certified; withdrew from 2022 classification; Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal leads.

Tasting: Visits available by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-angelus, le-carillon-de-langelus

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2012), James Suckling 100 (2016)

Chateau Pavie ★ 4.8

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A, 37 hectares on the famous Pavie hill. Gerard Perse owner; Hotel de Pavie on-site features chef Yannick Alleno Michelin-starred restaurant.

Tasting: Hotel de Pavie on-site with two Michelin-starred restaurant.

Signature wines: chateau-pavie, aromes-de-pavie

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), James Suckling 100 (2015)

Chateau Troplong Mondot ★ 4.7

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B (2022 classification) sited on the limestone plateau of Mondot at approximately 110m elevation. 33 hectares, organic certified; The Keys boutique hotel with Michelin restaurant Les Belles Perdrix on-site.

Tasting: The Keys hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant Les Belles Perdrix on-site.

Signature wines: chateau-troplong-mondot, mondot

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2015), James Suckling 99 (2016)

Chateau Canon ★ 4.7

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B owned by Chanel SAS since 1996. 22 hectares with limestone plateau parcels; organic certified; Nicolas Audebert director.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: chateau-canon, croix-canon

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2016), James Suckling 98 (2019)

Chateau Pape Clement ★ 4.6

Pessac-Leognan Cru Classe de Graves with origins traced to 1300. 32 hectares; Bernard Magrez owner; truffle-enhanced restaurant and botanical gardens featuring a 1,000-year-old olive tree.

Tasting: Hotel and restaurant on-site; visits and tastings available.

Signature wines: pape-clement-rouge, pape-clement-blanc

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2016), James Suckling 97 (2018)

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte ★ 4.7

Pessac-Leognan Cru Classe de Graves owned by the Cathiards since 1990. 67 hectares including white wine production; Les Sources de Caudalie luxury spa resort on-site.

Tasting: Les Sources de Caudalie hotel with Vinothérapie Spa and Michelin-starred restaurant; open to hotel guests and visitors.

Signature wines: smith-haut-lafitte-rouge, smith-haut-lafitte-blanc

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2018), James Suckling 98 (2019)

Chateau Clinet ★ 4.6

Pomerol estate of 9 hectares dominated by old-vine Merlot. Ronan Laborde family-owned and operated since 2003; old-vine character a distinguishing feature.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: clinet

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1998), Wine Advocate 98 (2000)

Chateau Lafleur ★ 4.9

Tiny 4.5-hectare Pomerol estate considered peer to Petrus. Unusual equal split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc; Guinaudeau family owners; biodynamic farming since 2014.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: lafleur-pomerol, pensees-de-lafleur

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1947), Wine Advocate 99 (2015)

Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot ★ 4.6

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B on 16.5 hectares including ancient underground cellars carved from limestone. Becot family-managed; organic certified.

Tasting: Visits and tastings available; contact chateau.

Signature wines: chateau-beausejour-becot, petit-becot

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2015), Decanter 96 (2018)

Chateau Figeac ★ 4.8

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A elevated in 2022 reclassification. Unusual for Right Bank with an equal-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend on 40 hectares of gravelly soils.

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-figeac, petit-figeac

Scores: Wine Advocate 99 (2022), Decanter 97 (2020)

Chateau de la Riviere ★ 4.4

Fronsac's flagship estate with 60 hectares and a spectacular 16th-century underground cave network. Known for structured, Merlot-dominant wines with Right Bank elegance.

Tasting: Visits, wine-and-cheese tastings, and cave-tour experiences available.

Signature wines: riviere-fronsac

Scores: Decanter 93 (2018), Wine Advocate 92 (2019)

Chateau Roc de Cambes ★ 4.6

Cotes de Bourg cult wine from Francois Mitjavile, creator of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf. 10 hectares on limestone slopes; Merlot-led blends with remarkable concentration and minerality.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: roc-de-cambes

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2005), Decanter 95 (2018)

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie ★ 4.3

Canon-Fronsac producer representing the best of this underrated Right Bank appellation. 7 hectares of organic Merlot-Cabernet Franc on clay-limestone soils.

Tasting: Visits and tastings available by appointment.

Signature wines: moulin-pey-labrie

Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2019), Decanter 91 (2018)

Chateau Sociando-Mallet ★ 4.5

Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois that many consider above its classification. 85 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines; Jean Gautreau's uncompromising quality standard since 1969.

Tasting: Cellar visits available by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-sociando-mallet, la-demoiselle-de-sociando-mallet

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Decanter 94 (2018)

Maison du Vin de Saint-Emilion ★ 4.5

The official Maison du Vin of the Saint-Emilion wine union offers structured flights of Grand Cru and Premier Grand Cru Classe wines, with bilingual staff and vineyard map resources.

Maison du Vin de Pauillac ★ 4.3

The Pauillac wine union tasting room on the Gironde quayside. Covers the appellation's full range from fifth-growth value to premier cru flights with printed tasting notes.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild Visitor Centre ★ 4.8

The world-renowned Museum of Wine in Art and the estate tasting room at Mouton Rothschild. Visits include the underground chai, label gallery; tasting of current releases.

Chateau de la Riviere Cave Tasting ★ 4.4

Tours of Fronsac's most spectacular 16th-century underground limestone cave network at Chateau de la Riviere, followed by Fronsac AOC flights including reserve selections.

Chateau Sociando-Mallet ★ 4.5

Why locals love it: Deliberately refused to enter the Cru Bourgeois classification; beloved by trade professionals as the Medoc's most underrated unclassified estate. Jean Gautreau's 85-hectare property consistently outperforms many 4th and 5th growths in blind tastings, yet remains little-known to mainstream consumers.

Chateau Roc de Cambes ★ 4.6

Why locals love it: Created by Francois Mitjavile, the legendary maker of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf, as a project in the overlooked Cotes de Bourg appellation. 10 hectares of Merlot-Malbec on limestone slopes produce cult-quality wine at a fraction of Mitjavile's Right Bank prices. Wine Advocate 95 points 2005.

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie ★ 4.3

Why locals love it: Canon-Fronsac is one of Bordeaux's most undervalued appellations and Moulin Pey-Labrie is its benchmark organic producer. The Hubau family's 7-hectare estate consistently produces wines with greater depth and terroir expression than many Pomerol satellites at half the price.

Vieux Chateau Certan ★ 4.8

Why locals love it: The Thienpont family's 14-hectare Pomerol estate with an unusually high Cabernet Franc percentage (30%) gives VCC a more structured, mineral character than Petrus-school pure Merlot. Often described by insiders as the intellectual choice in Pomerol; Wine Advocate 100 points 2015.

Chateau Lafleur ★ 4.9

Why locals love it: Just 4.5 hectares with an unusual 50-50 Merlot-Cabernet Franc split that gives Lafleur a floral, graphite complexity absent in the Petrus-school. Baptiste Guinaudeau's biodynamic farming and tiny production make it almost impossible to buy; yet it is the connoisseur's Pomerol. Wine Advocate 100 points 1947.

Chateau Figeac - The Equal-Thirds Right Bank Outlier ★ 4.8

Why locals love it: While the media focuses on Merlot-dominant Saint-Emilion, Figeac's unusual equal-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend on gravelly soils gives it a Left Bank-meets-Right Bank character unlike any other Saint-Emilion estate. The 2022 elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classe A attracted new attention, but the estate remains undervalued relative to peers. Wine Advocate 99 points 2022.

Chateau Leoville-Barton - Family-Owned Super-Second Value ★ 4.7

Why locals love it: The Barton family has owned Leoville-Barton continuously since 1826 with no corporate parent and no price inflation beyond merit. It remains the best-value second growth in Bordeaux: consistently scoring 97-99 points in top vintages at prices well below peers. Melanie Barton's recent vintages have elevated it further.

L'Union de Producteurs de Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ★ 4.0

The cooperative of 230 Saint-Emilion growers produces Grand Cru-level quality from a wide range of limestone and clay parcels. Their Gallus cuvee and L'Excellence range regularly score 88-91 points at accessible prices.

Chateau de la Riviere Fronsac ★ 4.3

Fronsac estate of 60 hectares; structured, ageworthy Merlot-Cabernet Franc blends from limestone terraces. Strong quality-to-price proposition versus other Right Bank appellations.

Echo de Lynch-Bages (second wine) ★ 4.3

The second wine of Lynch-Bages carries true Pauillac terroir: dark cassis, cedar, and structure. Accessible within the EUR 25 ceiling in many vintages; far better than most second wines at this price tier.

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie Canon-Fronsac ★ 4.2

Organic 7-hectare Canon-Fronsac estate producing clay-limestone Merlot-Cabernet Franc at under EUR 20. Strong local grape character at a price well below comparable Right Bank appellations.

La Demoiselle de Sociando-Mallet ★ 4.2

Second wine of Sociando-Mallet, a Cru Bourgeois that many critics rank above many classified growths in quality. La Demoiselle carries genuine Haut-Medoc character and Gautreau's uncompromising extraction approach at a fraction of the grand vin price.

Ronco dei Tassi ★ 4.6

Fabio Coser founded the cellar in 1989 on the Bosco del Merlo parcel above Cormons, and now runs it with sons Matteo and Andrea. The 19 hectares on Collio ponca around the Monte locality feed the Fosarin Bianco (Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Malvasia) as the cellar's signature blend and the Cjarandon (Sauvignon, Friulano, Chardonnay) as a second whole-Collio expression.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Monte by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Bosco del Merlo parcels and a flight of the Fosarin Bianco, Cjarandon Bianco and Bosc dal Sef Rosso. Farmhouse rooms on-site for overnight stays.

Signature wines: ronco-dei-tassi-fosarin, ronco-dei-tassi-cjarandon, ronco-dei-tassi-bosc-dal-sef

Tip: The farmhouse rooms double as a Cormons base; book the Fosarin vertical with a half-day of Collio cellar visits.

Bastianich ★ 4.7

Founded in 1997 by Joseph Bastianich (the restaurateur and Lidia Bastianich's son) on Felluga-family advice, the Colli Orientali cellar at Cividale del Friuli farms 35 hectares between Cividale and Buttrio.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Cividale del Friuli by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Buttrio and Cividale parcels and a flight of the Vespa Bianco, Plus Friulano, Calabrone Rosso and Refosco. On-site farmhouse rooms and restaurant.

Signature wines: bastianich-vespa-bianco, bastianich-plus-friulano, bastianich-calabrone, bastianich-refosco

Tip: Book the on-site restaurant for a tasting menu paired with the cellar's range; the Vespa Bianco lands particularly well with the Friulian gnocchi de susini.

Bressan Mastri Vinai ★ 4.5

Bressan Mastri Vinai is one of Friuli's oldest continuous wine families, with documented activity at Farra d'Isonzo since 1726. Fulvio Bressan runs the cellar in its modern form.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Farra d'Isonzo by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Bressan parcels (a Friuli holding documented since 1726) and a flight of the Pinot Grigio, Schioppettino, Pignolo and Verduzzo. Reservation required.

Signature wines: bressan-pinot-grigio, bressan-schioppettino, bressan-pignolo, bressan-verduzzo

Tip: The Pignolo is the cellar's library red and one of Friuli's revival varietals; ask for a back-vintage tasting alongside the Schioppettino.

Chateau de Pennautier ★ 4.4

Cabardes flagship estate at Pennautier just north of Carcassonne, run by the Lorgeril family since 1620, working the Atlantic-meets-Mediterranean Cabardes AOC blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah) on the Black Mountain foothills.

Tasting: Cellar tour, gardens visit and tasting at Pennautier; on-site restaurant

Signature wines: pennautier-classique-rouge, pennautier-terroirs-d-altitude, pennautier-collection-privee

Tip: Terroirs d'Altitude is the prestige Cabardes that shows the Atlantic-Mediterranean blend clearly; the chateau and gardens are open for tour year-round.

Domaine Bernard Baudry ★ 4.9

Cravant-les-Coteaux reference, 32 hectares of Cabernet Franc on the three Chinon terroirs (gravel, clay-limestone, tuffeau plateau), each bottled as a single-vineyard.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Cravant-les-Coteaux domaine

Signature wines: baudry-les-grezeaux, baudry-la-croix-boissee, baudry-le-clos-guillot

Tip: La Croix Boissee from the high tuffeau plateau is one of Chinon's most age-worthy reds and the appellation's quiet grand cru.

Domaine Charles Joguet ★ 4.8

Sazilly estate created by sculptor-winemaker Charles Joguet in 1957, with 30 hectares of Cabernet Franc and 2 of Chenin, single-vineyard bottlings since the 1980s.

Tasting: Visits and tastings Monday-Friday 10-13, 14-18; Saturday 10-18 (April-October)

Signature wines: joguet-clos-de-la-dioterie, joguet-clos-du-chene-vert, joguet-les-varennes-du-grand-clos

Tip: Clos de la Dioterie, an old-vine south-facing parcel, is the appellation's most singular old-vine red.

Domaine Olga Raffault ★ 4.7

Savigny-en-Veron family domaine with library reserves going back decades; the Les Picasses cuvee from clay-limestone hillside is the reference Chinon for ageing potential.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment in Savigny-en-Veron

Signature wines: olga-raffault-les-picasses, olga-raffault-les-barnabes

Tip: Aged Les Picasses (15+ years) is one of France's quiet bargains: aged Cabernet Franc at a fraction of Bordeaux prices.

Domaine de la Noblaie ★ 4.5

Family-run Chinon at Ligre, 24 hectares of organic Cabernet Franc on a hillside plateau with commanding views over the Chinon fortress.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Ligre domaine

Signature wines: noblaie-les-chiens-chiens, noblaie-pierre-de-tuf

Tip: Jerome Billard trained at Petrus and Dominus; the Les Chiens-Chiens cuvee shows in the polish of the wines.

Domaine Philippe Alliet ★ 4.7

Cravant-les-Coteaux estate where Philippe Alliet trained in Bordeaux and brought a Medoc-style approach (long extractions, new oak) to Chinon Cabernet Franc.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at Cravant-les-Coteaux

Signature wines: alliet-vieilles-vignes, alliet-coteau-de-noire, alliet-lhuisserie

Tip: Coteau de Noire is the high-end tuffeau-plateau cuvee; the Vieilles Vignes is excellent value.

Domaine Catherine et Pierre Breton ★ 4.8

Restigne natural-wine icons farming 11 hectares biodynamically since 1990, with low-sulphur Cabernet Franc Bourgueils that helped define the Loire natural-wine movement.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment in Restigne

Signature wines: breton-trinch, breton-clos-senechal, breton-les-perrieres

Tip: Trinch! (chinkers!) is the entry-level low-sulphur Bourgueil; Les Perrieres is the old-vine tuffeau-plateau cuvee.

Domaine Yannick Amirault ★ 4.7

Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil estate of 20 hectares, organic since 2007, with parcel-bottled Cabernet Francs across both appellations.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Bourgueil domaine

Signature wines: amirault-la-petite-cave, amirault-la-source, amirault-les-malgagnes

Tip: Les Malgagnes in Saint-Nicolas and La Petite Cave in Bourgueil are the long-ageing flagships.

Domaine de la Chevalerie ★ 4.6

Restigne family estate going back 14 generations, 38 hectares of Demeter-certified biodynamic Cabernet Franc with extensive parcel-bottling and a maze of tuffeau cellars.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at the cellar; underground tuffeau cave open to visitors

Signature wines: chevalerie-galichets, chevalerie-chevalerie, chevalerie-busardieres

Tip: The cellars house bottles dating back more than a century; book a vertical tasting of the Galichets cuvee.

Domaine des Baumard ★ 4.7

Rochefort-sur-Loire family domaine farming key plots in Savennieres (Clos du Papillon) and Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru, with bottlings going back five centuries of family history.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Rochefort-sur-Loire cellar

Signature wines: baumard-clos-du-papillon, baumard-quarts-de-chaume, baumard-clos-sainte-catherine

Tip: Quarts de Chaume from Baumard, drunk after 20-30 years, is honey, quince and chalk in a glass.

Domaine FL (Fournier-Longchamps) ★ 4.4

Savennieres-based estate uniting the historic Chateau de Chamboureau (former Pierre Soulez property) with Anjou holdings under Philippe Fournier, biodynamic and organic across 65 hectares.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at Chateau de Chamboureau by appointment

Signature wines: fl-savennieres-chamboureau, fl-savennieres-le-parc

Tip: Le Parc is the single-vineyard Savennieres; Chamboureau is the historic monopole anchored in the 13th-century chateau.

Chateau Pierre-Bise ★ 4.7

Beaulieu-sur-Layon family estate of 53 hectares across Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru and Savennieres, with the Les Rouannieres moelleux as the flagship.

Tasting: Monday-Saturday 10-12, 14-16:45, closed Sundays

Signature wines: pierre-bise-les-rouannieres, pierre-bise-quarts-de-chaume, pierre-bise-clos-de-coulaine

Tip: Les Rouannieres is the estate's flagship Coteaux du Layon Beaulieu cuvée from the south-facing schist slopes above the Layon tributary.

Domaine Patrick Baudouin ★ 4.6

Chaudefonds-sur-Layon estate centred on the schist-and-volcanic Prince site, with dry Chenin and old-vine Coteaux du Layon plus Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Prince cellar

Signature wines: baudouin-anjou-le-cornillard, baudouin-coteaux-du-layon, baudouin-quarts-de-chaume

Tip: Patrick was one of the first growers to push Anjou's dry Chenin into grand-cru territory; the Le Cornillard parcel is the reference.

Domaine Ogereau ★ 4.6

Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay five-generation family estate of 25 hectares biodynamic (Biodyvin) and organic (Ecocert), with parcels in Anjou, Coteaux du Layon and Savennieres.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay cellar

Signature wines: ogereau-clos-le-grand-beaupreau, ogereau-cote-de-la-houssaye, ogereau-coteaux-du-layon-saint-lambert

Tip: Clos le Grand Beaupreau (Savennieres) and Cote de la Houssaye (Anjou-Villages) are the high-end parcels worth seeking.

Clos Rougeard ★ 5.0

Saumur-Champigny's grand cru: the Foucault brothers' 10 hectares of Cabernet Franc and old-vine Chenin at Chace, sold to the Bouygues family in 2017 after eight family generations.

Tasting: No public visits. Wines on strict allocation through importers.

Signature wines: clos-rougeard-le-bourg, clos-rougeard-les-poyeux, clos-rougeard-le-clos

Tip: Le Bourg from old vines is the appellation's reference grand-cru-class bottle; vintages 2005, 2009 and 2010 are the modern benchmarks.

Chateau du Hureau ★ 4.6

Dampierre-sur-Loire Saumur-Champigny estate of 18.5 hectares, certified organic since 2007, with cellars dug into the tuffeau cliffs above the Loire.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at the troglodyte cellars by appointment

Signature wines: hureau-fevettes, hureau-lisagathe, hureau-tuffe

Tip: Lisagathe, from the two best old-vine parcels, is the long-ageing flagship; book the troglodyte cellar visit.

Domaine des Roches Neuves (Thierry Germain) ★ 4.9

Varrains domaine taken over by Thierry Germain in 1991, 28 hectares biodynamic, trained by the Foucaults of Clos Rougeard.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment in Varrains

Signature wines: roches-neuves-cuvee-domaine, roches-neuves-clos-de-lechelier, roches-neuves-franc-de-pied

Tip: The Franc de Pied cuvee from ungrafted vines is the cellar-door rarity; the Cuvee Domaine is the textbook entry point.

Domaine de l'Ecu ★ 4.7

Le Landreau Muscadet pioneer: Guy Bossard converted to organic in 1975 and Demeter biodynamic in 1998; Fred and Claire Niger took over in 2010 and continue the legacy.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment in Le Landreau

Signature wines: ecu-granite, ecu-orthogneiss, ecu-gneiss

Tip: Granite, Orthogneiss and Gneiss are the three soil-cuvee bottlings that mapped Muscadet's terroir before Cru Communals existed.

Domaine de la Pepiere ★ 4.8

Maisdon-sur-Sevre estate established by Marc Ollivier in 1984, Cru Communal pioneer with Clisson, Gorges and Chateau-Thebaud bottlings.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Maisdon-sur-Sevre cellar

Signature wines: pepiere-clisson, pepiere-gorges, pepiere-la-pepie

Tip: Clisson from gabbro soils gets 24+ months of lees ageing; it ages 10-15 years and tastes like white Chassagne at one-third the price.

Couly-Dutheil ★ 4.4

Chinon's largest family-owned domaine, 90 hectares including the historic Clos de l'Echo (a Rabelais-era walled vineyard) directly opposite the town's medieval fortress.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at the Chinon town cellar; underground caves dug into tuffeau

Signature wines: couly-dutheil-clos-de-l-echo, couly-dutheil-crescendo, couly-dutheil-rene-couly

Tip: The Clos de l'Echo monopole is the historic flagship; ask about the Rabelais connection on the cellar tour.

Domaine Pierre-Jacques Druet ★ 4.5

Reference Bourgueil grower founded by Pierre-Jacques Druet in 1980, with parcel-bottled cuvees from Grand Mont, Beauvais and Vaumoreau aged in demi-muids for 24+ months.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Benais cellar

Signature wines: druet-grand-mont, druet-beauvais, druet-vaumoreau

Tip: Druet wines need cellar age: Grand Mont after 10 years is one of the Loire's quiet old-bottle bargains.

Domaine Pithon-Paille (Jo Pithon) ★ 4.4

Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay estate of 13 hectares plus negociant activity, organically farmed Chenin Blanc across Anjou, Savennieres, Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay cellar

Signature wines: pithon-paille-clos-des-bonnes-blanches, pithon-paille-mozaik, pithon-paille-amphite

Tip: Clos des Bonnes Blanches from old-vine Chenin in Saint-Lambert is the Coteaux du Layon flagship.

Bouvet Ladubay ★ 4.4

Monmousseau-owned Saumur sparkling house founded in 1851. Kilometres of tuffeau caves at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent host the Saphir and Tresor cuvees.

Tasting: Year-round guided cellar visits and tastings in the kilometres of tuffeau caves carved into the cliff at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent

Signature wines: bouvet-saphir, bouvet-tresor-blanc, bouvet-excellence-brut-rose

Tip: Saphir is the gateway Saumur Brut; Tresor Blanc is the barrel-fermented prestige cuvee with at least 24 months on the lees.

Maison Ackerman ★ 4.3

Saumur sparkling house founded in 1811 by Jean-Baptiste Ackerman, who brought methode traditionnelle to the Loire. Tuffeau cellars at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent.

Tasting: Guided tours of the monumental tuffeau galleries (20 m high, 50 m long) with a flight of fines bulles at the end; advance booking recommended

Signature wines: ackerman-cuvee-privilege-blanc, ackerman-louis-ferdinand, ackerman-royal-brut

Tip: The Cuvee Privilege Cremant de Loire (1 star, Guide Hachette) is the value entry; Louis Ferdinand is the iconic prestige bottling.

Langlois-Chateau ★ 4.5

Saumur Cremant de Loire house founded in 1885, part of the Bollinger group since 1973. Terra Vitis-certified 71-hectare estate at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent.

Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent cellars

Signature wines: langlois-brut-reserve, langlois-brut-rose, langlois-cadence-extra-brut

Tip: Brut Reserve ages a minimum of 24 months on the lees, double the appellation minimum; Cadence Extra Brut spends five years on lees.

Bouvet-Ladubay Cellars and Tasting Room ★ 4.6

Bouvet-Ladubay troglodyte cellars in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, founded 1851. Eight kilometres of tufa galleries, methode traditionnelle production hall and tasting room.

Ackerman 1811 Cellars ★ 4.5

Sparkling-wine house founded 1811 by Jean-Baptiste Ackerman, with three kilometres of tufa cellars and contemporary art alongside the riddling racks.

Maison des Vins de Saumur ★ 4.3

InterLoire tasting and information centre on the Saumur quayside, pouring a rotating selection of 50 wines from Saumur, Saumur-Champigny and Coteaux de Saumur.

Couly-Dutheil Cellars Chinon ★ 4.5

Family-owned Chinon house founded 1921 with cellars cut into the cliff beneath the medieval fortress, pouring the Clos de l'Echo Cabernet Franc and full range.

Chateau de Villeneuve Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Jean-Pierre Chevallier's biodynamic Saumur-Champigny estate, tastings in the 18th-century chateau on Le Grand Clos. Reference Cabernet Franc producer.

Langlois-Chateau Tasting Cellars ★ 4.4

Cremant de Loire specialist owned by Champagne Bollinger since 1973. Tufa galleries, riddling and disgorgement halls finish with a Quadrille and Cremant range tasting.

Ferme de la Sansonniere (Marc Angeli) ★ 4.7

Marc Angeli's foundational Anjou natural-wine estate, working Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc in Bonnezeaux with no-sulphur cellar protocol. Cult status among natural-wine sommeliers.

Tip: Sansonniere wines are nearly impossible to find at retail; allocations move through specialist natural-wine cavistes (La Cave des Papilles in Paris, Le Vin en Tete in Lyon). Direct estate contact for visits is possible but requires patience.

Olivier Cousin ★ 4.6

Anjou natural-wine pioneer working horse-ploughed Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc with no cellar additions. Cult name in the no-sulphur natural-wine world.

Tip: Cousin's Pur Breton (100 percent Cabernet Franc) is the signature wine. Direct contact for cellar-door visits is by horse-drawn appointment, which is itself the experience.

Antoine Sanzay ★ 4.6

Cult Saumur-Champigny grower working old-vine Cabernet Franc and biodynamic Chenin Blanc. Allocations move through Becky Wasserman in the US.

Tip: Sanzay's Saumur blanc Les Salles Martin is a top reference for biodynamic Chenin Blanc dry whites. Direct contact for visits; the estate is small and the schedule is tight.

Couly-Dutheil Chinon 'Rene Couly' ★ 4.2

Couly-Dutheil's gateway Chinon Cabernet Franc, a juicy, light-tannin red from gravel terraces along the Vienne. The Rene Couly cuvee is the negociant house's most widely distributed bottling and the easiest introduction to Loire Cabernet Franc at sub-EUR15.

Tip: Couly-Dutheil also produces the Clos de l'Echo, a single-parcel Chinon at a higher tier. The Rene Couly is the everyday-drinking benchmark for the appellation.

Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon 'Les Chiens-Chiens' ★ 4.5

Domaine de la Noblaie's organic, gravelly-soils Chinon shows a peppery, light-bodied Cabernet Franc profile at a strong sub-EUR20 price. The estate is certified organic by Ecocert and was an early Chinon adopter of biodynamic vineyard practices.

Tip: Pair with white meats or lighter game; this is the Cabernet Franc that converts wine drinkers used to bigger Bordeaux blends to the Loire's lighter, peppery red style.

Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny 'Terres Chaudes' ★ 4.7

Thierry Germain's biodynamic (Biodyvin certified) Saumur-Champigny Cabernet Franc from clay-limestone terroir, with riper fruit than the gravel Chinons and a darker tannin profile.

Tip: The Roches Neuves single-parcel cuvees (Clos de l'Echelier, Marginale) are at a higher tier. Terres Chaudes is the entry-point biodynamic Saumur-Champigny under EUR25.

Ackerman Cremant de Loire Brut ★ 4.2

Cremant de Loire from Ackerman, a Saumur sparkling house founded in 1811, is a traditional-method blend dominated by Chenin Blanc with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc support.

Tip: Cremant de Loire is the value sparkling category of France: bottle-fermented method at a third the price of entry Champagne. Ackerman's cellar tour in Saumur explains the tuffeau cave-ageing process well.

Jean Leon ★ 4.7

Founded in 1963 by Jean Leon (Ceferino Carrion), Cantabrian-Hollywood restaurateur who served the first 1969 vintage of La Scala Cabernet at his namesake Los Angeles restaurant.

Tasting: Self-guided estate walk through the 1963 Vinya La Scala plot, multimedia exhibit on Jean Leon's Hollywood-Penedes story, and a comparative tasting of La Scala Cabernet, Le Havre Cabernet Franc and Merlot Petit Chateau.

Signature wines: jean-leon-vinya-la-scala-cabernet, jean-leon-vinya-le-havre-cabernet-franc, jean-leon-vinya-gigi-chardonnay, jean-leon-3055-cabernet, jean-leon-petit-chateau

Tip: Walk the Vinya La Scala plot before the tasting; the 1963-planted vines are still in production.

Can Rafols dels Caus ★ 4.8

Esteva family acquired the estate in 1939; Carlos Esteva launched modern production in 1979 after viticulture studies on Mallorca and led the estate until his death in 2023. Jordi Esteve Roger continues the family project alongside the long-standing winemaking team. Member of Grandes Pagos de Espana. The cellars are partly carved into the limestone escarpment of the Massis del Garraf, with vineyards on fossil-rich Cretaceous limestone planted to both indigenous (Xarel-lo, Garnatxa) and rare grapes (Incrocio Manzoni for the El Rocallis cuvee).

Tasting: Underground cellar tour at the cave-style bodega carved into the limestone escarpment, plus a vineyard walk through the Massis del Garraf fossil-rich plots and a tasting of Gran Caus, Xarel-lo Pairal and Caus Lubis.

Signature wines: can-rafols-gran-caus-tinto, can-rafols-xarel-lo-pairal, can-rafols-caus-lubis-merlot, can-rafols-ad-fines, can-rafols-el-rocallis-incrocio-manzoni

Tip: Ask for the Xarel-lo Pairal vertical going back 8 vintages to see how the grape ages.

Mas Candi ★ 4.6

Founded in 2006 by a partnership of growers in Les Gunyoles d'Avinyonet at the gates of the Garraf Natural Park. 40 hectares of organically farmed vineyards (13 at Les Gunyoles, 27 in higher-altitude Guardiola de Font-Rubi, Pla del Penedes and Torrelavit). Annual production roughly 60,000 bottles. Corpinnat member since 2019.

Tasting: Small-group estate visit at Les Gunyoles d'Avinyonet plus a tasting flight of MC Brut Nature, Desig Xarel-lo and the experimental indigenous-grape range.

Signature wines: mas-candi-mc-brut-nature, mas-candi-desig-xarel-lo, mas-candi-quatre-xarel-los, mas-candi-sumoll, mas-candi-pecat-noble

Tip: Ask for the experimental Sumoll alongside the Quatre Xarel-los flight to see Penedes's heritage red revival.

Mas Comtal ★ 4.5

The estate has belonged to the Mila family since the 15th century, set around a 2nd-century Roman tower. Brothers Albert and Joan Mila i Mallofre launched modern quality winemaking in 1993. CCPAE-certified organic.

Tasting: Tour of the Mas Comtal masia (built around a 2nd-century Roman tower), cellar visit and tasting of Pomell de Blancs (Chardonnay-Xarel-lo) and Petit Mas Comtal red blend.

Signature wines: mas-comtal-pomell-de-blancs, mas-comtal-petit-mas-comtal, mas-comtal-antistiana-xarel-lo, mas-comtal-rosado-merlot

Tip: Pomell de Blancs is the everyday-drinking white; ask for Antistiana single-vineyard Xarel-lo for the serious bottle.

Pardas ★ 4.6

Founded in 1996 by oenologist Ramon Parera and agronomist Jordi Arnan at Finca Can Comas in the Bitlles river valley (Alt Penedes). The 60-hectare property comprises Mediterranean forest, cereal crops, pasture and barren land around a medieval farmhouse. Labels carry a wild-boar print (Sus Scrofa). Corpinnat member since 2018.

Tasting: Small-group estate tour at Finca Can Comas including the medieval farmhouse cellar, Mediterranean forest reserve and tasting of Sus Scrofa Xarel-lo, Aspriu single-vineyard and the indigenous-grape reds.

Signature wines: pardas-sus-scrofa, pardas-aspriu, pardas-xarel-lo, pardas-rupestris, pardas-collita-roja

Tip: Sus Scrofa is the entry-level Xarel-lo; ask for the Aspriu vertical to see the single-vineyard ageing potential.

Naveran ★ 4.4

Family-owned estate founded in 1984 by Michel Gilleron Parellada de Naveran at the Can Parellada farmhouse in Torrelavit. 110 hectares of terraces and woodlands in Alt Penedes producing 375,000 bottles of Cava and 250,000 bottles of still wine per year. Sustainable practices with no herbicides or pesticides; organic fertilisers only.

Tasting: Estate tour at the 110-hectare Sant Marti Sadevesa property includes vineyard walk, sustainable-viticulture demonstration and tastings of Manuela Chardonnay Crianza, Clos Antonia Viognier Crianza and Don Pablo Cabernet Reserve.

Signature wines: naveran-manuela-chardonnay, naveran-clos-antonia-viognier, naveran-don-pablo-cabernet, naveran-perles-blanques-brut, naveran-perles-roses

Tip: The Clos Antonia Viognier is unusual for Penedes; book the still-wine flight to include it.

Celler Pardas ★ 4.5

Organic-certified Corpinnat producer at Torrelavit producing small-volume Xarel-lo and recovered-variety still wines from a single estate.

Tip: Pardas keeps a small reserve of older Xarel-lo Vermell on the cellar list; ask whether any bottles are available on the day.

Weingut Philipp Kuhn ★ 4.7

A 61 ha north-Mittelhaardt and Zellertal estate at Laumersheim under Philipp Kuhn, VDP member since 2008, with Grosse Lage parcels at Kirschgarten, Steinbuckel, Im Grossen Garten, Schwarzer Herrgott and Kallstadter Saumagen.

Tasting: Vinothek at Grosskarlbacher Strasse 20 by appointment; estate tastings cover the Laumersheimer Kirschgarten and Steinbuckel GGs and the Zellertaler Schwarzer Herrgott and Kreuzberg Rieslings.

Knipser Cuvee X ★ 4.3

A Bordeaux-style blend from the Knipser brothers at Laumersheim, working Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown in the warmer northern Pfalz. One of the rare under-EUR-25 serious German Bordeaux cuvees.

Tip: Cuvee X is the cheapest serious German Bordeaux blend; drink it alongside roast lamb or pink beef to see what the warm northern Pfalz now ripens.

Hacienda Monasterio ★ 4.7

A classic estate near Pesquera de Duero founded in 1991, with veteran consultant winemaker Peter Sisseck shaping the Hacienda Monasterio and Reserva Especial from a diverse five-variety blend.

Planeta ★ 4.7

Founded in 1995 by cousins Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta, Planeta operates six wineries across the island from Menfi to Etna, Noto and Milazzo, with native and international varieties grown across distinct Sicilian terroirs.

Tasting: Three estate cellar doors: Ulmo at Menfi, Buonivini at Noto, and Sciaranuova on Etna. Tasting experiences bookable on the Planeta estate website.

Signature wines: planeta-santa-cecilia, planeta-burdese, planeta-cometa

Marchesi Antinori ★ 4.9

The Antinori family has produced wine in Tuscany since 1385. Anchored by the Tignanello estate in Chianti Classico, the parent house also owns Bolgheri's Guado al Tasso under a separate producer slug.

Tasting: Antinori nel Chianti Classico cellar at Bargino offers visits, tastings and the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant; multi-tier tasting programmes by reservation.

Signature wines: tignanello, solaia, marchese-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva, villa-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 96 (2019)

Tenuta San Guido ★ 5.0

The Bolgheri estate where Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Bordeaux cuttings in 1944. First released as Sassicaia 1968; awarded its own Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994.

Tasting: Strictly limited visits; the estate prioritises trade and allocation customers. Public access is rare.

Signature wines: sassicaia, guidalberto, le-difese

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1985)

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia ★ 4.9

Bolgheri estate founded by Lodovico Antinori in 1981 and fully owned by Frescobaldi since 2005. Bordeaux-cloned reds with Masseto and Ornellaia as flagships; the estate is ICEA-organic certified.

Tasting: Cellar tours, vineyard walks and tutored tastings by appointment; the Vendemmia d'Artista label programme is on display at the cellar.

Signature wines: ornellaia, le-volte-dell-ornellaia, ornellaia-bianco, le-serre-nuove-dell-ornellaia

Scores: Wine Spectator 96 (1998), Wine Advocate 98 (2015)

Tenuta Guado al Tasso ★ 4.8

Antinori's Bolgheri estate, established as a standalone vineyard in 1990 from the family's 1932 land purchase. 320 hectares; Guado al Tasso Superiore is flagship.

Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and the Osteria Magona village kitchen at Bolgheri; bookings via the Antinori hospitality desk.

Signature wines: guado-al-tasso, il-bruciato, scalabrone, matarocchio

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2015), Vinous 97 (2018)

Le Macchiole ★ 4.8

Family estate founded 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi; Cinzia Merli has led the property since his death in 2002. Single-varietal Cabernet Franc (Paleo), Merlot (Messorio) and Syrah (Scrio) bottlings; CCPB-organic certified.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tutored tastings by appointment; vegan vinification practices used since 2014.

Signature wines: le-macchiole-paleo-rosso, le-macchiole-messorio, le-macchiole-scrio, le-macchiole-bolgheri-rosso

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2015), Vinous 96 (2019)

Tenuta di Capezzana ★ 4.7

Contini Bonacossi family estate at Carmignano with vineyard records back to 804 AD on the property. Wine production formalised in 1920; certified organic and a Carmignano DOCG benchmark.

Tasting: Cellar tours, Vin Santo vinsantaia visits, vineyard walks and on-site agriturismo accommodation; certified organic.

Signature wines: capezzana-villa-di-capezzana, capezzana-trefiano-riserva, capezzana-vin-santo-di-carmignano-riserva

Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2018), Vinous 93 (2018)

Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni ★ 4.5

The Frescobaldi family's oldest property, in continuous family ownership since the 11th century. 110 hectares of vines in Montespertoli; Giramonte is the Bordeaux-blended IGT flagship.

Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and tasting flights at the Castiglioni manor; Tenuta di Castiglioni is the historical Frescobaldi family property.

Signature wines: castiglioni-giramonte, castiglioni-chianti, castiglioni-tenuta-di-castiglioni

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2019), Vinous 93 (2018)

Antinori nel Chianti Classico Tasting Cellars ★ 4.8

Marchesi Antinori's signature Chianti Classico cellar in Bargino, opened 2012. Spiral staircase and rooftop vineyard architecture; flights cover the estate wines including Tignanello and Solaia.

Serafini and Vidotto ★ 4.6

Francesco Serafini and Antonello Vidotto established this Treviso estate in 1986, pioneering quality Bordeaux-variety production on the Montello hills. Il Rosso dell'Abazia is their flagship DOCG red.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at Nervesa della Battaglia by appointment.

Signature wines: serafini-vidotto-il-rosso-dell-abazia, serafini-vidotto-phigaia

Vignalta ★ 4.5

Situated in the medieval village of Arqua Petrarca on the Euganean Hills, Vignalta is a benchmark producer for the Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio DOCG passito from Moscato Giallo and the red Gemola IGT.

Tasting: Visits and tasting at Arqua Petrarca; the Fior d'Arancio DOCG and Colli Euganei reds are the focus.

Signature wines: vignalta-fior-darancio-passito, vignalta-gemola