Cabernet Sauvignon around the world

Cantina Colterenzio ★ 4.7

Founded in 1960 in Cornaiano under co-founder Luis Raifer, whose initials live on in the LR cuvee. The 300-member cooperative farms 300 hectares; the Lafoa line (Cabernet, Sauvignon, Pinot Nero) is the historic quality flagship, with Gran Lafoa the top tier.

Tasting: Reservation tastings include the Lafoa, Cornell and Gran Lafoa selection ranges.

Signature wines: lafoa-cabernet, lafoa-sauvignon, cornell-chardonnay, gran-lafoa-cabernet, lafoa-pinot-noir

Tip: Lafoa Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the first Alto Adige reds to demonstrate that the region could ripen Cabernet seriously; the vertical tasting is worth the appointment.

Cantina Kurtatsch ★ 4.6

Founded in 1900 in Cortaccia, the southernmost Wine Road commune. 190 members farm 190 hectares from 220 to 900 metres altitude; the Brenntal vineyards (warm valley floor) yield Merlot and Gewuerztraminer Riserva, while the higher Penon and Kofl crus give precise Sauvignon and Pinot Bianco.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the historic cellar in Cortaccia, including the Brenntal and Penon-Kofl cru ranges.

Signature wines: brenntal-merlot-riserva, brenntal-gewurztraminer-riserva, sonntaler-alte-reben-vernatsch, penon-kofl-sauvignon, penon-hofstatt-weissburgunder

Tip: Cortaccia Rossa is the village's Cabernet collective; ask which Cortaccia producers participate.

Cantina Kaltern ★ 4.6

Founded in 1900 around Lake Caldaro, the warmest lake in the Alps. Around 530 grower families farm 420 hectares; the Quintessenz selection line includes the Kalterersee Classico Superiore.

Tasting: Cellar tastings on reservation; the Quintessenz Kalterersee Classico Superiore is a long-standing cooperative Schiava expression.

Signature wines: quintessenz-kalterersee, quintessenz-pinot-bianco, saltner-lagrein-riserva, punkt-rosato

Tip: Combine the cellar tasting with a swim in Lake Caldaro and lunch in Kaltern village; the lake-side vineyards are walking distance from the cellar.

Tiefenbrunner ★ 4.8

A castle estate in Entiklar (Cortaccia) run by the Tiefenbrunner family for 5 to 6 generations on grounds dating back over 800 years. 77 hectares of vineyard culminate in the Feldmarschall von Fenner Mueller-Thurgau, planted on the high Penon-Fennberg plateau at around 1000 metres.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at Castel Turmhof in Entiklar, including the Linticlarus and Vigna ranges and the high-altitude Feldmarschall.

Signature wines: feldmarschall-von-fenner, linticlarus-cabernet-riserva, linticlarus-pinot-nero-riserva, vigna-rachtl-sauvignon, linticlarus-chardonnay

Tip: Castel Turmhof has a restaurant and Wein-Stube; book lunch alongside the tasting for the full Cortaccia experience.

Alois Lageder ★ 4.9

Founded in 1823 in Bolzano and based at Toer Loewengang in Magre since 1934. The Lageder family farms 55 hectares biodynamically (Demeter-certified since 2008) and sources additional Demeter and organic grapes from around 60 partner growers across 85 hectares. Cor Roemigberg Cabernet and Krafuss Pinot Nero are the flagship reds; Porer Pinot Grigio brought skin-contact orange-style winemaking into the regional mainstream.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at Toer Loewengang in Magre; the Paradeis bistro adjacent to the cellar pairs the wines with seasonal cuisine.

Signature wines: krafuss-pinot-nero, cor-romigberg-cabernet, lehenhof-sauvignon, porer-pinot-grigio, beta-delta-cuvee

Tip: The Paradeis bistro shares the cellar building and is open for lunch most days; book the biodynamic-focused vineyard walk that visits the Loewengang vineyard.

Elena Walch ★ 4.8

Founded in 1869 and modernised by Elena Walch from 1985 onward. The family farms 65 hectares between Tramin and Castel Ringberg on Lake Caldaro, including the famous Kastelaz vineyard (63 degree slope) for Gewuerztraminer and Vigna Castel Ringberg for Chardonnay Riserva. VIVA sustainability-certified since 2024.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the 17th-century cellar in Tramin; the Castel Ringberg estate on Lake Caldaro adds a second visit point.

Signature wines: beyond-the-clouds, kastelaz-gewurztraminer, castel-ringberg-chardonnay-riserva, aton-pinot-nero-riserva, 20-anniversarium-cabernet

Tip: Castel Ringberg is the single-vineyard monopole; book the dual-cellar tasting that includes Kastelaz Gewuerztraminer and the Beyond the Clouds white blend.

Manincor ★ 4.9

Founded in 1608 by Hieronymus Manincor Ehrenhausen; the residence and 50 hectares of vineyards above Lake Caldaro have been farmed biodynamically since 2005 and certified biodynamic under respekt-BIODYN since 2009 by the Goess-Enzenberg family. Lieben Aich Sauvignon Blanc and Mason Pinot Nero are the cellar's defining cuvees. Count Michael Goess-Enzenberg founded the respekt-BIODYN biodynamic association in 2007.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the 1608 Manincor Residence above Lake Caldaro; the cellar is partly carved into the rock.

Signature wines: lieben-aich-sauvignon, mason-pinot-nero, reserve-della-contessa, castel-campan-cabernet-merlot, moscato-rosa-le-petit

Tip: The cellar is partly underground; combine the tour with a swim in the lake just below the residence.

Peter Dipoli ★ 4.7

Founded in 1987 by Peter Dipoli, the Laives-born Laimburg-trained pioneer who replanted a 1.2-hectare parcel in Penon (Cortaccia) to Sauvignon Blanc and bottled the first Voglar in 1990. The estate now farms 7 hectares across Egna, Magre, Termeno and Cortaccia, producing only three wines: Voglar (Sauvignon Blanc), Iugum (Merlot-Cabernet) and Fihl (Merlot).

Tasting: Tastings by appointment with the founder; small-allocation cellar in Egna.

Signature wines: voglar-sauvignon-blanc, iugum, fihl-merlot

Tip: Voglar (first vintage 1990) was the wine Peter Dipoli built the estate around; ask about the 1.2-hectare Penon parcel and the 1988-1991 replant from Schiava to Sauvignon Blanc.

Loacker Schwarhof ★ 4.6

Established in 1979 by Rainer Loacker on the Schwarhof and Kohlerhof estates at 500 to 550 metres in the Santa Maddalena zone above Bolzano.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at Schwarhof above Bolzano in the Santa Maddalena zone.

Signature wines: gran-lareyn-lagrein-riserva, morit-santa-maddalena, atagis-gewurztraminer, tasnim-sauvignon

Tip: The Loacker family also farms in Montalcino and Maremma; ask about the trans-estate vertical tastings when visiting Schwarhof.

Castel Sallegg ★ 4.5

An historic estate above Lake Caldaro, owned by the Counts of Kuenburg since 1851. The 30 hectares span three vineyards (Preyhof, Leisenhof, Seehof); the Moscato Rosa is a regional speciality and the Bischofsleiten Lagrein Riserva the structured red flagship.

Tasting: Reservation tastings at the historic castle estate above Lake Caldaro; also hotel + event venue.

Signature wines: bischofsleiten-lagrein-riserva, moscato-rosa, kalterersee-classico, imperial-cabernet-merlot

Tip: Stay overnight at the Castel Sallegg estate hotel; the Moscato Rosa makes an unusual after-dinner pairing with apple strudel.

Thurnhof Andreas Berger ★ 4.4

Andreas Berger farms 5 hectares on the Castel Flavon slopes south of Bolzano, with the cellar building dating to 1898. Classic Santa Maddalena alongside a structured Lagrein Riserva Stierle and Bordeaux blends.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the historic Hof above Bolzano; small-grower St. Magdalener and Lagrein focus.

Signature wines: santa-maddalena-classico, lagrein-riserva-stierle, merlot, cabernet-merlot

Tip: Easier to reach by car than the city-centre Bolzano cellars; the Hof terrace has views back across the Adige valley.

Cantina Colterenzio Schreckbichl Vinotheque ★ 4.6

Cantina Colterenzio's renovated vinotheque in Cornaiano with a panoramic tasting terrace, pouring the cooperative's Lafoa line and the Gran Lafoa Sauvignon Riserva that took Gambero Rosso's Bianco dell'Anno 2025.

Tenuta Castel Sallegg Vineria ★ 4.6

Boutique tasting room at Castel Sallegg's Leisenhof estate in Caldaro, owned by the Counts of Kuenburg since 1851, pouring the estate's Moscato Rosa and Bischofsleiten Lago di Caldaro from 30 hectares.

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 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 Ducru-Beaucaillou ★ 4.7

Saint-Julien second growth with 75 hectares on the Gironde riverside. Bruno Borie owner and manager; 70% Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 18 months in oak barrels.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: ducru-beaucaillou, la-croix-ducru-beaucaillou

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), 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 Palmer ★ 4.8

Margaux third growth frequently outperforming its classification; 66 hectares certified 100% biodynamic since 2017. Thomas Duroux managing director since 2004.

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-palmer, alter-ego-de-palmer

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1961)

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 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 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 Meyney ★ 4.3

Saint-Estephe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel with 51 hectares and a former Celestine priory. Reliable, full-bodied Cabernet-dominant style representing excellent appellation value.

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-meyney, prieur-de-meyney

Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2016), Decanter 93 (2018)

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 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 Larose Trintaudon ★ 4.1

Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc estate covering 170 hectares. Reliable Cabernet-Merlot blends from Haut-Medoc with good fruit and structure at accessible price points.

Tasting: Cellar door open Monday to Friday with tastings.

Signature wines: chateau-larose-trintaudon, les-hauts-de-trintaudon

Scores: Decanter 90 (2019), Wine Spectator 89 (2018)

Chateau Camensac ★ 4.3

Haut-Medoc fifth growth of 65 hectares, offering classed-growth quality at accessible prices. Merlaut family management bringing consistent improvement since 2005.

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-de-camensac, la-closerie-de-camensac

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

Chateau Bauduc ★ 4.2

English-owned Entre-Deux-Mers estate known for crisp whites and reliable Bordeaux reds. 40 hectares; farmhouse accommodation; award-winning wines at accessible price points.

Tasting: Farmhouse accommodation; vineyard visits; winery tours by arrangement.

Signature wines: bauduc-bordeaux-superieur, bauduc-les-trois-hectares-rouge, bauduc-les-trois-hectares-blanc, bauduc-sauvignon-blanc

Scores: Decanter 91 (2020), Wine Spectator 89 (2021)

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 Chasse-Spleen ★ 4.4

Moulis-en-Medoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel with 100 hectares. Named for Baudelaire's 'chase away the blues'; Cabernet-dominant with excellent value-to-quality ratio.

Tasting: Visits and tastings available.

Signature wines: chateau-chasse-spleen, l-heritage-de-chasse-spleen

Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2016), Decanter 93 (2019)

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)

Bordeaux Wine School Tasting Bar ★ 4.4

CIVB-affiliated Bordeaux Wine School city tasting bar next to the tourist office. Guided flights through appellations with bilingual sommeliers; retail purchasing available.

L'Intendant Tasting Room ★ 4.5

Bordeaux's iconic spiral-staircase wine tower with 15,000 references. Daily by-the-glass tastings span Medoc, Pessac-Leognan, Sauternes; vertical flights from EUR 35.

Le Wine Bar de la Cite du Vin ★ 4.3

The 8th-floor Belvedere tasting bar at the Cite du Vin offers 360-degree Garonne panorama with rotating global wine flights, including a strong Bordeaux selections by the glass.

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 Smith Haut Lafitte Tasting Salon ★ 4.7

The tasting salon at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, combining Graves Cru Classe red and white flights with access to the Caudalie spa estate grounds. Premier Cuvee and white vertical programmes available.

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.

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 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.

Chateau Larose Trintaudon Haut-Medoc ★ 3.9

Cru Bourgeois Haut-Medoc estate covering 170 hectares; reliable, fruit-forward Cabernet-dominant style with Medoc typicity at an accessible price. Good with lamb and hard cheeses.

Chateau Camensac Haut-Medoc ★ 4.1

A fifth-growth Haut-Medoc at a fraction of commune-appellation classified growth prices. Merlaut family management has brought steady quality improvements; dark fruit with classic Medoc cedar notes.

Chateau Meyney Saint-Estephe ★ 4.2

Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from a former Celestine priory estate; 51 hectares of typical Saint-Estephe clay soils produce robust, age-worthy Cabernet-dominant reds at under EUR 25. Decanter rates the 2018 at 93 points.

L'Hermitage de Chasse-Spleen (second wine) ★ 4.0

The second wine of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Chasse-Spleen; classic Moulis typicity with dark fruit and structured tannins at well under EUR 20. An intelligent entry point to the Medoc for value seekers.

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.

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.

Ca' del Bosco ★ 4.9

Founded in 1968 by Maurizio Zanella, who built a single house in a chestnut wood at Erbusco into a 253-hectare traditional-method sparkling cellar.

Tasting: Cellar visit by appointment with the Ca' del Bosco Method walkthrough (grape washing, contactless press, Hall of the Wines, Bocchi sculpture park), then a guided flight of the Cuvée Prestige, Vintage Collection, Annamaria Clementi and a Curtefranca red. Reservation required.

Signature wines: ca-del-bosco-cuvee-prestige, ca-del-bosco-annamaria-clementi, ca-del-bosco-vintage-collection-satèn, ca-del-bosco-vintage-collection-rose, ca-del-bosco-maurizio-zanella

Tip: Book the Annamaria Clementi flight (the prestige cuvée named for Maurizio's mother) to taste 8-plus years on lees side-by-side with the Vintage Collection.

Castello Bonomi ★ 4.5

Castello Bonomi sits at the foot of Monte Orfano in Coccaglio, the limestone ridge that marks the appellation's southern boundary. The estate's 24 terraced hectares are owned by the Paladin family of Veneto's Casa Paladin group, who acquired the property in 2008. The chateau structure and terraced rows are the appellation's most chateau-styled visit experience.

Tasting: Visit by appointment to the chateau at the foot of Monte Orfano, terraced-vineyard walk and a flight of CruPerdu, Lucrezia, Satèn and Castello Bonomi Riserva. The historic villa hosts the tasting.

Signature wines: castello-bonomi-cuperdu, castello-bonomi-lucrezia, castello-bonomi-saten, castello-bonomi-riserva, castello-bonomi-curtefranca-rosso

Tip: CruPerdu (the single-vineyard Chardonnay) is the headline bottling; the Riserva is the long-lees library option.

La Castellada ★ 4.8

Bensa family cellar at Oslavia founded in 1985 by brothers Giorgio and Nicolò Bensa. Now run with the next generation Stefano and Matteo Bensa.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Oslavia by appointment with a vineyard walk on the ponca slopes shared with Gravner and Radikon, a flight of the Ribolla, Bianco della Castellada and Friulano in current and back vintages, and a tasting of the Rosso della Castellada when available.

Signature wines: la-castellada-ribolla, la-castellada-bianco-della-castellada, la-castellada-friulano, la-castellada-rosso-della-castellada

Tip: The Bianco della Castellada (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Friulano, Ribolla) is the cellar's whole-Oslavia statement; ask for a vertical flight if the family has older vintages open.

Damijan Podversic ★ 4.7

Damijan Podversic established his own cellar in 1999 after years of working with Josko Gravner. The 12 hectares climb Monte Calvario above Gorizia city, sharing the ponca slope with the Oslavia houses.

Tasting: Cellar visit by appointment at Gorizia with a vineyard walk on the Monte Calvario parcels above the city and a flight of the Kaplja Bianco, Nekaj, Ribolla and Prelit Rosso from current and back vintages.

Signature wines: damijan-podversic-ribolla, damijan-podversic-kaplja, damijan-podversic-nekaj, damijan-podversic-prelit

Tip: The Kaplja Bianco (Friulano, Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana) is the cellar's house white; pair it with prosciutto di San Daniele for the canonical Friulian table.

Borgo San Daniele ★ 4.6

Borgo San Daniele was founded in 1988 by siblings Mauro and Alessandra Mauri at the boundary of Cormons and the Isonzo plain. The 18 hectares on the river-shaped gravels feed a small range of single-parcel whites and a Bordeaux-style red. The cellar has been organic for over a decade and now works biodynamically.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Cormons by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Isonzo gravel parcels and a flight of the Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Arbis Blanc and Gortmarin Rosso.

Signature wines: borgo-san-daniele-friulano, borgo-san-daniele-pinot-grigio, borgo-san-daniele-arbis-blanc, borgo-san-daniele-gortmarin

Tip: Arbis Blanc (Chardonnay, Friulano, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco) is the cellar's whole-Isonzo statement; pair it with the local Adriatic fish at La Subida.

Castello di Spessa ★ 4.6

Castello di Spessa is built around a medieval castle whose first documented mention dates to 1300, and the modern wine operation was rebuilt by the Pali family.

Tasting: Estate visit at Capriva del Friuli by appointment with a tour of the medieval Castello di Spessa, a vineyard walk through the Collio parcels and a flight of the Capriva Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and Santarosa Friulano. The on-site golf course, the Tavernetta and the boutique hotel rooms extend the visit into a full estate stay.

Signature wines: castello-di-spessa-capriva-sauvignon, castello-di-spessa-santarosa, castello-di-spessa-pinot-grigio

Tip: Book the hotel rooms for an extended Collio base; the Capriva Sauvignon is the cellar's most-cited cuvée and the Tavernetta restaurant carries a deep estate-wine list.

Tenuta di Blasig ★ 4.4

Tenuta di Blasig has been in the family at Ronchi dei Legionari since 1788, making it one of Friuli's oldest continuously family-owned cellars. Elisabetta Bortolusso leads the modern operation.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Ronchi dei Legionari by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Isonzo plain parcels and a flight of the Malvasia Istriana, Friulano and Refosco.

Signature wines: tenuta-di-blasig-malvasia-istriana, tenuta-di-blasig-friulano, tenuta-di-blasig-refosco

Tip: The cellar's Malvasia Istriana from the Isonzo plain is a worthwhile contrast against the Carso versions; book a comparative tasting if travelling between the two appellations.

Damijan Podversic ★ 4.7

Twelve-hectare Oslavia orange-wine cellar above Gorizia, extended-skin-contact Ribolla, Friulano, Chardonnay and a Merlot-Cabernet red.

Why locals love it: Smaller than the three other Oslavia cellars, with most of the production reserved for sommelier and natural-wine retail in Italy and northern Europe. The Gorizia urban-edge address makes the cellar easy to miss from the Cormons-side tour map.

Tip: Damijan's address sits above the city of Gorizia rather than at the Oslavia hamlet, so it pairs naturally with a Gorizia morning before driving up to Gravner or Radikon.

Domaine l'Aigueliere ★ 4.4

Montpeyroux estate created in 1987 by the Teissedre and Commeyras families at the foot of the Larzac foothills, 18 hectares across 22 parcels worked in organic agriculture.

Tasting: Cellar tastings at Montpeyroux by appointment

Signature wines: aigueliere-velours, aigueliere-cote-doree, aigueliere-l-esprit

Tip: Velours (named for the silkiness of the wine) is the upper-tier Terrasses du Larzac; L'Esprit is the regular cuvee.

Mas de Daumas Gassac ★ 4.8

Aniane estate founded in 1971 by Aime and Veronique Guibert on the Gassac valley's glacial-powder geology, classified IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert and IGP Herault rather than AOC across 44 hectares of vines amid roughly 4,000 hectares of surrounding Mediterranean forest. Aime Guibert died in 2016 and the estate is now run by sons Samuel, Gael, Roman and Basile Guibert, with Samuel as head winemaker.

Tasting: Cellar tour and tasting at Aniane Monday to Saturday year-round

Signature wines: daumas-gassac-rouge, daumas-gassac-blanc, daumas-gassac-faune

Tip: Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that routinely ages 25 to 40 years; the white (Viognier-Chardonnay-Petit Manseng) is a small-allocation cellar candidate.

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.

Chateau de Pennautier Tasting Cellar ★ 4.5

Lorgeril family tasting cellar at the 1620 Versailles-style Chateau de Pennautier outside Carcassonne, pouring AOP Cabardes and the wider Maison Lorgeril Languedoc portfolio.

Mas de Daumas Gassac Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Daumas Gassac tasting room beside the Guibert family's grape-variety museum vineyard in Aniane, with appointment-only visits Monday to Saturday and a vinotheque of legendary back vintages.

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.

Torello ★ 4.6

Documented as winegrowers since 1395 at the Can Marti estate on the outskirts of Sant Sadurni; modern sparkling production from the early 20th century. 135-hectare estate planted to indigenous whites and a wide international red palette including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah; organic farming since 2014. Founding Corpinnat member (2019). Vinyes de Can Marti was approved Cava de Paraje Calificado before the Corpinnat transition.

Tasting: Tour of the Can Marti estate (Can Marti de Dalt and Can Marti de Baix farmhouses), vineyard walk through the Vinyes Singulars Petit Albet plots, and tasting of Gran Torello, 225 and the Finca Can Marti Brut Corpinnat. Organic since 2014.

Signature wines: torello-gran-torello-brut-nature, torello-225, torello-finca-can-marti-brut, torello-tradicional-brut-nature, torello-pinot-noir-rosado

Tip: Ask the cellar to pour 225 alongside the Finca Can Marti single-vineyard cuvee for the clearest expression of terroir over blend.

Familia Torres ★ 4.9

Founded in 1870 in Vilafranca del Penedes by Jaime Torres Vendrell. The Pacs del Penedes campus is the visitor headquarters. Mas La Plana, the 29-hectare Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard at Finca El Maset planted in the early 1970s, produced the 1970 vintage that famously beat Chateau Latour 1970 at the 1979 Gault-Millau Wine Olympiad. Listed in the 2022 World's Best Vineyards ranking. The family operates roughly 2,300 hectares across Penedes, Conca de Barbera, Priorat, Costers del Segre and beyond.

Tasting: Visit centre at Finca El Maset includes train tour through the vineyards and underground cellar, restaurant lunch pairing Familia Torres wines with Catalan menus, and a dedicated Mas La Plana single-vineyard flight.

Signature wines: torres-mas-la-plana, torres-grans-muralles, torres-mas-borras-pinot-noir, torres-milmanda-chardonnay, torres-fransola-sauvignon-blanc, torres-vina-sol, torres-sangre-de-toro, torres-coronas

Tip: The Vinedos Singulares train tour goes through the Mas La Plana plot; reserve the restaurant lunch for the pairing flight.

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.

Albet i Noya ★ 4.7

Founded in 1978 by Josep Maria Albet when a Danish importer requested organic wine; Albet i Noya sold the first bottle of 100 percent organic Spanish wine (Tempranillo) in 1979. CCPAE-certified in 1982. Long-standing Spanish organic-wine pioneer and reference. Pioneer of the Classic Penedes category (organic estate-grown traditional-method sparkling under DO Penedes). Vineyards on the Ordal mountains around Sant Pau d'Ordal.

Tasting: Multiple tour tiers including the Original 1978 historical visit, biodynamic vineyard walk, and a flight covering the Reserva 3 Xarel-lo, Col-leccio Single-Vineyard reds and Lignum still-wine range.

Signature wines: albet-i-noya-reserva-3-xarel-lo, albet-i-noya-lignum-blanc, albet-i-noya-pinot-noir-merce, albet-i-noya-blanc-de-blancs-classic-penedes, albet-i-noya-syrah-coleccio

Tip: Time the visit with the Vivencia organic-wine festival in late September if possible.

Pares Balta ★ 4.8

Vineyards documented since 1790 at Masia Can Tutusaus. Modern winery developed by the Cusine family from the late 20th century. CCPAE-certified organic since 2002; Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2013 across all 200 hectares. Vineyards spread across five sites including the highest-altitude Foix Natural Park terraces (up to 750 metres). All wines are vegan; current winemaker Marta Casas was named Tim Atkin Best Winemaker of the Year 2024.

Tasting: Estate visit at Masia Can Tutusaus with vineyard walk through the Foix Natural Park terraces, biodynamic preparations demonstration and tasting of Indigena, Honeymoon Xarel-lo and Calcari single-vineyard wines.

Signature wines: pares-balta-indigena-tinto, pares-balta-calcari-xarel-lo, pares-balta-honeymoon-parellada, pares-balta-cava-brut, pares-balta-mas-elena-merlot, pares-balta-electio-xarel-lo

Tip: The Foix Natural Park terraces require the long-walk tier; the Calcari Xarel-lo is the best single grape expression.

Loxarel ★ 4.5

Founded in 1985 at Masia Can Mayol. CCPAE-certified organic since 2002; transitioned to Demeter-certified biodynamic from 2005. Member of Terra Dinamica (the only association of biodynamic farming in Catalonia, legalised since 2008). Since 2012 has used clay amphoras in winemaking; the A Pel natural-wine range (launched 2011) is made with no added sulphites.

Tasting: Visit covers amphora cellar tour, biodynamic vineyard walk and tasting of A Pel range, EOS and 109 amphora wines.

Signature wines: loxarel-a-pel-blanc, loxarel-a-pel-negre, loxarel-eos, loxarel-109-xarel-lo-amphora, loxarel-gaia

Tip: The 109-amphora Xarel-lo is the cellar's standout; book the Premium tour for the full library flight.

Huguet de Can Feixes ★ 4.6

Estate founded in 1768 by Don Jaime Feixes, acquired by the Huguet family in the late 19th century. Located on the northern slopes between Alt Penedes and Anoia at Cabrera de Mediona, these are the farthest Penedes vineyards from the Mediterranean with extreme continental temperature variation. 70 hectares producing roughly 200,000 bottles per year. Corpinnat member since 2019; still wines under DO Penedes.

Tasting: Visit to the historic Can Feixes farmhouse covering the 13th-century chapel, the working cellar and a tasting of the Huguet de Can Feixes Corpinnat plus Selecio still wines.

Signature wines: huguet-de-can-feixes-brut-nature-corpinnat, huguet-de-can-feixes-reserva-7-anys, can-feixes-blanc-seleccio, can-feixes-negre-seleccio, huguet-malvasia

Tip: Ask for the Huguet Malvasia rose with sweet plums - it is the cellar's quietest surprise.

Sumarroca ★ 4.5

Founded in 1980 by Carlos Sumarroca and his wife Nuria at the 40-hectare Finca Moli Coloma estate in Subirats. A CCPAE-certified estate-grown organic Cava producer that has grown to 400 hectares.

Tasting: Visit at Finca Moli Coloma includes vineyard walk through the certified-organic plots, the modern winery and a tasting flight covering the Nuria Claverol Cava range and Temps de Flors whites.

Signature wines: sumarroca-nuria-claverol-gran-reserva, sumarroca-temps-de-flors, sumarroca-in-situ-paraje-calificado, sumarroca-pinot-noir-rosado

Tip: The In Situ Paraje Calificado flight is the new headline experience following the March 2026 expansion.

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.

Cusco Berga ★ 4.3

Cusco Esteve family has farmed in Les Gunyoles d'Avinyonet since the late 19th century. Modern winery established in 1985 by Josep Cusco Berga with sons; winemaker Joan Cusco trained in Priorat and Champagne.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Les Gunyoles, vineyard walk with views of the Massis del Garraf and tasting of estate Cavas and monovarietal whites.

Signature wines: cusco-berga-brut-reserva, cusco-berga-extra-brut, cusco-berga-xarel-lo, cusco-berga-merlot-rosado

Tip: The viewpoint over the Garraf massif is the photogenic stop; the Brut Reserva is the entry-level standout.

Celler Parato ★ 4.3

The wine tradition at Parato dates to the 17th century; modern Parato Vinicola founded in 1975 by Josep Elias Andreu, current winery building from 1977. 94-hectare family estate in Alt Penedes producing both DO Penedes still wines and DO Cava. Four-sibling family operation.

Tasting: Visit at Can Respall de Renardes covering the 1977 cellar facilities, the 94-hectare estate vineyards and a tasting of Atica Brut Nature and Pinot Noir Cava cuvees.

Signature wines: parato-atica-brut-nature, parato-pinot-noir-brut-nature, parato-millesime-brut, parato-elias-classic

Tip: Pinot Noir Brut Nature is the cellar's defining bottle; ask for the magnum format.

Pinord ★ 4.4

Founded 1942 in Vilafranca del Penedes by Don Jose Maria Tetas. The original modernist buildings remain in operation in the historic centre next to the train station; a new estate cellar at Mas Muntanyans, 10 km west, opened in 2019 with biodynamic vineyards and experimental vessels (granite eggs, amphoras, ceramic barrels).

Tasting: Two cellars open to visitors: the original modernist 1942 winery in the historic centre of Vilafranca by the train station, plus the modern Mas Muntanyans estate 10 km away with biodynamic vineyards, granite eggs, amphoras and ceramic barrels.

Signature wines: pinord-clos-torribas, pinord-chateldon-cuvee-louis-philippe, pinord-mireia-xarel-lo, pinord-mas-muntanyans-pinot-noir

Tip: The Mas Muntanyans visit includes the amphora and granite-egg cellar room; book separately from the Vilafranca old-cellar tour.

Jane Ventura ★ 4.4

Family wine business since 1914 in Baix Penedes (12 hectares). The historic cellar is in El Vendrell. Cava production from 1990, 100 percent indigenous-variety from the 1988 first vintage.

Tasting: Two cellars: the historic Cava cellar at El Vendrell and Mas Vilella in the hills for still wines. Tour covers both with comparative tasting of indigenous-variety Cavas and Garnatxa-Sumoll reds.

Signature wines: jane-ventura-mareny-blanc, jane-ventura-finca-mas-vilella, jane-ventura-rosat-garnatxa, jane-ventura-do-re-mi-pere-jane

Tip: The Mas Vilella still-wine cellar is in the hills - the rose Garnatxa Cava is the local-pride bottle.

Familia Torres Tasting Room (Mas La Plana) ★ 4.7

Familia Torres tasting room at the Pacs del Penedes estate where Mas La Plana Cabernet, Grans Muralles and Mas Borras Pinot Noir are poured against vineyard views.

Parés Baltà Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Parés Baltà tasting room at the family Can Balta masia in Pacs, pouring organic and biodynamic Xarel-lo whites and Cuvee de Carol cavas in the courtyard.

Jean Leon Visitor Centre ★ 4.6

Jean Leon visitor centre and Hollywood-era room museum at Chateau Leon, Torrelavit, with three-wine tastings of the first single-varietal Cabernet bottled in Spain.

Bolet Wines and Cavas Casa Modernista Tasting Room ★ 4.5

Bolet tasting room in a 1911 modernist house by Santiago Guell i Grau, beside a 1619 farmhouse on 66 hectares of CCPAE-certified organic vines.

Mas Comtal ★ 4.4

Family-run organic estate at Avinyonet del Penedes producing still Xarel-lo whites, Bordeaux-variety reds and a small Cava range from estate grapes.

Tip: The estate runs an annual late-harvest dessert-wine bottling from Xarel-lo; it is sold only at the cellar door.

Weingut Knipser ★ 4.8

A 99.7 ha Laumersheim estate under Werner, Volker and Stephan Knipser, VDP member since 1993, and the German barrique-pioneer estate for Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot Noir from the 1980s onward.

Tasting: Estate Vinothek at Hauptstrasse 47-49 by appointment; tastings cover Kirschgarten, Mandelpfad and Steinbuckel GGs and the Knipser Bordeaux-blend reds that pioneered the category in Germany from the 1980s.

Weingut Rings ★ 4.7

A 44 ha north-Mittelhaardt estate at Freinsheim under brothers Steffen and Andreas Rings, VDP member since 2015; spontaneous-ferment dry Riesling and Pinot Noir from Saumagen, Annaberg, Weilberg and Felsenberg in a new underground cellar.

Tasting: Estate Vinothek at the new (2018) cellar at Am Gottesacker 10, set 70 percent underground in the Schwarzes Kreuz vineyard; tastings by appointment of Kallstadter Saumagen, Annaberg and Ungsteiner Weilberg GGs.

Weingut Wageck Pfaffmann ★ 4.5

A 58 ha Bissersheim estate in the north Pfalz under brothers Frank and Thomas Pfaffmann; vineyards on Goldberg, Held, Orlenberg and Steig in Bissersheim, Steinacker in Kirchheim and Burgweg and Osterberg in Grosskarlbach.

Tasting: Vinothek at Bissersheim by appointment; tastings cover Bissersheim Goldberg Sauvignon Blanc Fume Reserve and Bissersheim Kalkmergel Chardonnay Reserve.

Weingut Markus Schneider ★ 4.4

A 92 ha Ellerstadt estate founded by Markus Schneider in 1994 with one hectare; modern-label Pfalz red and white program around the Black Print Bordeaux-blend brand and the Kaitui Sauvignon Blanc.

Tasting: Vinothek at Am Hohen Weg 1 in Ellerstadt with regular tasting events; cellar tours and brand portfolio across Black Print, Kaitui and the Riesling line.

Weingut Lergenmueller ★ 4.3

An 85 ha Hainfeld estate in the 15th Lergenmueller generation since 1538; broad Burgunder-led portfolio, ownership of Weingut Sankt Annaberg from 1998 and a sustainability-driven cellar program.

Tasting: Vinothek at Weinstrasse 16 with daily opening hours; tastings cover the Burgunder lineup and the Sankt Annaberg single-vineyard reds.

Weingut Knipser Vinothek ★ 4.5

Vinothek of the Knipser family estate in Laumersheim in the northern Pfalz, working 40 hectares since 1876. Riesling and Spaetburgunder alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Gelber Orleans cuvees.

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.

Gaja ★ 4.9

The Gaja family has made wine in Barbaresco since 1859. Angelo Gaja modernised the estate from the 1960s and pushed single-vineyard Nebbiolo onto the world stage; the house now also farms in Barolo and beyond.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings strictly by appointment in Barbaresco; book months ahead.

Signature wines: sori-san-lorenzo, sori-tildin, barbaresco-gaja

Clos Mogador ★ 4.9

Founded in 1979 by Rene Barbier, Clos Mogador is one of the five estates that revived DOQ Priorat with the celebrated 1989 harvest. The estate's Manyetes plot holds Vinya Classificada status in the DOQ Priorat classification.

Tasting: Visits by appointment; contact the estate directly.

Signature wines: clos-mogador, manyetes, clos-nelin

Alvaro Palacios ★ 5.0

Alvaro Palacios established his Priorat estate in 1989 as one of the five founding producers of modern Priorat. His L'Ermita vineyard in Bellmunt del Priorat holds Gran Vinya Classificada status, the highest tier of the DOQ Priorat classification.

Tasting: Visits strictly by appointment.

Signature wines: lermita, finca-dofi, gratallops-vi-de-vila, camins-del-priorat, manyetes

Clos de l'Obac / Costers del Siurana ★ 4.8

Founded in 1989 by Carles Pastrana as one of the five original Priorat pioneers. Winemaker Mariona Jarque leads production. Their fixed-coupage approach uses consistent vineyard parcels and blend percentages each vintage.

Tasting: Guided visits by arrangement; contact [email protected].

Signature wines: clos-de-lobac, miserere, kyrie

Mas Martinet Viticultors ★ 4.8

Founded by Josep Lluis Perez in 1981 and now led by his daughter Sara Perez, Mas Martinet is one of the five founding estates of modern Priorat. The estate produces ecologically farmed wines from steep llicorella slate plots.

Tasting: Unique tasting experiences in the vineyard by appointment.

Signature wines: clos-martinet, martinet-bru, cami-pesseroles

Ferrer Bobet ★ 4.7

Founded in 2005 by pharmaceutical entrepreneur Sergi Ferrer-Salat and former Torres technical director Raul Bobet, Ferrer Bobet focuses on old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena from the mountain terrain between Falset and Porrera.

Tasting: Barrels and Aromas (1.5 hrs, 35 euros) or From Vine to Glass (2.5 hrs, 50 euros); book via website.

Signature wines: ferrer-bobet-vinyes-velles, ferrer-bobet-selecci-especial

Celler Pasanau ★ 4.4

A five-generation family winery in the northern DOQ Priorat, where the Pasanau brothers established the modern estate in 1995. High-altitude plots from 540 to 740 metres elevation with organic farming.

Tasting: Enoturisme experiences available; book through the estate.

Signature wines: finca-la-planeta, la-morera-de-montsant, ceps-nous

Marco Abella ★ 4.5

The Marco family has cultivated vineyards in Porrera since the 15th century; David Marco and Olivia Bayes built the modern winery in 2005. Produces seven red and two white cuvees in DOQ Priorat.

Tasting: Enoturisme experiences available; contact [email protected].

Signature wines: mas-mallola, loidana, olbia

Buil and Gine ★ 4.4

Founded in 1996 by the Buil and Gine families, with roots six generations deep in Priorat. The first bodega in the region purposely built for wine tourism, featuring a hotel and restaurant Amics on the estate.

Tasting: First winery in Priorat built for tourism; wine experiences, 4-star hotel and restaurant Amics on site.

Signature wines: gine-gine, joan-gine, pleret

Sangenis i Vaque ★ 4.4

A family winery founded in 1978 by Pere Sangenis and Coxita Vaque, based on the village square of Porrera. Produces 25,000 to 30,000 bottles annually from 15 hectares of DOQ Priorat vineyards.

Tasting: Visits by arrangement at the village cellar in Porrera.

Signature wines: sangenis-i-vaque-coster-de-les-vinyes, sangenis-i-vaque-el-serral, sangenis-i-vaque-porrera-vi-de-vila

Celler Rotllan Torra ★ 4.3

A family winery housed since 1984 in a 17th-century building in Torroja del Priorat originally constructed by the Carthusian monks of Scala Dei. Produces small-batch wines from DOQ Priorat.

Tasting: Artisanal winery visits by arrangement; contact [email protected].

Signature wines: rotllan-torra-crianza, rotllan-torra-tirant

Clos Berenguer ★ 4.2

A family winery in the DOQ Priorat combining traditional viticulture on llicorella slate soils with modern cellar techniques, producing the Clos de Tafall and MIN cuvees from Garnacha and Cariñena.

Tasting: Wine tourism experiences; contact [email protected].

Signature wines: clos-berenguer-negre, clos-berenguer-blanc

Bodegas Mas Alta ★ 4.5

Founded in 1999 on the historic Mas Romani estate in La Vilella Alta. First wines were released in 2004, focusing on old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena from steep llicorella terraces in the DOQ Priorat.

Tasting: Visits available; contact [email protected].

Signature wines: la-creu-alta, artigot, bodegas-mas-alta-garnacha

Costers del Priorat ★ 4.4

Produces eight wines from vineyards across the DOQ Priorat, including parcels planted in 1934 in Bellmunt, Torroja and other villages. The Memories ranci draws on a solera from 1927.

Tasting: Visits by arrangement; contact via website.

Signature wines: costers-del-priorat-pissarres, costers-del-priorat-carinyena

Clos i Terrasses (Clos Erasmus) ★ 4.9

Founded in 1989 by Daphne Glorian as one of the five founding estates of modern Priorat. Now operating as Clos i Terrasses, the estate produces the Erasmus and Laurel cuvees from terraced Garnacha plots in Gratallops.

Tasting: Visits by appointment only; very limited production boutique estate.

Signature wines: clos-erasmus, laurel

Clos Figueras ★ 4.3

A boutique producer with parcels across the DOQ Priorat, crafting Garnacha-dominant reds and small volumes of white from Garnacha Blanca and Roussanne.

Tasting: Visits by appointment in Falset.

Signature wines: font-de-la-figuera, clos-figueres

Torres Salmos ★ 4.3

The Catalan Torres family's DOQ Priorat project in Gratallops, producing Salmos and Perpetual from Garnacha and Cariñena alongside Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting: Visits by appointment; contact via Familia Torres website.

Signature wines: salmos-priorat, perpetual-priorat

Clos Mogador ★ 4.8

Rene Barbier's original 1989 revival estate on llicorella slate terraces above Gratallops; tasting visits explore the Manyetes vineyards and the historic cellar.

Mas Martinet ★ 4.7

Sara Perez's family estate on the Falset-Gratallops road; winery visits combine llicorella terrace walks with tasting of Clos Martinet and the Camino range.

Costers del Siurana (Clos de l'Obac) ★ 4.7

Carles Pastrana's Gratallops estate, one of the 1989 founding five; tours take in the Obac terraces, the barrel cellar and a tasting of Miserere and Clos de l'Obac.

Celler Val Llach ★ 4.6

Founded by musician Lluis Llach and Enric Costa, this Porrera cellar champions old-vine Carinena; visits include the village cellar and a tasting of Embruix and Val Llach.

Clos Erasmus ★ 4.8

Daphne Glorian's boutique Gratallops estate and one of the original five from 1989; tiny quantities of Clos Erasmus and Laurel produced in the village cellar.

Torres Salmos ★ 4.3

The Torres family Priorat project; Salmos winery visits can be arranged through Torres enoturismo, combining llicorella terraces with the Salmos tasting portfolio.

Clos Galena ★ 4.4

Family winery run by Marc Ribo near Gratallops producing layered DOQ Priorat from old-vine llicorella terraces; tours focus on sustainable viticulture.

Mas d'en Gil ★ 4.6

125-hectare family estate in Bellmunt del Priorat with organic certification and biodynamic practices since 2008, producing reds and whites from licorella and slate soils.

Tip: Mas d'en Gil offers wine tourism visits including vineyard walks and tastings. The Bellmunt Vi de Vila wines and the white Coma Alta are the connoisseur's selections.

Cellar Pasanau Germans ★ 4.4

Family estate farming high-altitude licorella plots in la Morera de Montsant, producing wines with unusual freshness and acidity that reflect one of the DOQ's coolest growing zones.

Tip: La Morera de Montsant sits at over 600 metres and has a markedly different climate from Gratallops. The altitude shows clearly in Pasanau's wines.

Clos Figueras ★ 4.4

Small organic estate in Porrera producing Garnacha and Carinena wines from steep licorella terraces. Little-known beyond specialist circles despite consistent quality from organically farmed vines.

Tip: Clos Figueras wines are stocked by a handful of specialist importers in the US and UK. The Porrera Vi de Vila bottling is the one to seek.

Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat ★ 4.5

Camins del Priorat is the entry tier from Alvaro Palacios, blending Garnacha and Carinena sourced from eight municipalities across the DOQ. Fruit-forward and accessible, it represents the accessible face of the estate without sacrificing the minerality of the licorella soils.

Tip: Widely distributed in export markets. A multi-varietal blend of Garnacha, Carinena, and small parcels of Syrah and Merlot.

Vall Llach Embruix ★ 4.3

Embruix (meaning 'bewitching' in Catalan) is the entry wine from Vall Llach, blending multiple varieties from younger estate vines in Porrera.

Tip: Embruix provides an entry point to Vall Llach's Porrera terroir at a fraction of the price of their village and single-parcel bottlings.

Mas d'en Compte Porrera ★ 4.2

Mas d'en Compte is a Sangenis family property in Porrera farming 60-year-old Carinena and 15-year-old Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon on deep, rocky schist soils across costers and terraces.

Tip: Mas d'en Compte's wines are anchored in Porrera's Carinena heritage. The entry bottle is the most accessible way to experience this village's distinctive mineral structure.

Pasanau Ceps Nous ★ 4.2

Ceps Nous ('new vines' in Catalan) is Pasanau's entry-level Priorat, sourced from younger estate vines at higher-altitude plantings around la Morera de Montsant.

Tip: Pasanau's higher-altitude la Morera de Montsant plots are among the coolest in the DOQ. Ceps Nous offers a lighter style than lower-valley Priorat at a comparable price.

Mas d'en Gil Coma Vella ★ 4.3

Mas d'en Gil is a family estate in Bellmunt del Priorat with 125 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and Mediterranean woodland. The Rovira family introduced biodynamic practices from 2008 and maintains organic certification across the property. Coma Vella is the entry-level wine from the estate, offering organically farmed Bellmunt fruit at an approachable price.

Tip: Mas d'en Gil holds organic certification across the 125-hectare estate (vineyards, olive groves, Mediterranean woodland), with biodynamic practices applied since 2008.

Domaine de Triennes ★ 4.5

Burgundy expat project founded in 1990 by Jacques Seysses (Domaine Dujac), Aubert de Villaine (Domaine de la Romanee-Conti) and Michel Macaux.

Tasting: Open Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm; closed Sundays

Signature wines: triennes-rose, triennes-saint-auguste, triennes-les-aureliens

Tip: Saint Auguste is the Bordeaux-inflected red flagship; Les Aureliens (Cinsault-Syrah) is the everyday Provence drinking wine.

Domaine de Trevallon ★ 4.9

Eloi Durrbach planted Trevallon in the Alpilles foothills in 1973 and bottled the first vintage in 1976. The wine declassified to vin de pays in 1994 after the AOC required a maximum 20 percent Cabernet (the Trevallon blend is 50-50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah). Now bottled as IGP Alpilles and considered an IGP Alpilles cult red.

Tasting: No regular public visits; wines sold on allocation through importers

Signature wines: trevallon-rouge, trevallon-blanc

Tip: The Blanc, a Marsanne-Roussanne blend in small quantity, is even harder to source than the rouge.

Mas de la Dame ★ 4.6

The founder's great-granddaughters Caroline Missoffe and Anne Poniatowski run the 300-hectare estate at the foot of Les Baux-de-Provence, with 58 hectares of certified organic vineyard plus 28 hectares of olive groves.

Tasting: Tastings at the on-site shop; cellar visits by appointment

Signature wines: mas-de-la-dame-coin-cache, mas-de-la-dame-stele, mas-de-la-dame-gourmande

Tip: The Coin Cache red is the estate's cellar candidate; the Gourmande rose is the everyday Provence picnic wine.

Domaine Hauvette ★ 4.7

Dominique Hauvette planted her first two hectares at Saint-Remy-de-Provence in 1988 and now works 15 hectares biodynamically. Vinifications use no added sulfur and the wines age in concrete eggs.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings strictly by appointment

Signature wines: hauvette-cornaline, hauvette-amethyste, hauvette-roucas

Tip: Cornaline (Cabernet-Grenache-Syrah blend) is the cellar candidate; the Amethyste rose ages remarkably well.

Mas de Gourgonnier ★ 4.5

Cartier family estate at Le Destet (Mouries), one of the founding organic producers of the Alpilles (now over 50 years of certified organic farming). 40 hectares of vineyard plus 20 hectares of olive groves at the heart of the Les Baux AOC.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the on-site shop; check website for hours

Signature wines: gourgonnier-tradition, gourgonnier-reserve-du-mas

Tip: Reserve du Mas, the long-aged red cuvee, is the cellar choice; the table-friendly Tradition pairs with Mediterranean lamb.

Chateau La Coste ★ 4.7

Patrick McKillen restored the 200-hectare Chateau La Coste estate from 2002 with biodynamic certification across the entire vineyard. The property doubles as an open-air sculpture park with works by Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, Oscar Niemeyer and Frank Gehry.

Tasting: Daily tastings at the Tadao Ando-designed pavilion; guided cellar tours plus walking art and architecture loop

Signature wines: la-coste-grand-vin-rouge, la-coste-grand-vin-blanc, la-coste-rose

Tip: Combine cellar tasting with the 2-km outdoor art and architecture loop; lunch at the on-site restaurant by Argentine chef Francis Mallmann.

Chateau Calissanne ★ 4.5

Calissanne sits at Lancon-Provence overlooking the Etang de Berre with 110 hectares of vineyard plus 80 hectares of olive groves and farmland under organic certification.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the on-site shop; check website for current hours

Signature wines: calissanne-clos-victoire, calissanne-prestige, calissanne-cuvee-romain

Tip: Clos Victoire is the prestige red flagship from old-vine Cabernet and Syrah.

Domaine des Beates ★ 4.5

Pioneer of organic agriculture in the Coteaux d'Aix since the 1980s, owned by the Terrat family since 1996. 40 hectares of biodynamic vineyard at Lambesc, north-west of Aix between the Alpilles and the Luberon.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange

Signature wines: beates-terra-d-or, beates-esprit-des-beates, beates-les-beatines

Tip: Terra d'Or red is the estate's most cellar-worthy cuvee.

Chateau de Beaupre ★ 4.3

Owned by the Double barons descendants since 1855, the estate at Saint-Cannat (10 kilometres west of Aix-en-Provence) farms 43 of its 130 hectares to vine. Organic-certified since Phanette Double took over the vineyard work in 2013.

Tasting: Boutique open daily 10am to 7pm including public holidays; cellar tours by appointment

Signature wines: beaupre-collection, beaupre-tradition, beaupre-blanc

Tip: The boutique is open every day with broad opening hours, unusually walkable-in for the Coteaux d'Aix.

Domaine du Deffends ★ 4.4

Lanversin family estate at Saint-Maximin in the cooler inland Coteaux Varois, 15 hectares of certified organic vineyard on south-facing limestone slopes at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange

Signature wines: deffends-clos-de-la-truffiere, deffends-rose-d-une-nuit, deffends-cuvee-rouvier

Tip: The Clos de la Truffiere, single-vineyard Cabernet-led red, is the cellar candidate.

Chateau Margui ★ 4.4

17-hectare organic estate at Chateauvert in the Provence Verte, owned by the Famille Perrin (also of Chateau de Beaucastel and the Miraval joint venture). Ecocert-certified organic since the vines were replanted in 1999.

Tasting: Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm from April to October

Signature wines: margui-perle-de-margui, margui-rose, margui-blanc-de-blanc

Tip: Perle de Margui, the prestige red blend, is the estate's most layered wine.

Mas de Cadenet ★ 4.4

The Negrel family has owned Mas de Cadenet at Trets since 1813, working 45 hectares of vineyard at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain in the Cotes de Provence sub-denomination. Currently run by Guy, Maud and Matthieu Negrel.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the on-site boutique

Signature wines: cadenet-arbaude, cadenet-mas-negrel, cadenet-rose

Tip: The Arbaude rose, single-vineyard from a parcel north of the property, is the cellar candidate.

Maison des Vins des Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence ★ 4.3

Syndicat des Vins Coteaux d'Aix tasting hub on the Pont de l'Arc roundabout, pouring a rotating selection from 70 Coteaux d'Aix and Les Baux producers.

Chateau Romanin ★ 4.5

A 250-hectare Les Baux estate with 58 hectares of biodynamic vines at the foot of a Templar ruin near Saint-Remy. Acquired by Dr Carolyn Sheetz in March 2024.

Tip: The cathedral cellar is carved into the limestone hillside; reserve the cellar tour and pair it with the estate's red Grand Vin from the Alpilles north slope.

Chateau Gassier ★ 4.4

A six-generation family estate at the foot of Mont Sainte-Victoire, in the Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire sub-appellation. Parcel-selection roses age across two years, unusual in Provence.

Tip: The Sainte-Victoire sub-appellation sits at higher altitude than the coastal Cotes de Provence; Gassier's parcel-selection roses age across two years rather than the standard six months.

Chateau Routas Rouvier Rouge ★ 3.9

Rouvier is the Coteaux Varois red of Chateau Routas, built on Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache fleshing out the mid-palate. Approachable Provençal red at supermarket prices, well under twenty euros.

Tip: Coteaux Varois reds are the least-known face of Provence; this is the inexpensive way to taste the cooler inland Var alongside the appellation's better-known rose.

Weingut Schumann-Nagler ★ 4.4

A Geisenheim family estate documented to 1438 and now in the 25th generation; 40 ha and 90% Riesling across Geisenheim, Winkel, Oestrich and Kiedrich sites.

Tasting: Tastings and sales at the historic Nothgottesstrasse cellar in Geisenheim; visits cover Geisenheim, Winkel, Oestrich, Kiedrich and Hattenheim parcels.

Weingut Paul Laquai ★ 4.3

A Lorch family estate working steep grey-slate slopes for Riesling-led dry whites and Pinot Noir; Weinwirtschaft Laquai in the half-timbered village centre.

Tasting: Lorch Weinwirtschaft in a half-timbered house in the village centre with regional home-cooked food paired with estate wines; tastings and direct sales.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia ★ 5.0

The Ribera del Duero estate founded in 1864, producing Unico after a minimum of ten years' ageing and the Valbuena 5 degree as an earlier-release sibling.

Tasting: Visits strictly by appointment; contact the estate directly.

Finca Museum ★ 4.4

An estate near Peñafiel producing the Museum Real Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva alongside the Museum Collection range, with an underground cellar museum that gives the winery its name.

Hacienda Zorita ★ 4.3

An organic estate in Salamanca province outside the DO boundary classified as VT Castilla y León, producing the Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve and Reserva from Tinto Fino and international varieties with a hotel and ecotourism complex.

Pago de Carraovejas ★ 4.8

A landmark estate near Peñafiel famous for its Pago de Carraovejas Crianza and Reserva and the single-vineyard El Anejon, with the Michelin-starred Ambivium restaurant drawing visitors from across Castile.

Tasting: Wine tourism and cellar visits by appointment; on-site Ambivium restaurant holds a Michelin star.

Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro ★ 4.6

A family estate and hospitality complex at Quintanilla de Onesimo, producing the Arzuaga Crianza, Reserva, Gran Arzuaga and single-vineyard Fan d'Or, with a hotel and spa on the vineyard.

Tasting: Full wine tourism complex with tastings, hotel, spa and on-site restaurant.

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.

Bodegas Carmelo Rodero ★ 4.5

A Pedrosa de Duero family estate producing the Carmelo Rodero Crianza, Reserva and 9 Meses, as well as TSM from old vines, with the founding family still at the helm after more than three decades.

Bodegas Pérez Pascuas ★ 4.6

Three-brother estate at Pedrosa de Duero producing the Viña Pedrosa Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, Finca La Navilla and the Pérez Pascuas Gran Reserva Gran Selección from estate Tinto Fino.

Tasting: Estate visits and wine tourism in Pedrosa de Duero.

Pago de los Capellanes ★ 4.6

A Pedrosa de Duero estate (note: a producer name within DO Ribera del Duero, not a Pago appellation) producing Roble, Crianza, Reserva and the single-vineyard El Nogal and El Picón from estate Tinto Fino vines.

Comenge ★ 4.5

An organic estate at Curiel de Duero producing Don Miguel Comenge, Familia Comenge and the Biberius entry range, plus an Albillo Mayor white and rosé from their castle-view vineyard overlooking the Duero.

Legaris ★ 4.5

A Torres family estate at Curiel de Duero founded in 2000 producing the Legaris Crianza, Reserva and Premium from estate Tinto Fino, housed in a modern gravity-fed winery designed to minimise intervention.

Bodegas Emina ★ 4.4

A large Peñafiel estate within the Matarromera group, producing the Emina Crianza, Reserva and single-vineyard Emina Atio, with a Centro de Interpretación Vitivinícola museum and hospitality complex on site.

Pago de Carraovejas ★ 4.8

Estate tasting programme launched in 2013. Guided visits explore vineyard, cellar and barrel room with panoramic views of the Duero valley. Tasting accompanied by a gastronomic proposal from the Ambivium team.

Bodegas Comenge ★ 4.5

Organic-viticulture winery founded 1999 by Jaime Comenge Puig at the foot of Curiel de Duero castle. Panoramic restaurant and garden host tastings; Saturday morning slots are popular for groups discovering the organic estate program.

Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro ★ 4.6

Golden Mile estate with hotel, spa, restaurant and wine bar under one roof. Tasting room open to walk-ins for by-the-glass pours from the Arzuaga DO Ribera del Duero range; guided cellar tours include vintage vertical flights on request.

Finca Villacreces ★ 4.6

115-hectare estate in organic viticulture since 2017, bordered by Vega Sicilia and bicentennial pine forest. Guided visit covers winery and vineyards; distinctive e-bike tour of the 4.5 km estate loop available.

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Cellar Visits ★ 4.9

12th-century Augustinian abbey winery producing pago-classified wines outside the DO Ribera del Duero. Cellar visits explore the original abbey architecture, underground barrel hall and library of experimental barrel vinifications; tasting showcases Petit Verdot, Seleccion Especial and single-pago wines.

Finca Villacreces ★ 4.4

Set in the middle of a 200-year-old pine forest at the heart of Ribera del Duero's Golden Mile, Finca Villacreces is a striking estate little known outside Spain.

Tip: The pine forest makes this a particularly atmospheric visit in autumn (October-November) when colours peak at harvest time.

Donnafugata ★ 4.7

Donnafugata, founded by the Rallo family in Marsala, has grown into a multi-estate Sicilian producer with vineyards in Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria and Etna, crafting wines from native varieties including the iconic Ben Rye passito.

Tasting: Daily guided tours and tastings at the historic Marsala cantina (10:00-18:00) and at the Contessa Entellina estate. Reservations required.

Signature wines: donnafugata-ben-rye, donnafugata-mille-e-una-notte, donnafugata-tancredi

Firriato ★ 4.3

Founded by Salvatore Di Gaetano in 1978, Firriato farms approximately 490 hectares across seven estates spanning the Trapani hills, Etna and the island of Favignana.

Tasting: Guided cellar tours, vineyard visits and tastings at the Baglio Soria resort in Paceco and at Cavanera Etnea on Etna. By appointment.

Signature wines: firriato-camelot, firriato-ribeca, firriato-chiaramonte-nero-davola

Cusumano ★ 4.4

Brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano founded their estate in 2001 at Partinico with five estate vineyards and more than 500 hectares. The Sagana single-vineyard Nero d'Avola from Riesi and Alta Mora Etna range mark their quality poles.

Tasting: Wine tastings and direct sales at the Partinico winery. Contact [email protected] or call +39 091 8908713.

Signature wines: cusumano-sagana, cusumano-benuara, alta-mora-etna-rosso

Baglio di Pianetto ★ 4.5

Founded in 1997 by Count Paolo Marzotto, Baglio di Pianetto sits at 900 metres near Santa Cristina Gela, 25 kilometres from Palermo. The estate blends Sicilian and French winemaking traditions across 106 hectares, with an elegant agrirelais for overnight stays.

Tasting: Private visits and introductory wine courses at the 20-room agrirelais. Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 by appointment.

Signature wines: baglio-pianetto-ramione, baglio-pianetto-ficiligno, baglio-pianetto-viafrancia

Baglio del Cristo di Campobello ★ 4.4

Founded in 2000 by the Bonetta family near Agrigento, Baglio del Cristo di Campobello farms 50 hectares on calcareous chalky soils 8 kilometres from the sea.

Tasting: Winery visits and tastings at the Campobello di Licata estate. Contact via the estate website.

Signature wines: baglio-cristo-adenzia, baglio-cristo-lu-patri

Settesoli Mandrarossa ★ 4.2

Cantine Settesoli is the cooperative giant of Menfi DOC, founded in 1958, with Mandrarossa as its premium terroir-selection brand launched in 1999. Over 2,000 grower-members supply grapes from more than 6,000 hectares, making this the largest wine operation in Sicily.

Tasting: Tuesday to Saturday 09:30 to 18:00. Guided cellar visits and wine tastings. Reservations required.

Signature wines: mandrarossa-terre-di-giumara, mandrarossa-timperosse, mandrarossa-nero-davola

Tenuta Gatti ★ 4.2

A historic organic estate spanning 217 hectares founded in 1825 at Librizzi in the Messina province, set on the Nebrodi slopes with views to the Aeolian Islands. Tenuta Gatti cultivates an unusually diverse mix of native and international varieties.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at the historic Nebrodi estate with views toward the Aeolian Islands. Contact via winetourism.com.

Signature wines: tenuta-gatti-pinot-nero, tenuta-gatti-nero-davola

Tenuta Rapitala ★ 4.3

Tenuta Rapitala at Camporeale in the Palermo province was established by a Franco-Sicilian partnership in 1968. The estate produces a broad range of Sicilian varietal and blended wines across 170 hectares, with the Grand Cru their prestigious top bottling.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at the Camporeale estate. Contact via the Rapitala website.

Signature wines: rapitala-grand-cru, rapitala-hugonis

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)

Felsina ★ 4.7

Castelnuovo Berardenga estate established 1966 by Domenico Poggiali. Sangiovese-focused with the Rancia Gran Selezione and the IGT Fontalloro forming the core of the range.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tasting flights by appointment; the Rancia single-vineyard Gran Selezione is the estate's flagship.

Signature wines: felsina-rancia-chianti-classico-riserva, felsina-fontalloro, felsina-berardenga-chianti-classico

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2019)

Fontodi ★ 4.9

Panzano estate in the Conca d'Oro amphitheatre, owned by the Manetti family since 1968 and ICEA-organic certified since 1990. Flaccianello della Pieve is the flagship Sangiovese IGT.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment in the Conca d'Oro amphitheatre of Panzano; organic since 1990 and certified by ICEA.

Signature wines: fontodi-flaccianello-della-pieve, fontodi-vigna-del-sorbo, fontodi-chianti-classico

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

Isole e Olena ★ 4.8

Founded in 1956 by the De Marchi family; the EPI Group acquired the estate in 2022. The Cepparello pure Sangiovese IGT remains the flagship alongside the Chianti Classico.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment; Cepparello (100% Sangiovese IGT) is the long-running flagship from the De Marchi era.

Signature wines: isole-e-olena-cepparello, isole-e-olena-chianti-classico, isole-e-olena-collezione-de-marchi-syrah

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)

San Felice ★ 4.6

Castelnuovo Berardenga estate combining a Relais & Chateaux resort with a Chianti Classico programme that recovered the indigenous Pugnitello grape from near-extinction.

Tasting: The Borgo San Felice resort hosts cellar tours, tasting flights and a vineyard experience programme; the property includes a Relais & Chateaux hotel.

Signature wines: san-felice-il-grigio-gran-selezione, san-felice-vigorello, san-felice-pugnitello

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)

Castello di Volpaia ★ 4.7

ICEA-organic certified estate on a fortified hamlet at 600 metres in Radda in Chianti, with the cellar dispersed through medieval buildings owned by the Mascheroni Stianti family.

Tasting: The fortified medieval hamlet of Volpaia houses the cellar across the village buildings; tastings, cellar walks and Bottega lunches by booking.

Signature wines: castello-di-volpaia-coltassala, castello-di-volpaia-il-puro-gran-selezione, castello-di-volpaia-chianti-classico

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)

Querciabella ★ 4.7

Greve in Chianti estate founded 1974 by the Castiglioni family. Biodynamic practising (vegan adaptation, no animal-product preps) with vegan vinification; Camartina is the long-running Sangiovese-Cabernet IGT.

Tasting: Tastings and estate visits by appointment; the estate farms biodynamically (vegan adaptation, no animal-product preps) and the cellar uses no animal products in vinification.

Signature wines: querciabella-camartina, querciabella-batar, querciabella-chianti-classico

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2018), Vinous 94 (2018)

Castell'in Villa ★ 4.6

Castelnuovo Berardenga property owned since 1968 by Principessa Coralia Pignatelli, producing some of Chianti Classico's longest-lived traditionally-styled Riservas.

Tasting: Estate visits and tasting flights by appointment; lunch available in the borgo with prior reservation.

Signature wines: castell-in-villa-chianti-classico-riserva, castell-in-villa-poggio-delle-rose-riserva, castell-in-villa-santacroce

Scores: Vinous 95 (2016), Wine Advocate 94 (2016)

Castello di Querceto ★ 4.4

Francois family estate in Greve in Chianti dating to 1897, set around a medieval castle. Il Picchio Gran Selezione anchors a Sangiovese-led range alongside Super Tuscan IGT bottlings.

Tasting: Cellar tours and tasting flights from the medieval castle property; on-site agriturismo accommodation.

Signature wines: castello-di-querceto-il-picchio, castello-di-querceto-la-corte, castello-di-querceto-chianti-classico-riserva

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

Casanova di Neri ★ 4.9

Family estate founded 1971, with the single-vineyard Cerretalto and the Tenuta Nuova selection driving the reputation. Wine Spectator named the 2001 Tenuta Nuova its 2006 Wine of the Year.

Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and vertical tastings of Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto by appointment.

Signature wines: casanova-di-neri-cerretalto, casanova-di-neri-tenuta-nuova, casanova-di-neri-brunello-di-montalcino, casanova-di-neri-pietradonice

Scores: Wine Spectator 97 (2001), Wine Advocate 98 (2016)

Castello Banfi ★ 4.6

Single largest Brunello estate at 850 hectares of vineyards inside Montalcino. Mariani family-owned since 1978 and home to the Castello di Poggio alle Mura medieval fortress and Relais hotel.

Tasting: Castello Banfi houses a Relais & Chateaux hotel, restaurants, an enoteca and the Banfi glass-and-wine museum; cellar tours and tasting flights run daily.

Signature wines: banfi-poggio-alle-mura-brunello, banfi-brunello-di-montalcino, banfi-summus, banfi-poggio-all-oro-riserva

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2016), Vinous 94 (2016)

Poggio Antico ★ 4.6

High-elevation estate at 450-500 metres in the southern Montalcino. Certified organic with ICEA, producing structured age-worthy Brunello and the Altero IGT Sangiovese.

Tasting: Estate visits, tastings and on-site restaurant overlooking the southern Montalcino vineyards.

Signature wines: poggio-antico-brunello-di-montalcino, poggio-antico-brunello-riserva, poggio-antico-altero

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Vinous 94 (2016)

Il Poggione ★ 4.8

Franceschi-family estate founded 1890 in Sant'Angelo in Colle, southern Montalcino. Vigna Paganelli Riserva uses the estate's oldest Sangiovese Grosso vines planted in 1964.

Tasting: Estate tours, cellar visits and tasting flights at Sant'Angelo in Colle by appointment.

Signature wines: il-poggione-brunello-di-montalcino, il-poggione-vigna-paganelli-riserva, il-poggione-rosso-di-montalcino

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2016), Vinous 96 (2016)

Mastrojanni ★ 4.8

Castelnuovo dell'Abate estate founded in 1975 and acquired by the Illy family in 2008. The Vigna Loreto and Schiena d'Asino crus are among Montalcino's most idiosyncratic Sangiovese expressions.

Tasting: Estate tours and cellar visits by appointment; the southeast-facing Vigna Loreto cru is the property's calling card.

Signature wines: mastrojanni-vigna-loreto, mastrojanni-brunello-di-montalcino, mastrojanni-schiena-d-asino

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2016), Vinous 95 (2016)

Argiano ★ 4.9

Renaissance villa estate at Sant'Angelo in Colle dating to 1580. Wine Spectator named the 2018 Brunello its Wine of the Year for 2023 (95 points), the first Italian wine to claim that ranking in two decades.

Tasting: Cellar tours, tasting flights and the Casa di Argiano dining experience at the Renaissance villa.

Signature wines: argiano-brunello-di-montalcino, argiano-vigna-del-suolo, argiano-solengo

Scores: Wine Spectator 95 (2018), Wine Advocate 93 (2018)

Col d'Orcia ★ 4.7

Cinzano family estate at Sant'Angelo in Colle, 145 hectares of vines fully ICEA-certified organic since 2013. Poggio al Vento Riserva is the historic cru.

Tasting: Estate tours, cellar visits and tastings by reservation; one of the largest organic-certified estates in Italy.

Signature wines: col-dorcia-poggio-al-vento-riserva, col-dorcia-brunello-di-montalcino, col-dorcia-olmaia

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2015), Vinous 95 (2016)

Avignonesi ★ 4.8

Montepulciano estate acquired by Belgian shipowner Virginie Saverys in 2009 and converted to Demeter-certified biodynamics. The Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo from Sangiovese remains a benchmark of the style.

Tasting: Cellar tours, Vin Santo vinsantaia tastings and estate lunches by reservation; certified biodynamic by Demeter.

Signature wines: avignonesi-vino-nobile, avignonesi-grandi-annate, avignonesi-occhio-di-pernice, avignonesi-50-50

Scores: Vinous 95 (2017)

Poderi Boscarelli ★ 4.7

De Ferrari Corradi family estate at Cervognano, 16 hectares of high-density Prugnolo Gentile. The Vigna del Nocio Vino Nobile, from a single 1968-planted vineyard, is the flagship.

Tasting: Boutique cellar visits and tastings by appointment; the Vigna del Nocio single-vineyard is the estate's calling card.

Signature wines: boscarelli-vigna-del-nocio, boscarelli-vino-nobile, boscarelli-boscarelli-igt

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2019)

Poliziano ★ 4.7

Carletti family estate founded 1961 at the foot of Montepulciano. The Asinone single-vineyard Vino Nobile, named after the donkey-shaped hillside, is among the most consistently reviewed wines of the DOCG.

Tasting: Cellar tours and tasting flights by appointment; the Asinone single-vineyard Vino Nobile is the flagship.

Signature wines: poliziano-asinone, poliziano-vino-nobile, poliziano-le-stanze

Scores: Wine Advocate 94 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)

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)

Grattamacco ★ 4.7

The second estate to release a Bolgheri red after Sassicaia, founded 1977. Acquired by Claudio Tipa's ColleMassari group in 2002; CCPB-organic certified since 2014.

Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and tastings by appointment; certified organic since 2014.

Signature wines: grattamacco-bolgheri-superiore, grattamacco-bolgheri-rosso, grattamacco-grattamacco-bianco

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)

Michele Satta ★ 4.6

Bolgheri's enduring artisan: Michele Satta arrived in 1974 and bottled his first wine in 1983. Notable for keeping a 100% Sangiovese (Cavaliere) on the Bordeaux-dominated coast.

Tasting: Cellar tours and tasting flights by appointment; Michele Satta personally hosts on advance booking.

Signature wines: michele-satta-piastraia, michele-satta-i-castagni, michele-satta-cavaliere

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

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)

Fattoria Le Pupille ★ 4.8

Maremma estate built by Elisabetta Geppetti from her 1985 inheritance into a 75-hectare Morellino di Scansano DOCG producer. Saffredi (Cabernet-Merlot-Alicante IGT) and Morellino anchor the range.

Tasting: Cellar tours, vineyard walks and tasting flights by reservation; Saffredi is the long-running Super Tuscan flagship.

Signature wines: le-pupille-saffredi, le-pupille-poggio-valente, le-pupille-morellino-di-scansano

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)

Rocca di Frassinello ★ 4.6

Joint venture between Castellare di Castellina and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), housed in a Renzo Piano-designed cellar at Gavorrano. Baffonero, a 100% Merlot, is the prestige bottling.

Tasting: Tours of the Renzo Piano-designed cellar, vineyard walks and tasting flights by reservation; the cellar's underground barrel hall is a destination in itself.

Signature wines: rocca-di-frassinello, rocca-di-frassinello-baffonero, rocca-di-frassinello-le-sughere

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2018), Vinous 94 (2018)

Castello di Nipozzano ★ 4.7

Frescobaldi's Rufina estate, in the family since 1000 AD and on its current 250-hectare scale since the mid-19th century. Montesodi single-vineyard Sangiovese is the long-running flagship.

Tasting: Castle tours, cellar visits, vineyard tastings and lunch in the medieval estate by reservation; one of the Frescobaldi estate-visit anchors.

Signature wines: nipozzano-vecchie-viti, nipozzano-montesodi, nipozzano-chianti-rufina-riserva

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2019), Vinous 94 (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)

Fattoria Selvapiana ★ 4.8

Family-owned Chianti Rufina estate since 1827, certified organic by ICEA. The Bucerchiale single-vineyard Riserva is among Tuscany's most consistently age-worthy Sangiovese under €40.

Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and tastings by appointment; the Bucerchiale single-vineyard is the long-running flagship.

Signature wines: selvapiana-bucerchiale, selvapiana-chianti-rufina, selvapiana-fornace

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2019)

Tua Rita ★ 4.8

Suvereto estate founded 1984; Redigaffi is the flagship 100% Merlot Toscana IGT from the Val di Cornia coast.

Tasting: Cellar tours, vineyard walks and tasting flights by appointment at Suvereto, just south of Bolgheri.

Signature wines: tua-rita-redigaffi, tua-rita-giusto-di-notri, tua-rita-perlato-del-bosco

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Vinous 97 (2019)

Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio ★ 4.8

1,200-hectare estate at Gaiole in Chianti with 240 hectares under vine. Bettino Ricasoli codified the modern Chianti formula here in 1872; the family has owned the castle since 1141 and produces Gran Selezione plus the Casalferro IGT.

Tasting: Cellar visits, guided tastings, wine shop, agriturismo, and the Osteria del Castello restaurant at the Madonna a Brolio property. Open daily 10:00 to 19:00.

Signature wines: castello-di-brolio-gran-selezione, colledila-gran-selezione, casalferro, brolio-bettino

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), James Suckling 96 (2019)

Marchesi Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ★ 4.8

Mazzei has owned Castello di Fonterutoli at Castellina since 1435. Today 117 hectares of vineyards across 120 parcels, with the Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione, the Sangiovese-Merlot Siepi IGT, and the 1981-launched Concerto.

Tasting: Estate tour and tasting at the Fonterutoli hamlet, plus the Osteria di Fonterutoli restaurant; booking via mazzei.it. The cellar at Castellina is open by appointment.

Signature wines: castello-fonterutoli-gran-selezione, siepi, concerto-di-fonterutoli, poggio-badiola

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

Petrolo ★ 4.8

31-hectare estate in upper Val d'Arno owned by the Sanjust family since 1947. The Galatrona vineyard produces a 100 percent Merlot widely cited among Italy's top Merlots; Torrione and Boggina cover Sangiovese under the Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC.

Tasting: Estate tasting and cellar visits by appointment; multiple agriturismo properties (La Villa, Boggina, La Vigna, La Costa, Feriale) on the estate.

Signature wines: galatrona, boggina-c, torrione

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

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.

Enoteca Italiana Siena ★ 4.5

Official Italian wine-promoting organisation founded 1933, set inside the Medicean Fortress in Siena. Showroom with more than 1,600 Italian wines and a tasting bar across the bastion vaults.

Le Volpi e l'Uva ★ 4.6

Founded 1992 just behind Ponte Vecchio, this Oltrarno wine bar sources from small independent Tuscan producers. Rotating by-the-glass list shows Chianti Classico, Vernaccia and lesser-known appellations.

Enoteca Falorni ★ 4.5

Greve enoteca with over 1,000 wines and 100 simultaneously available for sampling via Enomatic dispensers. Underground vaulted cellars on the site of an early Greve wine merchant.

Enoteca La Fortezza di Montalcino ★ 4.5

Founded 1980 inside the medieval fortress walls of Montalcino, with Val d'Orcia panoramas from the ramparts. Specialises in Brunello di Montalcino verticals and Rosso di Montalcino flights.

Enoteca di Piazza Montalcino ★ 4.4

Family-run since 2004 by the Fedolfi family, with multiple shop fronts across Montalcino. Enomatic-driven tasting room covering 40 Brunello producers side by side; staff sommelier on call.

Castello Banfi L'Enoteca ★ 4.6

The Castello Banfi tasting room inside the 14th-century Poggio alle Mura castle, with the Bottle and Glass Museum next door. Flights cover the full Banfi range from Pinot Grigio to Brunello Riserva Poggio alle Mura.

Tenuta di Capezzana Tasting Cellars ★ 4.7

Tasting cellars at the Capezzana estate (documented since 804 AD). The Vinsantaia is included on tours; flights cover Carmignano DOCG, Trefiano Riserva, and the Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC.

Castello di Verrazzano Tasting Cellars ★ 4.4

Tour the cellars of this organic Greve estate, named for the navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano. Flight programme covers Chianti Classico, Riserva, the Sassello IGT, and Vin Santo of the property.

Grattamacco Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Bolgheri winery founded 1977, with a hilltop tasting terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. Flights include Bolgheri Rosso DOC, L'Alberello and Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore DOC.

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Tasting Cellars ★ 4.6

Marchesi Frescobaldi's flagship Montalcino estate, founded as a fortress in 1100. Cellar tour ends in tastings of CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino and the Lamaione single-vineyard Merlot.

Massa Vecchia ★ 4.5

Massa Marittima estate working biodynamically since 2004. Native-yeast, low-sulfite reds, whites and roses from the Maremma's metalliferous hills.

Tip: Tastings are by appointment only; ask for the rose and the white Vermentino alongside the Sangiovese-led reds.

Castello Banfi Centine Toscana IGT ★ 4.1

Castello Banfi entry-level IGT, named after a 19th-century farmhouse on the Montalcino estate. Sangiovese-Cabernet-Merlot blend made for everyday drinking at around twelve to thirteen euros.

Tip: True under-15-euro Tuscan wine that punches above its weight on weeknight pasta with red sauce.

Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG ★ 4.0

Castellina-based Zingarelli family blend pouring under twenty euros at most Italian retailers. A reliable Chianti Classico annata template: Sangiovese fruit, light international wood polish, ready to drink.

Tip: Available in most Tuscan supermarkets; pair with cinghiale-sauce pappardelle on weeknights.

Giuseppe Quintarelli ★ 5.0

Negrar estate founded 1924 by Giuseppe Quintarelli, now run by his daughter Fiorenza Quintarelli and family. Quintarelli's Amarone and Recioto are long-aged expressions of dried-grape Valpolicella winemaking, released years after harvest.

Tasting: By appointment only; tastings at the historic cellar in Negrar. Very limited availability.

Signature wines: quintarelli-amarone-classico, quintarelli-alzero, quintarelli-recioto-classico

Zyme ★ 4.7

Founded in 2001 by former Quintarelli cellarmaster Celestino Gaspari. Zyme spans tradition and innovation: the Amarone Kairos uses classic drying methods, while the Harlequin IGT blends 15 native and international varieties.

Tasting: Private tastings by appointment at the San Pietro in Cariano cellar.

Signature wines: zyme-amarone-kairos, zyme-harlequin-veronese-igt

Maculan ★ 4.8

Breganze DOC estate in Vicenza, founded by the Maculan family in 1947. Fausto Maculan revived the Torcolato dessert wine from dried Vespaiola in 1974; the Bordeaux-blend Fratta debuted in 1977. Both are flagship bottlings for the zone.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at the Breganze cellar; Torcolato dessert wine and Fratta flagship poured.

Signature wines: maculan-torcolato, maculan-fratta, maculan-acininobili

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

Corte Gardoni ★ 4.4

The Piccoli family estate at Valeggio sul Mincio on the morainic rim of Lake Garda produces a fresh, saline Bianco di Custoza DOC alongside an interesting Garda Cabernet from south-shore hillside vineyards.

Tasting: Tasting visits at the Valeggio sul Mincio estate; bookable online.

Signature wines: corte-gardoni-bianco-di-custoza, corte-gardoni-le-fontane-garda-cabernet