Merlot around the world

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)

Petrus ★ 5.0

The world's most prestigious Pomerol, just 11.4 hectares of 100% Merlot on blue clay. Production of 30,000 bottles per year; Olivier Berrouet winemaker since 2008.

Tasting: Not open to the public. No visits or tastings accepted.

Signature wines: petrus-pomerol

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

Le Pin ★ 4.9

Ultra-micro Pomerol estate of just 2.7 hectares producing 400 to 600 cases of 100% Merlot per year. One of the most expensive wines in Bordeaux; first vintage 1979.

Tasting: Not open to the public.

Signature wines: le-pin-pomerol

Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Decanter 100 (1982)

Vieux Chateau Certan ★ 4.8

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

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

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

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

Chateau Ausone ★ 4.9

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

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: chateau-ausone, chapelle-dausone

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

Chateau Cos d'Estournel ★ 4.8

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

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

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

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

Chateau 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, and 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 Angelus ★ 4.8

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

Tasting: Visits available by appointment.

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

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

Chateau Pavie ★ 4.8

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

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

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

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

Chateau Troplong Mondot ★ 4.7

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B on the highest hill of the appellation. 33 hectares, organic certified; The Keys boutique hotel with Michelin restaurant Les Belles Perdrix on-site.

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

Signature wines: chateau-troplong-mondot, mondot

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

Chateau Canon ★ 4.7

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

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: chateau-canon, croix-canon

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

Chateau Pape Clement ★ 4.6

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

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

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

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

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte ★ 4.7

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

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

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

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

Chateau 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; 1998 vintage scored 100 points from Wine Advocate; old-vine character a distinguishing feature.

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: clinet

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

Chateau Lafleur ★ 4.9

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

Tasting: By appointment only.

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

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

Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot ★ 4.6

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

Tasting: Visits and tastings available; contact chateau.

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

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

Chateau Figeac ★ 4.8

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

Tasting: Visits by appointment.

Signature wines: chateau-figeac, petit-figeac

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

Chateau Larose Trintaudon ★ 4.1

The largest Cru Bourgeois in the Medoc at 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 Moulin Pey-Labrie ★ 4.3

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

Tasting: Visits and tastings available by appointment.

Signature wines: moulin-pey-labrie

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

Chateau 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, and tasting of current releases.

Chateau de la Riviere Cave Tasting ★ 4.4

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

Bardin's Wine Bar Pessac ★ 4.2

Neighbourhood wine shop and tasting bar in Pessac specialising in Pessac-Leognan Crus Classes at cellar-door prices. Regular Saturday producer tastings and bottle retail.

Chateau Sociando-Mallet ★ 4.5

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

Chateau Roc de Cambes ★ 4.6

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

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie ★ 4.3

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

Vieux Chateau Certan ★ 4.8

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

Chateau Lafleur ★ 4.9

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

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

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

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

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

Chateau Larose Trintaudon Haut-Medoc ★ 3.9

The largest Cru Bourgeois in the Medoc at 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.

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

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

Chateau de la Riviere Fronsac ★ 4.3

Fronsac's flagship estate at 60 hectares; structured, ageworthy Merlot-Cabernet Franc blends from limestone terraces. Decanter 93 points 2018; remarkable quality-to-price proposition versus comparable Right Bank peers.

Echo de Lynch-Bages (second wine) ★ 4.3

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

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie Canon-Fronsac ★ 4.2

Organic 7-hectare Canon-Fronsac estate producing benchmark clay-limestone Merlot-Cabernet Franc at under EUR 20. Wine Advocate 92 points 2019; Decanter 91 points 2018. Superb local grape character at a price well below equivalent Right Bank.

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.

Roberto Voerzio ★ 4.7

Roberto Voerzio set up on his own in 1986 and became famous for radically low yields and meticulous viticulture, producing concentrated, sought-after single-cru Barolo from La Morra.

Tasting: Small low-yield estate; visits strictly by appointment in La Morra.

Signature wines: barolo-la-serra, barolo-brunate, barolo-cerequio

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.

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.

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. One of Ribera del Duero's most in-demand estate experiences.

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 ★ 4.4

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. The historic finca includes 75 hectares of Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Wine tourism experiences here centre on the forest setting as much as the wine cellar. Pruno is the accessible entry label; the Gran Reserva bottling draws critical attention.

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

Planeta ★ 4.7

One of Sicily's most influential estates, Planeta operates six wineries across the island from Menfi to Etna, Noto and Milazzo, showcasing the diversity of Sicilian terroir through native and international varieties.

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

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

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

Cottanera ★ 4.5

Cottanera is a family estate on Etna's north slope producing both native Nerello-based Etna DOC wines and international varieties grown at high altitude. The boutique agriturismo Dimora Cottanera makes it a wine-tourism anchor on the Alcantara Valley rim.

Tasting: Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 17:00, booking essential. Guided vineyard, cellar and tasting experiences.

Signature wines: cottanera-barbazzale-bianco, cottanera-fatagione, cottanera-calderara

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 info@cusumano.it 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

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)

Castello di Ama ★ 4.8

Founded in 1972 in the hamlet of Ama at Gaiole in Chianti, the estate produces single-vineyard Gran Selezione bottlings from Bellavista and La Casuccia and pairs the wine programme with a contemporary art collection.

Tasting: Cellar tour, hamlet walk, art collection and tasting flight bookable through the estate; the property hosts a contemporary art programme with installations by Anish Kapoor and Louise Bourgeois.

Signature wines: castello-di-ama-vigneto-bellavista, castello-di-ama-vigneto-la-casuccia, castello-di-ama-haiku, castello-di-ama-l-apparita

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. Demeter-certified biodynamic with vegan vinification practices; Camartina is the long-running Sangiovese-Cabernet IGT.

Tasting: Tastings and estate visits by appointment; the entire farming operation is Demeter biodynamic 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Salcheto ★ 4.6

Off-grid solar-powered cellar at Montepulciano, certified organic by CCPB. Salco Evoluzione is the Riserva flagship; the estate publishes a carbon-footprint declaration on every label.

Tasting: Tours of the off-grid energy-independent cellar, tastings and a restaurant overlooking Montepulciano; certified organic.

Signature wines: salcheto-salco-evoluzione-vino-nobile-riserva, salcheto-vino-nobile, salcheto-rosso-di-montepulciano

Scores: Wine Advocate 94 (2017), Vinous 93 (2018)

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 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)

Masseto ★ 5.0

A 7-hectare blue-clay Merlot parcel inside the Ornellaia estate. First released as a separate brand in 1986. Now operates with its own dedicated cellar opened in 2020; widely considered Italy's most prestigious Merlot.

Tasting: Visits to the dedicated Masseto cellar by very limited appointment; one of Italy's hardest-to-secure cellar tours.

Signature wines: masseto, massetino

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2001), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)

Tenuta Guado al Tasso ★ 4.8

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

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

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

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

Le Macchiole ★ 4.8

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

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

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

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

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)

Fattoria Le Pupille ★ 4.8

Maremma estate built by Elisabetta Geppetti from her 1985 inheritance into the region's reference 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 CastelGiocondo ★ 4.7

Frescobaldi's Montalcino estate, acquired in 1989. 235 hectares of Sangiovese Grosso in the western reaches of the appellation; Ripe al Convento is the Riserva from oldest vines.

Tasting: Estate tours, Brunello cellar visits and tasting flights by reservation; Luce della Vite is bottled separately on a neighbouring property.

Signature wines: castelgiocondo-brunello-di-montalcino, castelgiocondo-ripe-al-convento-riserva, castelgiocondo-lamaione

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

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)

Tua Rita ★ 4.8

Suvereto estate founded 1984; Redigaffi, a 100% Merlot, scored 100 points from Wine Advocate for the 2000 vintage and put the Val di Cornia on the Super Tuscan map.

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)

Azienda Agricola Cesani ★ 4.5

Cesani family estate at Pancole near San Gimignano, founded 1951 when Guido and Annunziata Cesani acquired the property. Long-time organic producer of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG plus Chianti Colli Senesi and Toscana IGT reds.

Tasting: Estate tastings, vineyard walks, and agriturismo at Pancole 6 km from San Gimignano; booking via the estate site.

Signature wines: cesani-vernaccia-di-san-gimignano, cesani-clamys-vernaccia, cesani-luenzo, cesani-chianti-colli-senesi

Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2021), Vinous 91 (2021)

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

Italy's oldest official wine promoting organisation, set inside the Medicean Fortress in Siena. Showroom with more than 1,600 Italian wines and a tasting bar across the bastion vaults.

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.

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's second-oldest winery, 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 di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG ★ 4.5

High-elevation Radda annata from the medieval Volpaia village. Cool-site Sangiovese gives mountain-Chianti lift and red-cherry-and-violet poise for under twenty euros at the cellar door.

Tip: The 18-euro at-cellar price for the latest annata is one of the best deals in Chianti Classico; order a case before leaving the village.

Moris Farms Morellino di Scansano DOCG ★ 4.3

Parentini family Morellino, with a Sangiovese-led blend that captures the coastal Mediterranean Maremma character. Forward fruit, soft tannin, sub-twenty-euro price band.

Tip: A textbook Maremma Sangiovese for dinner with rosemary lamb or pappa al pomodoro.

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.

Maculan ★ 4.8

The defining estate of Breganze DOC in Vicenza, founded by the Maculan family in 1947. Fausto Maculan's Torcolato dessert wine from dried Vespaiola grapes and the Bordeaux-blend Fratta are the zone's most celebrated bottles.

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

Vignalta ★ 4.5

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

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

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

Italo Cescon ★ 4.4

A leading producer of Piave DOC wines including the rare Raboso Piave, the zone's autochthonous red grape. The Cescon family has championed Raboso's rehabilitation in the Venetian plains since the 1960s.

Tasting: Visits and tastings at Ormelle by appointment; Raboso Piave and varietal range poured.

Signature wines: italo-cescon-raboso-piave, italo-cescon-il-tralcetto-pinot-grigio

Gorgo ★ 4.4

A family estate on the glacial morainic amphitheater south of Lake Garda at Custoza. The estate specialises in crisp, food-friendly Bianco di Custoza DOC from Garganega, Trebbiano and Cortese.

Tasting: Tasting visits at the morainic estate in Custoza by appointment.

Signature wines: gorgo-bianco-di-custoza, gorgo-merlot-garda

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

Zyme Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Celestino Gaspari's Zyme winery is carved into a 15th-century sandstone quarry. The tasting room inside the quarry maintains constant temperature and presents 6+ Zyme wines including single-vineyard Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone, and blended IGT expressions. Highly rated; book one week ahead.

Tip: The Kairos blend (15 grape varieties) is Gaspari's philosophical statement about Valpolicella terroir - the most unusual pour in the tasting.

Massimago Cantina Tasting Room ★ 4.5

Massimago's estate tasting in the Mezzane Valley combines a walk through certified organic vineyards with a visit to the historic Amarone ageing cellar. The estate produces certified organic Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone. Mezzane is an emerging sub-zone rarely covered by standard Veneto wine tours.

Tip: The organic certification and Mezzane sub-zone origin are the differentiators here - ask about the estate's transition to biodynamics.