Merlot around the world

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.

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.

Ignaz Niedrist ★ 4.6

Ignaz Niedrist's family has been growing grapes since 1870; he started home-pressing in 1989. 12 organic hectares between 450 and 650 metres across Girlan, Eppan Berg, Caldaro and Gries supply Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Schiava, Merlot, Syrah and Lagrein for a low-intervention small-production range.

Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the Hof in Rungg above Cornaiano.

Signature wines: berger-gei-pinot-nero, berger-gei-sauvignon, ries-lagrein, lago-di-caldaro-superiore

Tip: The Berger Gei single-vineyard cuvees show what 600 metres of altitude does to Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc; book the comparison flight.

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.

Tenute Loacker Schwarhof ★ 4.8

Biodynamic St Magdalena estate above Bolzano, Schwarhof farmhouse from 1334, biodynamic since 1979. Lagrein and Schiava are the Alto Adige core.

Tip: The Loacker family also runs Corte Pavone (Brunello di Montalcino) and Valdifalco (Maremma); Schwarhof tastings sometimes include cross-property comparison flights. Booking ahead recommended.

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

Pomerol estate of 11.4 hectares planted to 100% Merlot on blue clay. Production of approximately 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; 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 (2022 classification) sited on the limestone plateau of Mondot at approximately 110m elevation. 33 hectares, organic certified; The Keys boutique hotel with Michelin restaurant Les Belles Perdrix on-site.

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

Signature wines: chateau-troplong-mondot, mondot

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

Chateau Canon ★ 4.7

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

Tasting: By appointment only.

Signature wines: chateau-canon, croix-canon

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

Chateau Pape Clement ★ 4.6

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

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

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

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

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte ★ 4.7

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

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

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

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

Chateau 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 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

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 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; tasting of current releases.

Chateau de la Riviere Cave Tasting ★ 4.4

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

Chateau Sociando-Mallet ★ 4.5

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

Chateau Roc de Cambes ★ 4.6

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

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie ★ 4.3

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

Vieux Chateau Certan ★ 4.8

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

Chateau Lafleur ★ 4.9

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Chateau de la Riviere Fronsac ★ 4.3

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

Echo de Lynch-Bages (second wine) ★ 4.3

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

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie Canon-Fronsac ★ 4.2

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

La Demoiselle de Sociando-Mallet ★ 4.2

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

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.

Radikon ★ 4.9

Stanko Radikon began extended-skin-contact whites in 1995 at Oslavia, the year before Josko Gravner's parallel turn. His sons Sasa and Ivan have run the cellar since Stanko's 2016 death.

Tasting: Cellar visit by appointment at Tre Buchi with a vineyard walk through the Oslavia parcels, a walkthrough of the cellar's no-added-sulphur protocols and a flight of Ribolla, Oslavje and Jakot from current and back vintages. English available.

Signature wines: radikon-ribolla, radikon-oslavje, radikon-jakot, radikon-slatnik

Tip: Order any Radikon back-vintage from the cellar's calendar release list rather than the latest one; the family ships when it considers a wine ready, not on a default schedule.

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.

Russiz Superiore ★ 4.8

Acquired by Marco Felluga in 1967 as the higher-elevation contiguous extension of the Marco Felluga estate at Capriva del Friuli. The 65 hectares climb the south-facing ponca slope behind the Russiz palace, with parcels between 100 and 200 metres feeding the Col Disôre and single-cru Riserva bottlings. Roberto Felluga leads the operation today.

Tasting: Estate visit at the Russiz hilltop by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Collio parcels and a flight of the Friulano Riserva, Sauvignon Riserva and the Col Disôre Bianco. The Tavernetta al Castello restaurant nearby pairs estate wines with regional plates.

Signature wines: russiz-superiore-col-disore, russiz-superiore-friulano-riserva, russiz-superiore-sauvignon-riserva

Tip: Col Disôre (Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Ribolla Gialla) is the cellar's Collio bianco icon; ask for a back vintage if the cellar has one open.

Livio Felluga ★ 4.9

Founded in 1956 by Livio Felluga at Brazzano (Cormons), and now run by Livio's four children Maurizio, Filippo, Elda and Andrea Felluga. The estate farms approximately 165 hectares across the Colli Orientali, the Rosazzo ridge and the Collio. Terre Alte, the DOCG Rosazzo blend of Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon, is the Friulian icon; the Picolit DOCG and the Sossó Refosco anchor the sweet and red ranges. The estate has been certified organic since the 2020s.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Brazzano by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Rosazzo and Brazzano parcels, a Terre Alte flight (the iconic DOCG Rosazzo blend) and a tasting of the Picolit DOCG when bottled. The Friuli wine resort on-site offers extended stays.

Signature wines: livio-felluga-terre-alte, livio-felluga-illivio, livio-felluga-friulano, livio-felluga-picolit, livio-felluga-sossó-refosco

Tip: The Friuli wine resort at the estate doubles as the visit base; book a vertical Terre Alte tasting paired with frico at the resort restaurant.

Borgo del Tiglio ★ 4.8

Nicola Manferrari took over the family cellar at Cormons in 1981 and rebuilt it into one of the Collio's most-cited reference estates for Friulano.

Tasting: Cellar visit at San Giorgio by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Cormons parcels and a flight of the Friulano, the Studio di Bianco (the cellar's whole-Collio statement) and back-vintage releases. Reservation required.

Signature wines: borgo-del-tiglio-friulano, borgo-del-tiglio-studio-di-bianco, borgo-del-tiglio-rosso-della-centa, borgo-del-tiglio-malvasia

Tip: The Studio di Bianco (Friulano, Sauvignon, Malvasia) is the cellar's anchor white; pair it with a slow-roasted pork shoulder from the Trattoria al Cacciatore at La Subida.

Ronco del Gnemiz ★ 4.7

Ronco del Gnemiz farms 12 hectares on the Colli Orientali ridge around San Giovanni al Natisone and Manzano, on ponca soils. Serena Palazzolo took over the family cellar in the late 2000s with consulting from Christian Patat (formerly of Miani) and has pushed the cellar toward parcel-level bottlings of Friulano and Chardonnay aged in large oak. The wines are bottled in small batches and released late.

Tasting: Cellar visit by appointment at San Giovanni al Natisone with a vineyard walk through the Ronco del Gnemiz parcels and a flight of the single-parcel Chardonnay, Friulano and the cellar's Riservas.

Signature wines: ronco-del-gnemiz-friulano, ronco-del-gnemiz-chardonnay-il-roccolo, ronco-del-gnemiz-sauvignon

Tip: The single-parcel Chardonnay Il Roccolo is the cellar's library cuvée; ask for a back-vintage tasting alongside the Friulano.

Ronco dei Tassi ★ 4.6

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

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

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

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

Franco Toros ★ 4.7

Franco Toros has run the small Novali cellar above Cormons since 1970, and the 10 hectares on ponca produce small lots of varietal Collio wines that critics regularly rank among the appellation's most precise.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Novali by appointment with a vineyard walk through the small Collio parcels and a varietal Collio flight of Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and the Merlot Riserva.

Signature wines: toros-friulano, toros-pinot-bianco, toros-sauvignon, toros-merlot

Tip: The Friulano is consistently among the appellation's most-cited; book the cellar early since the tasting room only holds 6.

Bastianich ★ 4.7

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

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

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

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

Miani ★ 4.8

Enzo Pontoni rebuilt his family's small Buttrio cellar from 1985 onward into one of Friuli's most-allocated reference cellars. The 16 hectares of old-vine parcels around Buttrio (Buri, Filip, Saurint, Calvari) are dry-farmed at very low yields, fermented spontaneously and aged in large oak. Miani's whites are among the most concentrated examples of Colli Orientali Friulano and Sauvignon and have a long-running auction-market following.

Tasting: Cellar access is essentially closed to the public; the cellar does not run a standard visitor programme. Wines are allocated through a small distributor network and traded in the secondary market. Reference here is editorial only.

Signature wines: miani-friulano-buri, miani-friulano-filip, miani-sauvignon-saurint, miani-merlot-calvari

Tip: The cellar does not run public tastings; reach the wines through specialist Friuli importers and aged bottle lists at top regional restaurants.

Lis Neris ★ 4.7

Lis Neris has been in the Pecorari family since 1879, and Alvaro Pecorari has run the modern operation since the 1980s. The 75 hectares on Isonzo gravel feed Gris Pinot Grigio and Picol Sauvignon (the cellar's two single-parcel anchors), Confini (the cellar's whole-Isonzo blend) and Tal Lùc (a small-production late-harvest Verduzzo and Riesling blend).

Tasting: Cellar visit at San Lorenzo Isontino by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Lis Neris Isonzo parcels and a flight of the Gris Pinot Grigio, Picol Sauvignon, Confini and Tal Lùc late-harvest. Reservation required.

Signature wines: lis-neris-gris, lis-neris-picol, lis-neris-confini, lis-neris-tal-luc

Tip: Gris Pinot Grigio is one of Italy's most-cited Pinot Grigio bottlings; pair it with a salt-cured San Daniele prosciutto for the classic Friulian table.

Pierpaolo Pecorari ★ 4.6

Pierpaolo Pecorari built the cellar at San Lorenzo Isontino from 1974 onward, working the Isonzo gravel parcels in the DOC. Son Alessandro Pecorari now works alongside him.

Tasting: Cellar visit at San Lorenzo Isontino by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Isonzo gravel parcels and a flight of the single-parcel Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Reservation required.

Signature wines: pierpaolo-pecorari-altis-sauvignon, pierpaolo-pecorari-olivers-chardonnay, pierpaolo-pecorari-pinot-grigio, pierpaolo-pecorari-kolaus

Tip: The Altis Sauvignon is the cellar's lifted, aromatic flagship; the Pinot Grigio holds its own in any Friuli Isonzo lineup.

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.

Ronco del Gelso ★ 4.6

Giorgio Badin built Ronco del Gelso from 1985 onward at the boundary of Cormons and the Isonzo plain. The 23 hectares on river-shaped gravel feed single-parcel bottlings of Pinot Grigio (Sot lis Rivis), Friulano (Toc Bas) and a rare Friulian Riesling Renano (Latimis). The cellar has been organic for over a decade.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Cormons by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Isonzo parcels and a flight of the Pinot Grigio Sot lis Rivis, Friulano Toc Bas and the Riesling Renano Latimis. Reservation required.

Signature wines: ronco-del-gelso-pinot-grigio-sot-lis-rivis, ronco-del-gelso-friulano-toc-bas, ronco-del-gelso-riesling-latimis

Tip: The Riesling Renano Latimis is a rare Friulian dry Riesling; book a tasting against the Pinot Grigio Sot lis Rivis for an unusual Isonzo white flight.

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.

Borgo Conventi ★ 4.5

Borgo Conventi was founded in 1975 by Gianni Vescovo and acquired by Tenute Folonari in 2001. The 35 hectares straddle the Collio and Friuli Isonzo DOCs at Farra d'Isonzo and feed a small range of varietal whites plus the Bianco delle Streghe (Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Ribolla) blend. The cellar is the Folonari group's only Friulian property.

Tasting: Cellar visit at Farra d'Isonzo by appointment with a vineyard walk through the Collio and Isonzo parcels and a flight of the Borgo Conventi varietal whites and the Bianco delle Streghe blend.

Signature wines: borgo-conventi-friulano, borgo-conventi-bianco-delle-streghe, borgo-conventi-sauvignon

Tip: The Bianco delle Streghe is the cellar's whole-Collio statement; pair it with frico and prosciutto di San Daniele for the canonical Friulian board.

Foffani ★ 4.4

Foffani has been in the family at Clauiano (one of Italy's borghi più belli) since 1789. The 22 hectares on the Friuli Aquileia plain feed varietal whites and the cellar's traditional-method sparkling. Giovanni Foffani runs the operation today.

Tasting: Estate visit at Clauiano by appointment with a tour of the historic Palazzo Foffani in the medieval village (one of Italy's borghi più belli), a vineyard walk through the Friuli Aquileia plain parcels and a flight of the Friulano, Sauvignon and Refosco.

Signature wines: foffani-friulano, foffani-refosco, foffani-spumante

Tip: Clauiano village walk is the natural pairing with a Foffani tasting; the medieval streets carry the Aquileia patriarchate's architectural fingerprint.

Bressan Mastri Vinai ★ 4.5

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

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

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

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

Russiz Superiore Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Marco Felluga group cellar at Capriva above the Isonzo plain, pouring Friulano, Pinot Bianco and the Riserva degli Orzoni Merlot across vineyard walks on the south-facing ponca.

Tasting: Visit the Marco Felluga group's hillside Russiz Superiore cellar at Capriva, with a vineyard walk on the south-facing ponca slopes above the river plain and a flight of Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and the Riserva degli Orzoni Merlot.

Castello di Spessa Tasting Room ★ 4.7

Castello di Spessa's 13th-century castle cellar above Capriva pours Sauvignon, Friulano, Pinot Grigio and the Casanova Pignolo across the 18-hole golf-course estate.

Tasting: Visit the 13th-century Castello di Spessa above Capriva del Friuli (Casanova once stayed at the castle in the 1770s), with a walk through the 18-hole golf course planted between the vineyards and a flight of Sauvignon, Friulano, Pinot Grigio and the Casanova Pignolo red.

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.

Miani ★ 4.8

Cult Colli Orientali cellar at Buttrio under Enzo Pontoni; tiny production of single-plot Friulano, Sauvignon, Refosco and Merlot.

Why locals love it: Cellar door visits are extremely limited; the bottles sit at the cult-collector end of the Colli Orientali. Allocations to the wine trade are small and waiting-list managed.

Tip: Miani bottles are easier to find at top Cormons and Cividale wine bars than at the cellar; the Enoteca Comunale at Cormons usually has at least one Miani open.

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.

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.

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.

Mas Comtal ★ 4.5

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Mas Comtal Tasting Room ★ 4.5

Mas Comtal family tasting room outside Avinyonet, with vineyard walks led by the Mila family and four-wine flights of Pomell organic Xarel-lo and Petrea Merlot.

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 Pfeffingen ★ 4.7

A 16.3 ha Ungstein estate at Pfeffingen 2 under Jan Eymael, VDP member since 1986; Herrenberg and Weilberg Grosse Lage Rieslings and the historic Pfalz Scheurebe reference bottling.

Tasting: Vinothek at Pfeffingen 2 by appointment; tastings cover Ungsteiner Herrenberg and Weilberg GG plus the estate's Scheurebe lineup, the Pfeffingen reference.

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.

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.

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

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

Celler Vall Llach ★ 4.8

Founded in the early 1990s by singer Lluis Llach and his partner Enric Costa in Porrera. Mas de la Rosa holds Gran Vinya Classificada status, the highest tier in DOQ Priorat. The estate is known for Cariñena-dominant blends.

Tasting: Guided visits by appointment at the Porrera cellar.

Signature wines: mas-de-la-rosa, idus-de-vall-llach, embruix-de-vall-llach

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

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

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.

Cooperativa Falset Marca (Etim) ★ 4.5

Cesar Martinell-designed 1919 cooperative in Falset producing the Etim range; its modernist wine-cathedral architecture is as compelling as the Garnacha inside.

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.

Domaine de Triennes ★ 4.5

A 1990 Burgundian-led estate in the Provence Verte, the collaboration of Aubert de Villaine (Romanee-Conti) and Jacques Seysses (Dujac). 46 hectares of IGP Mediterranee at 380 m altitude.

Tip: Triennes is a strong non-rose Provence pour to taste alongside the rest of the region. The reds and the white bottle well above their IGP price level.

Weingut Prinz von Hessen ★ 4.6

The Hesse family estate at Grund 1 in Johannisberg, 36 ha and 92% Riesling under chairman Donatus Landgraf von Hessen; VDP member since 1969.

Tasting: Tastings and group tours by appointment at the Grund estate; year-round Vinothek hours posted on the producer site.

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.

Weingut Crass ★ 4.3

Matthias Crass's family Erbach estate, working Steinmorgen, Hohenrain, Michelmark and Kiedricher Sandgrub; runs a restaurant in the historic Burg Crass since 2016.

Tasting: Burg Crass estate restaurant and Gutsausschank in the historic Erbach buildings; tastings, gardens and barrier-free Vinothek.

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.

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.

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

Planeta ★ 4.7

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

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

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

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.

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 [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

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. 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)

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.

Tasting: Visits to the dedicated Masseto cellar by very limited appointment.

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 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 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 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)

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

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.

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 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 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

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

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.

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