From Franciacorta to the slopes of Etna, by way of the Monferrato and the Chianti—four food-and-wine tourism proposals combining guided visits and tastings.
Experiences among vineyards, crops, and cellars that offer a close-up look at the production of Italy’s authentic flavours: from the saffron harvest in the Monferrato to a Franciacorta tasting, from the pistachio groves of Bronte to the wineries of Chianti Classico—here is where to take your groups, or what to propose to them.
Let’s start with Cavatore, in the Alessandria area, where Zafferano Experience offers visitors the chance to hand-pick the flowers, a presentation on how saffron is grown, and a saffron herbal tea. This is followed by a cellar visit in Acqui Terme, with a tasting of three wines accompanied by a platter. The experience, promoted as part of the Wine and Flavours Route of the Greater Monferrato with the technical organisation of ViA(E) per Viaggiare, is available from 15 October to 30 November 2026, depending on flowering conditions.
In Umbria, the harvest takes place at Corciano, in the province of Perugia, where the Terre di Corciano farm offers—again from the last week of October to mid-November—an experience of harvesting and de-threading saffron, with a tasting of the farm’s products. The activities last from two hours to a full day, with the option of breakfast at dawn in the fields or a pleasant picnic beside the saffron field.
Abruzzo: here the saffron harvest takes place on the Navelli Plateau. The Altopiano di Navelli Cooperative, together with local farms, offers the harvesting of saffron at dawn and the subsequent manual separation of the pistils. The experience includes tastings of saffron products and can be combined with walks along the sheep-droving trails (tratturi), visits to the villages of Navelli, Bominaco, and Fontecchio, and themed lunches in local restaurants.
Lombardy: Tastings in Franciacorta
In Cologne, in the province of Brescia, the family-run Caruna winery organises visits dedicated to Franciacorta production, with a guided tasting of three wines—Brut, Satèn, and Nature Millesimato—accompanied by a savoury snack. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and is offered by reservation, with a minimum of two participants.
On to Berlucchi, in Borgonato di Corte Franca: the historic winery, dating back to 1680, offers 90-minute guided tours with tastings of two or three Franciacorta wines. The tours start at a few dozen euros per person and are likewise available by reservation, in English too.
And on to the prestigious winemakers of Ca’ del Bosco, in Erbusco. The estate organises tours of around 90 minutes through the production areas, the barrel rooms, and the historic cellars, among works of contemporary art and tastings of its own Franciacorta wines. Exclusive tours are also available on request.
Sicily: In the Pistachio Groves of Bronte
On the slopes of Etna, Pistacchi Grassia takes visitors from the nursery to the pistachio groves cultivated on the lava soil. Along the way, the techniques of grafting, cultivation, and harvesting are explained, followed by a tasting of artisan pistachio-based products. The visit lasts around 90 minutes and welcomes groups of up to ten people. There is time for the pistachio harvest, which takes place in September—though bear in mind its biennial cycle.
Tuscany: Wines and Cellars of Chianti Classico
In Greve in Chianti, the family-run Villa Buonasera estate offers guided cellar visits and tastings of its own wines, including food pairings. The estate also offers educational activities linked to winemaking, as well as the possibility of an overnight stay. Visits by reservation.
Editorial Team