There are wine trips… and then there are experiences that remind you why Italy continues to capture the hearts of wine lovers around the world.
From March 25th–28th, 2026, I had the privilege of participating in the Italian Wine Tour Program across Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria — an immersive journey dedicated to showcasing the richness of Italian wine, gastronomy, culture, and hospitality.
Before anything else, a heartfelt thank you to Istituto 100% Italiano and Coldiretti for the incredible invitation and for curating such a meaningful experience. Every detail of the program reflected the passion, authenticity, and excellence that continue to make Italy one of the most inspiring wine destinations in the world.
Over four unforgettable days, we traveled through Rome, Tuscany, and Umbria, sharing meals, stories, vineyards, and wines that reflected not only terroir, but the soul of each region. From historic palazzos in Rome to Brunello vineyards in Montalcino and the rolling hills of Umbria, every stop felt intentionally curated to celebrate Italian culture through wine and hospitality.
Day 1 — Welcome to Rome
The journey began in Rome, where guests arrived at Hotel Colombo before gathering for a welcome dinner at the celebrated Pizzeria Diego Vitagliano.
The evening immediately set the tone for the trip: relaxed, elegant, and deeply Italian. Signature pizzas were paired alongside carefully selected wines while sommeliers guided guests through thoughtful tastings. Conversations flowed as easily as the wine, and by the end of dinner, strangers already felt like old friends.
There’s something magical about beginning a wine journey in Rome — where ancient history and modern gastronomy coexist effortlessly.
Day 2 — Palazzo Rospigliosi, Underground Rome & An Evening at Harry’s Bar
The second day brought one of the highlights of the experience: Palazzo Rospigliosi.
Walking through the historic palace in the heart of Rome felt like stepping into another era. Producers, importers, sommeliers, and wine professionals gathered for tastings and B2B meetings featuring more than 40 Italian wineries.
What made the day special wasn’t only the wines themselves, but the diversity of styles and stories behind them — from indigenous varietals and family-run estates to modern interpretations of classic regions.
Italy has a way of reminding you that wine is never just a product. It’s heritage, family, patience, and place.
Before dinner, guests explored the fascinating underground “Water City” museum beneath Rome — an immersive experience revealing the ancient Roman aqueduct systems and archaeological layers hidden below the modern city. Walking beneath the streets of Rome offered a completely different perspective of the Eternal City, where centuries of history quietly continue to exist below everyday life.
The evening continued at Harry’s Bar near the Trevi Fountain, where guests first gathered on the rooftop terrace to capture photos overlooking Rome’s iconic skyline. As the weather began to shift, dinner was elegantly moved inside to the dining room, creating an intimate and refined atmosphere for the evening.
Among the esteemed guests were the winemakers of Donnafugata, Piero Mancini, and Casanova di Neri, alongside internationally respected wine personality Stevie Kim. Conversations around the table flowed between cultures, regions, vintages, and stories — the kind of evening that reminds you how wine has the power to connect people from all over the world.
Day 3 — Brunello di Montalcino & Umbrian Hospitality
The third day took us into the Tuscan countryside with a visit to Casanova di Neri in Montalcino.
The tasting, guided by Marianna and her father, Giuseppe Neri, offered an intimate and insightful look into one of Italy’s most iconic Brunello producers. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling Tuscan hills, guests explored wines that have become benchmarks of excellence in Italian winemaking.
One of the most memorable moments of the entire trip came with a surprise pour of Cerretalto — the estate’s legendary Brunello that has achieved perfect 100-point recognition. Experiencing such a wine at the source, while hearing the philosophy and passion behind it directly from the winery, was a reminder of why Brunello di Montalcino continues to hold such prestige in the wine world.
The lunch pairing elevated the experience even further, showcasing how seamlessly Tuscan charcuterie, cheese, estate-grown olive oil, and Sangiovese can complement one another.
From there, the journey continued into Umbria — often called Italy’s “green heart.”
At Cantina Tudernum, guests experienced another side of Italian wine culture: warm hospitality, strong local identity, and wines deeply connected to regional traditions. Dinner at the Campagna Amica Farmers Market added authenticity to the evening, bringing together local producers, regional specialties, and Umbrian wines in a lively community atmosphere.
Day 4 — Sustainable Winemaking & Farewell
The final day included a visit to Tenuta San Leo, an organic winery near Rome dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The tasting highlighted both native and international grape varieties while showcasing how innovation and tradition can coexist in modern Italian winemaking. It was the perfect closing chapter to a trip centered around authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection.
As guests transferred back to Rome for departure, there was a shared feeling among everyone: gratitude.
Gratitude for the wines tasted, the friendships formed, the producers met, and the moments experienced together across some of Italy’s most iconic wine regions.
Why Experiences Like This Matter
In today’s wine world, it’s easy to focus only on scores, pricing, or trends. But experiences like this remind us that wine is ultimately about people.
It’s about sitting across from a producer who has worked the same vineyards for generations.
It’s about understanding the land behind the label.
It’s about slowing down long enough to enjoy a meal, a glass of wine, and meaningful conversation.
Italy continues to teach us that wine is not simply consumed — it’s lived.
And after four days between Rome, Tuscany, and Umbria, that feeling stayed with all of us long after the final glass was poured. 
