10 Wineries to Visit in Abruzzo: Montepulciano, Cerasuolo and Pecorino

Abruzzo is Italy's fifth-largest wine-producing region, with over 32,000 hectares of vineyards concentrated in a handful of territories with strong individual identities: the Colline Teramane in the north, the Colline Pescaresi in the center, the Valle Peligna and the Chietino in the south. But the figure that best captures the region's character is a different one: in Abruzzo, most quality production is still in the hands of small, family-run wineries, often directly managed, where the winemaker is also the enologist and the salesperson. This density of artisan viticulturists is something Abruzzo shares with only a few other Italian regions — Friuli, Alto Piemonte, Etna.

This structural reality makes Abruzzo a very different wine destination from Tuscany or the Veneto. No museum-wineries receiving thousands of visitors a day, no standardized tasting rooms. Here you visit the cellar of the person who pours your wine, you talk to the producer, you descend into their underground cantina, you walk their vineyards. This is experiential wine tourism in the purest sense — and, not insignificantly, the price of visits and tastings is on average half what you'd pay in Chianti or Valpolicella.

In this guide we walk you through ten Abruzzo wineries worth visiting, chosen for territorial variety and individual character — from iconic names (Emidio Pepe, Valentini) to rising stars of the natural wine world. For each one you'll find what to expect from a visit, price ranges for tastings, and the best time to go. At the end, a practical guide to Abruzzo's DOC designations (to help you navigate the three signature wines: Montepulciano, Cerasuolo, Trebbiano), everything you need to know about booking and harvest season, and a FAQ covering the most common questions from anyone planning a food and wine trip to Abruzzo.

Abruzzo's DOC designations: navigating the region's wines

Before stepping into any cellar, it helps to understand what's being made. The main appellation in Abruzzo is the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, but there are four other styles worth knowing so you don't miss a thing at the tasting table.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC: the region's flagship red, produced from 95–100% Montepulciano grapes (not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is a Tuscan town). It's a structured, deep red — typically an almost opaque, intense color — with notes of ripe dark fruit, spice, and tobacco. The Riserva version and the Colline Teramane DOCG subzone (Abruzzo's only DOCG, recognized in 2003) represent the quality peak: age-worthy wines capable of evolving for 15–20 years in the bottle.

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC: Italy's most distinctive rosé, made from Montepulciano grapes vinified as a rosato — an extremely brief maceration on the skins (just a few hours) produces a color ranging from deep pink to pale ruby. This is not your average lightweight summer rosé: Cerasuolo has structure, salinity, and the backbone to stand up to food. It's one of Italy's most underappreciated wines and — according to many international critics — the country's most interesting rosato, full stop.

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC: the native white. Don't confuse it with Trebbiano Toscano — this is a distinct variety (most likely Bombino Bianco in the majority of cases) that yields wines of great structure and remarkable longevity. Valentini's production in particular has, over the last 30 years, transformed the international perception of Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, which is now recognized as one of Italy's great whites.

Pecorino: a native variety recently rediscovered after nearly going extinct in the 1980s. It produces mineral, fresh whites with citrus notes and fine structure. Pecorino is one of Abruzzo's fastest-growing wines commercially over the last 15 years — absolutely worth trying.

Passerina: another native on the rise, more easygoing than Pecorino, perfect as an aperitivo wine. Often confused with Pecorino, it's actually a distinct variety with its own personality.

The 10 Abruzzo wineries to visit

We've organized them by territory: first, the three icons of the Colline Teramane, followed by wineries in the Valle Peligna and Chietino, the Colline Pescaresi, and finally the three most exciting emerging producers of the moment. For each you'll find distinctive characteristics, price ranges for visit and tasting, and practical information.

1. Emidio Pepe (Torano Nuovo) — the absolute icon of Montepulciano

Emidio Pepe is one of Italy's most respected wineries and — without exaggeration — the most representative expression of the "traditionalist" identity of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Founded in 1964, the winery applies a production method that reads almost as a philosophical manifesto: barefoot grape treading, spontaneous fermentation with no added yeasts, no filtration, very long aging, and bottle-by-bottle manual decanting. The result is a Montepulciano and Trebbiano that have earned the praise of international critics (Wine Spectator, Decanter, The World of Fine Wine) and that hold up beautifully over 30–40 years of aging.

The winery is today managed by the founder's daughters and granddaughters. Visits are available by appointment, generally in small groups, with tastings of recent Trebbiano and Montepulciano vintages and — often — historical vertical flights of older vintages.

What the visit includes: full cellar tour descending into the historic barrel rooms, explanation of the method, tasting of 4–6 wines.
Cost: from €35 for a standard tasting, up to €100–150 for historical verticals.
When to go: year-round, with at least 2–3 weeks' advance booking.
What to take home: you can often purchase bottles of vintages not available through normal commercial channels.

2. Valentini (Loreto Aprutino) — Italy's best-kept secret

Valentini is Abruzzo's other great wine icon and probably Italy's most reclusive winery. Edoardo Valentini relaunched the family estate in the 1950s; today it is run by his son Francesco Paolo. The Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is considered by critics including Robert Parker and Antonio Galloni to be one of Italy's great whites, capable of evolving for 30–40 years in the bottle. The Montepulciano and Cerasuolo are equally celebrated.

The catch: Valentini does not accept regular tourist visits. The winery opens rarely, by invitation or introduction, with long lead times. It's still worth trying to reach out (contact details are on the official website): occasionally they do open their doors to small groups of serious enthusiasts. Even a failed booking attempt will teach you something about the philosophy of one of Italy's most discreet producers.

For those who want to at least immerse themselves in the territory, Loreto Aprutino is in itself one of the most captivating borghi in the Pescara area, with its Abbazia di San Francesco, the church of Santa Maria in Piano, and a well-preserved medieval historic center.

3. Tiberio (Cugnoli) — modern reinvention of tradition

Tiberio is a winery that perfectly embodies the "new Abruzzo" of wine. Founded by Riccardo Tiberio (one of Italy's most respected vineyard technicians, formerly a consultant to some of the country's top wineries) and today run by his children, the estate is located in Cugnoli, in the province of Pescara. The approach in vineyard and cellar is thoroughly modern, yet with deep respect for native varieties — above all Pecorino, of which Tiberio is a benchmark producer, with vineyards planted via massale selection of recovered old vines.

Tiberio's Pecorino and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo are regularly awarded by Slow Wine, Vini d'Italia, and the leading international guides, with an exceptional quality-to-price ratio (bottles cost half what comparable Tuscans or Piedmontese wines would).

What the visit includes: cellar and vineyard tour (including a walk among the vines in peak season), tasting of 5–6 wines focused on native varieties.
Cost: €25–45 for a standard tasting, up to €70 for an in-depth experience with charcuterie and cheese pairings.
When to go: year-round; book 1–2 weeks in advance.

4. Praesidium (Prezza) — altitude elegance in the Valle Peligna

Praesidium is a small winery in the Valle Peligna, in Prezza, with vineyards cultivated at over 600 meters above sea level at the foot of the Majella massif. It is altitude — combined with clay-limestone soils and a dramatic day-to-night temperature swing — that defines the style of its wines: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that are elegant and fresh, with a surprisingly bright acidity for a Mediterranean grape variety, and a real capacity to age.

Production is tiny (a few tens of thousands of bottles per year) and sold almost entirely direct from the winery or to the best restaurants in Italy. Visits are intimate, usually with a member of the family, in an atmosphere that feels a world away from standardized cellar tours.

The surrounding landscape is among the most beautiful of inland Abruzzo — it pairs perfectly with a weekend in Sulmona. Read our guide to a weekend in Sulmona to see how to weave the visit into a fuller itinerary.

What the visit includes: intimate cellar tour, tasting of 4–5 wines focused on Montepulciano and Cerasuolo.
Cost: €30–60 per person.
When to go: year-round; book at least 1 week in advance.

5. Tenuta I Fauri (Chieti) — biodynamic farming and gastronomic pairings

Tenuta I Fauri is a winery near Chieti farming under certified organic practices, and it has developed a particularly well-crafted visitor offering: tastings paired with local charcuterie and cheeses from the Maiella area, with the option of a full lunch featuring traditional Abruzzo cooking.

The wines are quintessentially Abruzzo in the best sense: a full-bodied yet elegant Montepulciano, fresh Pecorino and Passerina, and a very interesting Cerasuolo line. The quality level is genuinely high at a very accessible price, making this winery a smart choice for a first Abruzzo wine experience without committing to an "icon" price tag.

What the visit includes: cellar tour, tasting of 5–6 wines with a board of local charcuterie and cheeses, optional traditional Abruzzo lunch.
Cost: €25–50 for a tasting, €60–90 for the full lunch experience.
When to go: year-round.

6. Masciarelli (San Martino sulla Marrucina) — the benchmark large winery

Masciarelli is one of Abruzzo's best-known and largest wineries, founded by Gianni Masciarelli (who passed away in 2008) and today run by his wife Marina Cvetic and their children. Despite being a sizeable operation (around 250 hectares), Masciarelli has maintained a serious quality-focused approach, with labels such as the Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva regularly honored by national and international guides.

The winery has a well-structured visitor program: full tours of the facility, tastings across the entire range (from entry-level wines to single-vineyard selections), and evening events in the summer months. It's the right choice if you're looking for a more "comprehensive" and less intimate experience, with a wide variety of labels to taste. It's located in San Martino sulla Marrucina, among the Pescara hills.

What the visit includes: full tour plus tasting of 5–7 wines including the Villa Gemma, optional lunch or dinner at the estate.
Cost: €30–70 per person.
When to go: year-round.

7. Cataldi Madonna (Ofena) — the "Oven of Abruzzo" and a great Cerasuolo

Cataldi Madonna is a winery in Ofena, a small village in the Conca Aquilana that has earned the nickname "the Oven of Abruzzo" for the extremely hot, dry microclimate of its summers. Combined with elevations of 350–450 meters and significant nocturnal temperature drops, this microclimate produces wines of striking minerality and tension.

The Cataldi Madonna Cerasuolo "Pie' delle Vigne" is regularly cited as one of Italy's finest rosés, and the winery is essential for anyone who wants to understand what great Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo really tastes like. Family-run, intimate, honestly priced.

What the visit includes: cellar and vineyard tour, tasting of 4–6 wines focused on Cerasuolo.
Cost: €25–55 per person.
When to go: year-round; especially rewarding from May through October when you can walk the vineyards.

8. De Fermo (Loreto Aprutino) — Abruzzo's biodynamic revolution

De Fermo is a small biodynamic winery in Loreto Aprutino that has in recent years become one of the reference points for natural wine in Italy. Tiny production (a few tens of thousands of bottles), an ultra-respectful approach to terroir, and wines that often step outside conventional DOC designations to occupy the territory of "natural wine" — spontaneous fermentations, extended macerations even for whites, zero or minimal sulfite additions.

De Fermo wines are highly sought after in wine bars in Rome, Milan, Berlin, and New York. A visit to the winery is particularly rewarding for natural wine enthusiasts: small, intimate, with the producer walking you through their philosophy in detail.

What the visit includes: small group, direct conversation with the producer, tasting of 4–5 wines.
Cost: €20–45 per person.
When to go: year-round; book 1–2 weeks ahead.

9. Cirelli (Atri) — young winemakers among olive groves and the sea

Cirelli is a winery in Atri (province of Teramo), run by Francesco Cirelli — one of the youngest and most compelling figures in contemporary Abruzzo winemaking. The philosophy is natural: wines fermented and aged in terracotta anfore, vineyards planted among olive groves, a biodynamic approach, honest pricing, and a fresh and direct communication style.

Cirelli's wines (the "Anfora" amphora-aged Trebbiano, Pecorino, Montepulciano) have entered the best wine lists across Italy and Europe in just a few years. The winery is a must for natural wine lovers, but also for anyone who wants a glimpse of the future direction of Abruzzo winemaking.

Atri is also one of the most fascinating towns in the Teramo area. Read our guide to Abruzzo's craftsmanship traditions to discover its musical heritage (lutherie) and architectural wonders.

What the visit includes: casual but thoughtful tasting, a young and welcoming atmosphere, option for an informal lunch.
Cost: €25–45 per person.
When to go: year-round.

10. Torre dei Beati (Loreto Aprutino) — the beloved family estate

Torre dei Beati is a winery in Loreto Aprutino run by the couple Adriana Galasso and Fausto Albanesi, farming under certified organic practices, with vineyards on a hillside overlooking the Tavo valley. It is one of the most celebrated wineries in the Italian guides (Slow Wine, Gambero Rosso) and among international sommeliers, above all for the delicacy of the Pecorino "Giocheremo con i fiori" — one of the most interesting whites in all of Abruzzo.

The Montepulciano wines (including the Riserva "Mazzamurello") are equally acclaimed. The welcome here is genuinely personal — Adriana and Fausto lead the visits themselves — and the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding.

What the visit includes: small group, cellar and vineyard tour, tasting of 5–6 wines with a charcuterie board.
Cost: €25–50 per person.
When to go: year-round.

Coming soon to Stravagando. We're currently selecting the Abruzzo wineries that will offer visits and tastings directly through our platform — from celebrated icons to exciting natural wine producers. Sign up for our newsletter to be among the first to book an authentic wine experience.

Average costs and how to book

Winery visit prices in Abruzzo are on average 30–50% lower than in Chianti, Valpolicella, or the Langhe for a comparable quality of experience. Here are the indicative price ranges.

Basic tasting (3–4 glasses of wine with charcuterie and cheese samples): €15–30 per person. The most common format, ideal for a visit of around one hour.

Full tour plus in-depth tasting (5–7 glasses, vineyard walk, optional food pairing): €30–70 per person. The format most requested by wine travelers.

Lunch or dinner at the winery with a paired menu: €60–95 per person, usually with a minimum booking of 4–6 people (though some wineries also welcome couples).

Historical verticals or experiences with the producer (tasting multiple vintages of the same wine, in-depth conversation): €70–180 per person. Reserved for small groups and requiring well-advance booking.

How to book: all wineries require advance reservations, especially the icons (Pepe, Valentini) and the smaller emerging producers. For "standard" visits, book 5–7 days ahead. For icon wineries or harvest-season weekends (September–October), book 2–4 weeks in advance.

Visiting wineries during harvest season: what to expect

The vendemmia in Abruzzo runs from late August (for early white varieties like Pecorino) to late October (for Montepulciano destined for Riserva). It's the most evocative time to visit the wineries — activity in the vineyard and cellar is at its peak — but also the busiest period for producers, who have less time to devote to guests.

Some wineries offer participatory harvest experiences: you pick grapes in the morning alongside the harvest crew, have lunch with the producer in the cellar, and witness the pressing. It's an extraordinary experience, but it requires a full day in the vineyard (6–8 hours of actual work). Average cost: €80–150 per person, lunch included.

Exact dates depend on the vintage: wineries usually publish their harvest calendars in July. Always confirm directly with the producer.

Building a wine weekend in Abruzzo

The wineries are spread across the region, but with specific clusters that make route planning straightforward. Here are three tried-and-tested weekend itineraries for a genuine wine journey.

"Colline Teramane" weekend (2 days): Saturday at Emidio Pepe in Torano Nuovo, then lunch nearby. Afternoon stroll through Atri or Loreto Aprutino. Sunday at Cirelli or Torre dei Beati, then a final lunch before heading home. This is the most premium itinerary, for those who want to experience the absolute quality peak of Abruzzo wine.

"Pescarese and surroundings" weekend (2 days): Saturday at Tiberio, then Loreto Aprutino (Valentini if you're lucky with a booking, otherwise De Fermo or Torre dei Beati). Sunday at Masciarelli in San Martino sulla Marrucina, then lunch in the area. A more varied itinerary, ranging from large established wineries to natural wine producers.

"Aquilano and Valle Peligna" weekend (3 days): pairs beautifully with our guide to a weekend in Sulmona. Visit Praesidium in Prezza on Saturday, then Cataldi Madonna in Ofena on Sunday. Combines perfectly with the borghi of the Valle Peligna and the cuisine of the Aquilano.

For a richer overall experience, pair your winery visits with a cooking class (see our guide to Abruzzo cooking classes) to learn how to match wines with traditional dishes. It's a combination that works wonderfully for first-time visitors to Abruzzo.

Frequently asked questions about Abruzzo wineries

How much does a winery visit in Abruzzo cost?

A basic tasting with a cellar visit costs on average €20–35 per person, including 3–5 glasses of wine and small samples of local charcuterie and cheese. More substantial experiences (lunch at the winery, historical verticals) run €50–150. That's on average 30–50% less than equivalent experiences in Chianti, Valpolicella, or the Langhe.

Can you visit a winery without a reservation?

Almost never, especially at small-to-medium wineries and at the iconic producers. Many operate on set schedules with closed-number groups (4–12 people). Larger wineries (Masciarelli) sometimes welcome individual walk-in visitors, but it's always better to book at least 5–7 days in advance.

What's the best time of year for wine tourism in Abruzzo?

Late May–June and September–October are the optimal periods. May–June offers lush vineyards and ideal temperatures. September–October brings the vendemmia (the richest experience) and autumn foliage. July–August is hot and less suited to vineyard visits. In winter most wineries remain open, but the experiences are limited to the cellar.

Can you drive after a tasting?

Professional wineries always serve pours calibrated to the fact that guests will be driving. That said, a tasting of 5–7 glasses can easily bring you close to the legal limit (0.5 g/l in Italy; 0.0 for new drivers). We recommend: (1) a designated driver in your group, (2) a transfer service from your base town, or (3) visiting as a family group with a single dedicated taster. Once up and running, Stravagando will offer guided winery tours with a driver included.

Are children welcome at wineries?

Yes, at almost all of them. Many visits include outdoor areas (vineyards, terraces) that are perfectly suited to children. Some wineries offer grape juice for kids during tastings. The more intensive experiences (verticals, wine-pairing lunches) are less suited to children under 10–12 years old.

What does "Riserva" mean for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo?

The "Riserva" designation indicates a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo aged for a minimum of 2 years, of which at least 9 months must be in wood. The Colline Teramane DOCG Riserva requires a minimum of 3 years' aging. These are the top-tier wines of the appellation, capable of lasting 15–20 years in the bottle, with prices ranging from €25–40 (entry level) to €80–150 (top labels).

Do wineries ship bottles to your home?

Almost all of them do, including internationally. For orders of 12 or more bottles, many wineries offer free or discounted shipping within Italy. For international shipments, always check the costs in advance: shipping 6–12 bottles to Germany, France, or the UK can add €30–60 to the total.

Can you combine a winery visit with other experiences in Abruzzo?

Absolutely — and it's the ideal formula. Winery plus Abruzzo cooking class is a classic pairing that never fails. Winery plus a tour of the borghi of the Valle Peligna (see our Sulmona guide). Winery plus a gift experience with a Stravagando voucher. The ability to layer and combine experiences is one of the reasons food and wine tourism in Abruzzo is growing so strongly.

Experience Abruzzo wine with Stravagando

Abruzzo is one of Italy's most surprising wine regions for those discovering it for the first time: exceptional quality, lower prices than better-known regions, and — above all — the chance to connect directly with producers who remain true artisans in a landscape of increasingly industrial Italian winemaking. That's exactly what Stravagando is here for.

Stravagando is the Italian marketplace for experiences exactly like these: , led by carefully selected local hosts. We're putting together our Abruzzo catalogue right now and in the coming months you'll be able to book directly here.

In the meantime, if you are wineries, producers or retailers of wine products and want to join our circle, write to us: we're looking for you.

And if you're a traveler, subscribe to the Stravagando newsletter: we'll let you know as soon as the first experiences are bookable online — with transparent pricing, certified hosts, and an editorial curation we promise feels different from the big generalist marketplaces.

Safe travels — and cin cin.