cinque terre vineyard tour

THE 10 BEST Cinque Terre Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in cinque terre.

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1. Cinque Terre Sunset Tour

2. Authentic Pesto cooking class in Manarola at Cinque Terre

3. Cinque Terre Private Day Trip from Florence

4. Cesarine: Trofie, Pesto,Tiramisu Class by the Sea in Cinque Terre

5. Cinque Terre Pesto Making Class, Boat Tour and Lunch

6. BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class

7. vineyard tour & wine tasting

8. The Best of Tuscany in 4 days for 18 - 39's

9. Cinque Terre Small Group Tour with Lunch from Florence

10. Cinque Terre Vibes with Postcard Perfection and Lunch Treats

11. Sensorial wine tasting in Manarola, Cinque terre

12. Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier in Manarola

13. tasting and walk among the vineyards of the Cinque Terre

14. The perfumes of Cinque Terre: from the open sea to the local white wines

15. Cinque Terre Wine Tasting and Boat Trip

16. Food tour around Cinque Terre: from "focaccia" to pesto ice-cream and wines

17. Uniquely classic Cinque Terre

18. The best of Cinque Terre by train: enchanting landscapes and perfumed wines

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Lucca: Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery

Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa

Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle

Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa

La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu with Mamma in Lucca

Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in La Spezia

Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa

Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Cesarine: Fresh Pasta Class & Meal at Local's Home in Lucca

What travelers are saying.

• Cinque Terre Sunset Tour
• Cinque Terre Private Day Trip from Florence
• Authentic Pesto cooking class in Manarola at Cinque Terre
• tasting and walk among the vineyards of the Cinque Terre
• vineyard tour & wine tasting
• While in Italy
• Cinque Terre Riviera
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Cinque Terre Wine Tasting: Travel Guide For 2024

Cinque Terre Wine Tasting: How to Explore Vineyards, Wineries & Wine Tours in 2024

As a #Winetraveler, I have tasted wines throughout the world, from renowned destinations like Bordeaux , Rioja and Napa , to the local, statewide vineyards across the Midwestern United States; and while the quality and wine profiles differ vastly, the resulting conversations, experiences and memories are equally treasured.

However, only one place has rendered this writer and gregarious traveler without words — Italy’s Cinque Terre . In fact, I only wrote a few short lines in my travel journal from a balcony overlooking the vines with a glass of crisp Cinque Terre wine sitting nearby:

I don’t know what to say. I am utterly in love. More in love than anywhere, ever. So much, it pains me… I never want to leave.

As I sat on that balcony, with the setting sun still warm on my face and a coastal breeze bewitching me with the scent of the sea below, a familiarity stirred deep within my soul. I suddenly saw myself, decades past, waking up with a cup of coffee as I looked out over the village and laced my hiking shoes.

I’d spend the day traversing the terraced vineyards overlooking the Ligurian Sea, stopping to chat with other travelers along the way. I’d then find a shady respite from which to read or write, and my evenings among friends in the cafes. As the day came to an end, I would succumb to a peaceful sleep, lulled by the gentle clanging of dishes and rustling silverware, and the last of the church bells singing their prayers. The scenes, all imaginary, were nearly tangible.

Until that day, I could not have dreamt of a place both so utterly picturesque and endearingly humble. The Cinque Terre is not a showy seaside destination in Europe where people come to see and be seen; rather it’s a beguiling and intimate coastal respite for anyone with a love of the sea, the outdoors and, of course, wine.

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How To Visit Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre may appear on the surface to be a hard-to-reach, exotic destination in Italy . But it’s actually relatively easy to access, and can make for a pleasurable countryside drive should you choose that method of transportation.

We have navigated our way to Cinque Terre via a couple of routes. The first, and longest method is to rent a car and drive from a major city in Italy. If you’re coming from the United States, fly into Milan airport, rent a car and then drive south through Genova and along the coast to Cinque Terre. Alternatively, you can take a train or a short-haul flight into Genova, and then continue by train to Cinque Terre.

You can browse current prices on flights right here and take a look at rental cars via Kayak .

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Once you’re in the area, the same train you used to arrive offers transport between each of the five villages. During the core travel season (March – November), they depart the stations roughly every 20 minutes. There is a nifty and affordable train pass that grants you unlimited access to the Levanto line, eco bus routes, and all walking paths within the region.

RECOMMENDED: Staying in Florence? Take a Day Trip to Cinque Terre with an Optional Hike

Five Villages “Cinque Terre”

The Cinque Terre, in Italy’s province of La Spezia, Liguria, is a group of five small, fishing villages along the coast of the Ligurian Sea: Riomaggiore , Manarola , Corniglia , Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare .

North of Tuscany and part of the Italian Riviera, the pastel-colored, stone villages are home to only about 5,000 people, and are nestled on the rocky, vineyard-lined cliffs and coasts of the Apennine mountain range. With Riomaggiore to the southeast and Monterosso al Mare to the northwest, the five villages are connected via narrow, harrowing roads; efficient, local trains; seasonal, coastal ferries; and stunning, well-traversed hiking trails.

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The coastline, villages and hillsides are part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Each of the five villages are centuries old and brimming with quaint cafes, trattorias, enotecas, harbors and dramatic vistas.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southern-most of the five communities. Climbing up from the sea, it is best known for its Via dell’ Amore (Lover’s Path) walking path to Manarola, which, unfortunately, is closed for the time being. However, the village remains accessible via train, car and ferry. The train runs through town, with iconic coastal views to one side of the tracks and the bustling little village to the other. The main street, Via Colombo, is a steep climb brimming with shops, cafes and restaurants and from which many carruggi (narrow lanes and alleys) run throughout the town.

Winetraveler Recommendation: Take a private (but guided) hiking tour through the vines near Riomaggiore, Groppo, Manarola and Vernazza with Trekguyd. This is the perfect, immersive day trip to learn the history of the region, get outdoors and witness some amazing coastal views. When you’ve finished your hike, spend an afternoon at the seaside self-service restaurant and wine bar, A Pie de Ma (Via dell’Amore, 55, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy), for a flight of Cinque Terre wines, a cheese plate and unbeatable terrace views.

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Often described as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, Manarola is another seaside village dotted with fishing boats, colorful houses, and boasting incredible views from its piazzas and terraces. Believed to be the oldest of the five villages, Roman writings depicted the high-quality wine produced in the terraced hills above the village. Most renowned, is the sweet Sciacchetrà wine found only in the Cinque Terre.

Winetraveler Recommendation: During the day, consider hiring a private boat to lounge seaside with a glass of wine. Make reservations for dinner at Trattoria dal Billy (Via A. Rollandi, 122, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy: +39 0187 920628 ) – a worthwhile splurge on local specialties.

Corniglia is the only village without direct seaside access and a steep 377-step climb from the train to the village (a shuttle bus runs up as well). The quiet village sits atop a steep cliff, nestled among the vineyards. It is the mid-way point on the hike from Vernazza and Manarola, and on a clear day offers extensive views up and down the coast. A wine lover’s paradise, Corniglia is surrounded by hand-worked vineyards, which grow the grapes used in the local place-named Cinqueterre wines.

Winetraveler Recommendation: While the region is predominately known for its white wines, make sure to try the house red at Enoteca Il Pirun (Via Fieschi, 115, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy: +39 0187 812315 ) and feast on a delectable seafood risotto at sunset at family-owned Cecio.

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The mountainous hike between Corniglia and Vernazza is a stunning way to enter this seaside village, often regarded as the most picturesque. The trail emerges above the town, offering the best vantage point from which to photograph the pastel-colored buildings connected by descending carruggi and clothes-filled wash lines. The path winds its way down into town, which like the other villages is closed to car traffic, but unlike the others, offers the only natural port. The main street, Via Roma, winds through town and is adorned with numerous shops, eateries and features views of the terraced vineyards high above.

Winetraveler Recommendation: After an early morning hike, stop at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre (Via Gavino, 36/38, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy: +39 0187 812047 ) for a delightful Italian breakfast. The owners are happy to chat and make recommendations on dish selection. Just don’t ask for eggs! (Note the proud sign prominently displayed in the café states: “We do not serve eggs!!! Please, don’t ask. This is Italy! Eat our food!)

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Monterosso Al Mare

Monterosso is the largest and westernmost of the five villages and the most commercial. It offers ease of accessibility for drivers (as well as plenty of parking), numerous trains and buses and has the most hotels in the region. It is also the only village in the Cinque Terre with a true public beach strewn with colorful umbrellas and sunbathers. At the north end of the beach is the famed statue, Il Gigante. Originally built in 1910, the 45-foot piece of decorative art depicts Neptune holding waves at bay. Allied bombs from World War II and rough weather have left Il Gigante battered and without arms, but he remains a symbol of Monterosso.

Winetraveler Recommendation: Definitely book a kayak experience from Monterosso Al Mare to get out on the water and explore the coastline and its rugged cliffs from a unique perspective. Pack a picnic lunch of local meats, cheeses, fresh-made breads, and a local wine, and enjoy an afternoon at the beach following the excursion. If you have no evening plans, request a sunset kayaking experience instead which is beyond remarkable.

Best Cinque Terre Wine Tours & Guided Experiences

If you’re looking for more options for wine tours and things to do around Cinque Terre, and prefer to explore the villages led by a local, we’ve included some of our most highly rated experiences below. Bookable through our partner Viator. For a limited time, Winetraveler readers can get 15% off ALL tour bookings made through this website with code WINETRAVELER15 .

Private Cinque Terre Vineyard Trekking Tour

Experience the timeless charm of Italy’s rugged Riviera coastline with a private trekking tour through the ancient seaside hamlets of Cinque Terre. Meander through lush vineyards and age-old settlements like Riomaggiore, Groppo, Manarola, and Vernazza, guided by a local expert who will unfold the rich tapestry of their history and viticulture heritage. Traverse notable landmarks such as the romantic Via dell’Amore and Volastra’s 14th-century sanctuary, Our Lady of Health. Revel in the stunning panoramas where the emerald vineyards meet the azure Ligurian Sea, a sight to behold. This tour offers an intimate experience with a private guide, local insights, a refreshing escape from city life, and is family-friendly – making it the perfect initiation for those new to the enchanting world of Cinque Terre.

Sensorial Wine Tasting in Manarola led by a Sommelier

Immerse yourself in a unique wine tasting experience tailored to Winetravelers in a historical and beautifully conserved wine cellar in Manarola. This unique journey tantalizes your senses – sight, smell, and taste – accentuated by the veil of darkness and rhythmic music. Savor the subtleties of three half glasses of Cinque Terre’s distinct white wines, paired with delightful snacks. Your experience is enriched by a professional AIS sommelier who not only guides you through this sensory journey but also imparts valuable insights that elevate your understanding of wine. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this all-inclusive, atmospheric immersion into the world of Cinque Terre wine.

Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings

Embark on a 3-hour walking tour to uncover the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and captivating sounds of the Cinque Terre villages. Led by a knowledgeable guide, traverse the cobbled paths of one of these UNESCO-protected hamlets, soaking in the rich fishing heritage and timeless traditions. Pause at charming local establishments to savor regional delights and beverages of Liguria, including the iconic focaccia. Revel in the striking coastal landscapes that define the Italian Riviera, painting a picture of enchanting beauty. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cinque Terre’s history, culture, and gastronomy, introducing you to the heart and soul of these remarkable cliffside villages.

Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour

Experience the breathtaking allure of the Cinque Terre coastline on a private boat cruise, complete with stunning vistas, enriching narratives, and refreshing dips. Aboard a comfortable vessel, equipped with restroom facilities, listen to captivating tales of the region’s history, culture, and gastronomy. This journey encompasses a shore visit to one of the vibrant fishing villages that define the Cinque Terre, a traditional aperitivo complemented by effervescent prosecco, and opportunities to snorkel and swim in the serene coves. This private cruise artfully combines a guided exploration of the picturesque village, culinary indulgence, and the thrill of open-water swimming. Savor a glass of prosecco and embrace the local way of life with a delightful aperitivo. This personalized adventure, tailored to your group, promises an unforgettable Cinque Terre experience.

Cinque Terre Half Day Kayak Trip from Monterosso

Enjoy a 3-hour kayaking adventure along the Cinque Terre shoreline. Setting sail from Monterosso, you’ll paddle under the guidance of an expert, navigating through hidden coves, past rugged cliffs, and alongside the vibrantly painted villages that form the Cinque Terre. Take a breather on a tranquil beach, bask in the sun, or rejuvenate with a cooling swim. For a different spin on the adventure, opt for the evening journey, featuring a sunset stop in a secluded cove complemented by wine and snacks. This small-group expedition, accommodating up to twelve participants of all skill levels, offers personalized attention from one or two guides. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and seabirds, such as cormorants and gannets, enhancing your connection with nature. Even in winter, this 3-hour kayaking trip remains an exhilarating way to explore the Cinque Terre’s waterscape.

Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour Experience

See the Cinque Terre sunset with a small-group boat tour, setting sail from the Monterosso Pier. As the sun descends, you’ll glide past the radiant hues of villages like Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, capturing unforgettable photos in the soft twilight. The journey includes a stop in the enchanting village of Vernazza, offering you a chance to wander and explore before returning to the boat and heading back to Monterosso. As the day turns into a star-studded night, enjoy aperitifs and prosecco, adding a sparkling touch to your journey. Snorkeling gear is also available on board for adventurous spirits. With a limit of 10 participants, this tour ensures a personal and immersive experience, perfect for making unforgettable memories.

Best Cinque Terre Wineries to Visit in Each Village

If you’re interested in tasting wines at some of Cinque Terre’s best wineries, vineyards and shops, we’ve compiled some of our favorites that are relatively close to each village. Note that most wineries are not all within each village proper or on the coast, some are further inland. Most are small family-run operations and it’s best to inquire ahead of time if they are currently accepting visitors. We instead suggest booking some of the above Cinque Terre wine tours and vineyard hikes as the locals know all of the best wine tasting spots depending on season.

Riomaggiore Wineries

Azienda agricola terenzuola.

Known for their dedication to organic farming, they produce a range of wines including a DOC Cinque Terre white.

Cantine Federici

This family-run winery not only offers wine tastings but also a peek into their vineyard and cellar.

Azienda Agricola Capellini Luciano

Here you can taste the traditional Cinque Terre DOC and the sweet Sciacchetrà.

Manarola Wienries

Cantina 5 terre.

This cooperative winery is known for its classic Cinque Terre white wines and Sciacchetrà.

Azienda Agricola Possa

A small winery producing organic and biodynamic wines with a focus on preserving local grape varieties.

Vini delle Cinque Terre

They offer wine tasting experiences that can be paired with local food.

Corniglia Wineries

Enoteca il pirun.

This wine shop offers a great selection of local wines that you can taste.

Cooperativa Agricoltura di Corniglia

This cooperative produces a variety of wines including the traditional white and Sciacchetrà.

Vernazza Wineries

Offers tastings of local wines in a spectacular setting with views of the sea.

Cooperativa Agricoltura di Vernazza

Known for their Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà.

Enoteca da Eliseo

A wine shop where you can taste and purchase local wines.

Monterosso Al Mare Wineries

Buranco winery.

A beautiful estate that offers wine tasting tours with a focus on their organic wines.

Enoteca Internazionale

The oldest wine shop in Monterosso offers a large selection of Cinque Terre wines.

Cantina du Sciacchetra

This winery specializes in the traditional Sciacchetrà and offers tastings.

Recommended Hotels & Accommodation in Cinque Terre

There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Cinque Terre. From quaint bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels with oceanfront views, there really is something for everybody. Here, we recommend 5 of our favorites based on past stays and some of our reader feedback. Each hotel listed is within one of the five cities we mention in this travel guide.

Cinqueterre Residence

Conveniently located at the entrance to Riomaggiore , the 4-star Cinqueterre Residence is best known for its warm staff and hillside suites with terraces.

La Torretta

Located in Manarola , La Torretta  is a cozy boutique hotel, and one of our favorites for views, service, and a great breakfast. 

AMARE IL MARE affittacamere

Our favorite place to stay in Corniglia , the views from Amare Il Mare are unmatched. This extremely well maintained and cute upscale hotel is clean, well-run, and comfortable. Try asking for the “Wine Room” if you’re traveling as a couple.

La Polena – Camere Vernazza 5 Terre

For modern digs and great views from your terrace suite, consider a stay at La Polena  in Vernazza . It’s conveniently located near the train station and provides a delightful respite after a day of hiking and wine tasting.

Restaurant Hotel Porto Roca

The 4-star Porto Roca  is situated right on a cliff face with an infinity pool in Monterosso Al Mare . The rooms are spacious, and WiFi and breakfast are both free. There’s a restaurant on the property, and you can also gain access to the beach below.

Vines and Views – The Wines of Cinque Terre

Hiking the trails in the Cinque Terre will wind you along craggy coastal rocks, through lush forests, in and out of quaint, colorful villages, and into painstakingly cultivated vineyards. Several of the trails will directly walk you through the steep hillside vineyards, terraced up and down the face of the mountain, while below lies the vibrant Ligurian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean. It is a view every wine lover will appreciate, not only for its obvious beauty but also for the difficulty with which the vines are maintained and harvested by hand.

Wine production in the region can be traced back to Roman times and although historically producing wine as a basic commodity, the region has developed a reputation for quality white wines for which a DOC was granted in 1973. Today, the region is best known for two white wines, Cinqueterre and Sciacchetrà .

Cinqueterre

This crisp, dry white is found throughout the five villages and typically produced from two to three grape varieties: Bosco, Albarola and sometimes, Vermentino . The wines are known for their herbal freshness and citrus flavors. Depending on the winemaker, some wines will also present with a lively minerality. Cinqueterre wines are best enjoyed with the local seafood, focaccia or simply on their own.

Sciacchetr à

This is the only region in the world to find this sweet, white wine made from the best grapes grown closest to the sea. The harvested grapes are dried in the sun for at least 40 days to concentrate the sugars and grape essence and then fermented slowly. The result is an amber-colored, sweet wine with flavors of honey, dried apricot and hazelnut. Served with dessert or strong cheeses, Sciacchetrà is a unique Cinque Terre gem.

Although known more for the dramatic views and iconic architecture than outstanding wines, the Cinque Terre wines are a perfect reflection of the coastal terroir, the simplicity of life in the small seaside villages, and the long-standing family tradition of winemaking. Every bottle of Cinqueterre and Sciacchetrà wines is the product of a time-honored, unique and complex cultivation process, encapsulating the essence of family, tradition, hard labor, and love of the land. Fortunately for the wine traveler, they are also fantastically refreshing post-hike and unmatched with local seafood dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cinque Terre Wine Tasting

Can you do wine tastings in cinque terre.

Absolutely, wine tastings are indeed possible in Cinque Terre and make for a delightful part of the experience. However, it’s worth noting that many of the vineyards and wineries in this region are small, family-run operations, which might not always be open to the public without prior arrangements. For this reason, it’s often a great idea to engage a local wine tour guide who has the necessary connections and understanding of the area to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. They can help arrange tastings and visits to these intimate, family-owned vineyards, allowing you to delve deeper into the local wine culture and the stories behind these charming establishments. In addition to vineyard visits, Cinque Terre is dotted with gorgeous bars and restaurants where you can sample a range of local wines. They often come with stunning views of the sea or the terraced vineyards, enhancing the overall wine tasting experience. For those who love a bit of adventure, vineyard treks are another fantastic way to combine the love of wine with the region’s natural beauty. Trekking through the vineyards not only gives you a chance to see where the grapes are grown but also provides breathtaking views over the coastline and the quaint villages of Cinque Terre.

What wines is Cinque Terre known for?

The Cinque Terre DOC is a dry white wine made primarily from three local grape varieties: Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino. This wine is known for its crisp acidity, mineral undertones, and aromatic profile with notes of citrus, apple, and Mediterranean herbs, reflecting the unique terroir of the steep terraced vineyards overlooking the sea. Sciacchetrà, on the other hand, is a revered sweet wine produced in smaller quantities. The grapes for this wine are partially dried to concentrate their sugars, resulting in a rich, honeyed dessert wine with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Due to the labor-intensive process and the region’s challenging terrain, Sciacchetrà is quite rare and considered a special treat. While the region is dominated by white wines, there is also a small production of red wines, often based on the local grape variety known as Rossese.

Take the trip!

The Cinque Terre region is an ideal wine traveler destination – perfect for couples, families, friends or individuals in search of a place of astounding natural beauty, quaint local charm, scenic walks, and delicious food and wine. However, the true gift of the region is the enigmatic effect it has on time, people and place. As you sit with a glass of wine overlooking the sea, you can’t help but feel as though this total sensory experience has taken you to the only place where this beauty, pace of life and intimacy can ever exist.

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wineries near me, Cinque Terre wineries, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre wine tours, Manarola, Corniglio vineyards, Vernazza, Monterosso Al Mare: seaside wine regions

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Leave a comment, ask a question or share a review cancel reply, comments ( 12 ).

Haha — I had to laugh about the “We do not serve eggs!” sign at that restaurant. Too funny.

Also, I didn’t realize Cinque Terre only has about 5000 full-time inhabitants. I can only imagine how some of them feel with the yearly influx of tourists. It is such a magical place — would love to visit one day. And drink the wine of course. 🙂

I just love that sign! You should definitely visit Raymond. I hope to be one of the 5,000 one day. ????

A traveler once shared her journey to Cinque Terre on my website and I’m seriously mesmerised by its charm since then. I didn’t know Cinque Terre is famous for winery too. The view on the hill is just amazing and your pics are beautiful!

I really enjoyed how this post combines recommendations for wine with travel tips for Cinque Terre. I had, of course, heard of Cinque Terre, but honestly wasn’t aware that the name came from the fact that it is made up of five villages.

Wow, the view from the balcony, the terrace, the view and the beaches, accompanying with the historic houses, good food and wine… such an amazing vibe and I agree with you – it pains me to leave that place and I would have wanted to stay there for as long as I can, too! @ knycx.journeying

@ knycx.journeying It’s always so hard to leave, thay’s why we always have to think as though we’ll be back. 😉

Katharina, so glad you enjoyed the post. And I recommend taking in each of the five villages if you have the chance. Each one is so unique and has its own energy.

Chloe the wine is a perfect accompaniment to the views and very refreshing after a day of hiking.

Such a beautiful place to enjoy some fine Italian wines.

I couldn’t agree more Vedante!

Kristy – Loved the opening paragraphs prior to the first picture. I literally felt the pull of wanting to be there; sitting on a balcony watching the sun rise and then with a bottle and a couple of glasses, watch it as it slips into the sea that evening. Thank you for sharing the experience!

Thank you Tony! It truly is a magical place.

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The best wine tastings in the Cinque Terre

Perched high above the sea, the Cinque Terre National Park , Unesco World Heritage Site, is a Mediterranean jewel.

Table of Contents

Located north of Tuscany and south of Genoa on the rugged Ligurian coast known as the Italian Riviera , the five fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare offer a relaxed alternative to the more cosmopolitan French Riviera.

The best wineries in Cinque Terre

While all of the villages in Cinque Terre are worth a visit, here are five of the best wineries to check out on your trip:

Cantina Sociale Cinque Terre

This cooperative winery was founded in 1938 by a group of local wine growers and currently has over 300 members. Cantina Sociale Cinque Terre produces a wide variety of wines, including white, red, and rosé, all made from grapes grown in the Cinque Terre vineyards. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a wine tasting.

Enoteca Internazionale

This family-run winery is located in the village of Monterosso al Mare and specializes in producing top-quality white wines. The Enoteca Cinque Terre tasting room is located in an historic building in the heart of the village, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea while sampling the wines.

Cantina Cheo

Located in the village of Vernazza, Cantina Cheo is a small, family-owned winery that produces a limited number of high-quality wines. The vineyards of Cantina Cheo are some of the steepest in Cinque Terre, and the wines produced here are some of the most acclaimed in the region. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.

This small, family-run winery is located in the village of Corniglia and specializes in producing white wines. The La Cantina dei Ciliegi vineyards are located on a terrace high above the village, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.

Terra di Bargòn

Located in the village of Manarola, Terra di Bargòn is a family-run winery that specializes in producing red wines. The vineyards of Terra di Bargòn are located on a steep slope overlooking the town, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.

The local wines of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre’s namesake wine is a white made primarily from the native grapes Bosco and Albarola, although some producers include Vermentino.

Grown in narrow, steeply terraced vineyards that weave along cliffs jutting out over the Ligurian coast, winemaking here is defined as heroic viticulture because of the difficulty to work the rocky, craggy terrain. Everything from vineyard maintenance to harvesting is done by hand.

Styles range from crisp, light-bodied whites with heady aromas of wild flower and citrus flavors, like those made at the Cantina Cinque Terre cooperative cellar, to vibrant, full-bodied, complex wines boasting sage, citrus zest and intense mineral notes.

Walter De Battè’s savory wine, which he doesn’t label as Cinque Terre, has the structure of a red wine, thanks to extended skin contact during fermentation. “The soul of any wine is in the skins,” he says. “We have a pristine growing environment, and the minerals and briny notes from the sea accumulate on yeasts found on the skins.”

Celebrated Barolo producer Elio Altare has fallen in love with the Cinque Terre, and turns out mineral-driven wines with depth and structure under his Cinqueterre Campogrande label.

The real jewel of Cinque Terre is the dessert wine, Sciacchetrà, pronounced shahk-eh-TRA. Made with the same blend as Cinque Terre, this rare nectar is made from the best grapes grown closest to the sea. After harvesting, the berries dry out on mats for several months. Made in tiny amounts, the top bottles offer sensations of honey, dried apricot, pastry cream, candied tangerine, hazelnut and dried sage.

What to do in Cinque Terre?

Hiking the paths between the villages or trekking down to the wild beaches are the biggest attractions. But beware: Some paths are gently winding, while others are steep and rugged, including narrow stretches and sections with many stairs. Recent storm damage has closed sections of the most famous trail network, the Blue Trail (Sentierro Azzurro), but renovations are under way. Also called Trail 2, the approximately six-mile route takes about six hours, depending on your pace. Stopping often to tour the villages is part of the fun. Start in Riomaggiore, where the trails are gentler. The short, easy walk leads north to Manarola. After this, the terrain starts to get steeper. The final leg of the tour, Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare, is the most scenic, but also the most physically demanding. It remains open, as does a maze of internal trails. Looking for a break from walking? No problem. There’s a train every hour or two between the villages. Mountain biking is another great way to tour Cinque Terre, and the park has paths dedicated to two-wheel adventurers. The area offers great scuba diving, and both Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare have diving centers. Full access to the trails requires a Cinque Terre Card that costs approximately $9 for a day card, and $14 includes unlimited train service. For tourist info, visit cinque-terre-tourism.com.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre?

The villages are very close together, so choose one as your home base to explore the entire area. Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages and the only one that offers resort amenities, boasts the most accommodation options, but there are a number of bed and breakfasts and rental homes in the four smaller villages. Even though Monterosso al Mare allows cars on some of its streets, most hotels are only accessible by foot.

For dazzling views, stay at the cliffside Hotel Porto Roca, which boasts unobstructed vistas from its many balconies and terraces. Located just minutes from Monterosso al Mare’s historic center, the hotel offers free shuttle service from the nearest parking lot or the local train station for guests.

Hotel Pasquale is located in the center of the town, across from the main beach. The rooms aren’t very large, but the views and location are exceptional. Bed and breakfasts in the Cinque Terre villages range from ultra-modest to downright chic, like La Malà, overlooking the sea in Vernazza. For lists of rentals, check out cinqueterreriviera.com.

Where to dine in Cinque Terre?

Dining tends to be rather informal, but many unassuming trattorias serve up excellent dishes showcasing regional ingredients. In Riomaggiore, dine at Enoteca Dau Cila near the harbor, but be sure to reserve outside seating. Besides the fresh seafood, including pasta topped with anchovies and sea bass, they also offer a great selection of local wines.

For authentic dishes in tiny Manarola, including black pasta heaped with local shellfish or hearty stuffed mussels, the hike up to Trattoria dal Billy is well worth it. Osteria a Cantina de Mananan in Corniglia is usually packed with locals and tourists winding down with a plate of anchovies or the poached sea bream and a glass of wine, so make reservations.

In dazzling Vernazza, Ristorante Belforte is a must, both for its stunning location hanging over the sea and for its classic Ligurian cuisine like the Marinara Mussels sautéed in garlic, parsley and white wine. In Monterosso al Mare, the informal San Martino Gastronomia serves excellent local dishes that can be ordered to go for picnics on the beach. For more formal dining, try Ristorante Miky for its fresh fish, handmade pastas and exquisite chocolate soufflé.

What to see around Cinque Terre?

Visit medieval towns and cities, like Siena, Florence, Volterra, and San Gimignano, tasting wine along the way, including the famous noble wine at Brunello di Montalcino and Sassicaia in Bolgheri.

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