Tuscany and wine tourism: discover all the secrets of the quintessential combination of Italian tourism on the Castello Banfi Wine Resort’s blog.

Wine Tourism in Tuscany: what to know

Wine tourism, a precious blend of culture and wine tasting, is as a sensory experience of rare pleasure, to be experienced in places full of charm and allure. These destinations captivate not only due to the richness of their soils but also for the artistic, cultural, and scenic treasures they hold. In Italy, and particularly in Tuscany, a region renowned for its prestigious grape varieties and ancient traditions, wine tourism finds one of its highest expressions. Wine tourism in Tuscany offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the winemaking culture, savor exceptional wines, and embrace the authenticity of a thousand-years-old tradition, providing an unforgettable experience.

Tuscany and wine tourism represent a symbol of Italian excellence in the tourism sector, as per the latest data, approximately 14 million visitors flock to the green hills and lush vineyards of this region every year. They come to explore the historic wineries, where the artistry of winemakers blends with the beauty of the landscapes. Moreover, they indulge in a few days of relaxation surrounded by nature in the charming villages and wine resorts, such as Castello Banfi Wine Resort in Poggio alle Mura.

Wine Tourism in Tuscany: the data

Let's briefly delve into the data on wine tourism in Tuscany. According to the latest Coldiretti/Ixè report, wine tourism in Italy involves 58% of Italians. Good food and good wine are indeed among the main reasons why a city is chosen as a tourist destination for 56% of respondents. In the case of Tuscany, where wine and food tourism intertwine with art and nature tourism, the numbers are even higher.

Wine tourism in Tuscany is now a well-established phenomenon and one of the most attractive in Italy. Regarding wine-related tourism, the region ranks third, following Piedmont and Campania (according to data from Isnart for Enit), in terms of "food and wine" tourist packages. Based on the 2022 data on wine tourism in Tuscany, provided by the Regional Statistics Office, there were over 13 million tourists and more than 42.7 million overnight stays, showing a significant increase compared to 2021.

The remarkable success of wine tourism in Tuscany is also evident on social media channels. Visits to wine tourism-related offer pages grew by 136.29% from March 2021 to February 2022.

Furthermore, wine tourism in Tuscany fuels not only the tourism sector but also the production sector, with a considerable turnover. According to the latest estimates from the Ismea-Qualivita Observatory, the PDO and PGI Wine sector in Tuscany is worth 1004 million euros (86.9% of the total certified productions in the country). These figures are confirmed by Roberta Garibaldi, vice president of the Tourism Committee of Ocs, one of the leading experts in wine tourism in Tuscany and Italy.

Tuscany and Wine Tourism: ancient history

The primacy of Tuscany in the wine tourism sector is ancient, in fact, it is thanks to this region that wine tourism was born in Italy, with initiatives such as Cantine Aperte and Calici sotto le stelle in 1993, along with the Movimento Turismo del Vino [Wine Tourism Movement - ed.].

However, the guidelines for wine tourism were officialized only in the 2000s, with the creation of the "wine roads," protected itineraries that enhance locations and productions. It was only in 2019 that the so-called Decree on Wine Tourism was issued, regulating winery visits, billing for wine tourism activities, the qualifications of personnel, and the guidelines regarding the requirements and minimum quality standards for wine tourism activities.

Wine Tourism Law in Tuscany

Although the decree applies throughout Italy, some regions are further refining the legislation to better protect and promote this form of tourism, and Tuscany is among them. The wine tourism law in Tuscany saw significant development in the spring of last year with Regional Law 24 May 2022, no. 15 (Regulation of olive oil and farm holiday hospitality. Amendments to the l.r. 30/2003).

This law regulates wine tourism in Tuscany regarding:

• Buildings used for farm holiday activities
• Organization of promotional events for traditional or quality products
• Wine and olive oil tourism activities and the requirements for their implementation
• Minimum quality standards to be respected.

Of particular interest is the new definition of wine tourism, which we report in full: "Wine tourism and olive oil tourism mean all the activities related to the knowledge of wine and extra-virgin olive oil carried out at the place of production, including visits to places of cultivation, production or exhibition of tools used for vine and olive cultivation, wine and olive oil tasting and commercialization, also combined with food, educational and recreational initiatives within wineries and vineyards, oil mills and olive groves.”

The enactment of a wine tourism law in Tuscany is of fundamental importance, serving as a shield for the protection of local producers and the support of their precious winemaking activities. This measure guarantees a solid regulatory framework, capable of preserving centuries-old traditions and promoting excellence in the sector. At the same time, this law becomes a tool of protection for visitors, ensuring safety, quality, and authenticity standards in the experiences offered. In this way, the enhancement of the wine heritage is combined with conscious and rewarding hospitality for all those who choose wine tourism in Tuscany as a form of travel and discovery.

From clarity to smoothness, here's a list of suitable terminology to describe the characteristics of wine during a tasting session.

The full terminology for wine tasting

An increasing number of Italians are opting to indulge in a wine tasting experience offered by the most prestigious wineries or savor a tasting menu that pairs gourmet dishes with carefully selected wines at high-end restaurants such as Ristorante La Sala dei Grappoli near Montalcino. This is why to fully immerse oneself in the experience, it is also beneficial to learn a comprehensive and accurate wine tasting terminology, enabling one to fully grasp the harmony of pairings and the myriad of nuances concealed within a glass of wine.

A wine tasting sheet: what it is and why it is important

Knowing which terms to use is important even if you want to fill out - or read - a wine tasting sheet, a valuable ally that allows you to organize the sensations experienced during the tasting experience.

The most common form is the wine tasting sheet from AIS (Italian Sommelier Association), but there's also the FISAR (Italian Federation of Sommeliers, Hoteliers, and Restaurateurs) sheet. Both are built upon analyzing the three fundamental aspects of sensory analysis carried out during the tasting session:

• Visual examination
• Olfactory examination 
• Taste examination

So, here's a short list of wine tasting terminology that is useful for filling out a wine tasting sheet and for truly appreciating the value of a fine bottle, capturing all the nuances and peculiarities it holds.

Wine tasting terminology with visual examination

Describing the visual characteristics of wine is the first step in the tasting experience.  In fact, the experience begins with sight, and a fundamental role is played by the color, clarity, and fluidity of the wine.

Color

The color of wine is the first element to consider during the visual examination. Distinguishing different shades of color and their reflections requires practice, but with time, one can learn to differentiate a straw-yellow wine from a golden-yellow one.

Clarity

The clarity of a wine depends on the presence of suspended particles, such as yeast, sediments, or other substances that could make the wine cloudy or opaque.  A clear wine appears crystalline and bright, indicating higher quality and care in the winemaking process, especially when it comes to sparkling wines.

Fluidity

In wine tasting terminology, fluidity is a characteristic measured through the "technical gesture" of swirling the glass and observing the legs left on the sides. The wider the legs, the less fluid the wine.

Wine tasting terminology with olfactory examination

The second sense involved in tasting is the sense of smell. The bouquet of aromas and scents released by the wine is a result of not only careful grape selection but also attentive aging in specific barrels, enriching the wine's natural scent.

Intensity

The intensity of the wine is perceived through the initial impact of the wine on the sense of smell. Tasters usually bring the glass to their nose, slightly tilt it, and take slow, regular sniffs. 

Description

The description defines the type of aromas characterizing the wine (floral, fruity, etc.) and to recognize the individual fragrances that tantalize the sense of smell.

Wine tasting terminology with gustatory examination

The gustatory examination is the final part of the tasting process, where the meaning of the entire experience materializes when the first drops of wine touch the tongue and palate, opening the doors to infinite sensations. 

Wine Effervescence

Wine effervescence is applicable only to sparkling wines and refers to evaluating the size and persistence of the bubbles in essentially how long they remain in the glass after pouring. The presence of bubbles can also clarify if the wine pairs well with certain foods, particularly with degreasing properties thus it is important to note this characteristic in the wine sheet if it is paired with food.

Wine Persistence

Wine persistence in the context of wine tasting terminology plays a prominent role. It indicates how long the initial taste sensation produced by the wine lingers on the palate, even after swallowing.

Body

The body of the wine refers to the sensation of fullness, weight, and consistency experienced in the mouth during wine tasting.  It indicates the presence of solid substances like tannins, residual sugars, and extracts, which contribute to the wine's structure.

Acidity

The amount of acids present in the wine determines its acidity, which can be perceived as a sensation of sharpness or freshness on the tongue. It provides vitality and structure to the wine, balancing the sweetness of residual sugars and the perception of tannins in the case of red wines.

Sapidity

Sapidity is a less common characteristic compared to other tastes in wine, such as acidity or sweetness, but it is equally important in wine tasting terminology. It depends mainly on the presence of mineral salts in the soil, which winemakers carefully select.

Sweetness

Wine sweetness is due to the presence of residual natural sugars that were not fully converted into alcohol during fermentation. In the terminology of wine tasting, terms like "brut," "extra-dry," "dry," "off-dry," "medium-dry," or "sweet" are used to provide an approximate indication of the perceived level of sweetness in wines and sparkling wines.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content, listed on the wine tasting sheet as well as on the label, represents the percentage of alcohol present in the wine in relation to the total volume.  It is a measurement that informs about the concentration of alcohol in the wine and is expressed as a percentage. The alcohol content of the wine can influence its sensory perception and body. A wine with a higher alcohol content may be perceived as more full-bodied, warm, or intense, while a wine with a lower alcohol content may appear lighter or fresher.