📍 Liguria

Liguria is a narrow strip of land in north-western Italy between the mountains and the Ligurian Sea. Vineyards here grow on steep terraces above the sea, often on slopes where ordinary machinery cannot go. So much of the work is done by hand.

The terraces are held up by low stone walls. They are the manual labour of many generations and have become part of the landscape. The best-known example is the Cinque Terre, where vineyards hang right above the water.

The climate is mild and warm, with a sea breeze. White grapes such as Vermentino and Rossese Bianco are grown here, and among reds Dolcetto, Rossese and Bracciola Nera. Names include Riviera di Ponente, Colli di Luni, Portofino, Colline di Levanto and Colline del Genovesato.

Ligurian wines are few and rarely leave the region, so they are mostly drunk on the spot with fish and seafood. Liguria is part of Italian wine as a small but vivid region.