Umbria: living land, rich in lush nature, unspoilt valleys and paths embraced by olive trees. And not only: large vineyards and ancient villages rich in history and art in which it is worth getting lost at least once in your life.
TheUmbria is a land to visit and live, to discover its historical riches but also the food and wine routes that this region boasts.
The Road of Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO
Farms, oil mills and natural shows join along the Strada dell’Olio Extravergine d’Oliva DOP, in Umbria. The road is divided into five sub-zones that have slightly different microclimates, which are well suited to different olive cultivars.
The Amerini Hills
That of the Armenian Hills represents the smallest sub-area of the oil road and includes two charming municipalities: Amelia, located on a hill overlooking a plain of olive trees, and Narni, a medieval village that still preserves remains of Roman works and monuments worthy of note as the Rocca degli Albornoz.
The characteristic cultivation of this area is the Raio, an imposing long-lived plant that gives the oil a particular aromatic flavor. A path that winds between hilltop villages and hills where olive trees master the landscape: ideal for a romantic trip in sweet company.
The Orvietan Hills
Stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see, alleys that seem to preserve secrets of a distant time and medieval towns: it is not a dream, it is the Strada dei Colli Orvietani. Undoubtedly among the most evocative itineraries, it welcomes farms, farmhouses and wineries that produce DOCG and DOC wines.
The area develops around the town of Orvieto up to Marsciano and Città della Pieve: here, to prevail, are the cultivars of Leccino and Frantoio. The oil produced in this area has a great organoleptic balance. During the itinerary of the Orvieto Hills, do not miss the opportunity to visit the town of Orvieto and its famous Duomo.
The Martani Hills
In the heart of Umbria, around the municipalities of Giano dell’Umbria and Bevagna, stands the area of Colli Martani. The cultivation of the area is the Dolce di San Felice (in reference to the homonymous Benedictine abbey).
Established in 2002, this area represents a territory marked by a DOCG wine production, the Torgiano Rosso Riserva, and five DOC wine productions: Assisi, Colli Perugini, Torgiano, Colli Martani and Todi. Here you can do wine and cheese tastings, guided tours and many other experiences that will give you unforgettable moments.
The Trasimeno Hills
This itinerary includes the area of Lake Trasimeno, the upper Umbria and also the town of Perugia. Here the characteristic cultivar is native and is called Dolce Agogia. It is an exciting itinerary through medieval villages, woods, abbeys and castles that surround Lake Trasimeno. The Strada del Vino del Trasimeno passes through several cities that deserve an extra stop: Perugia, Tuoro sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago.
By the way, the itinerary goes well with another event that will take place in October, right in Perugia. We are talking about the Eurochocolate , which will be held from 14 to 23 October: the perfect way to complete your tour dedicated to good wine and good food.
Three pavilions in Perugia, divided into thematic areas: Chocolate Experience with chocolate sculptures, show cooking and other experiences that will enrich your knowledge about chocolate; Chocolate Show, a pavilion dedicated to the great names of chocolate and artisan producers; and, finally, the pavilion Chocolate Funny with fun activities for families and children.
I Colli Assisi Spoleto
The largest and also the most difficult sub-area to cultivate; however, it boasts breathtaking views that make it the most striking area among the five. It includes interesting towns like Spoleto, Spello, Assisi and Gubbio (La città dei matti!). Here the characteristic cultivar is the Moraiolo, a thin plant to the sight but with very rich fruits of excellent quality.
Your autumn weekend in Umbria
All the itineraries described above are wonderful to do, especially in autumn, when the weather conditions are perfect to enjoy such an experience. Finding a place to stay will be simple: farmhouses, hotels, b&b and even luxury facilities await you for your weekend in Umbria, discovering oil and wine.
Copertina: La repubblica
