The Wine Roads of Abruzzo

Arrive in the afternoon at the Hotel that will host us. Test the rented bikes. Relax with a sunset aperitif and wine tasting featuring local DOC wines. Dinner and overnight stay.

Starting from Alba Adriatica, the tour along the Controguerra Wine Route leads to Colonnella, an ancient town perched on hilltops overlooking the Adriatic. In the historic center, visitors can admire landmarks like the Clock Tower and the Stairway, symbols of the town, and enjoy a tasting of Controguerra Rosso Riserva DOC at the Colonnella Social Winery, along with varieties of the renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Heading west, the route reaches the hills of Controguerra, the “City of Wine” that gave its name to the DOC area, with a winemaking heritage dating back to the Etruscans. Here, the Tower, the small Church of San Francesco, and the historic Illuminati Winery offer a journey into fine wines, including Controguerra Bianco, Novello, Passito Rosso, and Rosso Riserva DOC. The tour continues to Ancarano, with its panoramic view of the Tronto Valley, and to Cantine Ferliga, famous for Controguerra Merlot DOC, benefiting from the region’s unique soils. Next is Torano Nuovo, a town with ancient origins, home to the Church of S. Massimo in Varano, one of the oldest in the region. In August, don’t miss the popular Wine Festival, celebrated year-round in local wineries like the Barone Cornacchia Estate, known for its Controguerra Rosso DOC. Heading south, Corropoli reveals its Neolithic roots and its winemaking heritage celebrated in the Palio delle Botti, a medieval reenactment. The day concludes in Mosciano Sant’Angelo. Free dinner and overnight stay.

The Colline del Ducato Wine Route winds through the hills of Teramo, once part of the Duchy of the Acquaviva family of Atri, and now a prominent wine-producing area recognized in 1992 with the prestigious DOC status for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. The tour begins in Mosciano Sant'Angelo and reaches Giulianova, a popular seaside destination and an important fishing hub. In the upper part of Giulianova, visitors can explore the Duomo of S. Flaiano and the Capuchin Monastery. Surrounding Giulianova, vineyards host small farms where excellent Trebbiano-based wines can be purchased. Continuing, the tour arrives at Notaresco, a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo production area dominated by the historic Civitello fortress. The route then leads to the Church of Santa Maria a Propezzano, an important example of Romanesque Abruzzese devotion. From Pianura Vomano, the route heads inland, passing through clay formations known as calanchi, signaling the approach to Atri, an ancient town rich in medieval and Renaissance heritage that reached its peak under the Acquaviva dynasty. Not to be missed is the Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta, featuring Renaissance frescoes by Andrea de Litio. Free dinner and overnight stay.

The Colline Aprutine Wine Route leads toward Pescara, crossing the picturesque wine-growing regions of Castilenti and the DOC areas of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo, and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, as recognized by Assovini, the Italian Association of Wine Producers and Wine Tourism. The hills near Pescara are filled with olive groves and vineyards, known for producing Aprutino Pescarese DOP olive oil. The route follows the Saline and Fino rivers, leading to the village of Elice, famous for its Castle and Parish Church, where visitors can savor traditional pasta alla mugnaia made with fresh, local ingredients. Along the Wine Route, Montepulciano and Trebbiano vineyards are interspersed with modern varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay. In Montesilvano, visitors can stop by the charming Church of Madonna della Neve before concluding the tour in Pescara, with time to relax on the beach and enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. Free dinner and overnight stay.

This leg of the tour combines two of the most enchanting wine routes in Abruzzo: the Tremonti and Valle Peligna Wine Route and the Colline Teatine Wine Route. Starting from Pescara, the route follows the scenic path of the Tremonti and Valle Peligna Wine Route, heading towards the majestic mountains of Gran Sasso. Along the way, it passes through charming villages like Scafa, Manoppello, Torre de’ Passeri, Bolognano, Tocco da Casauria, Vittorito, Ofena, and Caramanico Terme, surrounded by vineyards of Montepulciano, Moscato Bianco, Bombino, Trebbiano Toscano, and Malvasia. Chieti, the “Terrace of Abruzzo,” connects these two wine routes, captivating visitors with its rich cultural heritage and profound connection to nature. According to classical mythology, Chieti was founded by Achilles and named Teate in honor of his mother, as narrated in the Legend of the Founding of Chieti. Continuing on, the itinerary follows the Colline Teatine Wine Route, starting from Francavilla al Mare on the Adriatic coast and stretching to the Maiella National Park, passing through the Alento Valley towards Chieti and Guardiagrele, and reaching Ortona via Crecchio and Orsogna, where the renowned Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC wines are produced. Passing through the Colline Teatine, the route stops in Tollo, Crecchio, Orsogna, and Ortona, one of the most prolific wine-producing areas of Abruzzo. The day concludes in Ortona. Free dinner and overnight stay.

A captivating journey along the Tratturo del Re Wine Route, through some of the most beautiful and historic wine regions of Abruzzo. Starting from Fossacesia and Vasto, the route winds inland, passing through Lanciano, Atessa, and the picturesque Val di Sangro, until reaching Bomba. This itinerary offers the opportunity to visit vineyards producing fine grapes such as Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Pinot, Chardonnay, Moscato, and Malvasia. The Tratturo del Re Wine Route runs along the Costa dei Trabocchi, providing spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding hills. As the journey continues inland, you will traverse historic towns like Lanciano, Atessa, and Val di Sangro before arriving in Bomba, a village surrounded by lush vegetation and dominated by Lake Bomba. This road recalls the Tratturo del Re, an ancient path used by Abruzzo's shepherds, dedicated to Frederick II of Swabia, and now the heart of one of the most fertile wine regions in Abruzzo. The hills along the Sangro River host vineyards of Montepulciano, Trebbiano, and Sangiovese, while further south, the cultivation of Pinot, Chardonnay, Moscato, and Malvasia extends. The itinerary from the coast to the inland hills of Frentano includes essential stops like Rocca San Giovanni, a charming medieval village rich in history, Fossacesia Alta, featuring the splendid Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, and the Fantini Winery, where you can discover modern winemaking facilities by the beach, where the sea imparts unique notes to the wines. The journey concludes in Vasto, in its historic center, to admire an unforgettable panorama and reflect on this unique experience in the world of wine. Dinner is free and overnight stay.

After breakfast, the service concludes and departure from Vasto to your respective destinations.