We won’t make a big secret about the effects that the pandemic has had on the Italian wine industry.
It created a climate of uncertainty that many worried about. For months, it looked like it could do substantial damage to the entire industry. And in some sectors, particularly those that offer high-end wines, we’ve certainly seen decreases in purchase volumes.
But overall, the Italian wine industry is getting back on its feet. Right now, the first weeks of the harvest of underway and the industry expects to be able to deliver an amazing set of vintages to the world in the coming year.
This is wonderful news for those who rely on production alone to generate their income.
But what about the many wineries that also offer guided tours of their cellars to visitors. Until recently, they’d lost another aspect of their income.
They have some good news too.
Italy is officially open to tourists again and many owners of wine cellars have taken the opportunity to start offering their tours again.
But maybe you feel hesitant.
Perhaps you’re wary of travelling in light of the ongoing pandemic.
If that’s the case, we have a few reasons why an Italian wine cellar tour may actually be just what you need right now.
Reason #1 – Amazing Safety Precautions
Even at the height of the pandemic, the Italian wine industry managed to keep itself ticking over. In fact, the many amazing producers in the country we amongst the first to adopt new safety regulations to keep their businesses going.
They have not eased up.
Every winemaker that opens itself up to tourists does so with the strictest safety standards in place. During your tour, you can expect social distancing to be enforced, alongside the wearing of face masks. And because of the fairly sedate pace of such tours, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a big group of people.
In many cases, you can take the tour at your own leisure and take as many of your own precautions as you see fit.
The point we’re making here is that the Italian wine industry has taken the pandemic seriously from the very start. If you choose to go on a cellar tour, just know that you’re joining people who’ve put some amazing safety precautions in place.
Reason #2 – You Get to Celebrate the Industry
Even now, we’re still seeing many industries the world over struggle as the pandemic still grips the world.
The Italian wine industry has done an amazing job of adapting, pivoting, and ensuring that the pandemic does not prevent production.
We feel that’s something that should be celebrated in every possible way.
Of course, you can do this from the comfort of your own home when the vintages that are currently undergoing harvest get released to consumers. But you may want to celebrate the resiliency of the industry and its amazing producers by paying a more personal visit to a winery.
Not only will you get to enjoy an amazing trip but you will also be helping out producers who’ve faced a lot of uncertainty over the future of their businesses during the last few months. Think of your trip to the cellars as a celebration of everything that the Italian wine industry stands for.
Reason #3 – You Will Enjoy Excellent Italian Wine
This is the reason that most people choose to visit an Italian wine cellar. You have the opportunity to sample some truly amazing wines. And in many cases, you’ll have the chance to taste them before anybody else. Many producers offer exclusive samples of upcoming wines to those who come to visit them.
On top of that, you get to learn about the wines you taste directly from the people who produced them. Trust us when we say that this is a whole different experience to reading about a wine at home before you drink it. You will get to see the passion that’s poured into every bottle first-hand as the producers regale you with tales about their wines, their families, and their deep love for what they do.
Reason #4 – The Terroir
Every winemaker places great value on the land that they use to grow their grapes. Their terroir is one of the things that contributes to the quality of the wines that they produce. And what’s more, winemaking territories offer some of the most unique sights that Italy has to offer.
You will see vines growing for as far as the eye can see, often on rolling hills and even mountainous terrain. For as stunning as the many man-made pieces of art and architecture that Italy hosts are, there’s nothing quite like seeing the full scale and beauty of an Italian vineyard.
Reason #5 – You Won’t Just Taste Wine…
You will usually have the opportunity to taste some gorgeous local delicacies. Food and wine have been closely linked since the beginning of time and many winemakers take pride in how well their products complement the foods that their regions are known for. Some even go as far as to design their wines to match those foods.
Of course, many winemakers will also provide these foods to you when you take a tour.
You’ll likely get to enjoy a gorgeous meal including local delicacies that you can’t find anywhere else. And in some cases, you may even have the chance to enjoy them alongside wines that never get sold outside of Italy.
The Final Word
We understand completely if you’re still a little wary about travelling in the current climate. The pandemic is far from over, after all, and we won’t blame anybody for wanting to stay at home during this trying time.
But if you do choose to travel, consider visiting an Italian wine cellar. Not only will you enjoy a stellar experience in the hands of some wonderful winemakers, but you can do so while safe in the knowledge that every possible precaution is taken ahead of your visit.
I’m a passionate about good wine and good cooking.
I like to keep me updated and share with my online friends my gastronomic knowledge.
