Five hidden gems for the best food and wine in Italy

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Italy is shaping up to be one of the top international travel destinations of 2024, according to Travel Weekly.

But really, that’s no surprise. The European country is always among the top destinations for global travellers it seems. And for good reason. Offering action-packed cities, serene countryside and seaside escapes, there’s something for everyone in Italy.

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That diverse offering is what drew Vancouverite Carina Ayriss to start her company Classicvacationrental.com more than 20 years ago.

“I love Italy,” Ayriss says. “The wonderful people, the food, the wines the culture, the landscapes — simply being there. It is my passion. I love to share our knowledge and that passion.”

Offering “live-like-a-local” experiences as well as luxury villas and apartment rentals, Ayriss’s travel company highlights the country’s charm and wonder — as well as its incredible food and wine.

With the Vancouver International Wine Festival happening Feb. 24 to March 3, Italy is likely top-of-mind for many local wine lovers. So, we tapped into Ayriss’s expertise in order to get her top list of five hidden gems for food and wine in the European country.

“Italy is a treasure trove of hidden gems when it comes to food and wine,” Ayriss says. “While well-known regions like Tuscany and Piedmont are celebrated for their culinary offerings, there are lesser-explored areas that offer equally exceptional gastronomic experiences.”

As for Ayriss’s top tip for exploring Italy, she recommends avoiding the larger cities in favour of smaller towns and the quieter countryside, setting up a base camp at a “wonderful villa with a pool” and then organizing day trips to wineries, markets and photo-ops.

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“Exploring the countryside by car or bicycle is a delightful way to experience the beauty of the region while visiting wineries,” she says. And, if a city is an absolute must on your Italian vacation itinerary, Ayriss points to Florence as a perfect fit combining culture, shopping and access to wonderful food and wine.

“While Florence itself may not be a wine-producing city, it serves as the perfect gateway to the world-renowned wine regions of Tuscany,” Ayriss explains.

Umbria

“Often overshadowed by its neighbour Tuscany, Umbria boasts a rich culinary tradition with a focus on rustic and hearty dishes. The region is renowned for its truffles, particularly in Norcia. Additionally, you’ll find outstanding wines, such as Sagrantino di Montefalco, and charming hilltop towns like Assisi.

Emilia-Romagna

“This region in northern Italy is a food lover’s paradise. Bologna, the capital, is famous for its rich, meaty ragù sauce, known as Bolognese sauce, and fresh pasta like tortellini and tagliatelle. Parma offers world-class prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Emilia-Romagna is also known for its Lambrusco wine. It’s also famous for its high-end cars — Ferrari, Lamborghini, motorcycles: Ducati and more.”

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Sicily

“Sicily combines diverse cultural influences in its cuisine. You can savour fresh seafood dishes along the coast, indulge in arancini and cannoli, and explore the world of Marsala wine. The town of Marsala itself is a wine lover’s haven.

Puglia or Apulia

“Located in southern Italy, Puglia is renowned for its captivating landscapes, charming villages, sun-soaked beaches and delectable cuisine. Puglia is gaining recognition as an emerging wine region, known for its indigenous grape varietals, including Primitivo and Negroamaro.

“Primitivo grapes produce rich, full-bodied red wines often compared to California’s Zinfandel, boasting distinctive flavours shaped by Puglia’s terroir. Negroamaro yields complex and robust red wines, reflecting the region’s warm Mediterranean climate and fertile soils.”

Campania

“This southern region includes Naples and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Neapolitan pizza, with its thin, chewy crust and fresh toppings, is a highlight. Campania is also known for its Mozzarella di Bufala cheese, limoncello liqueur and wines like Taurasi.”

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Aharris@postmedia.com

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