Summer Wine Passport: Italian Wines We Can’t Stop Pouring

Even as summer is already in full swing, we’ve rounded up the wines that perfectly capture the season—sun-kissed, breezy, and endlessly drinkable. From rolling Tuscan hills to the sparkling shores of Cinque Terre, and the hidden gems of Umbria and Le Marche, each bottle tells a story of place, tradition, and a little Italian flair. These are the wines we’ve been uncorking on terraces, by the sea, and with friends—our personal summer companions, full of flavor, character, and a hint of adventure.

⛵ Cà du Ferrà – Luccicante Vermentino – Levanto Hills PDO

A brilliant glimpse of the Ligurian coast in a glass — Luccicante Vermentino bursts with citrus zest, wildflowers, chamomile, golden apple, and an explosion of sea spray minerality. Crisp, juicy, and impossibly refreshing, it’s a wine that captures the sun, the cliffs, and the gentle breeze of Bonassola along the rugged Mediterranean coastline.

Why we love it: Concentrated, powerful, and beautifully complex, this white has the depth to make a summer dinner unforgettable while remaining bright and coastal — it’s a Ligurian masterpiece that shows you what this hidden gem region can really do.

Perfect summer pairings: Trofie al Pesto (the Ligurian classic), grilled seafood, lemon risotto, focaccia with fresh herbs, or a platter of fritto misto di mare (fried seafood).

Where to enjoy: Cruising around on a Vespa in a wine-stained linen shirt, perched at the edge of a sun-drenched cliff, or sunbathing on a paddleboard drifting away at sea.

🌸 Cà du Ferrà – Magia di Rosa – PGI

Crisp, radiant, and full of character, this rosé embodies Mediterranean summer in a glass. A romantic affair between Sangiovese, Vermentino Nero, and Syrah, it offers notes of wild strawberry, bright red cherries, pink roses, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs, with lively acidity that keeps every sip refreshing — even breakfast if you’re in the right vacation mood.

Why we love it: Bold, flirty, and impossibly drinkable — Magia di Rosa isn’t just a wine, it’s a mini Mediterranean escape in a glass, ready to turn any moment into a memory.

Perfect summer pairings: Summer ratatouille, grilled calamari, arugula and burrata salad, or a classic caponata.

Where to enjoy: On a boat floating past colorful villages, in a busy piazza with friends, or watching a pink sunset with seagulls singing overhead.

Check out Cà du Ferrà here 👉 https://caduferra.wine/en/ca-du-ferra-en/

💡 Insider Tip – Cinque Terre: Italy’s Hidden Summer Wine Gem

Nestled along the dramatic cliffs of Italy’s Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre is famous for its jaw-dropping pastel villages and sparkling seaside waters. What most people tend to overlook while taking a selfie in Manarola is Italy’s best-kept secret: phenomenal, under-the-radar wines. Sun, sea breeze, and terraced vineyards give these wines a generous kiss of minerality, bright acidity, and natural freshness — perfect for summer sipping. Lively, approachable, and effortlessly tied to the flavors of the Mediterranean, they’re Italy’s hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

🥂 Pietraluce – Franciacorta Satèn – DOCG

Silky, sunlit bubbles with delicate notes of white flowers, ripe peach, and a whisper of toasted almond. Made entirely from Chardonnay, Satèn is Franciacorta’s most graceful style — the name itself means “silky,” and the wine lives up to it: soft, creamy, and irresistibly elegant, with a mineral sparkle that lingers like a summer memory.

Why we love it: Effortlessly refined yet relaxed, it’s like sipping silk under a blue Italian sky as the jazz band plays.

Perfect summer pairings: Fresh oysters, smoked salmon, fried zucchini blossoms, or soft goat cheese with herbs.

Where to enjoy: On a boat with your favorite playlist drifting across the water, in the vineyard under a string of lights at dusk, or in the golden hour glow before dinner — the ultimate aperitivo companion.

🍾 Pietraluce – Franciacorta Brut – DOCG

Bright, lively bubbles with crisp notes of green apple, white peach, and a hint of toasted almond. Made entirely from Chardonnay, this Brut is Franciacorta’s classic sparkling expression — vibrant, refreshing, and precise, with a mineral backbone that dances across the palate. Every sip carries the elegance of Franciacorta while keeping it lighthearted and effortlessly drinkable.

Why we love it: Lively, zesty, and endlessly refreshing, it’s perfect for celebrating summer moments — Franciacorta: all the finesse of Champagne, but with a friendlier price and a touch of Italian sunshine.

Perfect summer pairings: Fresh seafood platters, shrimp ceviche, light pasta with lemon and herbs, or a platter of mild cheeses and seasonal fruits.

Where to enjoy: On a kayak gliding through sparkling waters, in a sunlit garden with friends, or as an aperitivo before a long summer dinner out.

Check out Pietraluce here 👉 https://pietralucefranciacorta.it/

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🏰 Fattoria di Fugnano – Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

A splash of Tuscan summer in a glass — crisp pear, white flowers, and a squeeze of citrus glide over a mineral, refreshing texture. This is Tuscany’s white queen, grown on the sandy, limestone slopes beneath San Gimignano’s medieval towers, and for good reason: Vernaccia, known to “kiss, lick, sting, and bite,” has delighted palates from Dante to Popes for centuries.

Why we love it: Bright, zesty, and mineral, it’s like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. Much better for refreshment on a hot day than Gatorade ;)

Perfect summer pairings: Seared summer peach salad, spaghetti alle vongole, fresh pecorino, or ricotta crostini with fresh Mediterranean herbs.

Where to enjoy: At a beach picnic under an umbrella, poolside with friends, or on a breezy terrace as the afternoon drifts into golden hour.

🌞 Fattoria di Fugnano – Donna Gina Vernaccia di San Gimignano – DOCG

Golden-hued and beautifully structured, this Vernaccia is a study in elegance and complexity. Made from 75+ year-old vines, the grapes fight for survival on the sun-soaked hills of San Gimignano, producing a wine with incredible depth. A one-day maceration on the skins gives the wine a richer color and subtle texture, while a year of rest on its lees in temperature-controlled steel brings creamy, layered aromas of pear, acacia honey, almond, and delicate hints of pineapple. The palate is round, structured, and powerful, yet refreshingly balanced — a Vernaccia for those who appreciate a wine with character and presence.

Why we love it: A masterclass in Vernaccia, this wine combines old-vine intensity with finesse and perfectly showcases the skill, vision, and dedication behind Fattoria di Fugnano.

Perfect summer pairings: Butter and sage pasta, porcini risotto, or a rich and creamy Gorgonzola — savory dishes that match the wine’s elegance and layered complexity.

Where to enjoy: Lightly chilled at sunset overlooking the forest, a gossip-filled lunch with friends, or on the first evening as the wind turns crisp, hinting at autumn.

Check out Fattoria di Fugnano here 👉 https://www.fattoriadifugnano.com/en/

🍑 Iviti – Toscana Bianco – IGT

Bright, breezy, and impossible not to smile at—this Tuscan white is a little pocket of joy in a glass. Made 100% organically, it bursts with aromas of yellow flowers, ripe apricot, and juicy peach, with just a hint of minerality to keep things interesting. Lighthearted yet vibrant on the palate, it’s fun, approachable, and refreshingly versatile—perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Tuscany without pretense.

Why we love it: It’s playful, charming, and effortlessly easy—the kind of wine that turns every meal, picnic, or sunny afternoon into a memory with friends.

Perfect summer pairings: Panzanella, grilled peach and burrata salad, zucchini fritters with tzatziki, or frittata with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.

Where to enjoy: On a sunlit terrace with friends, a casual picnic in the park, or anytime you want to sip something cheerful and organic while watching the day unfold.

Check out Iviti here 👉 https://www.ivitiwinery.com/en/

🐓 Podere Bucine – “Lorè” Tuscan Rosé – IGT

100% Sangiovese Grosso from ancient Montefioralle vines, this rosé captures a Tuscan sunset in every sip. Floral and tropical aromas mingle with bright red fruit and a touch of savory freshness, while the palate is crisp, juicy, refreshing, and utterly delightful. Each sip carries the rolling hills of Chianti Classico and the Mediterranean spirit in perfect harmony—summer on the Tuscan hills captured in a bottle.

Why we love it: It’s a Tuscan love story in every sip. Bright, lovely, and radiant, it embodies the effortless charm of a summer afternoon under the cypress trees. Loreto, the man behind the vines, brings a touch of the sea from his Sicilian childhood to the rolling hills of Chianti Classico.

Perfect summer pairings: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and basil, light pasta pomodoro, or a platter of soft cheeses and seasonal berries.

Where to enjoy: On a deck at sunset overlooking the water, in a truck bed in the countryside, or at a long, lazy lunch with friends as the light softens over the hills.

Check out Podere Bucine here 👉 https://poderebucine-chianti.com/

🌾 Tenuta di Freddano – Spes Orvieto Classico Superiore DOC

Golden, bright, and utterly inviting, Spes captures Umbria in a glass. Aromas of elderflower, jasmine, ripe peach, and a hint of tropical pineapple mingle with zesty acidity and a mineral edge, while the palate is lively, balanced, and refreshingly vibrant. Crafted organically, this wine lives up to its name—Spes, Latin for hope—spreading a spark of joy and optimism in every sip, like that moment when you’ve had one too many glasses, the stars come out, and the world suddenly feels full of possibility.

Why we love it: Joyful, brilliant, and delightfully underrated—Orvieto Classico is a hidden gem that turns any moment into a mini Umbrian adventure.

Perfect summer pairings: Zucchini flan, pasta all’Norcia, campfire corn, or fresh seafood salads.

Where to enjoy: Quadding through the Umbrian countryside, around a summer campfire under the stars, or anytime you want summer in a glass with a sense of adventure.

Check out Tenuta di Freddano here 👉 https://freddano.it/

🛶 Agricola Casaioli – Pelagalla Grechetto – DOC Colli del Trasimeno

Bright, breezy, and full of lakeside charm, Pelagalla is like a splash of Umbria in a glass. Made from 100% Grechetto and crafted organically, it greets you with aromas of white berries, almond, and a gentle trace of minerality. On the palate, it’s expressive, layered, and upbeat, with a slightly bitter finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Why we love it: It’s a wine that speaks of its land—fresh, honest, and full of character—a true ambassador of the Colli del Trasimeno. Pelagalla reflects the passion of the Casaioli family, a small, up-and-coming producer who has spent decades nurturing the land. From raising Chianina cattle to crafting wines with care and authenticity, every bottle carries the spirit of Umbria, blending tradition, nature, and a touch of magic in every sip.

Perfect summer pairings: Marinated artichokes with lemon and olive oil, roasted summer squash with fresh thyme, charcuterie of local meats/cheeses, or a fresh farro salad with tomatoes and herbs.

Where to enjoy: On a lakeside dock, hiking through rolling hills and forest, or enjoying a warm evening breeze with a glass in hand.

Check out Agricola Casaioli here 👉 https://www.agricolacasaioli.it/

🌿 Tenuta di Grimaldi – Verdicchio di Matelica – DOC

Crisp, clean, and perfectly poised, this Verdicchio is like a fresh breeze rolling down the green hills of Le Marche. Bright lime zest, green apple, almond blossom, and subtle hints of chamomile mingle with wet stone minerality and a lingering, slightly savory finish. It’s a wine that feels alive on the palate—refreshing, elegant, and ready for any moment.

Why we love it: Verdicchio di Matelica at its most refreshing—bright, precise, and full of identity, it balances minerality and fruit effortlessly, making every sip feel like summer. Tenuta di Grimaldi is a lovely, up-and-coming producer, crafting wines that honor their land while inviting guests to stay at their relaxing wine resort, nestled among their vines.

Perfect summer pairings: Asparagus risotto, Mediterranean herb–marinated swordfish, zucchini and pea frittata, or green bean and almond salad.

Where to enjoy: While gardening and prepping your summer herbs, in the waiting room at a spa (even better at the Tenuta di Grimaldi Wine Resort), or as a substitute for water on a summer bike ride.

Check out Tenuta di Grimaldi here 👉 https://tenutagrimaldi.com/winery/

🐎 La Staffa – “Rincrocca” Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva – DOCG Classico

A single-vineyard selection from the winery’s oldest vines, this Verdicchio is a masterclass in elegance and complexity. It opens with aromas of ripe white peach, wildflowers, fennel, and candied lemon zest. The palate is textured and constantly evolving with each sip to reveal notes of crushed chalk, sea salt, and almonds, wrapping around a core of pure Bosc pear.

Why we love it: Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi is one of Italy’s most celebrated white grapes, prized for its green freshness, minerality, and versatility. “Rincrocca” showcases the incredible potential of this grape, hand-harvested from La Staffa’s oldest vines, including two rare clones found only on this estate. This young, up-and-coming producer is helping put Le Marche on the map for world-class whites.

Perfect summer pairings: Ceviche, blackened mahi-mahi with mango salsa, pistachio pesto, or—dare I say it?—fish tacos with a bright salsa verde.

Where to enjoy: In a port or harbor, watching the fishmonger bring in a fresh catch, horseback riding, or wandering a summer vineyard trail, glass in hand.

Check out La Staffa here 👉 https://www.vinilastaffa.it/

📣 A special shout out to this crab for having fun with us while taking photos of bottles. You are a true icon 🦀

Whether you’re chasing sunsets along a coastline, hiking through forested hills, or savoring a lazy afternoon in your backyard, these wines are made for summer moments and memories. Refreshing, energetic, and full of La dolce vita, they invite you to sip slowly, savor deeply, and toast the season with every glass. Here’s to summer, friendship, and wines that make it unforgettable—or delightfully forgettable if you’ve enjoyed them a little too much. 😉

🌴 We’ve shared our summer sips… now spill yours! 🍷✨
What’s in your summer glass? 🥂
And where’s your favorite place to sip it? 🌊🏞️🌇

💌 Hit reply and let us in on your summer magic. ✨

Cheers to summer ☀️
– Ryan

📰 Coming Up Next…🍇🍷

Prepare for a deep dive into Sangiovese—Italy’s most iconic grape. We’ll uncover its history, regional quirks, and reveal our very first full producer feature, sharing the stories, people, and wines behind this legendary varietal. A must-read for anyone who loves bold reds, Tuscan hills, and unforgettable wine adventures.

Psst… 👀 our first full producer feature is coming too—hint: it involves Sangiovese 😉