Italy’s Landscapes: A Key Ingredient in Wine & Our Bike Tours
At Cicloposse, we have always believed that cycling through vineyards and experiencing the breathtaking biodiversity of wine regions is essential to truly understanding and appreciating Italian wine. This is why our Wine Bike Tours are designed to immerse travelers in the landscapes that shape the wines they love. More and more, we are choosing Wine Relais accommodations—places where the connection between land, wine, and hospitality is at its finest.
From the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, where Brunello di Montalcino is born, to the wild coasts of Sardinia, home to Vermentino, and the historic vineyards of Barolo in Piedmont and Primitivo in Puglia, our tours embrace the deep relationship between territory and taste.
And now, the wine world is officially recognizing this connection.
In 2024, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests a groundbreaking agreement was signed between the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) and the UNESCO Chair on Agricultural Heritage Landscapes at the University of Florence.
This protocol marks a pivotal moment in the wine world, emphasizing how landscapes shape the perception and evaluation of wine, ultimately strengthening Italy’s global competitiveness in the sector.
A New Era of Wine Tasting
“We are facing an exciting challenge,” said Sandro Camilli, President of AIS. “For the first time, we will analyze whether the uniqueness of a landscape influences the organoleptic sensations of wine. Italy boasts unparalleled vineyard landscapes that give extraordinary characteristics to its wines.”
With this initiative, Italy becomes the first country to integrate landscape evaluation into wine tasting, adding a new dimension to wine appreciation and communication.
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Recognizing the Value of Landscapes in Wine Culture
“This protocol is a significant step forward in enhancing the entire wine sector,” stated Giacomo La Pietra, Undersecretary of Agriculture. “Alongside UNESCO, we are working towards the recognition of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO World Heritage asset.
This agreement expands awareness of our agri-food and wine traditions, which are true pillars of excellence. Additionally, we are working with sommeliers to formally recognize their role and further support the wine industry.”
Professor Mauro Agnoletti, holder of the UNESCO Chair, reinforced the importance of this initiative: “This is a crucial starting point to boost the competitiveness of Italian wine.
The unique landscapes of our country, combined with winemaking excellence, offer an additional competitive advantage.
Our goal is to include landscape elements in wine evaluation criteria, enriching the tasting experience and strengthening Italy’s position in the global market.”
A Passionate Perspective from the Cycling & Wine World
As AIS sommeliers and passionate cycling tour operators, I couldn’t be more thrilled by this recognition. This initiative further validates what we’ve known all along: the landscape is not just a backdrop—it’s a key ingredient in the wine itself.
We look forward to seeing how this initiative shapes the future of wine tasting and how it will inspire even more travelers to explore Italy’s breathtaking landscapes, one sip and one pedal stroke at a time.
Giuliana Mulas,
Sommelier & Cyclist, Cicloposse Co-founder
Super Tuscany Bike Tour
NEW 2025 - Tuscan wine relais
Cycling Tuscan Wine Country
Brunello, Chianti Classico & Nobile
What is a Wine Bike Tour in Italy?
A Wine Bike Tour combines cycling through stunning vineyard landscapes with exclusive wine tastings. You’ll ride scenic country roads, visit historic wineries, and enjoy gourmet experiences—all at a relaxed pace.
Which are the best regions for a cycling and wine tour in Italy?
Italy offers incredible wine regions for cycling:
- Tuscany (Montalcino in Val d’Orcia – home to Brunello & Chianti Classico)
- Piedmont (Langhe & Barolo – famous for Nebbiolo grapes)
- Sardinia (Vermentino coastal vineyards & Cannonau)
- Puglia (Primitivo & Negroamaro along Mediterranean olive groves)
- Basilicata (Aglianco del Vulture top)
- Umbria (Sagrantino di Montefalco)
Do I need to be an expert cyclist to join a wine bike tour?
Not at all! Our tours are designed for all levels, with options for e-bikes, gravel, and road bikes. The pace is leisurely, with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery and tastings.
What kind of accommodations are included in a Wine Bike Tour?
We select charming Wine Relais and boutique agriturismi, where you’ll stay in vineyard estates or historic countryside villas, experiencing the best of Italian wine hospitality.
When is the best time to go on a wine bike tour in Italy?
The best seasons are
spring (April-June)
fall (September-October)
when the vineyards are at their most beautiful, temperatures are mild, and wineries are at peak activity.