Orvieto wineries and food with a chauffeur
Orvieto DOC, tufa cellars, umbrichelli and Colli Orvietani olive oil: how to enjoy the local wine and food without driving.
The wine: Orvieto DOC
Orvieto DOC is a white wine, an appellation created in 1971, mostly in Umbria with about 5% in Lazio; the Classico zone is the historic core, entirely in Umbria. Every style requires at least 60% Grechetto and/or Trebbiano Toscano (locally called Procanico). Styles are Bianco, Superiore and the sweet Vendemmia Tardiva and Muffa Nobile. Some estates offer visits to ageing cellars cut into the tufa: ask each winery.
At the table
The cuisine is simple and tied to the land: umbrichelli, a pasta of flour and water, often with truffle; pork and game such as wild boar; beans from the Paglia plain; tozzetti with vinsanto. Extra virgin oil from the Colli Orvietani has a tourist trail through Montecchio, Orvieto, Ficulle and Montegabbione, with tastings at the olive mills.
Why a chauffeur
Wineries, olive mills and farmhouses are in the countryside, often on minor roads. With a chauffeur you arrive at the door and whoever tastes does not drive back. Visits and tastings usually require booking and rules differ by venue: you book with the venue, we take care of the journey.
To agree in advance
Ask the winery whether booking is needed, how long the visit lasts and whether there are stairs in underground cellars. A programme with several stops or a town visit should be agreed beforehand. Grape harvest and olive picking are in autumn; dates are to be checked.