Podcast episodes

Episode #287: The Perfect Vine – Wine Adventures in Umbria

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Curious about the wines of Umbria and what makes this region so special? Explore the heart of Italy’s green, landlocked region, where rolling hills and medieval towns are paired with distinctive wines like crisp Orvieto DOC and the bold, age-worthy Sagrantino di Montefalco. Along the way, uncover how food, festivals, and deep-rooted traditions shape Umbrian culture, plus get practical tips on visiting wineries, seasonal highlights, and savoring the authentic flavors of this enchanting part of Italy.

Summary

In this episode, we welcome back Untold Italy's wine experts, Olivia Windsor and Andrea Mitti Rua of Italian Wine Tales, to uncover Umbria’s wine culture. From bold Sagrantino and crisp Orvieto DOC to food traditions, festivals, and vineyard visits, discover why this central Italian region offers a more authentic taste of Italy beyond Tuscany.

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What you'll learn in this episode

  • Umbria is a landlocked region in central Italy, bordered by Tuscany, Lazio, and Marche, with rolling hills and medieval hill towns like Perugia, Orvieto, and Assisi
  • Orvieto DOC is the region’s signature white wine, typically light, dry, and mineral, made from Grechetto and Trebbiano, best enjoyed young and fresh
  • Sagrantino di Montefalco is one of Italy’s boldest reds – full-bodied, high in tannins, and ideal for aging, often paired with rich meats like wild boar ragu or lamb
  • Torgiano Rosso Riserva and Montefalco Rosso blends offer more approachable reds, balancing Sangiovese with local grapes for versatile food pairings
  • Umbrian culture shines through porchetta street food, truffle season, artisanal crafts, and centuries-old festivals like Gubbio’s Festa dei Ceri and Spello’s Flower Festival

Timeline Overview

  • 05:13 Umbria's uncelebrated wine secrets
  • 11:27 Exploring Piedmont and Umbrian wines
  • 16:32 Red vs. White, wine aging and pairing tips
  • 24:45 Umbrian Porchetta and food traditions
  • 28:17 Exploring Umbria's wine scene and local festivals
  • 39:31 Travel and wine insights from Italy
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About our guests – Olivia Windsor and Andrea Mitti Rua

Olivia, an Australian who moved to Italy in May 2019, and Andrea, an Italian from Piemonte, Northern Italy are based in Rome and run the Italian wine site Italian Wine Tales, where you'll find not only the best wines to try, but also information on all the Italian wine regions, the best wine tours and wine clubs you can join. Follow them for Italian wine inspiration on Instagram @italianwinetales, join their Facebook group Italian Wine Lovers or sign up for the Italian Wine Tales newsletter here.

Olivia writes a blog called Livguine, named after her love for pasta and her nickname Liv. She has explored the country south to north, working in agriturismi and organic wineries before settling in Turin, Piedmont for a time after meeting a local Piemontese Andrea. They are both now based in Rome and Olivia hosts various Untold Italy Tours throughout the year in Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany Capri and Puglia.

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Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

  • Montefalco – with a great piazza
  • Perugia – a medieval college city in Umbria 
  • Gubbio – city in Umbria, located on the lowest slope of Mt. Ingino, a small mountain of the Apennines. Home to a wonderful religious festival, well worth a visit – Festa dei Ceri
  • Spello<