“A wine journey in Sardinia is not a visit to luxury wineries. It is a route through landscapes, family stories and ancient grape varieties. Wine is the thread — the land is the story.”
A wine itinerary in northern Sardinia works well over three days: Alghero (Sella & Mosca and Santa Maria La Palma), then the Vermentino DOCG Gallura between Tempio Pausania, Berchidda, Monti and Arzachena. Vines have been grown here for over 3,000 years (as the grape seeds from the Nuragic age show), a few old ungrafted vines still survive, and Cannonau, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Carignano and Monica have stories that no handbook tells in full.
What's more, wine tourism in Sardinia is still less crowded than in Tuscany or Piedmont — which means few crowds, authentic hospitality and the chance to visit small producers at a few days' notice.
Iconic
The best-known winery in the north-west, founded in 1899, about 10 km from Alghero. The I Piani estate covers around 650 hectares, over 500 of them vineyard: one of the largest in Italy. Guided visits with a small company museum and wine shop, by booking. Marchese di Villamarina (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Tanca Farrà (Cannonau and Cabernet) are among the best-known wines.
Cooperative
A producers' cooperative in the countryside near Alghero, famous for “Aragosta”, a Vermentino di Sardegna DOC and one of the best-known Sardinian wines abroad (even the Wall Street Journal has written about it). Wine shop open, tastings possible.
DOCG
The heart of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Shop in the village; visits and tastings by booking (check the seasonal opening hours). “Canayli” is their flagship Vermentino di Gallura Superiore. From Tempio you can reach Monte Limbara in about 20 minutes.
Time in Jazz
Berchidda, about 30 km from Olbia, is Vermentino di Gallura DOCG country and home to Paolo Fresu's “Time in Jazz” festival (in August). The village also has the Wine Museum, with visits and tastings. Wine, music and Gallura all together: call the winery first for visits and opening hours.
Alta Gallura
Monti, about 25 km from Olbia, is one of the emblematic towns of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. The Cantina del Vermentino, a cooperative founded in 1956 and now with around 350 members, produces quality wines at affordable prices (Funtanaliras is the best-known label). Shop in the village; visits by booking.
Costa Smeralda
One of Sardinia's most spectacular wineries — a modern panoramic building just minutes from Arzachena. High-quality Vermentino di Gallura DOCG and Cannonau. Tastings of 3 or 5 wines with local products, by booking, with a panoramic terrace, art gallery and wine shop.
| Period | Wine event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May | Open wineries (Movimento Turismo del Vino) | Usually at the end of May: open cellars all over Italy, Sardinia included. Check the dates and participating wineries |
| June – July | Green harvest, vineyards in full growth | The vineyard landscape at its best. Open wineries, fewer crowds |
| August | Time in Jazz — Berchidda (Vermentino + jazz) | A one-of-a-kind festival. Book your accommodation months ahead |
| September – October | The grape harvest — the most authentic moment | A chance to watch (or join in) the harvest at the small artisan wineries |
| November – December | Autumn in Barbagia + novello wine | Authentic atmosphere, no crowds of tourists, wineries always happy to welcome you |
Holiday homes in northern Sardinia
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