Sardinia
wine tasting tours and winery visits

Sardinia is the second-largest island of the Mediterranean, and one of the most ancient and fascinating - a prime trading port and strategic territory, it has been invaded and governed by numerous civilisations over the centuries from Romans to Byzantines to Catalans. However, grape growing has not traditionally been a significant part of the landscape here, with the majority of existing vines only planted in the 1950s (although ancient bush vines can be spotted here and there). However, this is so much more than a wine destination - Sardinia remains a wonderfully wild, unspoilt region with one of the smallest populations per square kilometre in Europe. It is a beautiful, almost exotic destinations renowned across the world for the beauty of its white sands and clear blue water. 

There are several important areas in Sardinia for wine and olive oil and in each area you can expect pretty traditional villages, wild landscapes, stunning beaches and the inviting sea - the ideal place for a wine holiday in the middle of the Mediterranean. Gallura is a must-visit to enjoy the wonderful, lemony white wines of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (the first DOCG wine in Sardinia), whilst Bosa specialises in intriguing oxidised white Malvasia and olive oil, and Cagliari and Parteolla are particularly notable for some of the island's very best olive oil. These rural regions are wildly beautiful and excellent for hikers, walkers and cyclists.

The culture here is a truly absorbing one, influenced by countless different visitors and rulers over the centuries. No visit to Sardinia is complete without seeing a nuraghe - missing this fantastic sight would be like going to Egypt and missing the pyramids! Nuraghi are ancient megalithic towers and ancient villages of the Bronze-age, with approximately 10,000 different structures scattered all over the island, dating back as far as 1500 BC. Whilst some are completely ruined, there are plenty which have been restored and opened to visitors for guided tours including those  at Prisgiona, Palmavera, Serbissi, Barumini and Arrubiu-Orroli. 

Meanwhile, bustling medieval towns such as Alghero and colourful Bosa provide a more cosmopolitan vibe after the breathtakingly wild and rugged beauty of the Sardinian countryside and coastline. Majestic buildings and ancient history sit alongside buzzing bars and restaurants - seafood is a huge part of most menus in this island nation, pairing perfectly with the region's more zingy white wines - Bosa Marina is a particularly good place to find the best and freshest fish on the island. Culinary culture here is relaxed and leisurely, with long lunchtimes (the most important meal of the day here) and convivial evenings as standard.