Wine Tourism in Molise

A wine journey through Molise is an immersion in a land where vines have been cultivated for centuries with patience, respect, and authenticity. Nestled between the majestic Apennine Mountains and the breezes of the Adriatic Sea, Molise preserves a unique winemaking heritage, ideal for those seeking slow, mindful tourism away from the beaten track.

Here, among hills lined with vineyards and ancient transhumance trails, wine is not merely a product of the land, but the living expression of a strong and generous identity. The undisputed star of Molise’s wine scene is Tintilia, an indigenous red grape variety rediscovered and proudly revitalized over the past few decades.

Tintilia produces wines of great character and structure, with a deep ruby-red color and distinctive notes of spice, wild berries, and Mediterranean scrub. It is a wine that captures the proud and untamed soul of the region. Visiting wineries in Molise means experiencing something intimate and welcoming.

The region’s wine tourism stands out for the authentic, personal character of its wineries: predominantly family-run estates and boutique wineries, where the winemakers themselves often welcome guests, guiding them through the vineyards and aging cellars.

Wine tastings at the wineries thus become genuine gastronomic journeys: local wines are naturally paired with the region’s culinary treasures, from renowned cheeses such as Caciocavallo to artisanal cured meats such as ventricina, and the prized truffles—both white and black—for which the Molise woodlands are particularly renowned.

Following Molise’s wine routes offers the opportunity to combine the pleasure of a glass of wine with the discovery of hilltop medieval villages, castles, Roman archaeological sites, and unspoiled natural landscapes. Wine tourism in Molise is an invitation to slow down—a sensory journey for those who wish to explore a destination that remains authentic, where every bottle holds a story and every taste becomes an unforgettable memory.

• Tintilia in vigna e in cantina
  Passeggiate tra i filari, pic-nic, incontri con i produttori e degustazioni dedicate al vitigno simbolo del Molise, con focus sulla DOC Tintilia del Molise. 
• Campomarino, vino e Adriatico
  Itinerari nel Basso Molise tra vigneti, realtà vitivinicole di tradizione cooperativa e paesaggio costiero. Le esperienze possono includere visite agli spazi di produzione e affinamento, degustazioni, incontro con i viticoltori, gastronomia locale e scoperta del territorio tra Nuova Cliternia e l'Adriatico. 
• Degustazioni con sapori molisani
  Percorsi guidati che abbinano i vini regionali a formaggi, salumi, olio extravergine, tartufi, pane, pasta tradizionale e, sulla costa, cucina di mare. 
• Cantine, borghi e paesaggio rurale
  Esperienze che collegano produttori e aziende vitivinicole a borghi storici e campagne, creando programmi adatti a piccoli gruppi e viaggiatori interessati all'Italia meno conosciuta. 
• Vendemmia ed eventi del vino
  In base alla stagione, partecipazione a visite in vigneto, attività legate alla vendemmia e appuntamenti dedicati alla cultura del vino. Tra gli eventi estivi del Basso Molise, la Festa del Vino di Nuova Cliternia, tradizionalmente il 13 agosto, unisce degustazioni, prodotti tipici, musica e convivialità, trasformando il vino in esperienza di comunità.

1. Tintilia, a “Rediscovered” Grape Variety
   Long overlooked, Tintilia was rediscovered and revitalized from the late 20th century onwards, eventually becoming a symbol of Molise’s winemaking tradition. Today, it is protected under the Tintilia del Molise DOC designation. 
2. A Wine Linked to Transhumance
   Molise’s winemaking tradition is intertwined with the centuries-old practice of transhumance. The ancient tratturi, once travelled by shepherds and their flocks, still cross a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and small villages, creating a fascinating connection between wine, rural culture, and the territory. 
3. Wine and Truffles: A Meeting of Flavours
   Molise is a land particularly renowned for its truffles, both white and black. As a result, tastings of regional wines can become unique gastronomic experiences, with pairings that highlight the authentic aromas and flavours of the region. 

• Red Grape Varieties 
• Tintilia: It is undoubtedly the signature grape variety of Molise. An indigenous variety historically cultivated in the region (especially in the province of Campobasso), it produces an intense ruby-red wine, full-bodied and characterized by pronounced notes of spices (black pepper), berries, and a distinctive balsamic character. It is used to produce the Tintilia del Molise DOC. 
• Montepulciano:Very widely cultivated throughout the region, it is the basis of many local wines. It produces robust, warm red wines, rich in soft tannins and also well suited to aging. 
• Sangiovese: Found mainly in the Venafro area and in other areas bordering Campania and Lazio, it often contributes freshness and drinkability to regional blends. 
• Ciliegiolo and Aglianico: Present in smaller but significant quantities, Aglianico contributes structure and longevity, while Ciliegiolo provides freshness and fruity aromas. 
  
  
• White Grape Varieties 
• Biferno (Trebbiano Toscano and Bombino Bianco): These are historically the most widely cultivated white grape varieties. Trebbiano Toscano provides freshness and a neutral base, making it ideal for wines intended for early consumption, while Bombino Bianco offers good acidity and structure. 
• Falanghina: In Molise (particularly in the Lower Molise area and the Biferno Valley), it has found an ideal habitat. It produces fresh, mineral white wines with intense citrus and floral aromas. 
• Moscato di Saracena / Moscato Bianco: Present in small, niche areas, it is used both to produce aromatic dry wines and delightful dessert wines.

• Cantine Aperte in various municipalities during July and August 
• Macchia diVino in September in Macchia di Isernia 
• Borgo diVino in Tour in one of Molise’s Most Beautiful Villages in Italy 
• Il Borgo del Gusto in Campomarino, in August 
• Calici di Stelle, in August organized by the Movimento Turismo del Vino 
• Nuova Cliternia Wine Festival — A summer event traditionally held on 13 August 
• Riccia Grape Festival — A traditional September event celebrating rural culture and the grape harvest. 2027 calendar to be confirmed.

• Movimento Turismo del Vino