Discovering the “Cantico Wine Route”

One particularly interesting and tasty way of visiting Umbria is following the extraordinary Cantico Wine Route- Canticle Wine Route, an itinerary created in 2002 based on an initiative of the homonymous association with the aim of showcasing the value of and promoting the historical, cultural, environmental, economic and social identity of the participating municipalities.

These include Todi, as a fundamental reference point in addition to being the crucial link in the route, as it is often chosen as the very starting point. The other participating cities are Assisi, Bettona, Cannara, Collazzone, Deruta, Fratta Todina, Marsciano, Massa Martana, Monte Castello di Vibio, Perugia, Spello and Torgiano.

The association brings together vineyards, olive mills, hotels and restaurants, museums, theatres, small artisan and commercial businesses and other agencies and associations.  

 

The Canticle Wine Route: more than just wine

The Cantico Wine Route aims to promote the communication and development of an area characterised by its renowned wine production: one DOCG, the Torgiano Rosso Riserva, and five DOC, Assisi, Colli Perugini, Torgiano, Todi and Colli Martani. And that’s not all. The initiatives and projects are all created with the aim of attracting people to the ancient villages, cities, castles and churches through a route that allows visitors to explore the identity and soul of the area also through its events, re-enactments and fêtes.

In addition to the wines, therefore, they showcase the fine traditional local products, such as the Cannara onion, Umbrian DOP oil, IGP White Veal from the Central Apennines, saffron, the Bettona pea, truffle and Umbrian sheep cheese of Subasio. All of this in combination with art, culture, monuments and landscape to enjoy a full-immersion in the places, traditions, stories and precious knowledge of the trades, rhythms and seasons of a land that shares a long and significant farming history.  

 

The Canticle Wine Route: the itineraries

The Cantico Wine Route can be followed along the standard roads or by taking secondary, scenic roads, in the car but also on motorbike, bike, horse or foot. 

One of the most popular tours is the one that starts in Todi and finishes in Spello passing through Marsciano, Deruta, Torgiano, Perugia and Assisi, obviously without leaving out the smaller towns.

Alternatively you can start your itinerary in Perugia and head south towards Torgiano, then move on to Todi and further on towards Massa Martana, Spello and lastly Assisi.

There is an extremely large number of options available that also vary based on the tastes and needs of the visitor.

For anyone coming to Umbria this is nevertheless a unique opportunity to get a feel and taste for the region.