I’ll Have White Wine, Please!

Green beans to the rescue: my go‑to food tips for traveling in Italy

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 22:25:51 GMT

Green Beans to the Rescue: My Go‑To Food Tips for Traveling in Italy

After several days of indulging in cured meats, cheeses, pastries, and pasta in Spoleto, a charming town in Umbria about two hours east of Rome, I was craving something fresh, green, and grown from the earth . I also longed for something warm and comforting to ward off the cool, damp weather. So, I set out in search of a bowl of soup, or zuppa. A few steps from my hotel, I found a cozy restaurant and took a seat. Disappointed to see no soup on the menu, I must have given myself away, because my server kindly offered to make some just for me. With a glass of wine in hand, I settled in, and before long, a big bowl of green beans arrived. I was both astonished and delighted—how did they know?

Experiences like this reminded me how important it is to understand what a region naturally offers, especially when it comes to food. A few travel tips emerged from this trip that might help you, too.

Travel Tips for Staying Well and Feeling Good in Italy

Travel Tip #1 — Know the Region’s Food Culture

Before you go, take a moment to research what the area is known for in the season you’re visiting.

If a region is famous for lentils and chickpeas, expect to see lentils and chickpeas everywhere .

If you’re dreaming of a nice piece of fish or roasted chicken, remember that land‑locked regions often rely heavily on pork as their primary protein. You may not find seafood or poultry as readily as you expect. And, tartar sauce is not a thing in Italy!

Travel Tip #2 — Plan Ahead for Dietary Needs

Gluten‑free, vegan, pescatarian, dairy‑free—whatever your needs may be, your options can vary widely depending on the size of the town or city you're in. Smaller towns may have limited alternatives. A little advance research can save you from scrambling once you arrive. The good news is that gluten-free diets are not as uncommon as they used to be. There are restaurants and wineries that can accommodate their gluten-free guests upon request.

Travel Tip #3 — Visit a Local Grocery Store

One of the easiest ways to stay balanced while traveling is to make a beeline for the nearest grocery store.

European grocery chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Conad feel familiar to those in the United States, and are great for picking up fresh fruit, bagged greens, nuts, bottled water, and simple snacks. I always grab a few bottles of water for my room and a few protein‑rich items. If your hotel or apartment has a fridge, even better.

Travel Tip #4 — Fiber is Your Friend

As thrilling as endless pasta, pizza, and wine may sound, several days of it can leave your digestive system out of wack. Fiber is your friend and can make for an - ahem, smoother trip. Taking the advice of my nutritionist, I packed chia seeds, oats, low-sugar protein bars, mini containers of peanut butter, hydration packets and a few digestive aids—just in case. The protein foods helped keep me full and energetic between meals, and the hydration packs were good incentives to drink water and to recover from all the delicious wine tastings!

Franciacorta: My New Favorite Sparkling Wine

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:06:06 GMT

Franciacorta: My New Favorite Sparkling Wine

Franciacorta has officially become my new favorite sparkling wine. Produced in Lombardy, Italy, it’s crafted using the same traditional method used for French Champagne—meaning a second fermentation happens in the bottle, creating those fine, elegant bubbles. When you pour a glass, expect aromas and flavors of lemon, peach, white cherry, almond, and a touch of toasty richness.

Traditionally, Italian winemakers used Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir to make Franciacorta. But about five years ago, they were granted permission to include a historic local grape, Erbamat, in the blend. It adds freshness and acidity, giving producers another tool to shape the wine’s character.

I first tasted Franciacorta at a trade event in Atlanta, and I was immediately captivated by how light, flavorful, and refreshing it was. During my time in Italy, I spotted it on several wine lists and made it my mission to try different producers. Some versions were crisp and dry—very similar to a Brut Champagne—while others had more body and fruit, offering a rounder, richer profile.

Although Franciacorta isn’t yet common in most U.S. shops, you can find it if you look. Expect to pay around $35–$45 per bottle. It’s a wonderful palate cleanser before or during a meal, and it shines when served ice‑cold alongside salted nuts, soft cheeses, rotisserie chicken, or even smoked salmon.

I'll have white wine, please!

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:05:14 GMT

I'll Have White Wine, Please!

Working in a wine shop meant I had the chance to talk about wine all day—something I genuinely loved. Our shelves were full of beautiful bottles from all over the world, but the Italian section was especially strong. Most shoppers made a beeline for the reds (and who could blame them?), yet one of the most fascinating corners of the store was often overlooked: Italian white wines.

Sure, many wine drinkers know Pinot Grigio and Prosecco. They’re classics for a reason. But Italy’s white ‑wine landscape is so much broader and more exciting than many people realize. Have you ever tried Fiano, Greco di Tufo, or Soave? I discovered these during my wine certification studies, and each one has its own personality shaped by the region, climate, and winemaking style. Many are light to medium‑bodied, refreshing, and absolutely perfect for warm‑weather sipping.

During a recent trip to Italy, I had the chance to taste several white wines right from at the source. One evening in Rome, I slipped into a small wine bar and café just steps from our hotel, tucked across from a beautiful fountain. I found a quiet spot at the counter and ordered tasting pours of three whites: Vermentino, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Bianco.

Vermentino: Fresh, Zesty, and Perfect for the Coast

Vermentino thrives in coastal regions like Liguria and Sardegna, and you can taste the sea influence in every sip. It’s bright, floral, and zesty—an ideal match for grilled seafood, vegetables, and Mediterranean dishes. Depending on where it’s grown, you might find notes of grapefruit, lime, green apple, ripe pear, almond, or even tropical hints like mango and pineapple. If you enjoy Pinot Gris, Vermentino might be your next favorite bottle. It was the one I loved so much I brought a bottle home with me!

Gewürztraminer: Aromatic, Spicy, and Surprisingly Soft

Gewürztraminer (ger‑VURTZ‑trah‑mee‑ner) is as fun to say as it is to drink (ger‑VURTZ‑trah‑mee‑ner). Highly aromatic and full of spice, it grows primarily in Northern Italy near the German border, though you’ll also find it in cooler parts of the U.S.

The bottle I tasted in Rome delivered all the classic aromas—ginger, peach, grapefruit, lychee, pineapple—but with a softer, more delicate expression than I expected. If you can’t find an Italian version locally, bottles from Germany, Alsace, or Oregon make great alternatives.

This wine shines with highly spiced or aromatic foods, as well as most meats and seafood. It’s also lovely with soft cheeses and dried fruit.

Pinot Bianco: Elegant, Versatile, and Under‑the‑Radar

Pinot Bianco is Italy’s take on Pinot Blanc, a dry French white wine that’s actually a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. While it’s widely grown in Alsace, Germany, and Austria, Northern Italy—especially Lombardy—produces some beautiful examples.

Some winemakers blend Pinot Bianco with Chardonnay or age it in oak, which adds complexity. It’s a versatile grape used for still, sparkling, and even sweet wines. Expect flavors of pear, peach, almond, lemon, and sometimes a touch of spice.

If you like Pinot Gris, you’ll likely enjoy this too. It pairs well with salads, soft cheeses, lemon‑roasted chicken, seafood, and pasta with subtle or creamy sauces.

A Few More Whites Worth Exploring

There were other white wines I also enjoyed during my Italian adventure: Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, and Pecorino . Each offered its own distinct flavor profile and sense of place. Whatever your preference—red or white—do explore the fascinating world of Italian wine. One source says there are about 350 Italian wine varieties in total. Surely that’s enough to keep you busy for a while!