Vasto is a fantastic spot for wine enthusiasts. While it’s best known for its stunning coastlines and lively town square, the nearby Costa dei Trabocchi is also a wine lover’s paradise. Here, the winemaking tradition is alive and well, with several wineries offering memorable experiences. Among the options, we particularly like Fontefico’s tours, which showcase the unique character of local wines against the backdrop of Abruzzo’s beautiful landscape. Their guided tastings make it easy to learn about organic wine production while sampling top-quality bottles.
If you’re after a more comprehensive experience, Fontefico’s full-day tasting lunch combines a winery visit with a hearty local meal, giving you a true taste of Abruzzo’s culinary and wine traditions. Both tours highlight the charm of this region, but each offers a different kind of experience—one focused on tasting and culture, the other on deeper immersion with food included. Below, we’ve broken down the details of each tour to help you pick the perfect wine adventure.
1. Fontefico: tour the winery and enjoy a guided tasting with local products
At number 1 on our list is the Fontefico guided tasting tour. This 1.5-hour experience offers a hands-on look at Fontefico’s organic winery and vineyards. The focus here is on authenticity: you’ll experience a guided tour of the winery, learning about their organic farming methods, which emphasize sustainability and respect for the land. After, you’ll enjoy a tasting of their wines, accompanied by local products like cheeses, cured meats, and bread—perfect for a true flavor of Abruzzo.
What makes this experience stand out is its intimacy and focus on cultivating a deeper understanding of wine. The guide shares insights about the land and the process of making organic wine, making it ideal for those new to wine tasting or eager to learn about sustainable practices. Reviews are generally positive, praising the knowledgeable guide and the quality of wines and local snacks. It’s a great choice if you’re short on time but want a genuine taste of Fontefico’s offerings.
Bottom line: This tour offers a compact, authentic introduction to Fontefico’s wines and culture—perfect for travelers interested in sustainability and quick yet meaningful experiences.
2. The Fontefico Style: a guided tour of the winery and a tasting lunch
For around 3 hours, The Fontefico Style provides a more comprehensive and relaxed experience. This tour not only includes a visit to the winery and vineyard but also combines it with a tasting lunch featuring traditional Abruzzese dishes and local products. This makes it ideal for food lovers or those wanting a sense of the region’s full culinary and wine culture.
Guests check out Fontefico’s winery and vineyards, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. Afterward, they enjoy a guided wine tasting paired with a local meal that highlights Abruzzo’s fresh ingredients—think cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal dishes. The lunch adds incredible value, making this experience more than just a tasting—it’s a meal that complements the wines perfectly. Reviewers often note that the pairing elevates the experience, turning it into a true culinary highlight.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want to spend more time exploring, tasting, and savoring. The longer duration and included meal make it a good value, especially for those eager to enjoy local flavors. A potential downside? It’s more expensive and takes longer, so it’s less ideal if you’re on a tight schedule.
Bottom line: Rich in flavor and culture, this tour combines a winery visit with a traditional tasting lunch, making it perfect for food and wine enthusiasts wanting a relaxed, full-day experience.
How to Choose Between These Wine Tours in Vasto
When deciding between these options, consider your schedule, budget, and what kind of experience you crave. If you’re short on time and mainly interested in learning about organic wines, the Fontefico guided tasting is a smart, straightforward choice. On the other hand, if you want a more comprehensive cultural experience that includes a meal, the full tasting lunch offers a deep dive into the region’s flavors.
Think about your interests: for a quick, educational stop, the tasting tour works well. For those wanting to savor the local cuisine alongside their wine, the longer experience is better. Also, check the timing—some tours may book up quickly during peak season, so booking early is always wise.
Final Recommendations and Wrap-up
Both tours showcase the best of Fontefico, but each appeals to different travelers. The shorter guided tasting is perfect for those with limited time or a focus on learning about organic wines. The tasting lunch offers a richer experience—ideal if you want to combine wine with regional food.
For wine lovers visiting Vasto, these tours offer authentic insights into Abruzzo’s wine-making traditions. If you’re passionate about sustainability or local cuisine, I’d recommend booking one of these experiences early, especially during the busy summer months.
No matter which you choose, you’ll come away with a better appreciation of the region’s wines and flavors—and some great photos to remember your trip. Enjoy your time in Vasto and raise a glass to discovering Italy’s lesser-known wine treasures.
