When is the best time to visit Italy?
I’m walking through the stunning vineyards of Villa Sparina in Gavi, Piedmont, and honestly… late April is hard to beat.
Everything is incredibly lush and green right now. The vineyards are waking up, the rolling hills are vibrant, wildflowers are everywhere, and wine country feels peaceful before the heavy summer crowds arrive.
But here’s one important insider tip most travelers don’t know:
Avoid planning wine-focused travel during Vinitaly.
Vinitaly is one of the world’s biggest wine conventions held every April in Verona, and many small family wineries across Italy either close down completely or are short staffed because the owners and teams are attending the event.
That means if your dream is intimate winery visits and authentic family-run wine experiences, timing matters.
This is exactly why Jamie and I carefully plan our chef-led wine and gastronomy tours around the real rhythm of Italy.
Through VIP Winery Vacations, we create immersive food and wine experiences with insider access to wineries, restaurants, and destinations most tourists never discover.