Provincia di Pavia

• Bonarda (Croatina): fresh and fruity with cherry-driven flavors; available in still or lightly sparkling versions with gentle tannins.
• Barbera: vibrant acidity and substantial mid-palate; found in still and lightly sparkling forms, often blended with Croatina.
• Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir): elegant with red fruit and spice notes; used for both still wines and metodo classico sparkling wines.
• Chardonnay: crafted to be dry and crisp; also used in blanc de blancs sparkling wines.
• Riesling Italico: thrives in cooler areas; made in dry and sweet passito styles.
• Moscato Bianco: aromatic wines, ranging from dry to sweet, often with a frizzante character.
• Sangue di Giuda: sweet red wine with a slight fizz, a local specialty.

Pavia's terroir is a harmonious blend of varied landscapes and soils. The flat alluvial plains of the Po River boast silt and clay soils, while the rolling foothills of the Ligurian Apennines feature calcareous clay and marl, remnants of ancient seabeds. These hilly terrains, reaching elevations of 300–350 meters, offer south or southeast exposures and excellent drainage, ideal for cultivating vibrant wines like Barbera and Croatina.

The region enjoys a temperate-continental climate, with cold winters allowing vines to rest. Spring brings gradual warmth, leading to bud break. The long, warm summers are blessed with occasional cooling breezes, ensuring a significant day-night temperature variation that maintains grape acidity. Moderate rainfall of 700–900 mm annually supports the lengthy growing season, creating the perfect conditions for developing wines with ripe fruitiness and fresh acidity, characteristic of Pavia’s diverse terroir.

The Oltrepò Pavese area in Provincia di Pavia, renowned for its exquisite Pinot Noir, hosts several distinguished wineries. These estates blend tradition with innovation to produce exceptional wines.

Notably, Travaglino stands out for its long-aged metodo classico Pinot Nero and elegant still wines. Castello di Cigognola is celebrated for its exquisite Pinot Noir, particularly its traditional-method sparkling wines. La Travaglina, a family-run gem, is recognized for its balanced Pinot Nero spumante and refined still offerings. Bruno Verdi impresses with structured metodo classico and distinctive still wines. Scuropasso is known for its low-dosage metodo classico Pinot Nero, offering a clean style.

Other noteworthy wineries include Cantina Sociale di Casteggio and Frecciarossa, a key player in Pinot Nero, along with Ca’ del Nespolo, Picchioni, Calatroni, and Le Fracce. Many of these wineries provide tours and tastings, offering visitors a taste of Pavia’s rich vinous heritage.

Provincia di Pavia in Lombardy is embracing sustainability in winemaking, reflecting the region's commitment to preserving its rich terroir and heritage. Many vineyards are adopting organic and biodynamic practices, focusing on biodiversity and soil health. Cover crops and natural pest management are widely used to maintain ecological balance.

Water conservation is a priority, with drip irrigation becoming a standard, while renewable energy is increasingly powering vineyard operations. The preservation of heritage grape varieties is also key, ensuring the continuation of traditional wines like Barbera and Croatina.

Sustainability is not just an environmental concern but also a quality-driven approach that supports the longevity of Pavia’s wines. These efforts are shared with visitors, who experience firsthand the harmony between nature and winemaking in this picturesque region.

Oltrepò Pavese in Provincia di Pavia offers rich wine tourism experiences, blending scenic beauty with vinous exploration. Visitors can tour charming vineyards set against lush hills and medieval architecture, accessible through the Strada del Vino e dei Sapori. This route connects farm stays, wineries, and local food artisans, providing a journey through the region’s culinary delights.

Many wineries welcome guests for tastings and guided tours, featuring walks through vineyards and events like harvest festivals and Pinot-themed gatherings. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore cycling and hiking trails, with e-bike rentals available for a more leisurely adventure. The area’s food-and-wine trails offer pairings of local specialties like salame di Varzi and agnolotti with regional wines, showcasing Oltrepò Pavese's diverse grape varieties and winemaking traditions.