When you think of Sardinia, your mind immediately wanders to the turquoise hues of Cala Brandinchi or the fine sand of La Pelosa. However, there is another way to truly savour the island, and that is through its wines! Gallura is not just about the coast: it is also a land of excellent wines and wineries.
More and more travellers are choosing to alternate between dips in the water and immersions in the authentic flavours of the island. Discovering the local wineries is not only an excellent idea for a cloudy day or a relaxing late afternoon, but it is also the best way to understand the true, hospitable soul of this island.
Here is an itinerary dedicated to the “King” of Northern Sardinia: Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, the only wine on the island with Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin status.
The Golden Triangle of wine: Arzachena, Palau and Olbia
If you stay in one of our residences in northern Sardinia, you are already in the heart of one of Italy’s most important wine-producing areas. Gallura, with its granite soil and constant winds that carry salt air to the grapes, produces wines with a unique character: savoury, mineral and highly fragrant.
There’s no need to travel too far. The vineyards are often just a few minutes away from the most famous beaches.
- Arzachena area: Here, the landscape is dominated by wind-sculpted rocks and neat rows of vines. Many of the wineries here are true gems of modern architecture, perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings, where design meets tradition.
- Olbia and Berchidda: Moving slightly inland, at the foot of Mount Limbara, you enter the “home” of Vermentino. Here the air is cooler and the views open up onto immense, silent valleys.
What to expect from a visit to the winery?
Forget boring old tastings in dark rooms. Today, Sardinian wineries offer true sensory experiences.
Sunset Aperitif: Many estates organise tastings at golden hour, when the sun sets behind the granite hills and the heat of the day gives way to the evening breeze. Imagine sipping a cool glass of wine while sitting among the vines, accompanied by Sardinian pecorino cheese, crispy guttiau bread and local cured meats.
Walks through the vineyards: Before tasting, you walk. Expert guides will tell you how granite nourishes the vines and how the wind protects the grapes, making the heavy use of chemical treatments unnecessary.
Gourmet pairings: Not just wine. Some establishments offer light lunches where each label is paired with revisited traditional dishes.
Where to stay for a food and wine tour
To explore the wineries without sacrificing proximity to the sea, strategic locations are essential.
- If you want to explore the Arzachena and Palau area, the Baia de Bahas Residence or the Palau Green Village are ideal starting points: in 15 minutes by car, you will find yourself surrounded by the most prestigious resorts on the Costa Smeralda.
- If you prefer the San Teodoro and Budoni area, which is ideal for visiting the wineries around Olbia, the Residence Bouganvillage allows you to combine nightlife with gourmet discoveries.
All that remains is to book and raise your glasses to toast your next trip to Sardinia!
