If you’ve ever dreamed of a journey where every day ends with a glass of something local and every town offers a new flavor to remember—it’s hard to imagine a better pairing than Italy and France.
These countries have shaped the global language of food and wine. But behind their iconic names are hills and valleys, small farms and cellar doors, where tradition still lives quietly. This is where bold reds meet cheeses aged in mountain caves, where lunch can stretch into the afternoon, and where local pride is poured into every bottle and wheel.
Whether you start among the vineyards of Chianti or the lavender fields of Provence, this tour is all about taking your time, savoring the details, and following your appetite from one region to the next.
Ready to explore? Let’s open the map and continue the gastronomic tour we began in Spain and Portugal.
Italy – From Rolling Vineyards to Aged Perfection
In Italy, wine and cheese feel like an art form passed down through generations. The countryside is dotted with small farms, family-run wineries, and hilltop towns where time slows and the flavors deepen. You don’t just taste Italy—you feel it, from the texture of handmade pasta to the smell of a cheese cellar carved into stone.
Tuscany – Chianti and Pecorino Toscano
Tuscany’s landscapes are almost too perfect: golden hills, winding roads lined with cypress trees, and rows of Sangiovese vines that give birth to Chianti Classico. Pair a glass with slices of Pecorino Toscano, a sheep’s milk cheese that can be soft and buttery when young or firm and nutty when aged.
In towns like Pienza, cheesemongers line the narrow streets, offering generous samples. You’ll often hear locals say that Pecorino here tastes of the herbs the sheep graze on—and it’s true.
For a full tasting experience, Castello di Ama near Gaiole in Chianti offers vineyard walks, cellar tours, and an on-site contemporary art collection. It’s just one of many wineries in the region that welcome guests.
📍 Where to Stay: Castello di Spaltenna in Gaiole in Chianti is just a short drive from the winery. This peaceful stone estate sits among vineyards and offers a cozy, elegant stay with views over the Tuscan hills.
Piedmont – Barolo and Castelmagno
Piedmont feels more reserved, more grounded. This is truffle country, where the fog drifts through the valleys and the wines—like Barolo and Barbaresco—are deep, earthy, and structured. They’re perfect alongside Castelmagno, a crumbly, cave-aged cheese made in the Alpine valleys. It’s bold, with a texture that feels almost ancient.
Visit villages like La Morra or Monforte d’Alba, where tiny enotecas serve local reds in dimly lit cellars. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a fall truffle market in full swing.
For wine lovers, Marchesi di Barolo is a classic estate offering tastings and tours in the heart of Barolo. It’s one of several welcoming vineyards in the area.
📍 Where to Stay: Hotel Barolo is located right in the village, a short stroll from the winery. With vineyard views and a traditional restaurant, it’s a convenient and relaxing base for wine exploration.
Veneto – Prosecco and Asiago
Northeast of Venice, the hills of Valdobbiadene shimmer in the morning light. This is Prosecco country—crisp, floral, and celebratory. It’s a natural match for Asiago, a semi-hard cheese from the high pastures of the Veneto mountains. Young Asiago is mild and milky, while aged versions become dense, savory, and perfect with a sparkling aperitif.
Take a slow drive along the Prosecco Road (Strada del Prosecco), where wineries welcome visitors with open tastings and countryside charm. A standout is Villa Sandi, known for its historic cellars and refined sparkling wines.
📍 Where to Stay: Agriturismo Il Follo is just 10–15 minutes from Villa Sandi and sits on a hillside above the vines. The rustic rooms, family-made Prosecco, and countryside views make it an ideal retreat.
Sicily – Nero d’Avola and Ragusano
Sicily’s sun-drenched landscapes produce wines and cheeses with intensity and depth. Nero d’Avola, the island’s signature red, is bold and fruity—often with a hint of spice. It pairs beautifully with Ragusano, a stretched-curd cheese aged in rope-tied blocks. The older it gets, the sharper and more aromatic it becomes.
Markets in Ragusa and Modica are full of life, with vendors calling out from stalls stacked with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and blocks of golden cheese.
If you're exploring southeastern Sicily, Planeta’s Dorilli Estate near Vittoria offers tours and tastings among orange groves and vineyards. It’s one of several welcoming wineries in the area.
📍 Where to Stay: Baglio Occhipinti is just 10 minutes away and blends rustic elegance with organic farming. It’s a quiet base for exploring local wine, cheese, and Sicilian hospitality.
France – Timeless Flavors in Every Corner
France may be famous for its wine and cheese, but the magic is in the variety. Every region has its own pace, its own terroir, and its own way of bringing people to the table. From Alpine cellars to sun-drenched vineyards, this is a country that invites you to slow down and savor everything.
Provence – Rosé and Banon
The light in Provence feels softer, and everything seems to slow with it. Rows of olive trees stretch across the hills, and vineyards catch the afternoon sun. Local rosé is pale, dry, and made to be enjoyed outside—ideally with Banon, a goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves and left to mature until the center turns creamy and smooth. It’s one of the region’s oldest cheeses, and still made by hand in small batches.
Château La Coste, just north of Aix-en-Provence, offers tastings with vineyard walks and open-air art installations. Their rosé is crisp, with notes of citrus and wild herbs.
📍 Where to Stay: Le Mas de la Rose in Orgon is about 30 minutes away. This quiet farmhouse-turned-guesthouse sits among lavender fields and orchards, and feels like it was made for slow mornings.
Burgundy – Pinot Noir and Époisses
Burgundy’s vineyards roll gently over the hills, with old stone walls and tiny villages tucked between the vines. The wines here are refined, especially the Pinot Noir—light in color but full of depth. Époisses is the region’s most famous cheese: soft, washed in brine and local brandy, and known for its strong aroma and creamy, melting center.
Château de Pommard near Beaune is a welcoming place to taste, with vineyard tours and side-by-side comparisons of different terroirs.
📍 Where to Stay: Hôtel Le Cep in Beaune is just minutes away. It’s full of character, with wooden beams, a small spa, and its own cellar for private tastings.
Alsace – Riesling and Munster
Alsace feels different from the rest of France. Timber-framed houses lean over narrow streets, and the vineyards climb steep slopes toward the forest. The Rieslings here are bright and precise, often with a clean mineral edge. They pair well with Munster, a soft, washed-rind cheese made in the nearby mountains. It’s strong in scent, but gentle in flavor—especially when served warm with cumin and potatoes.
Domaine Weinbach, near Kaysersberg, is a small, family-run estate with a long history. Tastings are by appointment and focus on their biodynamic approach to winemaking.
📍 Where to Stay: Hôtel Les Remparts is just a short walk from the village center. It’s simple, peaceful, and close to the vineyards that define the region.
Jura – Vin Jaune and Comté
Tucked between the Alps and the Burgundy plain, Jura is quiet and a little wild. Vineyards sit between forests and hills, producing wines that are aged slowly and with care. Vin Jaune is the most distinctive—deep gold in color, with nutty, savory notes. It’s made to be enjoyed with Comté, a firm cow’s milk cheese aged in cool mountain cellars. The flavors are layered, rich, and different in every bite.
Domaine Berthet-Bondet in Château-Chalon is a small estate with a warm welcome. Their Vin Jaune is aged for over six years and full of character.
📍 Where to Stay: Maison Zugno in Barretaine is about 20 minutes away. This countryside inn has quiet rooms, a lovely garden, and easy access to both vineyards and cheese farms.
Stay Connected While You Travel
Exploring wine country often means getting off the main road—driving through quiet villages, following signs to family-run vineyards, or looking up directions to a hilltop inn. A good connection makes these little moments easier, whether you're translating a tasting note or booking your next overnight stay.
If you’re planning to spend time in just one country, the Italy JetSet eSIM and France JetSet eSIM give you reliable mobile access without needing to search for a local SIM or depend on spotty hotel Wi-Fi. They’re designed for travelers who want simplicity from the moment they land.
If your journey takes you across both borders, the Europe JetSet eSIM covers you throughout the region with one easy setup. No roaming fees, no SIM swaps—just uninterrupted service as you go from Piedmont’s cellars to the lavender roads of Provence.
You can set up your JetSet eSIM before you leave and activate it as soon as you arrive. And if you need to order a new one mid-trip, it only takes a few minutes online.
Because staying connected shouldn’t slow you down—it should help you keep going.
