When planning a food and wine tour in Italy, most travelers immediately think of classic Tuscan landscapes, complete with world-renowned vineyards and rolling countryside. But right next door is one of Italy’s untouched hidden gems that offers an equally rich–-yet far less crowded—food and wine experience.
Did you know that Tuscany alone accounts for 10% of the Italian Tourism GDP? With over 97 million overnight tourist stays per year and 36 Michelin-star restaurants, Tuscany has remained at the top of Italian tourism for international travelers for decades. As the backdrop of countless movies like, “Under the Tuscan Sun,” or “Life is Beautiful,” Tuscany is at the top of many travel bucket lists for food & wine lovers.
But, that doesn’t mean that if you skip Tuscany you’ll be missing out on Italy’s renowned culinary creations and world class wine. Just around the corner lies a lesser known region south of the Tuscan border that only pulls in about 10% of Tuscany’s tourism, and more than rivals Tuscany’s landscape, cuisine & wine: Umbria.
From Italy’s famous comfort foods that make you feel good, like truffle-infused dishes and slow-roasted porchetta, to bold red wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco, Umbria is a hidden gem that you might have never heard of just waiting to be explored.
If you want a food & wine Italian vacation with intimate wine-tasting experiences, a rustic, farm-to-table flavor, and a landscape untouched by time, Umbria is the perfect fit. While its famous neighbor Tuscany shouts, Umbria whispers, inviting you to savor the simple pleasures and nuances of everyday Italian culture.
In this guide, we’ll leave no stone unturned in helping you decide which region to choose for a food & wine lover’s tour in Italy.
Can You Even Compare Italy’s Tuscany & Umbria for Food and Wine?
At first glance, comparing Tuscany and Umbria might seem unfair—after all, Tuscany’s wine tours and culinary scene are world-famous, while Umbria remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. But the truth is Tuscany being Umbria’s neighbor means that both regions have a lot of similarities while at the same time having their very own culinary identity.
So if you’re searching for the perfect food and wine tour in Italy, both regions have something incredible to offer. The real question is: Do you want the classic, well-trodden experience or an off-the-beaten-path adventure where you don’t have to fight through the crowds?
Two Culinary Powerhouses
Both Tuscany and Umbria have deeply rooted food and wine traditions, shaped by their unique landscapes and history.
Tuscany is a land of rolling vineyards, sun-drenched olive groves, and elegant countryside estates, producing iconic wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans. The cuisine is bold yet simple, focusing on high-quality ingredients, from the legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina to the comforting flavors of ribollita.
Meanwhile, Umbria embraces a more earthy and rustic charm. Known as “Italy’s Green Heart,” the region is a paradise for truffle lovers, with dense woodlands that yield the highly sought-after black and white truffles.
Instead of the grand wine estates you’ll find dotting the Tuscan landscapes (complete with tourist crowds), you’ll find centuries-old, small, family-run vineyards offering tastings of lesser-known wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco or Orvieto Classico. Plus away from the Sagrantino wine path you can find ancient estates uncovering award-winning vintages that are the perfect backdrop for savoring Umbria’s up and coming producers.
As for the cuisine, it is all about slow-roasted meats, handmade pastas, and seasonal produce, reflecting a deep connection to the surrounding land, which you’ll find in Umbria’s Top Restaurants for Traditional Cuisine and on Italy Uncorked when we have you to an organic farm near the foothills of the Apennines where they produce the famous cinta sense pigs, not just a Tuscan favorite but beloved by Umbrians for producing charcuterie and porchetta. Making Umbria world renowned for its Norcinerie: the art of selling and making curing meats that dates back to Roman times.
Authentic Experiences Off the Beaten Path
One of the biggest differences between Tuscany and Umbria is, of course, their tourism experiences. Tuscany’s reputation precedes it—the wine roads, medieval towns, and picturesque, film-worthy landscapes draw millions of visitors each year. Some Tuscany wine tours offer a luxury experience with tastings at historic wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and breathtaking vineyard views. But with all those tourists comes its drawbacks.
Drawbacks that not only affect the local way of life, but the true quality of the experiences. Which means that many visitors will often find something missing in Tuscany: authenticity. Which has resulted because they rely so heavily on tourism to feed their economy that experiences have succumbed to what “tourists” want and not want to a true representation of their local cultural and culinary heritage.
Umbria offers the authentic and untouched experience that many Italian tourists crave. Without the crowds, you can experience Italy as the locals do—wandering through Umbria’s most beautiful medieval villages where nonnas make pasta by hand, savoring truffle-topped bruschetta in a tiny family-run osteria, or sipping with in a stone cellar where the winemaker personally pours your glass.
Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find any region in Italy that doesn’t have some touristy areas, and that includes Umbria. If you’re prioritizing popular, well-known locations like Assisi or Sagrantino di Montefalco wine country, you shouldn’t be surprised to find a higher concentration of tourists. However, Umbria is largely still made up of local rather than international tourists—by comparison, last year, Tuscany actually reported more tourists than residents!
In Umbria or Tuscany, you’d have to be a savvy traveler to escape the well-trodden tourist trail for an authentic experience. But don’t be fooled by Umbria flying under the radar: you’ll definitely still find Tuscany-level prices and tourism in some areas. That’s exactly why with a tour like ours, we’ll take you away from those highly concentrated areas to experience the authentic realities that still remain in Umbria today, closer to the Le Marche border.
Food Culture in Tuscany vs. Umbria
Italy’s regional cuisines are deeply tied to their landscapes, and while Tuscany and Umbria certainly share some similarities, each has its own distinct identity.
Tuscany, with its internationally recognized wines and postcard-perfect landscapes, has long been a magnet for tourists, and over time, its food scene has evolved to cater to global expectations. In many areas, menus reflect what visitors think Italian cuisine should be rather than what it truly is.
Umbria, however, remains rooted in authenticity, where by and large, food is still made for locals first and visitors second. Restaurants prioritize tradition over trend, and the region’s rich culinary heritage—truffle-laced dishes, bold Sagrantino wines, and rustic staples—remains untouched by mass tourism.
Both regions can offer luxurious experiences, from sprawling wine estates to Michelin-starred restaurants. But while Tuscany has been shaped by its reputation, Umbria continues to fly under the radar, drawing in those who seek something real rather than rehearsed. For travelers looking to step off the well-worn path and experience Italy as Italians do, Umbria delivers in ways that Tuscany no longer can.
While both regions emphasize seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes, each has a distinct culinary identity shaped by its landscape. Tuscany’s cuisine reflects its sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves, and access to the coast, incorporating seafood alongside its simple, high-quality flavors.
In contrast, Umbria, a landlocked region, draws from its rolling hills, dense forests, and freshwater lakes, with a cuisine centered on hearty meats, legumes, and lake fish. Every dish in Umbria tells the story of a region untouched by the sea but deeply connected to its rugged terrain and agricultural roots.
Tuscany’s Iconic Flavors
With rolling hills, golden wheat fields, and endless vineyards, Tuscan cuisine is bold, yet unpretentious. The region has long embraced the philosophy of “cucina povera” (poor kitchen), making the most of simple, local ingredients to craft deeply flavorful dishes.
Olive oil is king in this region, with rich, peppery extra virgin olive oil drizzled over everything from toasted breads to grilled meats.
Some of Tuscany’s must-try, most iconic dishes include:
- Ribollita – A hearty, vegetable-packed soup made with cannellini beans, kale, and day-old break, reflecting the region’s humble and waste-free traditions.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Thick, flame-grilled T-bone steak, cooked rare and seasoned with nothing more than salt and olive oil, embodying the region’s love for high-quality and locally raised Chianina beef.
- Cantucci – The famous almond-studded biscotti, traditionally dipped in Vin Santo, a Tuscan dessert wine, for the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
- Pici pasta – Thick, hand-rolled pasta strands made from just flour and water, showcasing the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine. Traditionally served with rich, slow-simmered sauces like aglione (garlic and tomato) or cacio e pepe, pici’s rustic texture makes it the perfect canvas for bold, comforting flavors.
Umbria’s Rustic and Earthy Cuisine: Foods That Make You Feel Good
Known as “Italy’s Green Heart,” Umbria’s cuisine is fittingly earthy, rich, and deeply tied to the region’s forests, pastures, and fertile valleys. Without a coastline, unlike the neighboring region of Le Marche, Umbrian cooking relies heavily on hearty meats, legumes, truffles, and wild herbs, making it one of Italy’s most comforting and satisfying regional food traditions.
What truly sets this region apart is the emphasis on small-scale, locally-sourced ingredients—think hand-rolled pastas, slow-roasted meats, and artisanal cheeses, all prepared with generations of tradition behind them.
And you can taste the difference in any dish, including the organic, sustainable honey you’ll taste on tour with us during Italy Uncorked. Some say it’s the best honey in the entire country, including Michelin-starred chefs like Heinz Beck!
Must-try Umbrian dishes include:
- Truffle-based dishes – Black Truffles from Norcia and White Truffles from Tiber Valley are shaved over handmade strangozzi pasta, infused into sauces, or spread onto toasted bread for an indulgent bruschetta. And, these beloved truffles are both celebrated in their own festival, one of the many food festivals that take place in Umbria!
- Porchetta – Slow-roasted, herb-stuffed pork roast, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, typically enjoyed in a freshly baked panino from a roadside food stall.
- Castelluccio Lentils – These tiny, nutrient-rich lentils are considered some of the best in Italy, often served in stews with sausage or as a simple, warming side dish with olive oil and garlic.
- Pecorino Cheese – A hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk, often considered a staple of Umbrian cuisine whether grated over pasta dishes, served with honey and walnuts, or simply enjoyed on its own with a glass of local wine.
While Tuscany’s traditional cuisine is beloved for its humble roots in cucina povera (poor man’s food) Umbria’s flavors are deep, hearty, and packed with tradition—each meal an invitation to slow down, savor, and experience true farm-to-table dining in its purest form which is why on Italy Uncorked we take you to a 100% organic farming estate that crafts charcuterie and wine from Umbria’s finest ingredients, showcasing the beauty and boldness of Umbria’s deep culinary heritage that has been shaped by the local landscape.
Ready to prepare for the Ultimate Umbria adventure? Get the full picture on Umbrian weather, cuisine, culture, and more with our Ultimate Guide to Umbria.
Wine in Tuscany vs. Umbria
As a whole, Italy’s rich winemaking heritage is world-renowned, and Tuscany and Umbria offer two distinct yet captivating wine experiences. While Tuscany’s vineyards draw wine lovers from across the globe, Umbria remains today one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, offering a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path tasting experience.
Whether you’re indulging in a glass of Brunello di Montalcino overlooking Tuscan vineyards or discovering the bold flavors of Sagrantino in Umbria, both regions are sure to offer an unforgettable journey through Italian wine culture, but one stands out as offering a more authentic experience.
The World-Famous Wines of Tuscany
Tuscany is synonymous with some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, making it a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast.
The region’s rolling hills, sun-soaked vineyards, and historic estates produce wines that are both bold and refined, deeply influenced by their terroir. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans are among the most sought-after, each offering a unique expression of Tuscany.
- Chianti & Chianti Classico – Perhaps Tuscany’s most famous red and even amongst Italy’s most famous reds, Chianti is primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, delivering flavors of red berries, dried herbs, and earthy spices. Chianti Classico, from the region’s historic heartland, is more complex and structured, often aged in oak barrels for added depth.
- Brunello di Montalcino – One of Italy’s most prestigious wines, Brunello is a full-bodied, long-aging red wine made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes, boasting rich cherry, leather, and tobacco notes.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – A deeply elegant Sangiovese-based wine from Montepulciano, known for its smooth tannins and layers of dark fruit, spice, and floral aromas.
- Super Tuscans – These modern, innovative wines blend Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, producing powerful, rich wines that rival some of the best in the world.
Umbria’s Underrated Wine Scene
While Tuscany often steals the spotlight, Umbria’s thriving yet under-the-radar wine scene offers a quieter, more personal tasting experience. Here, family-run wineries, like the three you’ll visit on Italy Uncorked, focus on historic grape varieties and time-honored traditions, creating authentic wines that reflect the land’s rugged beauty and deep-rooted heritage.
- Sagrantino di Montefalco – One of Italy’s most bold and tannic red wines, Sagrantino is rich in dark fruit, spice, and chocolate notes, with an aging potential that rivals even the best Brunellos.
- Orvieto Classico – A crisp, refreshing white wine made from Grechetto and Trebbiano, offering flavors of green apple, citrus, and almond, perfect for pairing with Umbria’s truffle-infused dishes.
- Trebbiano Spoletino – A full-bodied, aromatic, white wine with notes of peach, apricot, and minerality, showcasing the diversity of Umbria’s white wine production.
- Umbria IGT – Encompassing a variety of recovered vines that producers are bringing back to life, when you grab your seat on Italy Uncorked we’ll take you to innovative small wine producers bringing ancient vines, like those with Nebbiolo grapes, back to life!
While Tuscany certainly offers big name internationally known wines and grand vineyard estates, you can’t beat the personal connections you can make with local winemakers in Umbria when you get off the main tourist track outside of the Sagrantino di Montefalco zone of production.
Many families have been honoring winemaking traditions for decades or even centuries, crafting distinctive wines that remain a true reflection of the land. In addition to smaller producers reviving old vineyards and restoring estates that are now producing wines that rival some of the best in the country. So when seeking out unique wine experiences in Umbria, don’t be afraid to try wineries producing IGT wines and not just DOC and DOCG.
Not well-versed in these Italian wine terms? Click here to discover the 7 essential wine terms every Italian wine lover needs to know!
How to Even Begin to Choose the Right Region?
With both Tuscany and Umbria offering incredible food, wine, and cultural experiences, deciding which region to visit can feel overwhelming. It all comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for, whether it’s the drinking the wine you already know of Tuscany’s favorite wine estates or the authentic charm of discovering new vintages of Umbria’s charming tenutas.
For the Iconic Experience of Tuscany Wine Tours
If you dream of sipping world-renowned wines in grand estates, surrounded by rolling vineyards and historic villas, then Tuscany may be the perfect choice for you, but you can also find these large wine estates in the Sagrantino di Montefalco production area of Umbria
Welcoming tourists for many years, in general Tuscany offers more services for foreign tourists which is why the region has become synonymous abroad with luxury wine tours, celebrated culinary traditions, and postcard-worthy landscapes. From the legendary Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino to the rich, bold taste of Super Tuscans, Tuscany generally offers experiences tailored to the wine loving tourists looking to explore the best of Italy’s viticulture, rather than local tourists. Which is why many locals deem it to be unauthentic.
Food lovers will also find plenty to indulge in, with classic Tuscan dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina and ribollita, all paired with exceptional local olive oils and full-bodied reds. The experience here ranges from luxury to cookie cutter and made for tourists. Which means you need to have a discerning eye when seeking out the authentic and personal experiences in this well-trodden region. When you find the right Tuscan experiences steeped in history, Tuscany can still be an ideal destination for travelers looking for a well-known yet unforgettable journey.
But, with all of that in mind, remember that this region in particular has unfortunately succumbed to the effects of overtourism, which doesn’t only hinder your ability to have a truly authentic experience and connect with locals, it also can have a negative impact on the residents and places you visit. This is why traveling away from the tourist track to the regions in Italy that need more tourism is the best way to ensure your travels leave an overall positive impact on the regions you visit in Italy.
For the Hidden Gem Adventure
If you prefer quiet, authentic experiences where you can truly immerse yourself in local culture, Umbria, outside of Assisi and Montefalco, is where you want to be. Unlike Tuscany’s well-trodden wine routes, select areas in Umbria offer smaller, family-run wineries and rustic to refined farm-to-table dining that feels genuine and unspoiled. Here, you’ll taste bold, deeply traditional wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco and explore medieval towns where time seems to slow down.
One of our favorite parts of Umbria is how every experience feels personal—from chatting with winemakers who have been perfecting their craft for generations to discovering tiny trattorias serving some of the best truffle-infused dishes you’ve ever had. But being Tuscany’s neighbor and having some famous Unesco sites, Umbria is no stranger to tourists select times of the year, which is why when you join us on tour we take you to small producers off the tourists track and away from the crowds so that you can enjoy the unhurried pace and organic ingredients Umbria’s idyllic landscape.
This is why, if you’re in the market for a region where you can explore at your own pace, away from the crowds, Umbria can be the place to go. We may be a little biased in saying so, but as Italian Travel Experts and long-time locals, we can tell you honestly that this is a side of Italy you’ll want to experience at least once in your life, and if you’re anything like our guests, multiple!
Wondering how to navigate Umbria for the first time? You don’t have to do it alone! Join us on Italy Uncorked and experience the best of Umbria and Le Marche—from unforgettable wine tastings to authentic local food, all in the company of passionate guides who know these regions inside and out.
Explore Umbria Like a Local
Want to experience Umbria beyond the typical tourist trail? Our 10-day small group tour to Umbria & Le Marche takes you deep into Italy’s heartland, where you’ll sip award-winning wines, savor farm-to-table meals in historic abbeys, and explore charming medieval towns. With exclusive access to local producers and UNESCO sites without the lineups, this immersive journey offers an authentic taste of Italy—without the crowds.
Let us handle the details while you relax and enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive adventure through Italy’s most underrated food and wine destinations!
Ready for Your Next Food & Wine Adventure?
Both Tuscany and Umbria are sure to offer unforgettable culinary and wine experiences, but the right choice depends on your travel style and if you are willing to get out of your comfort zone and go where less English is spoken and wine is adamantly produced for local tastes. If you dream of luxurious wine estates, world-renowned labels like Brunello and Chianti, and the prestige of an iconic Tuscany wine tour, then Tuscany is your perfect match.
But if you’re not set on prestige and notoriety – you want the up and coming vintages that are not on your friends’ radar yet. Plus crave a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure—where truffles, porchetta, and Sagrantino grapes take center stage—then Italy Umbria is waiting to surprise you!
The choice between these two iconic destinations depends on your travel preferences and your tolerance for crowds and desire to go with the known over the up and coming. While Umbria certainly isn’t immune to tourism, it can provide more of that untainted, authentic experience you may be craving as a traveler.
With awareness of sustainability amongst tourists on the rise, it’s also essential to consider your impact on the locals of the places you visit. Visiting “hidden gem” areas of regions like Umbria can help to combat the effects of over-tourism and support the communities that are keeping authentic Italian food and wine traditions alive! Where they haven’t yet succumbed to offering menu and services based on tourist requests because that is what sells, even though it’s not a true representation of the local culture and cuisine.
Unfortunately, visiting these lesser-known regions can be difficult without someone on the inside to guide you and prevent those logistical mishaps from happening. We get that! Which is exactly why we’ve done the work and deep research for you.
If you want an authentic Italian experience in Umbria without the headache and stress of planning on your own, join us on our Italy Uncorked 10-day small group tour and experience the hidden gems of Umbria & Le Marche. Enjoy exclusive tastings, farm-to-table dining, refined local dishes and the magic of Italy’s most authentic food and wine regions—without the crowds. Book your spot today!
