In these days with a bewildering choice of wedding venues, perhaps a first step could be, what is most important, to you?

Of course, you must consider all of the essential components of your once in a lifetime experience; your family and friends, the location, the cuisine…but perhaps most crucially, the wines.

Everybody knows that Italy is home to some of the most cherished wines in the world, and it is just our luck that we, Valledibadia, are blessed to be close to the mother lode of Italian wine production. Set close to the heart of the romantic Tuscan Vineyard hills, only the highest quality wines can be expected. One of the most prolific in all of Europe, the tranquil Tuscan wine region has internationally- recognised wines to suit every occasion.

With its idyllic landscape of sun-soaked hills, fairy-tale vineyards, and picturesque villages, it’s simply a wine- lover’s paradise.
If there is a place that everybody associates with good food and good wine, it is and has always been Tuscany.

It’s a well-known fact, if we are being honest with ourselves, that wine can really make your wedding. Glasses to clink, a soft yet delicious drink, or simply a light beverage to help soothe down the celebratory banquet.

Now, if we are going to talk about the importance of Italian wines at your wedding, we have to mention the passion and warmth that goes along with it. Italy has a long tradition of endless love, passion, and food and wine crafted by warm, inviting people who understand the importance of these elements at every occasion. All of which really helps create a day that is as beautiful as you.

In the midst of the planning and organising that surrounds the big day, the wines are often left to the caterers to decide, or may not even be thought about at all. However, if you decide to add a more personal touch and select your own wine, here are a few tips from us:

Trust what you taste.

Of course, at the end of the day, your wedding is all about you. But it still helps to have great wines that really mark the occasion.

A word of advice: if you love the wines that you choose, you can be assured that your guests will love it too. After all, your satisfaction is top priority, but you can be certain that your choice will leave your guests delighted.

Here is a selection of 5 Italian & Tuscan wines that you simply can’t afford to not have at your wedding:

Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.: Italian Prosecco, now a favourite toast throughout the world is a dry, sparkling white wine made with grapes from Italy’s Veneto and Friuli areas.  In 1969, the Prosecco produced in 16 townships in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene was recognised with Italian ‘Denominazione d’Origine Controllata’ status.  Today, this is home to the prestigious ‘Prosecco Superiore’.  Bursting with tiny bubbles, it’s the perfect wine for a stylish toast, yet versatile enough to accompany antipasti of hams, fish, or fresh fruit or rich creamy primi beautifully.

Chianti Classico D.O.C.G.: Perhaps the most romantic and iconic of Tuscan wines, the area of Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. comprises over 7.000 thousand hectars of vineyards that unfold magically on the drive down from the province of Florence to Siena.  This wine, made from the Sangiovese grape, also suits a wide variety of cuisine and marks a strong sense of tradition, coming from one of the most historic wine-growing areas in Italy. (www.chianticlassico.com/)

Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G.: A refined Tuscan wine, also traditionally made mostly from the Sangiovese grape, or what was originally believed to be another variety of grape from which it takes its name, ‘Brunello’, from Montalcino. The warm dryness of this wine accompanies strong cheeses such as parmiggiano or pecorino perfectly and is a delight to savour on its own. (www.consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it)

Bolgheri Sassicaia D.O.C.: This is one of the prestigious Tuscan wines to become known as the Super Tuscans in the ‘90s. From the specific area of Castagneto Carducci, this was the first Italian wine to be recognised of origin from a single estate.  Produced from a minimum of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes it is a joy to savour with meat and game. (www.tenutasanguido.com)

Vino Franciacorta e Franciacorta D.O.C.G.: And for those who cannot resist a cool, classy dry white to refresh the palate in the sunshine, this wine made from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Nero grapes, from Italy’s Lomardy Region, is a must and its elegant, fruity bouquet is perfect with crisp fried vegetables, or white meats.

A real Tuscan Banquet. And what could be better? Whether we at Valledibadia are on your doorstep, or a day or two away, you can expect nothing less than genuine tastes and flavours. The true essence of a Tuscan wedding.

What better way to immerse your guests in authentic Italian culture than putting food and wine at centre stage?

Now there’s something we’ll drink to!

From us at Valledibadia, Salute