If you're planning a wine trip to Italy and can't decide between Tuscany and Piedmont, you're not alone. Both are iconic wine regions offering unforgettable food, wine, and scenery—but they deliver very different experiences. After exploring both regions multiple times, here’s my honest take to help you choose—or better yet, plan for both.
Want my curated list of the best wine bars, restaurants, and wineries in both regions? Check out the Travel Guide + Saved Google Map for Tuscany and Piedmont — packed with insider finds and trip-planning tips
🍷 Wine: Barolo vs. Brunello, Chianti, or Super Tuscan (and beyond)
Piedmont is home to the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo grapes known for their floral nose, structure, and aging potential. You’ll also find great value in Langhe Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and the lesser-known Roero and Gattinara wines.
Tuscany, on the other hand, leans into Sangiovese. From the rustic charm of Chianti Classico to the power of Brunello di Montalcino and the polish of Super Tuscans (Cabernet and Merlot blends), it’s a broader, more varied scene.
My take: I’m team Barolo for its complexity and nose, but I’ll never say no to a well-made Brunello. If you’re newer to Italian wine, Tuscany might feel more approachable.
🍝 Food: Truffle vs. Bistecca
Piedmont is rich and decadent: think truffles (especially in fall), hazelnuts, creamy tajarin pasta, raw beef (carne cruda), and hearty mountain cheeses.
Tuscany is rustic and bold: bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragu, ribollita, and local olive oils take center stage.
My take: Both regions have amazing food, personally feel like Tuscany get be a bit heavy especially for multiple days. I’m also a seafood lover and saw a bit more seafood options in Piedmont.
🌄 Scenery: Charming with hillside views vs. Expansive vineyards with a bit a glitz
Tuscany delivers iconic views: rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and golden-hour everything. It’s what you picture when you dream of Italy.
Piedmont is more intimate: fog-covered vineyards, tucked-away villages, and glimpses of the Alps. It’s quieter, more soulful.
My take: If you’re looking for that “Under the Tuscan Sun” moment, go Tuscany. If you’re into slower travel and wine village hopping, Piedmont is magic.
🚘 Convenience: Spread Out vs. Compact
Tuscany is larger and more spread out. You’ll need a car and should plan to visit one or two towns max per day. Decide if you want to focus on Montalcino di Brunello, Chianti, or Super Tuscan.
Piedmont is compact compared to Tuscany. Base yourself around Alba or Barolo and you’re within 15–30 minutes of many top producers.
🏨 Stays & Winery Visits
Because it’s larger, Tuscany has more vineyard stays, agriturismos, and castles. Many estates have formal tasting rooms and panoramic terraces.
Piedmont is more personal: tastings often happen with the winemaker or family members. It feels less like a wine tour, more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
✈️ Getting there
Tuscany: Easily reached by car from Florence (~1.5 hours) or Rome (2 hours)
Piedmont: Fly into Milan or Turin. About 1.5 hr drive from Milan or you can take a train directly to Alba from Turin.
💡 Final Thoughts: Do You Have to Choose?
Honestly? If you have the time, do both. But if you’re short on days or looking for something specific:
Go Tuscany for scenic cypress trees, bigger estates, and meat focused food.
Go Piedmont for charming towns, intimate winery visits, truffle season, and Nebbiolo magic.
And you don’t have to plan it all from scratch.
👉 Get the Tuscany or Piedmont Travel Guide with my saved Google Map and itinerary planning tips. It’s filled with a list of wineries, restaurants, and wines to try from the region.