Bologna is a historic city of around 400,000 inhabitants and the capital of Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy’s most important food and wine regions. Internationally famous for its cuisine, medieval porticoes, terracotta rooftops and Europe’s oldest university, Bologna combines a vibrant student population with a deeply rooted culinary culture.
The surrounding hills — known as the Colli Bolognesi — are home to some of the region’s most interesting wineries, producing excellent Pignoletto, Barbera and sparkling wines. Many travellers visiting the area for food experiences also include winery visits as part of their itinerary. If you are planning a gastronomic trip to the region, explore curated experiences and local insights on Emilia Delizia.
Tenuta Santa Cecilia alla Croara
Tenuta Santa Cecilia alla Croara is located in a unique microclimate often described as “land of chalk and yellow sands,” which contributes to the structure and freshness of its wines. The estate focuses on certified organic production, careful vineyard management and minimal intervention in the cellar.
One of their best-known labels is Pignoletto Frizzante DOCG, produced from hand-harvested grapes and fermented using natural yeasts. The wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve aromatic purity, delivering a dry, fresh and mineral profile that pairs beautifully with local cuisine.
More information about the winery can be found on the official site: Tenuta Santa Cecilia alla Croara.
Umberto Cesari
Founded in the 1960s, Umberto Cesari has played a major role in elevating the reputation of Emilia-Romagna wines internationally. Starting from a small vineyard, the estate gradually expanded its landholdings, introduced new grape varieties and invested heavily in quality-driven viticulture and modern winemaking.
Today, Umberto Cesari produces a wide portfolio of structured reds, refined whites and sparkling wines, while maintaining a strong connection to the local terroir. The winery also welcomes visitors for tastings and vineyard experiences, making it a popular stop for wine lovers visiting the Bologna countryside.
Official site: Umberto Cesari Winery.
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Vini Botti
Vini Botti is located in Monte San Pietro, in the heart of the Colli Bolognesi. Established in the 1970s and later modernised by the second generation, the winery combines traditional vineyard practices with updated agronomic techniques.
The clay-rich soils and elevated position contribute to wines with good structure and freshness. Production focuses mainly on red wines such as Barbera, alongside Classic Pignoletto and selected sparkling labels. Sustainability and respect for the landscape remain central to the estate’s philosophy.
Tenuta Folesano
Tenuta Folesano lies in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, an area with a long agricultural history dating back to Etruscan and Roman times. Vine cultivation in this territory has been documented for centuries, supported by altitude, clean air and strong temperature variations that enhance grape quality.
The estate preserves traditional vineyard layouts while applying careful manual harvesting and low-impact farming methods. The resulting wines express the character of the Apennine landscape and offer an interesting alternative to the better-known lowland producers.
Tizzano Estate
Tizzano covers more than 200 hectares near Castelvecchio di Reno, with around 35 hectares dedicated to vineyards. Southern exposure, good ventilation and mineral soils create ideal growing conditions for quality grapes.
The estate blends modern winemaking techniques with long-standing agricultural traditions, producing structured wines that reflect the identity of the Bolognese hills. Today the property is managed by the Visconti di Modrone family, continuing a long lineage of agricultural stewardship.
Exploring these wineries offers a deeper understanding of Bologna’s wine culture and complements any food-focused journey through Emilia-Romagna.
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