San Costanzo’s Torcolo

The typical sweet of the tradition to celebrate San Costanzo is, in fact, the Torcolo, behind which there are many legends and mysteries related to the Saint that still today make this sweet full of charm and history.

In fact, it is handed down that the torcolo is in the shape of a donut to remember the crown and flowers that were placed on the body of the Saint after the decapitation or even that the hole represents the severed head of the Saint and lastly that its donut shape refers to the crown paraded from the head of the Saint once he was beheaded. That’s why a dessert studded with colored candies, in memory of the precious stones of the color! The five cuts on the donut are, however, attributable to the access doors to the five districts of the historic center of Perugia: Porta San Pietro, Porta Sole, Porta Eburnea, Porta Susanna, and Porta Sant’Angelo.

The torcolo di San Costanzo, despite the great importance it holds during the feast of January 29, is a dessert that is now enjoyed in Umbria throughout the year!

Let’s see the Recipe:

Ingredients:
600 g of flour
330 g of warm water
170 g of sugar
85 g of extra virgin olive oil
1 egg
85 g of butter
25 g of brewer’s yeast
170 g of candied citron
170 g of sultana raisins
170 g of pine nuts
anise seeds to taste

Method:
Arrange the flour on a pastry board, or in a bowl, crumble the yeast in the center and begin to knead with the warm water, gradually collecting the flour from the edges. Once the dough is homogeneous and well blended, let it rest and rise for about 2 hours in a warm, dry place.

Once the leavening is complete, turn the dough over (it should double) onto the work surface, spreading it slightly with the palm of your hand and add the butter cut into small pieces (room temperature), the sugar and the oil. Once the ingredients are mixed, add the diced candied citron, the raisins, the pine nuts, anise to taste. Knead it until all the candied fruit and dried fruit are well blended, form the donut and put it in a buttered cake pan to let it rise for about 3 hours.

After the last leavening, brush the surface of the Torcolo with egg yolk and make 5 light cuts with the tip of the knife.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180° for about 45 minutes.

Recommended pairing: Vernaccia di Cannara or Umbrian Vinsanto.

The Story of Saint Costanzo

Il 29 gennaio si festeggia San Costanzo, primo Vescovo e di Perugia e uno dei patroni del capoluogo umbro insieme a San Lorenzo e Sant’Ercolano. La storia della vita di San Costanzo e ciò che ne aleggia intorno è ricco di meraviglia, stupore, fede e misticismo con un pizzico di romanticismo e di dolcezze. Vediamo perché.

On January 29th, Saint Costanzo is celebrated, the first Bishop of Perugia, and one of the patrons of the Umbrian capital, along with Saint Lorenzo and Saint Ercolano. The story of the life of Saint Costanzo and what surrounds it is rich in wonder, amazement, faith, and mysticism, with a touch of romanticism and sweetness. Let’s see why.

 

Saint Costanzo, the Martyr

In “Mille Santi del Giorno” by Piero Bargellini, a collection of stories about the lives of saints, the description of Costanzo can be traced back to around the 2nd century AD. He was a man dedicated to faith, kindness, and generosity towards the poor, with a strong sense of duty to the Christian Church, especially during the persecutions of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

 

It is narrated that Costanzo, under the rule of Marcus Aurelius, was martyred and brutally persecuted: confined in the calidarium (ancient Roman baths) at extremely high temperatures, he miraculously emerged unharmed. He was arrested several times and forced to walk on burning coals, but nothing could shake the faith of Saint Costanzo. Around the year 178, he was arrested again and beheaded in Foligno. His remains were then returned to Perugia, where he found rest in what would later become the first Cathedral of Perugia, outside the gates of San Pietro, now known as the Church of San Costanzo.

 

The Tradition of the Wink

For lovers of romanticism, here’s a legend that during the celebrations of the Saint, the image of San Costanzo can “wink” at unmarried girls (and virgins according to medieval tradition) who present themselves in the Church where the Saint rests, to inquire if they will marry within the year. Of course, it’s a play of lights and shadows that makes the whole thing magical with a hint of love.

 

For young ladies without the foresight of a happy event predicted by the Saint, the boyfriend will give them the typical Perugian sweet, especially associated with the Feast of San Costanzo, the Torcolo.

 

The Torcolo of San Costanzo

The typical sweet of the tradition to celebrate San Costanzo is indeed the Torcolo, behind which many legends and mysteries related to the Saint are hidden, making this sweet still charming and full of history today.

 

It is handed down, in fact, that the torcolo is shaped like a ring to recall the crown of flowers placed on the Saint’s body after decapitation, or that the hole represents the severed head of the Saint, and finally, that its donut shape refers to the crown removed from the head of the Saint once decapitated. This is why a sweet studded with colored candied fruits, in memory of the precious stones of the crown! The five cuts on the donut can be traced back to the entrances to the five districts of the historic center of Perugia: Porta San Pietro, Porta Sole, Porta Eburnea, Porta Susanna, and Porta Sant’Angelo.

 

The Torcolo of San Costanzo, despite its great importance during the celebration on January 29th, is a sweet that is now enjoyed in Umbria throughout the year!

 

Photo Credits

Regione Umbria

Umbria Tourism

Come di Perugia

On the Trail of Don Matteo in Spoleto

Spoleto, a hidden gem nestled among the green Umbrian hills, is a place rich in history, culture, and charm. Besides being an ideal destination for art and gastronomy enthusiasts, Spoleto is famous for the Festival dei Due Mondi and as the city where the popular Italian television series “Don Matteo” is filmed. Let’s explore together the enchanted places in Spoleto that provide the backdrop for the adventures of our beloved detective priest!

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Palazzo Bufalini The majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Duomo di Spoleto, is the iconic location of the series. This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture houses extraordinary works of art and represents one of the holiest places in the city. In the plot of “Don Matteo,” the cathedral serves as the Rectory, the Carabinieri barracks, and the Parlor. Not far away, you can admire Piazza della Signoria, where many scenes of the fiction were shot. Palazzo Bufalini was used for external shots of the Carabinieri barracks.

Basilica of Sant’Eufemia and the Caio Melisso Theater Located inside the Episcopal Palace, built on the foundations of the ancient residence of the Lombard dukes, is the setting that hosts the Church of “Don Matteo.” Nearby is the Caio Melisso Theater, which, for the purposes of the fiction, becomes the prison parlor.

A Journey into the Heart of Spoleto Exploring the locations where the “Don Matteo” series is filmed is a fascinating experience that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the show. Spoleto, with its rich history, charming architecture, and mysterious aura, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Umbria.

If you are a fan of the series, there is no better way to experience the adventures of Don Matteo and his faithful friend Cecchini, played by Nino Frassica, than to personally visit these enchanted places. Spoleto will welcome you with open arms, offering not only the beauty of its monuments but also the opportunity to relive the exciting moments you loved on the screen.

So, get ready for a journey into the world of Don Matteo, exploring the same winding alleys and bustling squares that served as the backdrop for his most thrilling investigations. Spoleto awaits you with its secrets and stories to tell, ready to enchant you with its timeless charm.

From Spoleto to Marmore by bike

A three-day proposal in one of the most beautiful areas of Umbria, which combines the beauties of Spoleto and villages such as Sant’Anatolia, Scheggino, Ferentillo and Arrone, with the uncontaminated nature of the Valnerina, before ending in front of the stupendous spectacle of the Marmore waterfall.

The Lace Makers of Irish Lace on Isola Maggiore

In the early 20th century, Marchesa Elena Guglielmi introduced the technique of Irish lace-making to Isola Maggiore in Lake Trasimeno. Inspired by traditions originating in Irish monasteries in the late 19th century and following the ancient art of Venetian lace, the Marchesa’s vision was to bring this artistry to the island.

Unlike traditional lace made with needles and bobbins, this lace is crafted with a crochet hook using an extremely fine thread. The foresight of the Marchesa also led her to bring a teacher from Turin who could pass on the art of lace-making to the first island teacher, Elvira Tosetti. Elvira was entrusted with the foundation and direction of the lace school on the island for young women, daughters of fishermen, who, until then, engaged in various activities during the day without receiving any payment. The school provided them with the opportunity to receive professional training, learning various techniques for creating tablecloths, sheets, clothes, handkerchiefs, gloves, etc. This offered them a certain economic independence (earning about 390 lire in the first year and around 2300 lire in the second year) and the ability to contribute to family expenses.

They could be seen sitting at the doorstep of their homes, engrossed in crocheting and lacework. These young women and their creations soon gained esteem from noblewomen, regular customers of the school. The crafted items were soon exhibited at the permanent market show of Italian Decorative Arts in Perugia, and sample books were sent to Industrie Femminili Italiane in Rome, ultimately being sold throughout Italy and abroad. The Irish lace from Isola Maggiore became famous and highly appreciated, positively contributing to the island’s economy, especially during fishing crises.

Later, in the 1930s, with changes in fashion and influences coming from America, Irish lace fell out of style, leading to the closure of the school. However, the island women continued to work on lace for their personal trousseaus and as an inheritance.

In 1963, Isolana Maria Vittoria Semolesti revived the activity by founding a cooperative of lace makers for the sale of Irish lace. Although the cooperative closed in 1975, the lace makers continued to work individually. Via Guglielmi, with its lace makers, became one of the attractions on the island, drawing tourists who admired the lace-making process. Even today, you can find a few lace makers working at their doorsteps.

The last lace makers of Isola Maggiore, all descendants of Maria Vittoria Semolesti’s school, still operate today. In the center of the island, in the palace that once housed the Brotherhood of Santa Maria dei Disciplinati, the Lace Museum was established, showcasing the works created by the women of Isola Maggiore from 1904 to the end of the 20th century.

Umbrian Christmas Recipes

Christmas Flavor in Umbria: A Culinary Journey through Typical Recipes

 

Christmas is a magical celebration, and what better way to celebrate it than immersing oneself in the culinary traditions of a region rich in history and authenticity? In Umbria, the Christmas table is a true spectacle of flavors, with dishes that reflect generosity and love for local traditions. In this article, we will explore some of the typical Christmas recipes in Umbria, offering a taste of the gastronomic heritage that makes this region unique.

The typical family Christmas menu in Umbria.

Appetizers:

Chicken Liver Crostini
A simple recipe, typical of the peasant tradition in this region, widely spread and appreciated throughout Central Italy. Chicken liver pâté crostini are always present on the table, especially during the holiday season. It is an appetizer with a very distinctive flavor, slightly tangy and quite savory. The pâté is made with chicken livers and is excellent when paired with Umbrian rustic bread – known for being low in salt – lightly toasted. The warm and fragrant crostini served with this flavorful sauce pairs well with a good glass of local red wine.

Chicken Galantine
An Umbrian dish considered a classic of Christmas lunch in the regional tradition. It seems that it was usually the housewives who cooked it in exchange for money or, more often, according to simple barter rules, for other essential products. It can be reasonably assumed that not only did every town, fortress, or village exhibit its own galantine recipe, claiming it to be the best, but every woman or man who ventured into the task had their own personal interpretation. This stuffed chicken terrine is both majestic, intimidating, and instructive. We could consider it a kind of relic of “synthetic” cuisine, as it puts everything (literally everything) together. It’s also a bit like a Chinese puzzle box, as each element is skillfully fitted inside the other. It starts with the chicken, deboned and gutted. The outer layer is filled with meat (chicken, beef, salted tongue, ground pork), eggs, mortadella (but also ham and lard), pistachios, cream, truffles. The resulting food chimera is secured with sturdy strings (twine), cooked in broth, and, once cooled, served in slices with chicken jelly.

First Course:

Cappelletti in Broth
Homemade cappelletti are a must during the Christmas holidays in Umbria. These small ravioli filled with beef and pork are cooked and served in a rich broth, providing warmth and comfort to diners during the cold winter days.

Second Course:

Stewed Capon
It is a castrated rooster cooked slowly in a rich sauce based on red wine and aromas such as rosemary and bay leaves. The capon is marinated with garlic, white wine, and herbs before cooking. Often accompanied by side dishes like mashed potatoes, Stewed Capon represents Umbrian culinary tradition, offering a tasty dish symbolizing conviviality.

Desserts:

Panpepato
Panpepato is one of the most beloved Christmas delicacies in Umbria. A mixture of nuts, almonds, candied fruit, honey, chocolate, and a myriad of spices, this sweet recalls the Sienese panforte but with a unique Umbrian touch. It is a true explosion of Christmas flavors that delights the senses.

Torciglione
Among the typical Umbrian Christmas sweets, there is one with a very particular shape: torciglione. Its origins are still uncertain: some claim that its shape resembles a lake eel, others that of a snake. Regardless of its history, it is a famous sweet throughout the region, with various versions that can vary in dosage or the presence of certain ingredients, but especially in the final decorations, leaving ample space for creativity.

Rocciata
A traditional sweet during the winter holiday period (from early November to Carnival), mainly prepared at Christmas, roc- ciata is a typical recipe of Foligno, Assisi, and Spello. Its spiral shape resembles that of a snake coiled upon itself, and its red color is given by alchermes. Inside the dough, a rich filling of cooked apples with walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, dried figs, raisins, and chocolate. Naturally, there are variations based on the area and family traditions, which usually remain secret!

Pinoccata
Traditional Christmas sweets in Perugia, pinoccate are packaged in colorful and festive papers that brighten shop windows, gift baskets, and tables. It seems that these sweets were in use among Benedictine monks since the 14th century and were still consumed at the end of lavish Christmas lunches in the late 18th century.

Almost exclusive to the Umbrian capital, this sweet owes its name, known in variations such as pinoccati, pinocchiati, pinoccate, and pinocchiate, to pine nuts, formerly more frequently called pinocchi, which constitute its main ingredient and give it an unusual and spicy taste. It consists of a mixture composed only of water and sugar boiled until obtaining a thick syrup, in which a quantity of pine nuts almost equivalent to that of sugar is immersed. On half of the dough, from which many small diamonds will then be drawn, cocoa is added, useful to dampen the excessive sweet taste and also to diversify these products, then wrapped in pairs: one white and the other black.

The contrast between the two colors seems to evoke medieval decorative taste when very distant colors were approached, a taste found in architecture, decorative arts, but also in coats of arms, shields, banners, and banners (not to mention games – from checkers to chess – and city factions like whites and blacks). The packaging with which the sweet is presented seems to refer to the same medieval and Renaissance world: wrapped in paper as if it were a large candy, it is similar to those “throwing sweets” that were actually thrown during mock battles between knights and in tournaments of the feasts of those distant times.

 

Your Christmas in Umbria

Discover our collection dedicated to Christmas: let yourself be inspired for your holiday.

The Largest Tree in the World in Gubbio

Officially, the date of birth of the project and the construction of the tree that lies on the gentle slopes of Monte Igino in Gubbio dates back to 1891, receiving in 1991 the Guinness Book of Records as the largest Christmas tree in the world.
Today, as per the thirty-year tradition, the largest tree in the world of Gubbio is lit at the beginning of December and turned off on the second Sunday of January.

It is certainly among the most impactful Christmas attractions not only for Umbria, arriving to welcome visitors who flock to admire the largest tree in the world from all over Italy and abroad.

Located along the slopes of Monte Igino, it is made up of about 800 lights powered by renewable sources and therefore not only a project with a great tourist impact but also an eco-sustainable one.
The Tree of Gubbio is 450 meters wide and 750 high and measures 13,000 square meters, reaching the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo on the top of the mountain.

Gubbio’s Christmas
The Committee which since 1992 (the year of its legal foundation) has been involved in the creation of the Tree and in a certain sense also in the tourist promotion of the city of Gubbio at Christmas, is dedicated, and takes its name, to Mario Santini, the creator of the project. Every year the Tree is lit by important personalities such as that of Pope Francis but also by important “places” such as in 2017 lit by Paolo Nespoli directly from the Space.

Gubbio and the Magic of Christmas can be accessed not only with the lights of the largest tree in the world, with its charm, its majesty, attracting the curiosity of the little ones and the wonder of the grown-ups, but it is adorned with the Christmas atmosphere also thanks to the Christmas Land initiative with markets, the tour on Santa’s train, Santa’s Village and many themed initiatives.

What to do in Umbria in December? UmbriaSì tells you

December is a magical month in Umbria, when the landscape transforms into an enchanting winter scene. We would like to guide you through a unique journey in this fascinating region, offering you an unforgettable experience during the festive season. Discover with us what to do in Umbria in December and let yourself be enchanted by this unique destination.

Christmas markets
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by exploring the Christmas markets of Perugia and Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Orvieto, Terni…
The squares are filled with twinkling lights, colorful stalls and the delicious scent of local specialties. It is the perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts and savor Umbrian delicacies.

The largest Christmas tree on water in the world on Lake Trasimeno
The Christmas tree on Lake Trasimeno is a magical tradition that lights up the shores of the lake in December. Located near Passignano sul Trasimeno, the tree sports twinkling lights, creating an enchanting sight reflected on the water. The lighting ceremony, usually accompanied by festive events, attracts visitors and residents, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere on the shores of this picturesque Umbrian lake. An unmissable experience to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays in an evocative context.

The largest tree in the world in Gubbio
It is certainly among the most impactful Christmas attractions not only for Umbria, welcoming visitors who flock to admire the largest tree in the world from all over Italy and abroad.
Located along the slopes of Monte Igino, it is made up of around 800 lights powered by renewable sources and therefore not only a project with a great tourist impact but also an eco-sustainable one.
The Gubbio Tree is 450 meters wide and 750 meters high and measures 13 thousand square meters, reaching the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo on the top of the mountain.

Christmas in Cascia
In Cascia at Christmas, visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rita and admire the lights in the square. Participate in local traditions with cultural events and Christmas concerts. Delight your palate with Umbrian culinary specialties and indulge in excursions into winter nature. Don’t miss the evocative midnight mass to fully experience the magic of Christmas in this fascinating Umbrian town. Cascia offers an authentic and unforgettable experience during the holidays.

Living Nativity Scenes: Tradition and Authenticity
Umbria is a land of ancient traditions and profound spirituality. With today’s article with a Christmas flavor we will immerse ourselves in one of the most significant traditions: the Nativity scene of Saint Francis of Assisi.
This sacred representation is a testimony to the Umbrian cultural and religious heritage, an icon of faith and devotion that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Umbria in December offers a unique experience that blends the magic of the holidays with the beauty of nature and tradition. Trust us to organize your trip, guaranteeing you complete immersion in the culture, gastronomy and scenic wonders of this fascinating Italian region. Make your December unforgettable with a trip to Umbria.

 

The Story of the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis

Umbria is a land of ancient traditions and deep spirituality. In today’s Christmas-flavored article, we will delve into one of the most significant traditions: the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis of Assisi. This sacred representation is a testament to Umbria’s cultural and religious heritage, an icon of faith and devotion that attracts visitors from around the world.

The Birth of the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis The Nativity Scene of Saint Francis has ancient roots dating back to the 13th century. The story goes that in 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Italy and founder of the Franciscan order, created the first living representation of the Nativity Scene in the Umbrian town of Greccio. This year marks the eight hundredth anniversary of the first representation. The Nativity Scene was a true gift to the birth of Jesus Christ, and Saint Francis thus initiated a tradition that has lasted for centuries throughout Italy and beyond.

The representation of the Nativity Scene in Greccio was conceived by Saint Francis as a humble cave, with a worn-out manger, and at its center, the Saint with his prayers, hymns to life, holy songs, and his profound devotion. It is in this atmosphere that the Baby Jesus makes His presence known.

Today, as in the past, the Nativity Scene is not just an artistic representation but also a powerful spiritual symbol. It embodies humility, simplicity, and the love that Saint Francis had for the child Jesus. This tradition encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith and the importance of reflecting on the true values of Christmas: love, compassion, and sharing.

The Magic of the Umbrian Nativity Scene Every year, during the Christmas season, the small villages and cities of Umbria come alive with the magic of the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis. Streets are filled with sparkling lights, Christmas music, and the air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Citizens passionately dedicate themselves to creating intricate and detailed scenarios depicting the nativity. Houses, streets, and squares are transformed into real living paintings, capturing the attention and admiration of residents and tourists.

The Umbrian Nativity Scene stands out for its authenticity and attention to detail, capturing the essence of daily life at the time. The figurines, skillfully crafted by local artisans, are often handmade and painted with vibrant colors, lending the Nativity Scene a touching realism.

Visiting Umbria During the Christmas Season For anyone wanting to live this unique experience, visiting Umbria during the Christmas season is an unforgettable adventure. In addition to contemplating the wonderful Nativity Scenes of Saint Francis and the living nativities in various historical and medieval villages, there are scattered Santa Claus Markets in picturesque locations such as Perugia’s Rocca Paolina, or the world’s largest Christmas tree in Gubbio or the world’s largest Christmas tree on the water of Lake Trasimeno.

Don’t miss these fantastic events; we look forward to welcoming you for your Christmas in Umbria!

 

Christmas in Umbria

Discover our Christmas-themed collection in Umbria: let yourself be inspired for your holiday.

Umbria: November month of taste

Umbria: November in the month of Taste


Umbria, known as the “green heart of Italy,” is a region that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage and, of course, its very long and delicious food and wine tradition. November is the month of taste dedicated to Umbrian excellences such as truffles, oil, wine, chestnuts…

The truffle: a delicious, well-kept secret
This precious underground mushroom is a true treasure of Umbria and a fundamental element of its traditional cuisine. Not everyone knows that the Green Heart of Italy is one of the best places in the world to find it. Here, among the lush woods and rolling hills, delicious varieties of black and white truffles grow.

The prized black truffle (Tuber Melanosporum Vittadini) is found above all in Norcia or Spoleto. Ripening takes place from November to the first days of March. Its area of ​​diffusion goes from the Nera, Corno and Sordo rivers, the Spoleto mountains, the Martani Mountains, the Trevi Mountains and the Subasio.
The Umbrian black truffle is known for its intense and earthy flavor. It is often used in pasta dishes, such as truffle tagliatelle, or grated over eggs or risotto for a luxurious touch. Its flavor goes perfectly with mature cheeses and red meat, creating a symphony of flavours.
The white truffle (Tuber Magnatum Pico), rarer and more valuable. The production area goes from the Upper Tiber Valley, to the Eugubino Gualdese up to Orvieto. It ripens from October to December (except for some very cold areas, it can go until January). It loves poplar, willow, harrier but also oak, turkey oak and hornbeam.
It prefers wooded areas, near rivers and the innermost slopes of the hills.
Each of these has its distinctive characteristics and its favorite culinary pairings.
The white truffle with its delicate and fragrant aroma is considered a true culinary jewel. It pairs beautifully with simple dishes such as risotto, fresh pasta or meat carpaccio. However, its true beauty is revealed in dishes that allow its flavor to shine, like a fried egg with grated white truffle.
The flavors of Umbria: perfect pairings with wine such as a Montefalco Rosso DOC or a Grechetto with a passage in wood.

Discovering the green gold of Umbria: extra virgin olive oil
Umbria is not only famous for its picturesque landscapes and charming medieval towns, but also for a culinary treasure that is essential in Italian cuisine: extra virgin olive oil.
Thanks to its fertile soils, the favorable climate for very slow maturation and the dedication of its farmers, Umbria is renowned for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil, with its rich and fruity flavour, with notes of herbs aromatic and a light spicy hint and an extremely low acidity level. This golden elixir is extracted from freshly harvested olives, cold pressed to preserve all its beneficial properties and authentic taste.

The main olive varieties are:
Moraiolo, in the geographical mention of the Assisi Hills – Spoleto.
Oil mill, prevalent in the Martani Hills, the Amerini Hills, and the Trasimeno Hills.
Leccino, present in the Orvieto Hills.
San Felice, present in the Colli Martani sub-area.
Agogia (or Agocia), typical of Lake Trasimeno.
Pendolino, pollinating agent of Moraiolo and Frantonio
Nothing pays homage to extra virgin olive oil like a simple Umbrian bruschetta. Toast some crusty bread and rub a clove of garlic on it. Add diced tomatoes, fresh basil, salt and, of course, a generous drizzle of Umbrian extra virgin olive oil. It is a pleasure for the palate that enhances the flavor of crunchy bread and ripe tomatoes.

The Umbrian nectar: ​​wine and its harmonious gastronomic symphonies
Umbria is an extraordinary wine region, known for its wines full of character and personality. From Montefalco, Torgiano l’Orvietano, the Asisi area etc, the Umbrian vineyards produce full-bodied red wines such as Sagrantino di Montefalco, elegant white wines such as Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino and refined sparkling wines such as Metodo Classico and Muffati wines, a golden nectar excellent with cheese pairings.
These wines are the result of the passion of local winemakers and the native grape varieties, carefully cultivated in the sunny hills of Umbria.

The perfect matches:
Sagrantino di Montefalco with roast meats, Grechetto with fish dishes, Umbrian sparkling wine paired with appetizers and Vin Santo with traditional desserts such as Panpepato or Torcetti.

Flavor of autumn through chestnuts
November autumn in Umbria is synonymous with chestnuts, a versatile fruit that is used in multiple ways in local cuisine. From traditional roasted chestnuts to rustic soups, from sweet cakes to velvety creams, chestnuts are an essential element of the Umbrian gastronomic heritage. The chestnut harvest involves local communities, creating an atmosphere of warmth and sharing that permeates the entire region.

The perfect matches:
Steaming chestnut and Porcini mushroom soups, a delicious chestnut risotto and Umbrian Pecorino or chestnut desserts with Passito wine.

Umbria is a dream destination for food and wine lovers, with its delicious cuisine, its enchanting landscapes and its unique culinary heritage, this region will give you an unforgettable experience. Have a good trip and bon appetit!




In Umbria with Taste

Discover our collection dedicated to Taste in Umbria, among food and wine excellences and its wonderful Medieval Villages

What to do in Umbria in November? UmbriaSì tells you

November in Umbria: a journey through flavors and culture in the month of Taste!

Umbria is a region rich in history, culture and nature, which offers a variety of experiences for all tastes.
In this month, the still mild climate and shorter days offer a perfect atmosphere to savor Umbria!

1. FRANTOI APERTI
28 OCTOBER – 26 NOVEMBER
The green heart of Umbria returns as a protagonist with Frantoi Aperti in its 26th edition! A gastronomic and cultural event that celebrates the craftsmanship and new production of Umbrian extra virgin olive oil in all its nuances, among historic villages and uncontaminated nature, with visits and tastings in the oil mills among the evocative green frames of the olive groves.

BOOK NOW your holiday in Umbria with oil tasting!

2.RENAISSANCE IN THE WORKSHOP – PERUGINO AMONG THE GREATS OF HISTORY
29 OCTOBER 2023 – 28 JANUARY 2024

Visit the exhibition “Renaissance in the workshop. Perugino among the greats of history” in Perugia at the Civic Museum of the Palazzo della Penna on “the occasion of the celebrations for the fifth centenary of the death of the painter Pietro Vannucci known as Il Perugino”.

IMMERSE yourself in the history of Perugia and Perugino

3. UNTO XI EDITION
21 OCTOBER 2023 – 19 NOVEMBER

Unto (Unesco, Nature, Territory, Oil), the event dedicated to the new extra virgin olive oil, returns to Assisi for its 11th edition.

TASTE Assisi among the olive groves

4. WINE AND CHESTNUT FESTIVAL
03 – 12 NOVEMBER

The Wine and Chestnut Festival of San Martino in Colle, in Perugia, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, with tastings of wine, chestnuts and gastronomic specialties.

TASTE Perugia between wine and chestnuts