What I enjoy most about Cinque Terre
It's time to indulge in more wine: for me, nothing encapsulates the essence of Cinque Terre quite like standing atop the hills, listening to the tales of locals who have been crafting bottles that, during the Renaissance, were so esteemed that they adorned the tables of kings and popes. Working those steep slopes is grueling labor, and although the vineyards today are only a fraction of their former size, they play a crucial role in stabilizing the increasingly delicate landscape and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The easiest, and most enjoyable way to absorb this heritage is through a vineyard tour. You can try on the hills overlooking Vernazza on a tour presented by Cheo, the vistas of the village, castle, and sea from the vineyards are absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to savor the deliciously sweet sciacchetrà wine that Cinque Terre is renowned for, the sea-salt breeze imparts a unique and incredible flavor.