Exploring Northern Italy

From Liguria to Piedmont to Lombardy and beyond, dive into Northern Italy’s many bountiful regions

Small fishing boats are docked along the Vernazza harbor in the town of Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy.
The Ligurian coast boasts the major port city of Genoa but also many smaller, idyllic town harbors, including Cinque Terre’s Vernazza. (Thilo Weimar)

Liguria’s Italian Riviera coastlines, Piedmont’s rolling hills, Valle d’Aosta’s alpine wonderlands, Lombardy’s booming industry in Milan, Trentino–Alto Adige’s dramatic Dolomites views, Friuli–Venezia-Giulia’s stunning cliffsides and Veneto’s artistic heritage—explore this and more with our guide to the iconic food and wine of Northern Italy as we highlight local recipes and site-specific wine pairings.
 

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 450,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Light Up Your Hanukkah with Luxury Caviar Latkes from Russ & Daughters

Light Up Your Hanukkah with Luxury Caviar Latkes from Russ & Daughters

This year for Hanukkah, pair Niki Russ Federman’s iconic Caviar Lover’s Black and Whites …

Dec 10, 2025
8 & $20: Lamb and Melted Fennel Ragù with Chianti Classico

8 & $20: Lamb and Melted Fennel Ragù with Chianti Classico

This hearty recipe does double duty, making either a weeknight meal or a full Sunday gravy …

Dec 1, 2025
For the Dinner Party Dynamo: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

For the Dinner Party Dynamo: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Covet-worthy items for the person who brings everyone to the table

Dec 15, 2025
Oregon’s Truffle Frontier

Oregon’s Truffle Frontier

Pacific Northwest truffles are earning admiration as a grassroots industry refines standards

Nov 30, 2025
Exotic Cheese Accompaniments

Exotic Cheese Accompaniments

12 standout sweet and savory jams, honeys, spreads and more to elevate any cheese plate

Nov 30, 2025
Stars Re-Enter the Ring for the 2025 Chefs’ Challenge

Stars Re-Enter the Ring for the 2025 Chefs’ Challenge

Restaurateurs José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse, Eric Ripert and Danny Meyer returned for another …

Oct 24, 2025