• Food & Wine

Oltrepò Pavese, le Vie del Gusto

The tranquil Oltrepò is the home of 36 DOC-certified wines, which accompany a traditional cuisine with its roots in Italy’s remote history

Peace and quiet. When you head south from Milan and cross the Po River, you enter a thriving landscape which stays cool in summer yet never gets too harsh in winter.

Once upon a time, this was a place where agriculture and country life were key, but in recent years it has become a refuge for intellectuals and artists in search of a place to relax and nurture their creativity. Its wonderful villages, like Varzi and the medieval hamlet of Fortunago, which are among the most beautiful in all of Italy, are certainly deserving of a visit, while lovers of relaxation will appreciate a regenerative stopover in Salice Terme.

Rolling hills, imposing castles. The Oltrepò is a land of rolling hills covered with vines and dotted with medieval castles, some of which have become stunning residences while others have remained fascinating vestiges of the past. This is an area of tranquillity and good food, a recipe bound to nourish your body and soul. The secret of the Oltrepò’s charm is written large on the plaque that welcomes guests at one of the authentic local agritourisms: Hic manebo optime (It’s nice here). And it is, thanks to the landscape, the clean air, the views of the Po Valley and the excellent food and wine.

DOC-certified area. There are 36 DOC-certified wines in the area, the majority of which are made from Croatina and Barbera grapes for the reds and Riesling and Moscato for the whites. There’s also an excellent Oltrepò Spumante Metodo Classico DOCG, which is made from Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay grapes. The local hills produce three quarters of all Italy’s Pinot Nero.

Ingenious delicacies. The traditional cuisine is all about meat. One of the most well-known local products is Salame di Varzi DOP, which was first made around 2000 years ago when the Longobards needed to find a way to feed themselves when moving around an area where the harsh climate was compounded by scarce resources. The unique thing about this particular cured meat is that it is produced with all parts of the pig, even the more prized parts which are usually made into prosciutto or eaten fresh.

Take me here: Oltrepò Pavese, le Vie del Gusto

On the same topic

A sweet autumn in Lombardy

As the chilly weather approaches, we have the perfect excuse to spend some cosy afternoons at home, keeping ourselves warm with desserts imbued with the traditional flavours of our childhood in Lombardy
  • Food & Wine
A sweet autumn in Lombardy

Cremona Nougat Recipe

It is a variation of the traditional sweet that includes the addition of aromas such as vanillin and candied fruit, which make the mixture softer based on sugar, honey and album
  • Food & Wine
Cremona Nougat Recipe, homemade goodness

Flavours of the Oltrepò Pavese: Autumnal weekends away within a stone’s throw of Milan

Discover Pavese – Enjoy an autumn weekend of tradition, culture and flavour among the most charming villages of the Oltrepò Pavese. Take a look at this list of ideas and get inspired.
  • Food & Wine
 Flavours of the Oltrepò Pavese:  Autumnal weekends away within a stone’s throw of Milan

A toast to the vineyards and wineries of Lombardy

Lombard vineyards and wineries are eager to welcome tourists and visitors to enjoy the last phases of the harvest. 
  • Food & Wine
Calici alzati nei vigneti e nelle cantine della Lombardia - San Colombano

Sbrisolona Cake Recipe

It is a Mantuan cake tied to the peasant tradition based on almonds
  • Food & Wine
Sbrisolona Cake Recipe, a unique dessert

Bergamo, hunting for flavors

Valleys of extraordinary beauty, like the city that looks at them from the walls. Wines, cheeses, pasta.
  • Food & Wine
Bergamo, hunting for flavors

Eating in Como

Here are some suggestions of what to eat in Como
  • Food & Wine
Eating in Como, 3 culinary worlds and 5 different restaurants

Torta Paradiso

The iconic dessert of Pavia's tradition
  • Food & Wine
Torta Paradiso

Varese Local Products Guide

The typical products with which to prepare the dining table are varied and include all the dishes: from appetizers to desserts
  • Food & Wine
Varese local products guide, essential tips

Zucca Bertagnina di Dorno

In Dorno, pumpkin cultivation has an ancient tradition. In particular, a variety of pumpkin called "Bertagnina" was historically grown.
  • Food & Wine
Zucca Bertagnina

Where to eat in Lecco

  • Food & Wine
The 6 best proposals about where to eat in Lecco

Traditional cheeses of lombardy

It is from Lombardy that some of the most famous Italian cheeses come from all over the world
  • Food & Wine
Traditional cheeses of Lombardy

Consortium Salami Cremona IGP

An institution to identify, safeguard and promote on the market a typical product of the Po valley
  • Food & Wine
Consorzio Salame Cremona IGP

Gorgonzola

A DOP cheese from the Province of Milan
  • Food & Wine
Gorgonzola

Delicious Bergamo!

  • Food & Wine
Tagliere di salumi bergamaschi

Bresaola

One of the symbolic products of Valtellina, obtained through the method of preserving meat by salting and drying.
  • Food & Wine
Bresaola

Brescia Caviar

A surprise in the Po Valley
  • Food & Wine
Brescia caviar, a delicacy of the Po Valley

Lombard Mostarda Recipe

With a strong taste, the mostrada is prepared with fruit, sugar and mustard essence
  • Food & Wine
Lombard Mostarda recipe, an ancestral flavor

The Truffle of Oltrepò Pavese

  • Food & Wine
The Truffle of Oltrepò Pavese

Rosemary Risotto from Montevecchia

A typical dish of the Brianza kitchen
  • Food & Wine
Rosemary risotto from Montevecchia, a delectable recipe