Discover Tollo: Wine Tradition and Cultural Landscape

Tollo is a destination whose rural character is closely connected with winegrowing. The pergola system used to train the vines shapes the cultivated hillsides; it is also called “tendone” or “capanna.” Winegrowing has also shaped the community’s local knowledge and economy. If you are looking for a hotel in Tollo, you can consider whether wine tradition, regional cuisine, cycling or local sights should take priority when planning your trip.

Winegrowing and history

The oldest written mention of wine production in Tollo dates to 1067; the wine was intended for trade through the nearby port of Ortona. This places Tollo in the context of both its wine-growing landscape and a specific historical trade connection. The history of winegrowing thus encompasses not only its influence on the townscape but also a documented connection with trade at the time.

Wine and local cuisine

The wine tradition includes Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Cococciola, Passerina and Pecorino. These wines are served with typical dishes from the province of Chieti. “Regina bianca” is also a well-known grape variety from Tollo. A local dish is “toll' e fave,” made with fava beans and garlic shoots. In Tollo, you can encounter both a selection of named grape varieties and a specifically described dish.

Cycling and the grape harvest

The “La via dei Mulini” cycling route follows the Arielli River through the wine-growing landscape typical of Tollo and leads to old mills. If you are interested in cycling, this route connects the river and the wine-growing area with a named destination. The grape harvest offers a different focus: visitors can take part and gain insight into this activity through the experience of local winegrowers. As this is a seasonal experience, you should take it into account when planning your dates.

Archaeology and sights

The remains of a Roman building were discovered in Tollo during the replanting of Pecorino vines, including an ancient cistern and amphorae used to store wine. Here, the connection with wine is evident not only in the landscape but also in archaeological finds.

Tollo’s sights include the Church of Maria S.S. Assunta, the Church of Santa Marina and the Palazzo baronale dei Nolli. These places add other local destinations to visit alongside the themes of winegrowing and cycling.

Guided tour and tasting

The “Archenologia & Bike” route includes a guided tour of the archaeological finds currently on view at the Museo della Villa Romana, as well as a wine tasting paired with regional cuisine. As program details may change, check the current itinerary before your visit if these stops are important to your plans.

The options have distinct focuses: “La via dei Mulini” is a cycling route through the wine-growing landscape along the Arielli River to old mills. “Archenologia & Bike” combines a guided archaeological tour with a wine tasting, while the seasonal grape harvest focuses on the work of local winegrowers. You can choose between a cycling route, a guided program and a seasonal experience.

Discover more destinations: Tornareccio, Torino Di Sangro, Archi, Palombaro, San Vito Chietino, Bucchianico, Torricella Peligna, Villa Caldari

For the overview of the wider area, see: Chieti.