Italy is rich in many beautiful vineyards, but the most breathtaking region is Liguria. Liguria is a narrow strip along the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal area that is known worldwide as the Riviera, adjacent to the west up to the French Côtes d’Azur.
In the south lies the Mediterranean Sea and just north of the few roads that run near the coast, the mountains rise and evolve into Alps and Apennines.
Getting to the regional capital of Liguria, the important port city, Genoa, where Christopher Columbus is said to be born, is in many ways easier by sea. And 600-700 years ago, Genoa was one of the most important city-states in Italy with possessions around the western Mediterranean, including Sardinia. 

The climate is mild in Liguria, thanks to the Mediterranean effect, and flowers and herbs are probably the most important agricultural crops. BUT there is also a wine production, even if it requires a strong will to keep it alive.

Many vineyards are on steep slopes, with one part in the mountains and the second part close to the Mediterranean, e.g. the most picturesque landscape of Cinque Terre. Because of the extremely difficult growing conditions and to prevent the vineyards from being abandoned, the region has the policy of encouraging the producers who are willing to work under these demanding conditions, by making the vineyards available for free.
It must be said that it was a very attractive initiative. Not only because the continued cultivation of the vineyards provides a great scenic and environmental benefit, but also because Liguria offers an arsenal of local wines that are very well suited to the local cuisine, mostly made of fish and fresh herbs.

Some grape varieties are ‘imported’. From Piedmont comes Dolcetto, that in Liguria is known as Ormeasca, and Sardinian Vermentino has also found its way into Liguria (and then west to Provence and further to the west of France). But there are also a number of more or less local varieties like Bosco, Albarolo, Bianchetta Genovese and Pigato among the white varieties, and Rossese among the red ones.

In addition to that, there are no less than seven DOCs in Liguria. Yet the most disturbing fact, is that the wines are almost unknown outside Liguria.
So Liguria is a journey worth making to taste rare wines, and you can also be really thrilled about the food and the spectacular landscapes.