Secondly, try Giovanni's wines. These are a 'ghost' cellar in the sense that not much is know about his wines, and you cannot easily find them. This is what I know; he makes natural wines, he is in Pianello, in north of Perugia and in addition to making wine, also produces EVO. If you want to try to contact him to arrange a visit to the winery, I recommend contacting him via facebook (Giovanni Mesina).

Last but not least, there is Cantina Margò, led by the talented Carlo Tabarrini. I advise you to taste their wines because they are simply excellent.

As for advice on restaurants, let's start with the only place I personally recommend, Antica Latteria. This bar appears to not be anything special, but behind its counter you will find the best cream of Umbria, made by Giovanni , who for 50 years has presided over the center, cheering the days of all passers-by with this delicious breakfast. If you are there in late spring or summer do not miss the homemade coffee granita with cream, you will lose your head! As for the rest, my informants highlight La Bottega Del Vino as a wine bar of interest and Osteria Priori, Civico 25 and Stella, as places to enjoy traditional Umbria dishes 

Pettino

If you in the vicinity of Assisi, I strongly recommend visiting nearby Pettino, ideally get there in the morning, take a walk and then stop for lunch. Pettino is the highest part of Campello sul Clitunno at 1074 m above sea level, you have to follow a steep mountain road full of curves to reach it. Once you arrive, you will be disoriented by the vastness of the views. The small village consists of a handful of houses, a church, a soccer field and one of my favorite places to have a nice lunch. What's the name of this place? Boh, but it's the only restaurant that's located here so you can't go wrong. Their specialty is the local truffle which is generously bestowed on omelettes, strangozzi pasta, bruschetta, steaks and more, all rigorously homemade under the watchful eye of the matriarch of the family who runs the business - we are talking about a lady who is in her eighties, but runs around all day in her kitchen. 

Assisi

Our journey through Umbria now heads to Assisi, my native land, but somewhere I know more in name than in fact, since I was only born here. Needless to say, the Basilica of San Francesco is the main sight, along with many other sacred places of strong architectural and artistic interest. However, I would like to draw your attention to the Bosco di San Francesco, a large green park where you can take relaxing walks.

At the foot of Assisi there are two wineries that deserve a visit: Tili and Sportoletti, both producers not only of wines but also of EVO. I highly recommend a visit! If you plan to eat in Assisi, I would like to point out two places. The Pallotta trattoria is located in the historic center of Assisi and has a rustic feel, offering no-frills, traditional Umbrian dishes. On the other end of the spectrum is the Locanda del Cardinale, a sophisticated restaurant in all respects that offers a more elaborate cuisine, supported by an extensive wine list in a very elegant setting.   

This is a nice little village like many others in Umbria, except that on the Sunday following Pentecost, it turns into something unique. The city streets display refined floral arrangements in a sort of open-air museum that bears the name Infiorate. A unique and very special experience. 

Montefalco

A journey through Umbria cannot be complete without a visit to the wine-growing region of Umbria par excellence, the home of the Sagrantino. The town is nice to visit, with maybe a stop to eat at Via di Mezzo da Giorgione, where home cooking is made even more genuine and authentic. Among the many wineries available, I recommend Raina by Francesco Mariani, who, in my opinion, has managed to find the balance between carrying out biodynamic viticulture and expressing territoriality in their wine production, you can also eat at their estate. And the absolute must-visit winery is Calcabrina, a really special location, also making some of the best goat cheese in Italy.

Norcia was a beautiful Umbrian city, surrounded by greenery and famous for its delicious salami. Following the 2016 earthquake, the city is still struggling to recover, but at least the cycle of nature has not stopped, and continues to offer amazing vistas. In fact, between June and July the plateau at the foot of Mount Vettore is colored by the blooming plants as if it were an oil painting. If you pass through these parts in early summer, you must stop in Pian Grande or Pian Perduto, where you can see the spectacle of this landscape streaked with the bright colors of blossoming flowers, poppies, daffodils, violets and above all lentils which I recommend to stock up on here - they are an amazing quality Umbrian product.

Spoleto is always beautiful, with its cathedral and the Ponte delle Torri, but if you can, visit between the end of June and mid-July when the city hosts the Festival dei Due Mondi, one of the most interesting cultural events organized in Umbria. It is an international event of art, music and entertainment that anyone who loves culture cannot miss. Go there and let yourself be carried away, you will be spoiled for choice between theater performances, concerts, exhibitions, dance performances, readings and conferences.

In Spoleto you'll also find one of the best trattorias in Italy, Capanno. Here you will eat unique traditional delicacies, along with wines from a vast cellar of great prestige. If you find yourself in the middle of a dirt road surrounded by nothing when following the sat-nav instructions, don't worry, keep going, you're going the right way, Il Capanno hides to test you!. In the surroundings of Spoleto you will certainly want to try the Diavolacciu of Cantina Ninni, a small company that enhances the Trebbiano Spoletino like few others know how to do. 

The final stop on our journey through Umbria, Terni, the city of lovers, has one of the highest waterfalls in Europe: the Marmore waterfall, a true triumph of the power of Nature. On your way back, stop by Stefano Grilli of La Palazzola, a cellar dedicated to sparkling wine and the breeding of unusual vines in these parts. If you are passionate about wine, do not miss out on Stefano, he is really well-versed on the subject. There is also the possibility of staying at their facility.

We end with Annesanti, a winery launched in 2012 with the aim of producing good wine by promoting the cultural identity of the Valnerina area. The philosophy behind the production consists in promoting the wine business in harmony with a delicate balance between flora and fauna. They also produce EVO. In Terni it is worth stopping by the Oste della Mal'Ora, a well-stocked wine bar with kitchen, where you can find prestigious niche labels from old vintages.