Flavours and aromas of Valtellina

The Valtellina is a place for relaxation and good living, not least because of its inviting food and wine. Let's go and discover it

Although it may seem obvious that in Italy you can eat well just about anywhere, it is equally well known that some regions and provinces have more to offer than others in terms of food and wine delicacies for true connoisseurs.

This is true of Valtellina, a land of forests, mountains and amazing views, but also of natural foods that are the result of thepeasant tradition and of well-known red wines that are dry and full-bodied and go well with local dishes, perfectly enhancing their taste.

The region is sheltered from the cold winds from the north and the hot, humid winds from the south thanks to the protection offered by the crown of the Alps, but for many days a year it is bathed in the intense light of the mountain sun.

The microclimate here is particularly favourable for growing vines. The rest is down to the ancient flavours of a cuisine that has stood the test of time and the exquisite local specialities: from Pizzoccheri to Chisciol, from Bitto to Polenta taragna.

If your mouth is already watering and you'd like to find out more, follow us on our discovery tour of the tastiest places in Valtellina.

1. Pizzoccheri — Our eno-gastronomic itinerary starts from Teglio, a village in the heart of Valtellina located in a panoramic and sunny position at an altitude of 900 mt. a.s.l. For over four centuries, Teglio has been growing buckwheat, known as "furmentum", "fraina" or "farina negra", a practice that has now almost disappeared in the rest of Italy.

Read more

2. Bitto — The next stop on our discovery tour of the local flavours and aromas is Morbegno, the main town in the lower Valtellina lying on the Bitto cone and home to the cheese specialty that goes by the same name. A large, semi-hard cooked cheese with a cylindrical shape and straw-yellow rind, Bitto di Morbegno is made by processingraw whole cow's milk twice a day on the spot, immediately after milking, with the addition of no more than 10% of milk from Orobica goats, an animal native to the Val di Gerola.

Read more

3. Chisciol — From Morbegno to Tirano, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border, you can discover one of the most attractive towns in the whole of Valtellina, well worth a visit both for its thriving cultural and recreational outdoor life and for its food and wine delicacies. Here, after a ride along the Sentiero Valtellina, a rafting tour on the Adda river, a trekking excursion or an equally exciting trip on board the Red Train of the Bernina, there is nothing better than to refuel with some of the delicious local specialities.

Read more

4. Wine in Valtellina — It would be a real shame not to accompany the exquisite Valtellina dishes with a good local wine. Dating back to ancient times, the cultivation of vines has shaped the Valtellina landscape, giving life to the unique panorama of terraced vineyards and today boasting productions recognised by prestigious quality marks and world famous.

Read more

5. Bràulio — Our itinerary through the flavours and fragrances of the Valtellina ends in Bormio, a well known mountain tourist resort located in the Stelvio National Park. The production of Bràulio, a legendary bitter aged in enormous Slavonian oak barrels stored in the fascinating cellars beneath the old town centre of Bormio, is closely linked to the history of the place.

Read more

Salame d’Oca Ecumenico

The Salame d’Oca di Mortara IGP is an outstanding product of Lomellina’s gastronomic tradition.

Food & Wine

Receipts of Cremona's tradition

Tasty news from the Museum of folk Culture “Cambonino”

Food & Wine

Christmas sweets in Lombardy

Christmas is on its way. The confectionery tradition in Lombardy is rich and varied, and each province has its own typical dessert.

Food & Wine

Franciacorta, a land of excellence

The humble local dishes stand alongside traditional and prestigious wines. A journey through the flavors of Franciacorta

Food & Wine

Peperone di Voghera

The Voghera pepper is a native and valuable variety that deserves special attention for its unique organoleptic characteristics.

Food & Wine

Bresaola

One of the symbolic products of Valtellina, obtained through the method of preserving meat by salting and drying.

Food & Wine

Mushrooms

Valtellina

Food & Wine

Flavors on the lakes: Como and Varese

Lakes and mountains. Tasty dishes, heritage of rural culture

Food & Wine

Torta Paradiso

The iconic dessert of Pavia's tradition

Food & Wine

Cotechino pavese

A traditional peasant's delight

Food & Wine

Today's Recipe

Every day a new recipe to try from the Lombard tradition

Food & Wine

Traditional cheeses of lombardy

It is from Lombardy that some of the most famous Italian cheeses come from all over the world

Food & Wine

Pane di San Siro

I San Sirini: a typical sweet of the feast of the patron saint of Pavia

Food & Wine

The Truffle of Oltrepò Pavese

Food & Wine

Bergamo, hunting for flavors

Valleys of extraordinary beauty, like the city that looks at them from the walls. Wines, cheeses, pasta.

Food & Wine

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

A journey through the unique flavors of Lombardy

Food & Wine

A gastronomic tour of Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo is rich in nature, history, culture, and unique flavours. Start your taste adventure here.

Food & Wine

Lombard Mostarda Recipe

With a strong taste, the mostrada is prepared with fruit, sugar and mustard essence

Food & Wine

Christmas and the festive dishes of Lombardy

Christmas dinner in Lombardy: the most famous dishes of the region's festive culinary tradition, from starter to dessert

Food & Wine