Tollo: Wine Landscape, Culture and Cycling Route along the Arielli

Tollo is a destination for everyone who wants to combine wine-making, regional cuisine, history and outdoor activities. The cultivated hills are shaped by vines trained using the pergola system, also known as “tendone” or “capanna”. This creates a distinctive rural landscape in which the wine tradition has shaped not only the appearance of the area, but also the local knowledge and the community’s economy.

Wine-making with history and special experiences

The oldest written reference to wine production in Tollo dates back to 1067. It shows that the wine was intended for trade through the nearby port of Ortona. Today, the wine tradition includes Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Cococciola, Passerina and Pecorino, among others. The well-known “Regina bianca” grape variety is also associated with Tollo. The wines are served with typical dishes from the province of Chieti and provide an opportunity to explore the regional gastronomy more closely.

A special opportunity to do so is offered by the “Archenologia & Bike” route. It includes a guided tour of the archaeological finds currently visible at the Museo della Villa Romana, as well as a wine tasting combined with regional gastronomy. In connection with this route, the remains of a Roman building were discovered while replanting Pecorino vines. They include an ancient cistern and amphorae used to store wine. Anyone interested in the interplay of landscape, wine-making and the past will find an unusual way to explore the history of Tollo here.

Cycling route, grape harvest and rural landscape

For a more active exploration, the “La via dei Mulini” cycling route follows the Arielli River through the wine-growing landscape typical of Tollo and continues to old mills. The route draws attention to the surroundings and to traces of former uses. Families or groups of travellers can thus combine an excursion with different interests without limiting their stay exclusively to sights in the town centre.

Visitors can also take part in the grape harvest in Tollo and gain insights into the secrets of this activity through the experience of local winegrowers. This makes the wine tradition tangible as a practical experience. When planning your trip, it may therefore be useful to choose the right focus among a sightseeing tour, a bike ride, a wine tasting and a seasonal experience.

Sights and regional cuisine

Tollo’s sights include the Church of Maria S.S. Assunta, the Chiesa di Santa Marina and the Palazzo baronale dei Nolli. These places complement the landscape and culinary impressions with a cultural focus. Those travelling with different age groups can vary their days: a walk or a sightseeing visit can be followed by a meal connected to the region.

One local dish is “toll' e fave”, prepared with broad beans and garlic shoots. Together with the wines and typical dishes of the province of Chieti, this dish shows how closely the cuisine is connected to the produce of the surrounding area. For travellers who want to discover the taste of a place as well as enjoy excursions, this culinary side is an integral part of Tollo.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Tollo, your desired travel rhythm should be the first consideration. If wine-making, gastronomy and culture are the main focus, a plan combining sightseeing and culinary breaks is a good fit. If you would like to spend more time outdoors, you can give greater consideration to the “La via dei Mulini” cycling route and the wine-growing landscape. When choosing a holiday apartment or other accommodation, you can therefore first decide which of these experiences should shape your stay.

More places for planning your trip

For further searches, you can also visit the pages for Treglio, Francavilla Al Mare, Villa Caldari, Vacri, San Lorenzo, Villamagna, Vasto and Cerreto.

To the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.