Yes there are countless wine regions, and there are some I would say are definitely more picturesque. If prestigious wine is the reason for going, then Barolo, Barbaresco and their sister villages, Montalcino, Verona Hills etc. will appeal more.
However in the context of the request, trade down a little in reputation, then there is often a very decent compromise. Options from previous visits to Italy:
Amalfi Coast has utterly stunning scenery and plenty of charm, plus the opportunity to escape civilisation on the myriad of under-used paths that crawl up and down the hills. Wineries include Gran Furor (Marisa Cuomo) at Furore, Montevetrano nr. Salerno and a few more at Paestum, plus Mastroberardino’s experimental vineyard at Pompeii.
If Amalfi coast had me dumbstruck by the view from Ravello, Lago Molveno up in the Dolomite mountains was a more immediate ‘wow’. Plenty of similar stunning scenery, plus scenery such as the picture postcard Castello di Toblino (who do a reputedly decent Vin Santo), with fine wineries such as Foradori and Ferrari (both in easy reach of Trento). Trento itself is a recent discovery for us, but really is a very charming city, described by our friends as (like Verona before all the tourists came).
Sicily has all manner of scenery - perhaps more striking / less relaxing than the places above. Etna has strong appeal for wines these days, but has appeal for itself. The Aeolian islands (isole eolie) has a historic wines scene and individual dried grape wines (e.g Hauner). From the natural fireworks of Stromboli to the wallowing mud bath at Vulcano (basic but all the more fun for that). Salina, Lipari etc. all have a different charm, and if the weather is decent getting around by boat beats buses and trains.
Aosta has some fine wines, more AFWE than RMP, and Fumin is a really fantastic grape that seems to appeal to those that enjoy Red Burgs and Nebbiolo. The scenery is also wonderfully mountainous, but we didn’t see as much as we should have. Aosta (the city, as against the region Valle d’Aosta) is also quite appealing and easy to walk around.
Puglia has very ‘rugged’ beauty, not especially to my taste, but the whitewashed towns and villages (and the trulli houses as typically seen in Alberobello) might appeal. Easy driving outside the towns (tricky in them due to the tightness - so park the 1st chance you get). The wines can be amazing (and price isn’t always an indicator - we’ve had gems at under €10), though there are some very fine and historic producers in the area, mainly centred on the Salice Salentino region. Honourable mentions go to the very pleasant and attractive seaside town of Trani and the wines (and Castle) of Castel del Monte, plus not too far to drive to the cave dwellings of Matera. Trani is also wonderfully placed ~ 20-30 mins from Bari Airport, so makes for a great last stop without the stress of missing the plane due to traffic.
Much, much more beyond this. We’ve visited Italy many times and yet still feel we’ve merely scratched the surface. It really does give an endless opportunity to do both typical (or atypical) holidays and seamlessly blend in some interesting wines/wineries.
I hope this sparks a few ideas, and if any of the above appeal, then I’m sure I can dig out a crib sheet from the holiday prep I did when we visited.
regards
Ian
p.s. Gerhard - Sciachettra is a worthy exception - though it is very expensive for such an unusual wine style.
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