The call of la dolce vita brings millions of visitors to Italy each year, ready to explore the country’s rich art and history, the thriving wine and food culture, stunning scenery and more. Enjoying Italy is as much about the broad, bucket list items (glimpsing Venice on the horizon as you speed across the lagoon from the airport) as it is the smaller details (enjoying the hustlebustle of Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori with its stacks of fresh produce and flowers).

One of the most important and delicious parts of Italy to discover is its wine, which starts with the many distinctive grape varieties planted throughout the country. Below, our editors spotlight some of their favorites, with details on their ideal food pairings, leading versions and more.