The wines of Bologna: Pignoletto, Colli Bolognesi and wine tastings
Updated on 08 September 2026 From Federico Farinelli
Bologna is world-famous for its tortellini, tagliatelle with ragù and Mortadella Bologna PGI, but the region’s gastronomic culture also extends to the glass. Bologna’s signature wine is Pignoletto, the star of the Colli Bolognesi and produced from the Grechetto Gentile grape.
Around the city, amongst the hills, vineyards and villages, white and red wines are also produced, ranging from international grape varieties that have found their ideal terroir here to ancient local varieties waiting to be rediscovered. Furthermore, as you head towards Imola, the wine-growing landscape gradually changes, introducing you to the great appellations of Romagna, such as Albana and Sangiovese.
What are Bologna’s typical wines, and where can you taste them?
Bologna’s wines at a glance
| Wine | Region | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG | Colli Bolognesi | White, semi-sparkling, sparkling and still |
| Colli Bolognesi Bologna Rosso DOC | Colli Bolognesi | Still red |
| Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon | Colli Bolognesi | DOC Red Wines |
| Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico and Pinot Bianco | Colli Bolognesi | DOC Whites |
| Alionza | The Bologna and Emilia region | Ancient white grape variety |
| Negretto or Negrettino Bolognese | The Bologna region | Ancient red grape variety |
| Romagna Albana DOCG | The Imola area and Romagna | White, including passito |
| Sangiovese | Imola area and Romagna | Red |
What is Bologna’s typical wine?
If we had to choose just one wine to represent Bologna, it would be Pignoletto.
It is the wine most closely associated with the Colli Bolognesi, the hilly area surrounding the city which has been home to vineyards and farms for centuries. Today, the most important benchmark for quality is the Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG, produced from the Grechetto Gentile grape variety.
Alongside Pignoletto, the region produces numerous other wines: Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico and Pinot Bianco amongst the whites; Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon amongst the reds. The Colli Bolognesi DOC, in fact, encompasses various types that reflect the diversity of soils and microclimates in the hills around Bologna.
Pignoletto: the wine that symbolises the Colli Bolognesi
Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG is made from Grechetto Gentile, a grape variety historically grown in the hills around Bologna.
There is no single way to enjoy Pignoletto. The frizzante and spumante versions express above all freshness and immediacy; the Pignoletto Superiore and Classico Superiore, on the other hand, reveal the more structured and complex side of this wine. The profile is generally fresh and fragrant, with floral and fruity notes and a characteristic slightly bitter finish.
It is particularly well-suited to the Bolognese aperitif, but also pairs very well with local cuisine: cured meats, Mortadella Bologna IGP, crescentine, first courses and dishes that are not overly complex.
It is therefore one of the easiest wines to come across during a stay in Bologna, whether in the wine bars in the city centre or by visiting the wineries of the Colli Bolognesi directly.
Other white wines from Bologna
Pignoletto takes centre stage, but the range of white wines from the Colli Bolognesi is much broader.
The Colli Bolognesi DOC designation includes Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico and Pinot Bianco – grape varieties which, whilst not native to Bologna, have found favourable growing conditions on the hills surrounding the city.
These wines offer a glimpse into a lesser-known side of Bolognese winemaking and feature frequently in the ranges produced by local wineries.
Red wines from the Colli Bolognesi
Even those who prefer red wines will find a variety of wines to discover.
The Colli Bolognesi DOC includes Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Added to these is the Colli Bolognesi Bologna Rosso DOC, a wine from the Bologna sub-zone produced with at least 50 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon.
These wines are generally more full-bodied than the region’s whites and pair well with some of the more intense flavours of Bolognese cuisine, from tagliatelle with ragù to meats and mature cheeses.
Alionza and Negrettino: two grape varieties worth rediscovering
Alongside the better-known appellations, a heritage of ancient Bolognese grape varieties survives.
Among these is Alionza, a white grape variety historically widespread in the Bologna and Modena areas, though far less common today than in the past. It is important not to confuse it with the term ‘Alionzina’, which is also used locally to refer to Grechetto Gentile, from which Pignoletto is made: these are two different varieties.
Among the red grape varieties, we find Negretto, or Negrettino Bolognese, once widely cultivated in the province of Bologna and now much rarer.
Discovering these grape varieties means gaining an insight into a lesser-known aspect of the region’s agricultural history, characterised by local varieties, revived varieties and small-scale production.
Wines from the Imola area: Albana and Sangiovese
Travelling from Bologna towards Imola, you gradually approach the Romagna region and the wine-growing landscape also changes.
One of the stars of the show is Romagna Albana DOCG, a white wine produced in various styles, ranging from dry to passito. The latter pairs particularly well with desserts and traditional specialities.
Alongside Albana, Sangiovese – Romagna’s great red grape variety – is also widely grown in the Imola area.
The area between Imola, Castel San Pietro Terme and Dozza is therefore particularly appealing for those wishing to combine a visit to villages and rolling countryside with a food and wine experience.
Where to taste wine in Bologna and the Bolognese Hills
To discover Bologna’s wines, you don’t have to limit yourself to a bottle.
In the historic centre, guided tastings and wine experiences are available, allowing you to discover Pignoletto and other wines from Emilia-Romagna in the company of a sommelier, often paired with local gastronomic specialities.
Outside the city, however, you can head straight to the wine-growing region and visit the wineries of the Colli Bolognesi, taking part in tastings, vineyard tours and activities that combine wine, the countryside and slow tourism.
Another key stop is Dozza, a village in the hills of the Imola area which is home to the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, housed within the Rocca Sforzesca. Its cellars contain over 1,000 wines from the region, and visitors can take part in tastings and in-depth sessions dedicated to wine.
From the city to the vineyards, tasting local wines thus also becomes a way to discover Bologna and its surroundings through its landscapes, producers and traditions.
Tastings in the outskirts
Frequently Asked Questions about Bologna’s wines
What is Bologna’s typical wine?
The most representative wine of Bologna is Pignoletto, produced from the Grechetto Gentile grape variety. In the Colli Bolognesi region, it is also produced as Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG, in the following styles: frizzante, spumante, Superiore and Classico Superiore.
What are the main wines of the Colli Bolognesi?
As well as Pignoletto, wines from the Colli Bolognesi include Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico, Pinot Bianco, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellation also includes the Bologna sub-zone, with wines such as Bologna Rosso.
Are Pignoletto and Prosecco the same thing?
No. They are different wines, produced from different grape varieties and belonging to different regions and appellations. Pignoletto from the Colli Bolognesi is made from the Grechetto Gentile grape and is closely linked to the Bologna region.
Which wine should you drink with Bolognese cuisine?
Pignoletto is particularly versatile and can be enjoyed with aperitifs, cured meats, Mortadella Bologna PGI, crescentine and various first courses. The reds from the Colli Bolognesi, on the other hand, are best suited to more substantial dishes such as ragù, meat and mature cheeses.
Are there any wineries near Bologna?
Yes. The hills surrounding Bologna are home to numerous wineries, particularly in the Colli Bolognesi area. Several wineries organise tours, tastings and activities in the vineyards, often by booking in advance.
Where can you go for a wine tasting in Bologna?
You can take part in wine tastings both in the historic centre, through wine experiences and wine bars, and directly at the wineries in the Colli Bolognesi and the Imola area. In Dozza, you’ll also find the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, which stocks over 1,000 regional wines.
Edited by
Passionate amateur cyclist, I live by sports and breathing nature. As soon as I have vacations, I travel and explore, taking an interest in the history and food (and wine) of the places I visit. I have been writing for bolognawelcome.com since 2018.
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