A Taste of Italy: Savor Summer Through the Regions of Italy

Here are four must-visit destinations- and their gourmet specialties- to bring Italy to your table.

There’s something magical about summer in Italy- sun-drenched coastlines, golden hillsides, and long, leisurely meals that stretch into the evening. If you're dreaming of a sun-soaked escape this season, why not taste your way through Italy’s most iconic regions with artisan products that transport you straight to the source?

Liguria: Coastal Breezes & Fragrant Olive Oil

Product to try: ROI Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Liguria is home to terraced olive groves and the famously fragrant Taggiasca olive. ROI's cold-pressed EVOO captures the region’s fresh, herbaceous character with a clean, fruity finish. Drizzle over grilled vegetables or a caprese salad to channel the flavors of the Italian Riviera.

Must-visit: Explore Cinque Terre’s colorful cliffside villages and seaside trails, then enjoy a pesto-laced meal in a sunlit trattoria.

Modena: Balsamic Elegance from Emilia-Romagna

Product to try: Giusti Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP

Modena is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, and the Giusti family has been perfecting the art since 1605. This matured balsamic vinegar of Modena is rich, velvety, and complex-ideal for glazing roasted meats, drizzling over Parmigiano-Reggiano, or even adding depth to ripe summer berries.

Must-visit: Tour a traditional acetaia (vinegar cellar), then bike through Modena’s countryside for a deeper taste of Emilia-Romagna.

Tuscany: Golden Fields & Rustic Pasta

Product to try: Morelli Organic Bucatini Pasta Noodles

Tuscany’s rolling hills and fertile farmland are the heart of Italy’s rustic cuisine. Morelli’s bucatini-thick, hollow noodles made with organic wheat and wheat germ-are a true Tuscan staple. Pair with a simple tomato sauce or cacio e pepe for a satisfying, soulful dish.

Must-visit: Stroll the medieval streets of San Gimignano or sip Chianti among the vineyards before cooking up a Tuscan-inspired feast.

Piedmont: Refined Truffle Treasures

Product to try: Ori Di Langa White Truffle Sauce

Nestled in the shadow of the Alps, Piedmont is revered for its white truffles and refined culinary traditions. Ori Di Langa’s truffle sauce blends earthy white truffles with creamy richness-perfect for dressing pasta, spooning over risotto, or spreading on crostini.

Must-visit: Visit the wine roads of Barolo and indulge in a truffle hunt near Alba for a luxurious northern escape.

For the Ultimate Culinary Journey: The Flavors of Italy Picnic Celebration Gift Basket

Can’t pick just one destination? Sample a full spectrum of Italian regions with our Flavors of Italy Picnic Celebration Gift Basket.   

This gourmet collection includes 13 artisan foods sourced from across Italy:

• Red Pesto, Artichoke Dip & Basil Genovese DOP Pesto by ROI
• 10-Year Aged IGP Balsamic Vinegar by Giusti
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Sea Salt Capers by Frantoi Cutrera
• Artisanal Busiate Pasta by Morelli
• Fennel Taralli Crackers by Mitica
• Borgo de Medici Seasoning Blend
• Torres Black Truffle Chips
• Amaretti Cookies by Chiostro di Saronno
• Amarena Wild Cherries by Fabbri

Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, hosting an Italian-inspired dinner party, or simply dreaming of your next vacation, this basket is a passport to the best of Italy-no flight required.

Buon viaggio-and buon appetito!

Let your summer be filled with the tastes, textures, and timeless beauty of Italy.

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