Of course you think of wine and Italy. But it has a robust beer culture as well. We have experienced this everywhere fron Trieste to Puglia. So it was a great pleasure to treat our Taste of Orvieto trip to Orvieto artisanal beer.

We were the first group ever for Maurizio and Roberta who hosted a beer tasting/food pairing at their artisanal brewery Cento Litri. Centro Litri means 100 liters, which is how much beer he brews at a time.

Maurizio introduced us to, and took us through, his beer making process.

He ferments the must at different temperatures depending on the style of beer. In some, the yeast settles to the bottom and he removes it before drawing the must off. His beer is unfiltered, and develops the carbonation once in the bottle as it continues to ferment.

His laboratory is spotless and gleaming.

The house which sits above the brewery was hand made by Maurizio and his father-in-law. It took 7 years to complete, and is gorgeous. They just finished enclosing this porch, which is where we had our tasting/dinner. It was the perfect size for our Taste group – intimate and connected to the outdoors.

Maurizio prepares the beer. The sun continued to drop and the light fade.

Antipasti with one kind of beer – a biondo. Roberta made the bread, and jam, and friends made the cheese and lardo. The rest of dinner was her wonderful creation.

Gnocchi with mushrooms, and an American style pale ale.

The sun set, the moon followed, our happy selves reflected in the glass.

Cinghiale, some of the best we’ve ever had, and look at that potato. Mama mia!

Dessert beer?  Yes, my goodness, yes! It complemented the apple and fig tart so incredibly well.

There we are enjoying the end of a delightful evening.

So next time when you think of Italy, think beer too. For all you beer lovers there is ample reason to make a trip to Italy for the beer alone. Cheers!!

Kristi and Bill Steiner began leading “learning vacations” to Orvieto, Italy in 2003 and were founding members of Slow Travel Tours. Through Adventures in Italy they provided a cultural immersion experience. Many trips included the pursuit of some kind of creative work that complemented and reinforced exploration of Italy’s culture. Relationships built over the years enabled Kristi and Bill to provide experiences that a typical visitor to Orvieto never gets. The Steiners retired in 2017 and sold Adventures in Italy to Michelle Logue, who has continued as a member of the Slow Travel Tours group. Michelle continues to offer trips in the same format and with the same spirit that Kristi and Bill hosted for 14 years. Learn more about Adventures in Italy small group trips in Orvieto. Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.