The terraced vineyards around Corniglia are some of the most dramatic agricultural landscapes in Italy. Cut into near-vertical cliff faces at heights up to 500 metres, they represent centuries of backbreaking work — every grape has to be picked and carried by hand, because no machinery can reach these slopes. The result is a wine of extraordinary rarity and character.
The vineyards are best experienced by walking the paths that connect Corniglia with Volastra and Manarola to the south. The Cinque Terre National Park maintains these trails in varying condition; the route to Volastra (one hour) passes directly through the highest terraces. Local producers sell Sciacchetrà by the glass or bottle in the village — buy a bottle and drink it looking at the vines that made it.