Sardegna (Sardinia) is a region with a special, semi-independent status within Italy and the Italian Parliament has also recognized the people who live here as a distinct "popolo". (Only the people of Veneto enjoy a similar distinction). But, Sardegna is distinguished in may other fascinating ways from the rest of Italy, and wholly deserving of its reputation as a unique, compelling and immensely interesting travel destination. <p>Sardegna is mysterious even today due to its isolation. It is a peculiarity that Sardegna’s inhabitants, endowed with an extensive coastline, remain hill people, primarily shepherds, farmers and woodsmen. <p>Heritage remains prevalent in Sardegna often in the form of music. Ancient instruments and improvisation are hallmarks.

Tradition reigns strong, particularly in the islands wines, widely considered oddities that epitomize Sardinian taste, <p>Although visited by multitudes of foreign countries over the years, the most lingering influence is Spanish as seen in Sardegna’s most important varietals such as Cannonau (a relative of Grenache), Monica and Vermentino, also of Spanish origin. French influence has been important as well, as witnessed by extensive planting of Carignane. Other varietals are unique to Sardegna such as Giro, Nuragus, Torbato and Vernaccia d’Oristano, a dry Sherry like wine. Nuragus, named after the island’s historic stone towers, is the leading white varietal and covers one third of Sardegna’s vineyard space followed closely by Vermentino which has become a full fledged native. Wine drinkers worldwide sought light fresh flavors, and Sardinia rose to the occasion. With the aid of successful wineries such as Argiolas, Sardegna is developing a reputation of quality, consistent from year to year.