During fall, the steep hills around the Abruzzo region of Italy buzz with activity as harvest begins throughout the swathes of vineyards. Tractors crawl up the hillside, weighed down with juicy loads of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano and Pecorino grapes.

These names may feature regularly in wine reviews and guides now, but until a few decades ago they were little appreciated. Some two-thirds of the wine produced in this region still goes through consortiums and sells for as little as $1-2 a liter, but a few private wineries are helping garner respect for Abruzzese wine.