lake garda wine tour Archives

Embarking on a wine-tasting adventure from Bologna to Lake Garda is a journey through some of Italy’s most picturesque and historically rich regions. This route offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and vinous indulgence, from the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region to the shores of Italy’s largest lake. Along the way, you’ll experience the charm of Valpolicella, the luxurious tranquility of Lake Garda’s vineyards, and the historical allure of iconic sites like Il Vittoriale degli Italiani.

Chapter 1: The Journey Begins – From Bologna to Valpolicella

The Scenic Drive

Your journey starts in Bologna, a city famed for its culinary heritage and vibrant cultural scene. From here, the road takes you northwest towards the rolling hills of Valpolicella, a region renowned for its bold red wines. The drive, approximately two hours long, is a scenic passage through the Italian countryside, dotted with medieval villages, vineyards, and olive groves.

Valpolicella – The Land of Amarone

Valpolicella is synonymous with some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, particularly the robust and complex Amarone. The region’s winemaking tradition dates back centuries, and its vineyards produce a variety of styles, from the light and fruity Valpolicella Classico to the rich, velvety Amarone.

Top Wineries to Visit in Valpolicella

Tenuta Le Cave: Nestled in the hills, Tenuta Le Cave offers a luxurious retreat surrounded by vineyards. This estate is known for producing biodynamic wines, with a focus on sustainability and quality. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, enjoy spa treatments, and relax by the infinity pool overlooking the lush landscape(The Hotel Guru,tenuta le cave).
Dimora Buglioni: Located in the heart of the Valpolicella region, this agrirelais is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local wine culture. The nearby Locanda del Bugiardo serves exceptional Veronese dishes paired with Buglioni’s wines, including their renowned Amarone(Wander Your Way).
Relais Villa San Matteo: This elegant guesthouse is set in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa surrounded by a mature park. With only two guest rooms, it offers a peaceful and luxurious escape, ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway(The Hotel Guru).

Chapter 2: The Wine Region of Lake Garda

Exploring Lake Garda’s Vineyards

As you leave Valpolicella behind, the road opens up to the breathtaking views of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most scenic lake. The vineyards around Lake Garda produce some of the country’s most beloved wines, including Lugana, Bardolino, and Chiaretto.

Must-Visit Wineries Around Lake Garda

Azienda Agricola Pratello: Located near the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, Pratello is known for its Lugana and Valtenesi wines. The estate also offers agriturismo accommodations, allowing visitors to stay amidst the vineyards and enjoy the farm-to-table dining experience(Decanter).
Perla del Garda: Situated between Desenzano and Sirmione, this winery focuses on producing high-quality Lugana wines. The estate offers guided tours and tastings, providing insight into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the local terroir(Decanter).
Costaripa: Located on the western shores of Lake Garda, Costaripa is famous for its Chiaretto, a delicate rosé made using the “tear drop” method. The winery also produces award-winning Valtenesi and sparkling wines, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts(Decanter).
Cantina Zeni 1870: Situated in Bardolino, Cantina Zeni offers more than just wine tasting. It houses a fascinating wine museum that takes you through the history of winemaking in the region. The museum showcases the tools, techniques, and traditions of wine production, providing an educational experience alongside the tasting of their renowned Bardolino and Amarone wines(Zeni,Zeni).

Cà dei Frati: Known for its exceptional Lugana wines, Cà dei Frati is a historic winery located in Sirmione. The winery’s Lugana I Frati is particularly famous, showcasing the Turbiana grape’s potential. The estate offers comprehensive wine tours that include visits to the vineyards and tastings of their top-tier wines(Falstaff – Wine, Food & Travel,Ethica Wines).
Villa Monteleone: A boutique winery in the heart of Valpolicella, Villa Monteleone produces a limited but exquisite range of wines, including Amarone and Valpolicella Classico. The winery offers intimate tours and tastings, providing a personal and immersive experience in the winemaking process(Wine Alchemy,Villa Monteleone).
Rocca Sveva: Situated near Soave, Rocca Sveva is part of a medieval village that has been transformed into a wine estate. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Soave Classico and Amarone, all crafted with a deep respect for tradition and terroir. The estate also offers guided tours through its historic cellars, where visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the region(Rocca Sveva,Great Wine Capitals).

Chapter 3: A Cultural Detour – Visiting Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

Discovering Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

No visit to Lake Garda is complete without a trip to Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former residence of the eccentric Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Located in Gardone Riviera on the western shore of Lake Garda, this sprawling estate is a testament to D’Annunzio’s flamboyant lifestyle and artistic vision.

Il Vittoriale is more than just a house; it’s a complex of buildings, gardens, and a museum, all designed to celebrate D’Annunzio’s life and legacy. Highlights include the Prioria, D’Annunzio’s opulent home filled with eclectic collections, and the amphitheater, which offers stunning views over Lake Garda. The gardens are equally impressive, with fountains, statues, and the famous MAS 96, a military ship that D’Annunzio used during World War I.

Practical Tips for Visiting Il Vittoriale

Opening Hours: Il Vittoriale is open year-round, but hours vary by season. It’s recommended to check their official website before planning your visit.
Guided Tours: To fully appreciate the history and significance of Il Vittoriale, consider joining a guided tour, which provides detailed insights into D’Annunzio’s life and the estate’s unique features.
Dining Options: After exploring the estate, you can enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants in Gardone Riviera, many of which offer lakeside dining with local specialties and wines.

Chapter 4: Where to Stay – Top Accommodations in Valpolicella and Lake Garda

Best Accommodations in Valpolicella

Tenuta Le Cave: Offering a blend of luxury and rustic charm, this estate is perfect for those looking to relax in style while enjoying the best wines Valpolicella has to offer(tenuta le cave).
Dimora Buglioni: A charming agrirelais with a focus on sustainability and comfort, perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a serene countryside retreat(Wander Your Way).
Relais Villa San Matteo: This small, luxurious guesthouse is ideal for couples looking for a romantic escape with easy access to both Valpolicella and Lake Garda(The Hotel Guru).

Best Accommodations Around Lake Garda

Azienda Agricola Pratello: This agriturismo offers comfortable accommodations and a true farm-to-table experience, set amidst the vineyards near Lake Garda(Decanter).
Perla del Garda: Known for its Lugana wines, Perla del Garda offers guided tours and tastings, along with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards(Decanter).
Locanda San Verolo: A beautifully converted 18th-century farmhouse near Lake Garda, offering rustic chic rooms, a popular restaurant, and tranquil gardens(The Hotel Guru).

Chapter 5: Conclusion – The Perfect Italian Wine Journey

Traveling from Bologna to Lake Garda is more than just a road trip; it’s an exploration of Italy’s rich cultural heritage and unparalleled wine traditions. From the bold flavors of Valpolicella to the refreshing wines of Lake Garda, this journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and oenology. Along the way, you’ll discover some of Italy’s most charming accommodations and enjoy the hospitality of passionate winemakers dedicated to preserving and enhancing their craft.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a good glass of wine in a beautiful setting, this guide provides everything you need to make the most of your journey from Bologna to Lake Garda.

When I say Italy you may immediately think about football. This makes sense. When I talk about the Verona region and Lake Garda region in Italy, the what will you think of? Still football? No, the correct answer is wines! There are a lot of outstanding wineries around these two region, and I will bring you on a journey to the wineries around those regions.

Fratelli Vogadori

Being a major amarone winery, the Fratelli Vogadori winery has years of expertise as well as a passion for tradition and eco-friendly values. They offer excellent wines and the way they produce the wine is the reason why their taste is so special.

They offer a wide range of wines for you to choose from. One of them is valpolicella classic, which is a ruby-red wine that is pleasant and delicate. They use several types of grapes together with their expertise to make this very product, and it is suitable to drink this type of wine with meat dishes. For dessert wine, they can offer you with Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico. Again, the color of this wine is ruby red, but there are purple hues too for this one. It is not only warm and velvety, but also so sweet that makes it the best dessert wine.

You can visit their winery and join win tasting events held by them from time to time. They regularly organize a wide range of different wine tasting experience. Since the wine to be tasted are all different, you will have a unique experience every time. It is also a way to embrace the history and culture of Valpolicella, according to them.

The Fratelli Vogadori is located at Via Vigolo, 16 Negrar 37024. You can go there directly for tasting wine.

Boscaini Carlo

Boscaini Carlo covers 14 hectares of land over looking the village of St. Giorgio Ingannapoltron. The village is famous for its ancient church and buildings. The winery is founded by Carlo Boscaini who has a great passion in producing wine. He himself died at an age of 102 due to drinking wine with high quality. Now, the winery is run by his nephews Carlo and Mario.

Baoscaini Carlo stressed that they only sell wines from their own grapes production, and they do offer quite a number of wines.

For example, the IGT Molinara Veronese are made the a type of grapes named Molinara, which means from the mill’. The wine is floor-wax pink in color, which is fairly special, and it is delicate on the nose if you smell it. It is an easy drinking wine for cold cuts or BBQ meats.

The Zane is another product offered by them. Since it has a well-rounded and soft finish on the palate, it is the best accompaniment to red meat dishes. The wine is made from four different type of grapes using a traditional method known as Ripasso’.

They can receive guests and visitors who come to their winery to taste wines. It is coupled with causal chat and informal talk about the passion to wine. If needed, tasting sessions and guided tours can also be provided to a group.

Zenato

Zenato company is located in the middle of Lugana and Valpolicella. There is mild climate and unrivalled charm there, which also made Zenata one of the greatest winery in Italy. The winery covers 75 hectares of land which allows them to produce different types of wine in mass volume.

The founder of Zanato is Sergio Zenato who tried out new techniques of wine making and invested in native vines hoping to get the best quality of wines. This lead to the establishment of Zanata in 1960.

Lugana San Benedetto DOC is one of the best selling wines offered by them. It is a white with a very strong personality, coupled with fragrant scents. It is made of Trebbiano di Lugana and purely from this type of grape only. This type of wine is good as an aperitif with cold dishes and starters.

Cresasso Corvina Veronese IGT is a wine that is a tribute to the varietal features of different native grapes in Valpolicella. This is 100% made of Corvina Veronese, and comes from very careful research and experiment. You can try some of the IGT when you are also eating meats like roasts and sausages. They work well together.

The Chardonnay Garda DOC contains some aromatic elements, and it is extracted from Chardonnay purely. You need to ferment it for 15-20 days in a steel of controlled temperature, and then wait for another half year for it to be ready. Customers can enjoy this type of wine with freshwater fish particularly.

Zenato had also organized several wine tasting events in the pursuit of promoting their wines to the world. You can take a lot at their newsletter (available on their website) for their newest actions.

Brunelli Wine

Brunelli has based themselves to San Pietro in Cariano, which is the central and the main village of the Classic area in Valpolicella. With the mineral soil, grape varieties and a nice climate with breezes, Valpolicella is just the best place to set up a winery—and this is why Brunelli Wine is set up here.

According to Allento Brunelli, the current owner of the winery, the art of transforming grapes into wine and then fashioning them into a perfect product has an important effect on his dreams and desires, and this inspired him to succeeded his ancestors as the owner of the winery. He also said that many wines offer a complex personality, and each type of wine is just like one of his relatives.

One of the wines offered by them is the Custoza. It is a refreshing fruity white wine made from five type of grapes. This gives this type of wine a surprising complexity and a refreshing structure. It is recommended that you drink this wine risottos and fish dishes.

Another type of tine available is the Valpolicella Ripasso. The wine has a great concentration in the color as well as perfume. This type of wine can mix well with rich stews, chops and mature cheeses.

Brunelli is still experiencing new wines, and is dedicated to continue providing different type of excellent wines to the world.

There are really a lot of great wineries around Lake Garda and Verona. This is just a blessed land naturally for producing wine with good quality. While the above four wineries produce different type of wine on their own, they shared a common feature—that is, they are all passionate at turning grapes into wine, and turning their efforts into the satisfaction of customers from the taste associated with their wine.

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Bologna to Lake Garda Wineries: My Ultimate Guide