History, terroir, and the passion of the winemaker: all these elements combine to create a unique and evocative experience that you will find every time you sip a glass of wine.
Excellent wines of exceptional quality are produced in all regions of Italy.
Each region has a distinctive character, which is reflected in the wines it produces. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover Lake Garda, a region that is home to 6 of the most important wine production areas in Italy.
Valtenesi
Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Valtenesi is a succession of rolling hills, lush vineyards and picturesque villages. The region is renowned for the production of Chiaretto, a delicate rosé wine that perfectly complements local cuisine. For a truly unforgettable experience, I recommend a bike tour through the vineyards, followed by a tasting at one of the many family-run wineries in the area.
Lugana
South of Sirmione, between Lake Garda and Mantua, lies the Lugana DOC, home to some of the most prestigious white wines in Italy. The mineral-rich soils and climate of the region give life to elegant and complex wines. Lugana is produced almost exclusively from pure Turbiana grapes and comes in five different types: the basic Lugana, the Superiore, the Riserva, the Vendemmia Tardiva and the Spumante. To savor the local terroir, I suggest tasting Lugana paired with Lake Garda fish dishes that you will find in many restaurants in the area.
Custoza
Located between Verona and Lake Garda, Custoza is a land of ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes. The area is famous for the battles of the Risorgimento for the independence of Italy from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This is the production area of Custoza DOC, a white wine characterized by fresh and fruity aromas. During the Wine Tours in the Custoza wineries, we suggest a visit to the Torre di San Martino della Battaglia, a must-see as it offers a fascinating insight into the history of the region.
Soave
The Soave Classico DOC is located in the Veneto hills, east of Verona. The region is known for the production of Soave Classico, a white wine that stands out for its elegance and versatility. For a unique experience, I recommend a visit to the castle of Soave, followed by a tasting in one of the many historic wineries in the area.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella is located northwest of Verona: a small region where you can admire some of the world’s excellences in architecture, landscape and food and wine. The area is renowned for the production of Amarone, a full-bodied red wine that is aged for several months in wooden barrels. Among the other wines of Valpolicella, the Valpolicella Classico, Superiore, Ripasso and the sweet Recioto are also very renowned. The Wine Tours of Valpolicella is a must for holidays in Italy.
Trento Doc
Trento Doc is a sparkling wine produced in the Trentino region north of Lake Garda. A mountain region that is home to the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate and the conformation of the territory allow the vines to be cultivated even at high altitudes (up to 800 m above sea level) giving life to elegant and complex sparkling wines. In this territory, the Ferrari sparkling wine known all over the world is produced, but for a unique experience in the world of bubbles I recommend exploring the territory in search of small wineries of the family stories of the winemakers and local culture.
Tasting wine in Italy is more than just a drink: it is an opportunity to experience the beauty of the country, the passion of the winemakers and the rich history and culture of the region you are visiting.
So, next time you are planning a trip to Italy, don’t forget to include a wine tour to discover the wines of Lake Garda in your itinerary. You will not be disappointed.
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