Crafting the Perfect Tasting Tour: Exploring Italy’s Hidden Wine Region

In the picturesque region of Lombardy, Italy, a journey through its wine country reveals breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions of winemaking that delight both the eyes and the palate. Nestled near the Alps, Lombardy boasts a myriad of wine routes that traverse charming villages, historical castles, and lush vineyards, showcasing a variety of exquisite wines.

The ancient Greeks recognized the distinctive terroir of Lombardy, which benefits from the diverse topography of the Alps, the Po River Valley, and heralded lakes. While the stunning scenery is hard to miss, discovering the region’s wines can be daunting due to its vast offerings. Here are four outstanding routes perfect for driving, cycling, or hiking, with plenty of opportunities to sample the local wines at family-run cantines.

1. Valtellina Wine Route
   The Valtellina Valley, framed by the stunning Rhaetian Alps, provides a 42-mile stretch from Ardenno to Tirano, accessible by car, bike, or on foot. Its terraced vineyards, meticulously constructed over centuries, were first cultivated by the Romans and later refined by medieval monks. One must-experience hike is the two-hour trek from Sondrio to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sassella, characterized by ancient winemaking relics along the way. This area is renowned for its exceptional Nebbiolo delle Alpi and Sforzato red wines, which pair beautifully with local delicacies such as bitto cheese and pizzoccheri pasta.

2. Franciacorta Wine Route
   The Franciacorta route runs alongside the stunning Lake Iseo, stretching for 56 miles towards Brescia. This region is best enjoyed through slow travel, either walking or cycling. The 15-mile Franciacorta Brut Green Route offers scenic views of the vineyards and the tranquil lake. Here, visitors can savor Franciacorta DOCG, a delightful sparkling wine crafted from Chardonnay and occasionally blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. This wine is excellent with the local fish dishes sourced from Lake Iseo.

3. Lake Garda Wine and Flavour Route
   This scenic route circles the southern shores of Lake Garda, merging food, culture, and history. Wine enthusiasts can explore cellar doors that offer tastings of DOC wines like Lugana, paired with the region’s notable cuisine, including DOP extra virgin olive oil and coppa cured meats. A beautiful 20-mile route starting from Sirmione allows travelers to soak in stunning vistas while indulging in local wines and dishes.

4. Oltrepò Pavese Wine Route
   Set in the lesser-explored region of Oltrepò Pavese, this 37-mile wine route begins in Voghera and features rolling hills, historic castles, and welcoming cantines. It is known for producing Pinot Noir DOC wines and elegant Champagne-style spumantes. The area becomes particularly vibrant in September during the harvest season, when many villages celebrate with local wine events. Pair the local wines with traditional dishes like Salame di Varzi D.O.P. and exquisite goat cheeses for a true taste of the region.

Plan Your Trip:
Milan and Bergamo airports serve as the main gateways to Lombardy, with frequent flights from the UK. Alternatively, train travel from Paris via Eurostar connects to this enchanting region in approximately ten hours. For further details, visit in-lombardia.it.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!