The 5 best wine tastings in Valtellina

The tasting and visit to Bornato Castle is a beautiful experience.

Bornato Castle and Villa Orlando, located in the heart of Franciacorta, is a rare example of a Renaissance villa built inside a medieval castle.

Built in medieval times, it was later remodeled in later periods, resulting in a very interesting architectural complex.

You can decide whether to take a tour with lunch, or have a tasting with wines from the winery.

Wine tasting and visit to the historic Mosnel winery in Franciacorta è an unmissable experience!

After the guided tour of the cellars, choose 3 of the 5 Franciacorta wines that have come to define the style of the Mosnel winery: Brut, Brut Nature, Pas Dosé, Rosé, Satèn.  

All wine tastings are accompanied by a small sampling of local bread, salami and cheese to better taste the wines offered. You can request the addition of a mixed board of cured meats from Az. Agricola Danesi + CISSVA flakes + breadsticks (for 2 people).

You will taste 3 to choose from the following wines:

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•    Brut – Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes that defines the winery s style.
•    Brut Nature – Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc with the structured touch of Pinot Noir, aged at least 24 months on the lees.
•    Pas Dosé – Matured at least 30 months to express the'harmony of the Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes.
•    Rosé – Fragrant blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with roundness of Pinot Blanc.
•    Satèn – Elegant Franciacorta with creamy, rich and refined perlage.

For this tour è it is recommended to bring with sé a headgear to cover yourself adequately even in summer.

The’accompaniment in the cellars of pets is not è allowed.

The winery tour with tasting in Monticelli Brusati in the heart of Franciacorta, south of Lake d'Iseo, will introduce you to the production techniques of the historic wines of the Lombard tradition.

You can choose from 2 options.

Antica Fratta Selection

This tour is an experience designed for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Franciacorta's finest wines.

The guided tour will take you to discover the winery, a unique place where natural rock meets the art of winemaking. Built in the heart of the hillside in the second half of the 19th century, the winery is today a symbol of elegance and tradition.

At the end of the tour, a tasting of three Millesimati awaits you, each paired with a finger food designed to enhance their aromas and flavors. A moment of discovery and pleasure in an’elegant and pleasant atmosphere.

Antica Fratta Riserva

This experience is dedicated to those who wish to experience a unique and refined moment. The guided tour will lead you through the winery, a fascinating place where living rock blends with 19th-century architecture, creating the ideal environment for the aging of our finest wines.

At the end of the tour, a tasting of two Millesimati and the 2015 Quintessence Reserve awaits you. The wines will be paired with a gourmet menu designed to enhance every note and aroma, in an experience that celebrates Antica Fratta’s excellence.

The tasting takes place in historic rooms, inside a mansion that breathes elegance and tradition. An unforgettable journey into the heart of the winery, reserved for those seeking the best of tradition and innovation.

A visit to the winery is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wine history of Franciacorta production and to taste excellent wines in the company of friends, family or your partner.

The guided tour at the museum and winery, located in the hinterland of Franciacorta near Lake Iseo, will immerse you in the history of the winery and introduce you to the production process of Franciacorta DOCG and Curtefranca DOC wines. The visit is followed by a tasting of 2/3 selected Franciacorta wines, accompanied by breadsticks.

The experience lasts 1 1/2 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

The Encore

The tasting includes 2 wines:

•    Franciacorta Brut DOCG
•    Franciacorta Satèn Brut DOCG millesimato.

The tasting is accompanied by breadsticks.

The Tris

Tasting includes 3 wines:

•    Franciacorta Brut DOCG
•    Franciacorta Satèn Brut DOCG vintage
•    Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG millesimato

The tasting is accompanied by breadsticks.

The wines in the tasting may vary depending on product availability or vintage.

The guided winery tour at the Ambrosini estate offers you the opportunity to explore the production techniques of the renowned Franciacorta wines, which you will later have the chance to taste.

The experience begins with a walk through the farm's vineyards, followed by a guided tour during which the production techniques of Franciacorta wines and, in particular, the so-called "classic" method will be explained.

Afterwards, you can choose to taste 2 or 3 glasses of Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG.

Depending on the desired option, you will be able to choose from the following wines:

•    Brùt "Batudé"
•    Satèn Millesimato
•    Rosé Millesimato
•    Extra Brut Millesimato
•    Extra Brut "Santa Caterina"
•    Dosage Zero "Nihil"

The tasting is paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

The winery visit with tasting lasts about 1 1/2 hours and is ideal for experiencing a totally relaxing day among the vineyards of Franciacorta.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

Along with the picnic you can take a walk among the rows of vineyards or along the shore of the botanical pond, or a hike in the park "Molere". 

For every menù there is a vegetarian version. 

Picnic Orobie

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    Selection of local cured meats and cheeses with Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with stuffing
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Orobie vegetarian

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    Local cheese selection with Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with stuffing
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Bergamo Picnic

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    Selection of local cured meats and cheeses
•    Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with filling
•    Lasagnetta alla “San Lucio” (or first course of the day)
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Vegetarian Bergamasque

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    A selection of local cheeses
•    Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with stuffing
•    Lasagnetta alle Verdurine (or first course of the day)
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

For children:

•    Ligurian Focaccine with cooked ham and fontina cheese or
•    Mini Baguette with salami and cheese
•    Salty Croissant with stuffing
•    Anna's Biscuits
•    ½ liter of water

The Casa Garello farmhouse in Salice Terme, in the Oltrepò Pavese region, offers a lunch with wine tasting and tour of the cellars in a picturesque hillside setting. Casa Garello is located in an area traditionally devoted to wine growing. Everything that is brought to the table comes from the raw materials from the garden and vineyards.

Menu full-lunch tasting:

•    4 wines for tasting
•    Tagliere of cold cuts and cheeses and two hot appetizers
•    Traditional Oltrepò
•    Agnolotti pasta
•    Pinot roast with baked potatoes
•    House dessert
•    Water
•    Coffee

Menu tasting lunch:

•    4 wines for tasting
•    Cured meats and cheeses platter and two hot appetizers
•    House dessert
•    Water
•    Coffee

A children's menu is also available, which includes:

•    House-cured meats
•    short pasta with red or plain sauce
•    chops with baked chips
•    dessert of your choice
•    1 soft drink

Any food allergies or intolerances can be reported to the facility following booking.

The duration of the above experience is to be considered approximate.

The winery visit in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese area. You will have a choice of two different experiences.

Tour with tasting

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour of the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Tour with brunch

For a more complete gastronomic experience, at the end of the winery tour it is possible to have the tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by a brunch consisting of:

•    Mixed appetizers.
•    Risotto.
•    Dessert.

Allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs should be communicated to the facility in advance.

During the Oltrepò Pavese winery tour and wine tasting, you will have the choice of three different experiences.

The first tour of the vineyards and vines lasts 1h30 and includes the tasting of 4 glasses.

The second option lasts 2h, and is recommended for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The last type of experience you can choose instead includes a tour of both the vineyards and the winery, and ends with wine tasting.

For the vineyard dinner experience in Oltrepò Pavese, you will be welcomed into the vineyards to have a tasty dinner, taking advantage of the coolness of the Versa Valley hills.

The menu includes:

•    Appetizer with local cured meats and vegetables from the garden accompanied by a sparkling wine.
•    First course of pasta or rice with seasonal ingredients paired with a still white or sparkling rosé.
•    Second meat or vegetarian dish paired with a still red wine.
•    Dessert of your choice

What are you waiting for to book this magnificent experience in Lombardy?

During the tasting and vineyard walk in Oltrepò Pavese you will discover the Versa Valley in the province of Pavia as you stroll through the vineyards of a local agritourism farm, tasting their renowned wines and local products, discovering their cellars.

You will also have the opportunity to select a lunch in the vineyard..

The tasting includes:

•    Martinotti Method Brut sparkling wine or "Le Stelle" Classic Method 36 months - paired with a cold or warm vegetable appetizer.
•    347 M.S.L.M. Still White from different vintages - with samples of local artisan cheeses.
•    Novecento Bonarda frizzante or 347 M.S.L.M. Rosso fermo - paired with traditional Oltrepò Pavese cured meats.

Depending on the season, some hot or cold dishes typical of the region will be available.

The Vineyard Wine Tasting Lunch includes:

•    Martinotti Brut Method sparkling wine or "Le Stelle" Classic Method sparkling wine - paired with artisanal cured meats from the region and vegetables from the garden
•    47 M.S.L.M. Still White (of the vintage) or sparkling Rosé - Paired with a pasta or rice dish
•    347 M.S.L.M. Still red or sparkling Novecento Bonarda - Paired with a meat or vegetarian main course
•    Dessert of your choice

Dinner in the Vineyard with a guided tour will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and its vineyards.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the farm where owner Patrizio will introduce you to the cultivation and production techniques of their Lombard wines. Afterwards, you will be taken to the vineyard where dinner under the stars will begin, based on several courses paired with a tasting of local wines.

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is held in the summer. The menu may be subject to change based on winery availability.

The vineyard dinner is ideal for families, groups of friends or couples who want to experience a romantic moment in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Languages spoken: Italian and English. A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.