Valtenesi is the hilly region west of Lake Garda, in Lombardy. The fame of Garda has always prevailed over the name of the territory located between Salò and Desenzano del Garda. However, local producers, aware of their history and the territory’s vocation for rosé wine, are investing significant energy in promoting the denomination.
In the next few years, the Valtenesi wine, in the pink version, will appear more and more on our tables and slowly will acquire notoriety in the world through its bottles. Little known as the territory that hosts it is the main vine of Valtenesi: Groppello. Originally from Trentino, it has remained local because it is difficult to work. In Valtenesi doc wines, Groppello is present as a protagonist in a blend with the best-known Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera.
The walking wine tour winds through the hills, among the best-preserved villages in the area and where the agricultural identity is still strong. The lake remains in the background, and the countryside is the protagonist with its original productions: vineyards and olive groves. The visit to the cellar is the fundamental step to get to know the scents of Valtenesi in combination with local foods.
It is a totally “local” route designed over time by farmers who moved from one village to another on foot or with animals useful for transport. The walking tour in Valtenesi with tasting in the cellar is an experience to savour to get to know Lake Garda’s territory beyond the lake.
Itinerary
The excursion begins in the municipality of Polpenazze del Garda, in the locality of Picedo. On foot, we move towards the village of Mura; the view of the lake takes us to our right to continue to the next place called Castello. We go down a level of the moraine basin to take the path that will take us to the cellar through the crops and with a stunning view of Mount Baldo. After the stop, we resume the circular route to return to Picedo through another path between the crops.
The itinerary is approx. 6 km and lasts 4 hours max, including tasting. It is a route suitable for anyone in good health, and it is not ideal for strollers.
Wine tasting
The excursion includes tasting in a cellar on Lake Garda: three wines, two of which are Valtenesi DOP, and a light lunch with local products. During the visit to the winery, the tourist will learn the characteristics of the indigenous Groppello grape and its presence in the blends of Valtenesi wines, in the Chiaretto, and in red styles.
The earth’s products always tell stories of nature and people who have cared for them for centuries. A wine expert leads the excursion on foot through the hidden Valtenesi around Lake Garda. If you love the outdoors and want to live a local experience, choose this walking tour in Valtenesi with tasting in the cellar. Do you want to discover the other wine areas? Search your favourite wine and book the tour.