In Italy’s far north, from the vineyards of Franciacorta to the serene shores of Lake Garda, Lombardy reveals itself through a seamless pairing of wine, landscape, and refined hospitality. Anchored by Milan—Italy’s fashion and financial capital—Lombardy's landscape has been shaped by centuries of winemaking, from the Etruscans and Romans to today’s master vintners.
Lombardy's vineyards sweep across nearly 25,000 hectares, thriving along the gentle hills of Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Iseo (the Italian Lake District), as well as the dramatic alpine slopes of Valtellina near the Swiss border.
Along the southern shores of Lake Iseo, Italy produces its greatest expression of traditional-method sparkling wine, Franciacorta. The Italian bubbly is prized by sommeliers for its elegance, rarity, and ability to elevate the world’s most exquisite cuisine —let alone Italy's gastronomic style as recognized by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” in December 2025.
Often referred to as the “Champagne of Italy,” Franciacorta shares its meticulous production methods with its French counterpart. Made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with smaller allowances for Pinot Blanc and the native Erbamat grape, Franciacorta tends to be fuller and more generous on the palate. Yellow stone fruit, citrus blossom, and subtle tropical notes often take center stage, balanced by freshness and structure.
Styles range from the silky, low-pressure Satén to Rosé, Millesimato, and long-aged Riserva bottlings, some resting on their lees for up to five years, offering remarkable depth and longevity.
For sparkling wine lovers accustomed to Asti’s playful fizz or Prosecco’s easy charm, discovering Franciacorta is a revelation. These are serious, contemplative wines—crafted with precision, shaped by history, and born of a region whose winemaking legacy was elevated in the 1960s by pioneering producer Franco Ziliani. A first sip makes the comparison unavoidable: Franciacorta stands confidently alongside the world’s great Champagnes, not as an imitation, but as Italy’s own luxurious answer to fine sparkling wine.
The best-known producers of Franciacorta include Berlucchi, Bonafadini and Vigna Dorata.
BERLUCCHI WINERY
Founded in 1961, Guido Berlucchi is widely regarded as the birthplace of Franciacorta, where Franco Ziliani and Guido Berlucchi crafted the region’s first classic-method sparkling wine and set a new standard for Italian elegance in the glass. Spanning 515 hectares and producing approximately 4.5 million bottles annually through organic farming practices, the estate marries scale with meticulous craftsmanship. Now guided by Ziliani’s children—Cristina, Arturo, and Paolo—the winery continues its founder’s vision of innovation, sustainability, and deep respect for place, earning global recognition for its refined, iconic Franciacorta wines and establishing Berlucchi as both a benchmark producer and a must-visit destination for discerning wine travelers.
Berlucchi ‘61 Extra Brut Franciacorta
Berlucchi ’61 Extra Brut Franciacorta is a polished expression of Lombardy’s sparkling heritage, its name a quiet tribute to the winery’s groundbreaking 1961 vintage rather than a year on the label. Crafted predominantly from Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Nero and aged for 24 months on the lees, the wine opens with inviting aromas of brioche, baked bread and croissant, layered with ripe orchard fruits, sweet citrus and hints of jasmine and flint.
On the palate, a creamy, persistent mousse cushions vibrant acidity, carrying flavors of lemon, pear, apricot and subtle tropical notes, accented by ginger, hazelnut and a whisper of oyster shell minerality. Elegant yet expressive, it finishes long and fresh with zesty citrus and refined texture, offering a Champagne-like sophistication at a distinctly Italian price point—an ideal companion to lake fish, delicate pastas or a leisurely aperitivo with soft cheeses.
BONAFADINI WINERY
Tucked among the gentle hills between Colombaro and Nigoline in Corte Franca, Bonafadini is a family story elevated by ambition and modern elegance. What began as Father Graziano’s quiet passion for viticulture alongside his carpentry business came into sharp focus in 2013, when siblings Andrea and Francesca Bonafadini built a sleek, state-of-the-art winery beside their family home.
In less than a decade, production has grown to more than 100,000 bottles annually, with a clear vision set on reaching 200,000, supported by estate-managed vineyards and an additional 10 hectares in nearby Calino. Guided by entrepreneurial spirit and contemporary taste, Francesca Bonafadini has shaped every facet of the brand—from production to visual identity and communication—charting an original course within Franciacorta DOCG.
Bonfadini Opera Rosé Franciacorta DOCG
Bonfadini Opera Rosé Franciacorta DOCG is a poised and polished expression of the appellation, marrying craftsmanship with quiet indulgence. Its luminous pink hue opens to refined aromas of cherry, red berries, and stone fruit, layered with nutty, yeasty nuances and a whisper of tobacco and florals. On the palate, the wine is vibrant yet graceful, offering juicy fruit framed by a fine, continuous perlage, a delicate creamy texture, and subtle hints of rock candy that add depth without excess sweetness.
Crafted from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and aged for over 24 months on the lees, Opera Rosé delivers a marked, persistent finish that feels both precise and inviting—an elegant companion at the table from aperitif through the main course.
VIGNA DORATA WINERY
Founded in 1995, Vigna Dorata is a quietly elegant, family-run winery set on the sun-drenched hills of Franciacorta, where eight hectares of organically cultivated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir unfold around a central farmhouse. Producing just 65,000 bottles annually, the estate embraces a boutique approach that honors both tradition and innovation, allowing the terroir to speak with clarity and grace. Named for the golden hue the vines take on in certain light, Vigna Dorata crafts wines defined by delicacy and structure, with a persistent, finely balanced character that reflects the understated luxury of this celebrated corner of Lombardy.
Vigna Dorata Franciacorta Brut
Vigna Dorata Franciacorta Brut opens with an inviting bouquet of yellow stone fruit, fresh bread dough, and a delicate touch of acacia honey, setting a refined and sunlit tone. On the palate, flavors of ripe Golden Delicious apple and candied lemon zest unfold gracefully, accented by a subtle note of toasted hazelnut. Lively acidity brings freshness and balance, while a silky, persistent mousse adds a polished elegance that lingers through the finish—making this Franciacorta a natural companion to refined seafood dishes such as cod or smoked haddock, enjoyed seaside or under the soft glow of an Italian aperitivo hour.
A WINE-FOCUSED JOURNEY THROUGH THE ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT
The best way to get to know Franciacorta is to wander around in search of its wineries, its small artistic gems, natural spots and fine restaurants. Franciacorta is easily accessible by plane, car or train.
Should you travel to the Italian Lake District, -or Distretto dei Laghi in Italian, we recommend visiting the lively Lake Garda, and a stay at Villa Sostaga. Set against a dramatic backdrop of alpine peaks and sun-drenched shores, Lake Garda offers a refined balance of adventure and leisure. Its crystal-clear waters invite sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, while scenic cycling routes and pristine hiking trails wind through olive groves and mountain paths above the lake.
Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga - Lago Garda
Perched on a hillside just above the town of Gargnano, Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga looks directly out over Lake Garda, offering wide, uninterrupted views of the water below. Surrounded by forest and landscaped gardens, the atmosphere combines calm surroundings with attentive hospitality, comfortable rooms, and a strong focus on dining and wine.
Once the summer residence of the Counts Feltrinelli, this five-star boutique hotel retains the character of an aristocratic estate without feeling formal. The rooms are spacious and filled with natural light, with interiors that balance classic details and contemporary comfort. Sizes range from 290 to 387 square feet, (27 to 36 square metres), designed to encourage rest after days spent exploring Lake Garda.
Guests can choose from 20 rooms in the main villa and Dépendance Meridiana, as well as six Luxury Spa Suites. Introduced in 2025 and located on the site of the former stables, the adults-only spa suites are modern and serene. Each includes a private spa with a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and panoramic hydromassage, all facing the lake, creating a private wellness retreat.
The hotel’s restaurant offers an elegant yet relaxed setting for lunch and dinner, serving tasting menus inspired by traditional Garda cuisine. In warmer months, meals are enjoyed on the panoramic terrace or under the gazebo, where views stretch across the lake and gardens.
Wine plays a central role in the Villa Sostaga experience. Host Francesco Seresina is deeply passionate about small, lesser-known producers, and his carefully curated wine list now includes more than 700 labels, making it one of the most comprehensive collections on Lake Garda.
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