If you love combining wine tastings with your holiday in the Veneto region of Italy, you are spoilt for choice. From winery tours to food tours, you can pair the perfect visit to the rolling hills of vineyards into your holiday. A wine visit can vary from exploring wine cellars to just sampling a bottle of wine. Usually you'll be told about the winemaking process and may explore the production area or simply enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.

You can stop at a cantina or enoteca, visit a wine museum on one of the many tasting tours of the wineries in the Veneto, near Verona.

What is the Bardolino Trail

A blue lake with mountains In the background and trees growing out of the water — Photo by Thijs Kennis on Unsplash

The dry and fruity red Bardolino wines are produced from a relatively small area around the town of Bardolino, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, in northern Italy. This must-visit destination is a narrow strip – only about 8 miles long and two wide -- benefits from the afternoon sun and its reflected warmth from the lake. The wine is similar to its better-known next-door neighbor to the east, the Valpolicella region north of Verona.

The main types are Bardolino, Bardolino Classico, Bardolino Superiore, along with a rosé known as Bardolino Chiaretto. A dry white, quality wines, Bianco di Custoza, is also produced in the region , near the town of Peschiera del Garda at the base of the lake.

Travelers interested in wine should pick up a copy of the ‘Strada del Vino Bardolino’ brochure at any tourist office (there is an excellent one in Peschiera, right at the boat landing, under the fort). This describes and maps the cantine and other places where you can taste the region’s wines. Alternatively you could benefit from some of the many vineyard tours on offer to sample the Bardolino DOC.

What you will see?

A cantina is a winery, and they can be as simple as a row of stainless steel vats and a small shop to an elegant estate with manicured gardens. A few offer tours, some only to groups, but they are often by appointment only, so it is always a good idea to call ahead.

The Museo del Vino (Wine Museum) at the Cantine Zeni is a good place to begin, for a look at wine making from historic times (think of the classic grape stomp) to the present. You'll be told about grape varieties and the wine production process. You can sample Bardolino in their tasting room, although they do not give tours of the winery itself.

At the Guerrieri-Rizzardi estate in Bardolino, you can tour the grand old palazzo, along with the orchards and gardens. In the cellars you can taste their wines and other local products, including olives and olive oil.

When to visit?

Visitors to Bardolino in late September – a beautiful warm season without the summer lake crowds – can take part in the big wine festival that stretches along the town’s lake-side park and promenade. This is a chance to sample wines from smaller vineyards that don’t have open cantine.

Two wine shops are worth a stop as well. At the stylish Enoteca del Bardolino you can taste, buy a glass or a bottle of Bardolino’s own wines, or of top wines from elsewhere. There is also a good restaurant.

Enoteca L’Arte del Bere also has a good selection of both Italian and foreign wines. You can taste or buy by the glass at the little bar.

Clinking glasses of red wine to say cheers — Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash

Any wine lovers are sure to feel spoilt with arguably the best wineries in the world! From dry whites, to red wines there is something perfect to suit all wine tourists. Please enjoy the amazing wine, beautiful views, local restaurants and have the best time when exploring the wines throughout Italy. There is also the option of staying in one of the wine hotels if that takes your fancy. If you absolutely love your experience of trying the different styles of wine then you could also consider exploring further afield to taste Veneto Wines and Valpolicella Wines.

Attractions in Bardolino

Bardolino is a beautiful town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in Northern Italy's Veneto region. The town is known for its beautiful views, as we'eve mentioned the wine production, and vibrant nightlife.

One of the main attractions of Bardolino is the lakefront promenade, which offers beautiful views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, enjoy a picnic, or rent a boat to explore the lake.

Bardolino is also famous for its wine production, particularly the Bardolino wine, which is made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. Visitors can explore the many vineyards and wineries in the area and sample some of the delicious local wines.

In addition to its natural beauty and wine production, Bardolino has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bardolino Wine Festival, which takes place in late September and early October.

Overall, Bardolino is a great destination for anyone looking for a beautiful and relaxing vacation, with opportunities for outdoor activities, wine tasting, and lively nightlife.

Where to visit around Bardolino

If you want to stay in the area and use it as a base, there are many interesting places to visit near Bardolino. Here are some of our favourites.

A close up of a ride at gardaland — Photo by Chiara Guercio on Unsplash

Gardaland: Gardaland is Italy's largest amusement park and is located just a few kilometers from Bardolino. The park features many roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions, making it a fun destination for families and thrill-seekers.
Verona: The city of Verona is located just 25 kilometers from Bardolino and is famous for its Roman amphitheater, medieval architecture, and connections to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Visitors can explore the historic city center, visit museums and art galleries, and sample local cuisine.
Sirmione: Sirmione is a picturesque town located on a narrow peninsula at the southern end of Lake Garda, just a short drive from Bardolino. The town is known for its ancient Roman ruins, medieval castle, and thermal springs, which have been used for centuries for their healing properties.
Malcesine: Malcesine is a charming town located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, just a short drive from Bardolino. The town is known for its medieval castle, winding streets, and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Monte Baldo: Monte Baldo is a mountain range located near Lake Garda and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a cable car from Malcesine to the summit, where they can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.

Overall, there are many interesting places to visit in and around Bardolino, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here you can combine a love of wine with a perfect Italian lake holiday.