Vineyard Tour and Tasting of Lugana Wines

Nestled in the picturesque Lugana wine region of Italy, Cantina Ceresa invites visitors to embark on a captivating vineyard tour and tasting of their renowned Lugana wines. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the region’s rich winemaking heritage, allowing guests to explore sun-kissed vineyards, discover unique grape cultivation methods, and savor a selection of exquisite wines paired with local delicacies. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or seeking a memorable day in the countryside, this tour promises to enlighten and delight.

Key Points

• Explore the sun-kissed vineyards of the Lugana wine region, known for its high-quality white wines made from the Turbiana grape.
• Enjoy the winemaking tradition of the Cantina Ceresa winery, with visits to both new and historic cellars.
• Savor a tasting of four distinct Lugana wines, including the DOC, Garda Merlot DOC, and Chiaro di Luna, paired with local snacks.
• Learn about the unique microclimate and calcareous-clay soil that create the distinctive minerality and crisp acidity of Lugana wines.
• Discover the rich history and evolution of winemaking in the Lugana region, with an opportunity to explore the original cellars dating back to the 1930s.

Overview of the Lugana Wine Region

The Lugana wine region is situated in the southern part of Lake Garda, straddling the border between the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy.

This picturesque area is known for producing high-quality white wines from the Turbiana grape variety. The lake’s moderating influence and the calcareous-clay soil create ideal conditions for growing this grape.

Lugana wines are characterized by their delicate floral aromas, crisp acidity, and distinctive minerality.

The region’s winemakers are dedicated to preserving the traditional methods while embracing innovation to showcase the unique terroir of Lugana.

This makes it a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts.

A Guided Tour of the Vineyards

Guests embark on a captivating tour of the sun-kissed vineyards, seeing the Lugana winemaking tradition. The small group is led through the lush, verdant vineyards, learning about the region’s unique microclimate and the intricate process of growing and harvesting the Turbiana grape. At the heart of the experience, guests visit both the new and historic cellars, witnessing the traditional methods used to craft the renowned Lugana wines. The tour culminates in a tasting of four distinct wines, each paired with a selection of delectable local snacks.

Wine	Grape	ABV	Flavor Profile
Chiaro di Luna	Turbiana	12.5%	Dry, crisp, citrus notes
Lugana DOC	Turbiana	13%	Smooth, medium-bodied, floral aromas
Garda Merlot DOC	Merlot	13.5%	Full-bodied, rich, red fruit flavors

Discovering the Winery’s History

Nestled along the picturesque southern shores of Lake Garda, the Cantina Ceresa winery boasts a rich history that intertwines with the Lugana region’s winemaking legacy.

Established in the early 20th century, the winery has been family-owned for generations, handing down the knowledge and traditions that have made their Lugana wines renowned worldwide.

During the vineyard tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the winery’s original cellars, dating back to the 1930s, as well as the modern production facilities.

Through this immersive experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Lugana wine.

Tasting the Lugana DOC Wines

A core component of the Lugana vineyard tour is the opportunity to savor the region’s renowned DOC wines.

The tasting includes:

• Lugana DOC: A dry white wine with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and minerality.
• Garda Merlot DOC: A red wine with flavors of ripe berries, vanilla, and a smooth finish.
• Chiaro di Luna: A classic method sparkling wine with a delicate fizz and apple-pear aromas.

These wines are expertly paired with a selection of local snacks, including cold cuts, bread, omelette, and Grana Padano cheese, enhancing the tasting experience.

Exploring the Production Methods

As visitors explore the vineyards, they gain insights into the meticulous production methods that shape the distinctive character of Lugana wines.

The grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring gentle handling, and then pressed using a pneumatic press to extract the must.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing the winemakers to carefully monitor and control the process.

The Lugana DOC wines then undergo a period of aging, either in steel or oak, to develop their complex flavors and aromas.

This attention to detail at every stage results in the refined, elegant Lugana wines.

Pairing the Wines With Delectable Snacks

The wine tasting experience is complemented by a delightful array of locally sourced snacks, carefully selected to enhance the flavors of the Lugana wines.

The tasting includes:

• Slices of cured meats and artisanal bread to pair with the Lugana DOC and Garda Merlot DOC.
• A fluffy omelette to complement the crisp and refreshing Chiaro di Luna sparkling wine.
• Shavings of nutty Grana Padano cheese to accentuate the complexity of the wines.

These carefully curated pairings allow guests to fully enjoy the distinct character of the Lugana region’s renowned vintages.

Visiting the Old and New Cellars

Where do the activities take place during the Lugana wine tasting experience?

The meeting point is at Cantina Ceresa, located in Località Cascina Ceresa, 25010 Pozzolengo, Italy.

The experience includes visits to both the new and old cellars of the winery. Guests have the opportunity to explore the facilities and learn about the winery’s history and production methods.

The activity concludes back at the same meeting point where it began.

The tour and tasting are accessible to most travelers, though visitors with reduced mobility should communicate their needs in advance.

Practical Information and Booking Details

Confirmation of the booking is received upon reservation.

The activity concludes at the same meeting point, Cantina Ceresa, where it began.

While the experience is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.

Participation is possible for most travelers, though any reduced mobility needs should be communicated. Plus, a Green Pass is required for participation.

The experience has an average rating of 4.7 based on 6 reviews and is priced from £33.13 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine Glass?

Bringing your own wine glass is generally not recommended for a guided wine tasting experience. The winery typically provides appropriate glassware to ensure proper presentation and enjoyment of the wines. Participants are advised to use the provided glassware for the tasting.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

Yes, reservations are required in advance for this experience. The overview indicates that the experience is limited to a maximum of 8 guests per tour, so advance booking is necessary to secure a spot.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in multiple languages, though English is likely the primary language. Guests should inquire about language options when booking to ensure their preferred language is available for the tour and tasting experience.

Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Winery?

Guests can purchase wine directly from the winery at the conclusion of the experience. The winery offers a selection of their Lugana wines, including the ones tasted during the tour, which can be purchased to take home.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The experience is not specifically designed for children, as it involves wine tasting. However, infants are allowed to attend, provided they sit on a parent’s lap. The venue and activities may not be the most engaging for younger children.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating vineyard tour and tasting of Lugana wines at Cantina Ceresa, where you’ll explore sun-kissed vineyards, discover unique grape cultivation, and savor the renowned Lugana DOC, Garda Merlot DOC, and Chiaro di Luna wines paired with local snacks. Set against the backdrop of historic and modern winemaking facilities, this experience offers a deep appreciation for the region’s rich winemaking heritage.