Franciacorta Wine Road

Franciacorta View 1 — photo by travel.thewom.it

In the heart of Lombardy lies a place characterized by ancient villages, 16th-century palaces, fairy-tale castles, and generous hills dotted with numerous vineyards that define its landscape and shape. Yes, because this territory extends from Brescia to the southern tip of Lake Iseo, telling the story of ancient winemaking traditions and is one of the regions in Italy known for producing sparkling wines recognized worldwide as Franciacorta. There is a way to discover these wonders made of villages, castles, wineries, and vineyards: traveling along the Wine Road Franciacorta. In this article, we explain why you absolutely must plan a visit.

Franciacorta Route photo by travel.thewom.it

The Franciacorta road is an enchanted path through the area of Lake Iseo, bordered by Monte Orfano, Monte Alto, and the Mella and Oglio rivers and Brescia. It stretches approximately 50 miles, weaving through 19 municipalities in the Brescia region with the aim of preserving, safeguarding, and enhancing the wine culture of Franciacorta. Traveling along the Franciacorta road means embarking on a journey through the history and gastronomic tradition of Lombardy. The municipalities that are part of this historic region include Adro, Capriolo, Cazzago San Martino, Coccaglio, Cellatica, Cologne, Corte Franca, Erbusco, Gussago, Iseo, Monticelli Brusati, Ome, Paderno Francacorta, Paratico, Passirano, Provaglio d'Iseo, Rodengo Saiano, and Rovato. In these areas, where winemaking traditions have been known since time immemorial, Franciacorta DOCG is produced following the classic method of bottle refermentation in the varieties of Franciacorta, Franciacorta Satèn, and Franciacorta Rosé.

Wineries

There are numerous wineries to visit; on the site, you can find the list of those that offer guided tours with tastings. By selecting the winery map, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You cannot miss these wineries in your itinerary:

Ca' del Bosco
Barone Pizzini
Bersi Serlini
Fratelli Berlucchi
Majolini
Contadi Castaldi
Castel Faglia

Wine Road Itineraries

You can explore the Wine Road in various ways: by car, on foot, or by bike. We recommend the 5 cycling routes to visit this area on two wheels; on the official site, you will find all the details and information to navigate it. Alternatively, you can take the routes through rows of vines, small towns rich in traditions, and wineries on foot; these are the routes available:

Trekking Brescia - Iseo
Monte Orfano Route
Erbusco Route
Monte Alto Route
Borgognato Route
Gaina Stream
Gandovere Stream

But what is there to see along the itinerary? Besides wineries and tastings, the territory offers numerous stops. Among the must-see attractions, we highlight:

Monastery of St. Peter in Lamosa
Convent of the Annunciation in Rovato
Olivetana Abbey of San Nicola in Rodengo Saiano
Natural Reserve of the Torbiere del Sebino
Quistini Castle in Rovato
Passirano Castle
Capriolo Castle
Paderno Castle
Bornato Castle
Gussago Castle
Carmagnola Castle in Clusane

When to Go?

You can explore the Wine Road in every season, although the best occasions are in spring and autumn. A good opportunity might be June, when the Franciacorta Summer Festival takes place in the city, or in September during the Festival Franciacorta in the Cellars.