Vineyards, old towns and fairytale castles, green hills, 16th century buildings and landscapes that seem straight out of a painting: it is the wine route in Franciacorta. A magical journey through the aroma of wine, where fresh air and uncontaminated nature reign.
This area of extraordinary beauty includes the area from Brescia to the southern end of Lake Iseo. A strip of land where they are produced world famous bubbles and where viticulture is an ancient tradition, transmitted from father to son. Here there is a world to discover, made up of wineries, vineyards and mansions.
Franciacorta, on the wine route
The Franciacorta wine route is a fairy tale route between the Lake Iseo area circumscribed by Monte Orfano, the Mella and Oglio rivers, Monte Alto and Brescia. With a length of about 80 km, its winds are soft and sinuous, touching well 19 municipalities of the Brescia region, between traditions, love for wine, legends and an immense food and wine culture. From Adro to Gussago, passing through Passirano, Provaglio d'Iseo and Rovato, everything is a wonderful discovery. Here, between the generous land, the warm sun and the blue sky, Franciacorta DOCG has been made since time immemorial using the classic bottle refermentation method with the Franciacorta, Franciacorta Satèn and Franciacorta Rosè variants.
Cycling around Lake Iseo
The fresh wind in your face and an enchanting panorama that fills your eyes, the journey to discover Franciacorta starts from Paratico and start riding a bike. It doesn't matter if you go by mountain bike or electric bike, it is essential to let yourself be guided by the colors and beauty of these places. Nestled between Lake Iseo and the Oglio River, the border between the lands of Bergamo and Brescia, this city is a small gem. Right here is the Hotel Ulivi, a 4-star structure surrounded by greenery: an oasis of well-being and relaxation with a swimming pool and views of the lake. It represents the perfect point to discover Franciacorta, following the numerous routes and itineraries proposed, but also to taste excellent local products and let yourself be pampered. On the other hand, the panorama of Paratico is so beautiful that describing it is almost impossible. This landscape, according to legend, even inspired Dante Alighieri in his description of Purgatory in the Divine Comedy. Continuing south, among vineyards, suggestive groves and the Oglio River acting as a silent spectator, you reach Capriolo. And for those looking for another idea to get to know Lake Iseo, there are the big bank, the giant benches that dot the place and are placed in panoramic and impressive areas, on the route from Vigolo to Sale Marasino.
A Capriolo between castles and vineyards
Expanses of vineyards and ancient history: Franciacorta is a jewel that welcomes and enchants its visitors. It is without a doubt one of the most fascinating towns. roe, proud and beautiful with its castle built in the year 1000 by the Lantieri family. Its walls tell distant stories and speak of knights and ladies, of lost loves and A bitter fight between the Brescians and the Bergamasco for the possession of these flourishing lands. From here, after walking through the medieval streets, you reach the vineyards in the direction of Adro. In this ancient town, the bell tower draws attention, the undisputed symbol of Franciacorta, while after crossing the hill you reach Torbiato, in the heart of this enchanted land, between wineries and vineyards.
A nature dive in the peat bogs of Sebino
Within walking distance to receive visitors. nature reserve of rare beauty, that of Sebino. Here the quarries formerly used to extract peat are now filled with water and are home to dozens of species of reptiles, amphibians and birds. The dense vegetation makes everything even more suggestive and while you walk you can have unexpected encounters with herons, kites, falcons or swans, but also wild rabbits that populate the meadows. When crossing the reserve, on foot or by bicycle, you have the impression of having ended up in a painting: the surrounding greenery, the bodies of water and the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa in the background make everything magical.
