Lake Garda

A family estate spanning both sides of Lake Garda's wine country — structured Amarone from Valpolicella, mineral Lugana from the lake's southern shore.

Four generations in Soave, farming organically on ancient limestone soils. The family that helped put Garganega — and Soave itself — on the fine-wine map.

On the Lugana estate since 1939, the Dal Cero family helped carry the appellation's reputation beyond the region. Free walk-in tours during opening hours — groups of 6+ should call ahead.

An organic family farm above Bardolino's shore, working Corvina and Rondinella into fresh, low-intervention wines — with apartments on site for those who want to stay among the vines.

The Allegrini family has grown vines in Fumane, in Valpolicella Classica, since the 16th century. Amarone is made by drying the grapes for months before pressing, which concentrates sugar into a rich, dry, powerful red; La Poja, a single-vineyard 100% Corvina, shows the grape without that trick. Showroom open Monday to Saturday; guided tastings and vineyard tours by reservation.

The Boscaini family has made wine in the 'Vaio dei Masi' valley since 1772 and, in 1964, invented the 'ripasso' technique with Campofiorin — re-fermenting a Valpolicella on Amarone skins for extra depth. The tour includes the neighbouring Serego Alighieri estate, owned by descendants of Dante since 1353, with apartments for guests. Between Lake Garda and Verona.

Two noble Veronese wine families joined by marriage in 1913, with the winery a short walk from the Bardolino lakefront. Bardolino is Corvina's light, cherry-scented side — perfect slightly chilled by the lake — and the pale Chiaretto rosé has been made here since 1896. Wine shop open daily in season; vineyard and cellar tours booked at least two days ahead.

On the western, Lombard shore of Lake Garda since 1936, in the Valtènesi hills above Moniga. This is the home of a very pale, savoury rosé made from the local Groppello grape — Chiaretto — pressed the same night the grapes are picked. Owner Mattia Vezzola is one of Italy's most respected sparkling-wine makers. Tours Tuesday to Saturday at fixed times.

Founded in 1902 by Giacomo Tommasi in Pedemonte, and still run by the fourth generation of the family. The style is classic and balanced rather than jammy — a good place to understand the ladder from Valpolicella to Ripasso to Amarone in one tasting. Wine shop and tours Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays; about 25 minutes from the lake.