Lugana
Fresh summer breeze, small streets packed with boutique shops, bougainvillea blooming on ancient roman buildings: this is Sirmione. The small peninsula is in fact the gem of the Lake Garda for the unique mix of culture, history and attractions it offers. Last but not least, it is also the homeland of Lugana, the wonderful white wine produced in this area.
Sirmione is famous for the charm of its old town centre, with its narrow and irregular alleys, for the Thermal Baths of Catullo, and for the ruins of the Roman Villa, known also as “Grotte di Catullo”, which is one of the most important Roman building left in northern Italy. A further important site is the Medieval Castello Scaligero, with its typical swallowtail battlement, that was built in the 13th century by the Lors of Verona, as a protection for the low Lake Garda and for the fleets in the harbour.
We organize many tours to explore this beautiful village and the lovely surroundings rich with green vineyards where Lugana Doc (= controlled designation of origin) wine is produced in an area of 1.400 hectares.
Lugana wine, that has been gaining more and more success in recent years, is a white wine obtained by Turbiana grape variety and it can be found in five different types: the basic Lugana, the Superiore, the Riserva, the Vendemmia Tardiva and the Spumante.
The fresh Lugana, though, is the main production of the whole appellation- almost 90% of the DOC-.
It is a wine with a pale straw yellow color and greenish reflections; the aromas are floral, with an accent of almond notes, while the taste is fresh, pleasantly citrusy and long.
The natural acidity of the Turbiana grape combined with the minerality given from the soil – of glacial origins – make Lugana a wine that is perfect for long ageing.
What about taking a boat trip, having a bit of free time to wander around Sirmione and ending the day with a wonderful Lugana tasting and a delicious lunch? Then join us on a tour! You will not be disappointed.
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FAQ
How can I reah Lake Garda from Verona?
Lake Garda is easily accessible from Verona (about 30-45 minutes), and we offer several options to make the journey part of the experience:
Tours departing from Verona: the easiest solution, our group and private tours depart from our office in Via della Valverde 75 (37122, Verona) and include transport in an air-conditioned minivan.
Private transfers: we can arrange a pick-up directly from your hotel to take you to the Veronese shore (Bardolino) or the Brescia side (Lugana/Sirmione).
On your own: It is possible to reach Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano by train (about 15-20 minutes) but to visit wineries in the inland areas, joining an organized tour is strongly recommended to avoid parking and driving issues.
Which tours do you offer on Lake Garda?
We offer several Lake Garda tours, both group and private, among the group tours:
Sirmione by boat the Lake and Amarone: a full day experience where guests can enjoy a boat tour and admire the historic center of Sirmione both from the water and on foot. This is followed by an Amarone wine tasting and other local wine at a winery in Valpolicella. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/sirmione-by-boat-lake-garda-and-amarone-half-day-tour/
Borghetto and Custoza: a full day tour where guests can admire the gentle morainic hills of Lake Garda, taste Custoza DOC white wines and discover the charming village of Borghetto overlooking the Mincio river. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/borghetto-and-custoza-wine/
As for private tours, we offer the following options:
Lake Garda and its Rosè: perfect for rosè wine lovers who want to spend a pleasant day discovering Lake Garda. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/lake-garda-and-its-rose/
Lake Garda and Amarone: a full day experience dedicated to Bardolino DOC wine and Amarone, with the opportunity to admire the lake and the rolling hills of Valpolicella. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/lake-garda-and-amarone/
Sirmione, the Lake and Lugana: exploration of Sirmione’s historic center with a visit to a winery in the Lugana DOC area to taste its renowned local white wines. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/sirmione-the-lake-and-lugana/
Is Lake Garda suitable for family day trips?
Absolutely! Lake Garda offers numerous activities and excursions that are perfect for a day out with the family, such as some of Italy’s most famous theme parks (Movieland and Gardaland) suitable for all ages; Parco Natura Viva, with its beautiful and immersive safari, for those who enjoy being close to animals and finally, Parco Giardino Sigurtà in Valeggio sul Mincio, where you can also enjoy picnics surrounded by stunning green meadows.
Which provinces are included in the Lugana DOC area?
The Lugana DOC area extends along the southern border between Veneto and Lombardy and includes five municipalities: one in the province of Verona (Peschiera del Garda), and four in the province of Brescia (Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, Lonato del Garda and Pozzolengo).
Which is the principal grape variety of the Lugana DOC region?
The native grape variety of this area is called Turbiana (also known as Trebbiano di Lugana). It is a grape that gives the wines a marked acidity, which supports excellent aging potential over the years.
Which are the typical wines of the Lugana area?
The wines of this region include Lugana DOC, Lugana Superiore (aged longer with greater structure), Lugana Riserva, Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva (a richer and slightly softer version) and Lugana Spumante (produced using both the Charmat method and the traditional method).
Which are the ideal food pairings for a Lugana DOC?
This wine is the perfect match for lake fish (whitefish, pike in sauce, trout) but thanks to its structure it also pairs well with white meats and medium-ages cheeses.
What can I do in the Lugana area besides wines?
The Lugana area includes several towns where many activities can be enjoyed. For example Sirmione is famous for the Catullus baths and the remains of a Roman villa. Another important site is the medieval Scaligero Castle, with its characteristic swallowtail battlements, built in the 13th century by the Lords of Verona.