Bardolino
Within a 30 minutes drive from Verona city center, you can reach Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest Lake. Crystal clear water, sweet summer breeze, vibrant and lively atmosphere are just few of the nice things this Lake has to offer. Last but not least, it boasts a wide range of fine and excellent wines.
Bardolino village is a must-see on Lake Garda’s shore but it is also the name of a ruby red wine -or rosé wine in the Chiaretto version- which here is produced.
The Bardolino DOC area extends for about 2700 hectares and is made up of the morainic hills of the eastern shores of Lake Garda. The Mediterranean climate here allows the cultivation of the olive tree and the production of the famous Olio del Garda DOP.
Within the production area, the Classical area stands out around the municipality of Bardolino, which is the zone with the most ancient tradition of winemaking.
Bardolino wines are mainly obtained from Corvina Veronese grapes, which by the production disciplinary can constitute up to 95% of the blend, with the addition of a mandatory minimum of 5% of Rondinella. Other black grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the province of Verona are also allowed in small quantities.
Bardolino Doc is a brilliant ruby-red wine, with fruity and fragrant aromas, notes of cherry, forest fruits, and elegant hints of spices. Bardolino is par excellence, a youthful and lively wine with an inimitable saline flavor. It is possible to find a more mature and complex version of this wine in Bardolino Superiore DOCG, a Bardolino wine aged at least one year, that is extremely versatile with food pairing especially first dishes.
Bardolino Chiaretto DOC is a rosé obtained with a short maceration of the skins of the grapes, which release only a part of their natural coloring substances to the must. Hence the characteristic bright pink color. Bardolino Chiaretto can be found also in Spumante DOC –sparlikg- version. For their characteristics of lightness, fruity presence, spiciness, and freshness, both Bardolino and Chiaretto are characterized by an extreme combination with traditional, modern, or exotic cuisine, to accompany from appetizers to first courses, from fish to meat.
In this area, you can taste also other wines such as Pinot Grigio or other international grape varieties.
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FAQ
How can I reach 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 are the typical wines of the Bardolino DOC area?
Bardolino DOC is a renowned wine area producing several wines, including Bardolino DOC (a fairly light ruby red wine) Bardolino Classico DOC (produced in the most historic and traditional areas), Bardolino Chiaretto DOC (one of Italy’s most renowned rosé wines) and Bardolino Superiore DOCG.
What can I do in Bardolino besides wine tastings?
Bardolino is a must-visit destination when traveling to Lake Garda, not only for its wines. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, which favors olive cultivation, visitors can also enjoy Garda DOP olive oil tastings. Other recommended activities include walking along the beautiful lake side promenade.
What is the best time to visit Bardolino?
The best time to visit Bardolino is spring, when you can admire tulips blooming along the lakeside and, in May, experience the Palio del Chiaretto festival. Summer is also recommended for its lively nightlife and boat trips.
What can I visit in the historic center?
In the historic center of Bardolino, you can explore gems such as the Church of San Severo (a masterpiece of romanesque style with beautiful medieval frescoes inside) and the Church of San Zeno (one of the oldest churches in the Verona area).
Are there activities for those who enjoy sports and physical activity?
Absolutely! In addition to water sports (sailing, canoeing, etc..), the surrounding hills offer many mountain biking routes and scenic walks with breathtaking views of Lake Garda.