Within two hours of touching down at Milan Linate airport, I’m enjoying a tour of the Ca’ Del Bosco Winery in Franciacorta. This region in Lombardy is known as Italy’s answer to France’s Champagne region, established in the 1960s (although evidence suggests it was the Romans who first planted vineyards here). The region covers 200 square kilometres and is home to more than 100 wineries, producing Italy’s most premium sparkling wines (a word to the wise: never compare franciacorta to prosecco). Although popular with Italians, the area remains off the radar to most UK visitors, even though it’s such a breeze to get to.
What sets it apart from the Champagne region is its size (it’s tiny compared to its French cousin) and informality. Although it’s best to book ahead for tours, at smaller wineries an effusive welcome is standard at any hour of the day – except during harvest when it’s all hands to the grape. Plus, the cost of winery tours and tastings is generally lower. Here, a 90-minute visit plus tasting ranges from €30-€70 (£26-£61) per person, depending on the vintage of the wine.
