THE BEST 4 EXPERIENCES TO SHARE AT A WINE CELLAR DURING WINTER

ON A JOURNEY TO DISCOVER ITALIAN PRODUCTS.

During winter, we enjoy less the open spaces, we cozy up in bars and wine bars with friends to enjoy a glass of wine in a warm and cozy environment. Winter is also the time for winery work and resting the vines, a season that therefore gives a mysterious atmosphere that follows the vibrant colors of autumn.

Going to wineries in winter is a practice I really love. Leaving the summer heat behind, I can finally relax without too many tourists and converse with the winemaker or guide while discovering details that one might not usually see.

Many wineries offer an extensive collection of winter experiences to enjoy with friends or with parents visiting from afar. In this article I want to list the four experiences I have created as a wine experience designer. I recommend them to explore the world of Italian food, its producers, and, most importantly, to get excited even in the coldest months of the year within walking distance of the city of Verona and Lake Garda.

1. TRADITIONAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE

A traditional and engaging experience that allows you to learn about a winery, its products and the history behind them.

This wine tasting is the most popular because it succeeds in pleasing the audience of wine lovers but also that of those new to the world of wine. It is always offered with a taste of typical local mixed cold cuts and cheeses in order to discover the territory through flavors and fragrances.

In Valpolicella, wines go well with cured meats, such as coppa aged in Amarone wine and homemade salami, and cheeses, such as goat cheese aged in hay and Piave Oro, a selection of Piave cheese, it will amaze and enrapture your senses.

The wines on tasting offer a wide view of the Region going from Valpolicella to Lake Garda. In this tasting experience you can taste:

- Lugana doc.

- Custoza superiore Cà del Magro doc.

- Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Lena di Mezzo doc.

- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Lena di Mezzo docg.

You can book by clicking on the link below choosing the date and time in the winery calendar.

https://www.montedelfra.it/en/hospitality/wine-experiences-all-year/traditional-wine-tasting/

Children are welcome - Duration: 1.30h

2. LUXURY TASTING: TIME TRAVEL

This experience is truly original because, in addition to the products of the winery, it allows you to learn about the history of the family. This is an aspect that is often overlooked in guided tours, relevant, however, for those who want to understand in more depth what is behind a glass of wine even from the choices made in the past at the winery.

The first time I experienced a tasting of this kind I was in Australia. Welcomed into a winery about which I had few expectations, I came away as if I had done a master's degree at Harvard. The story of the family I visited was so compelling and passionate that I immediately became a customer and ambassador for the winery.

Hearing the story of the families who lead the wine cellars with love and passion and the choices they made to get to today is something magical.

Thus was born Time Travel: a tasting for those who want to entertain themselves with wines, flavors but, most importantly, travel with a family member through the history of the winery and understand the choices and difficulties faced over the years to get to today. Six wines, a platter of local cured meats and cheeses and, to finish, a traditional dish accompany the tasting.

From1492 to the present: get passionate, discover, taste.

Available online with calendar at https://www.montedelfra.it/en/hospitality/wine-experiences-all-year/luxury-wine-tasting-time-travel

Duration: 2h

3. THE ART OF TASTING

Innovative and interactive experience, definitely one of my favorites. This tasting challenges you, allowing you to take home new knowledge about wine tasting thanks to an expert guide who will engage you in a continuous tasting journey bouncing between glasses.

Six glasses of your choice of white or red wine: get involved in a journey of fun and interactive questions to learn about wine, terroir and winemaking techniques.

With family, friends or with your partner, this ?wine tasting experience will tickle the curiosity of the more experienced as well as those new to the world of wine.

The wines, belonging to the family and all produced in Veneto, belongs to the areas of Soave, Lugana, Valpolicella, Bardolino and Custoza.

Don't miss it, this winter is the best time to experience it!

Bookable at:

https://www.montedelfra.it/en/hospitality/innovative-wine-experiences/the-art-of-tasting/

Duration: 1.30 h

4. HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE VINEYARDS

The vineyard is a great place to share not only in summer. Those who love nature and animals can approach this experience in the calm of winter and its rhythms. During the sunniest hours of the day, four horses are waiting to accompany you through the vineyards of the moraine hills of Lake Garda. A two-hour walk and a tasting with a charcuterie and cheese board make this an ideal experience for everyone.?

This experience requires no experience, horses are used to inexperienced people.

Depart from the Sommacampagna Ciccio’s ranch on Crocetta Street and arrive at the winery after the first hour on horseback. Tasting with three glasses and an accompanying board of local mixed cold cuts and cheeses before departing again. Experiencing the vineyard is always a thrill: with the beautiful summer landscapes or quiet winter days, immersing yourself in nature is always a must to find some inner peace.

Book it at [email protected]. It is available every week end.

Teens are welcome from age 16 and up. Insurance included in the experience.

Duration: 3h

Traveling is good all year round, and learning about the realities and products around us is important, especially when done sustainably and with authenticity.

I look forward to seeing you at the Monte del Frà Winery in Sommacampagna, 35 Custoza Street.

Silvia Bonomo - Monte del Frà Azienda Agricola hospitality director.