With its 370 square kilometers, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and touches three regions with its shores; Lombardy to the west, Veneto to the east and Trentino to the south. Thanks to its beautiful shores, suggestive lakefront villages, historical wineries that can be visited and the wide range of activities offered, Lake Garda is one of the most loved destinations for tourism in Italy. If you’re already picturing yourself enjoying a wine tasting on the lakeshore, then this is the place for you.

Thanks to Lake Garda’s particular environment and terroir, you will be able to taste some peculiar wines during your visits to the areas’ wineries. Lake Garda boasts several DOC appellations, divided in the territories of Verona (Bardolino, Garda, Lugana, San Marino della Battaglia and Bianco di Custoza), Trento (Valdadige Terra Dei Forti, Trento, Trentino, Valdadige and Casteller) and Brescia (Garda, Riviera dal Garda Bresciano, Lugana, Garda dei Colli Mantovani and San Marino della Battaglia).

During your time on Lake Garda, you will have the opportunity to combine visits to wineries, wine tours and tastings with other activities like hikes and water sports. While here, don't miss out on some of the area’s traditional dishes, such as lavarello ai ferri, grilled sardines, risotto con la tinca, filet di persico burro e salvia, Strangolapreti, Bigoli con le sarde.

The presence of vines around Lake Garda dates back to prehistoric times and, over time, different varieties were domesticated in this area. During your wine tastings on Lake Garda, you can expect to encounter various local and international vine varieties. The most widespread white grape types are Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cortese, Garganega and Sauvignon, while the most common black grape varieties are Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Corvina, Groppello and Marzemino.

The best moment to visit Lake Garda is, without doubt, during summer when temperatures rarely fall below 25 degrees and the weather is mostly sunny. Visiting during this period will allow you to combine visits to wineries, wine tastings and vineyard tours with activities like hiking, windsurfing and swimming in the lake’s crystal clear waters.

Between a wine tasting and winery visit, we recommend not missing out on some of Lake Garda’s highlights, like Riva del Garda, Bardolino, Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano sul Garda, Limone sul Garda, Cascate del Varone, Sirmione, Malcesine.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Garda Lake is around €49.00. Depending on the experience, prices range from €18.00 to €80.00. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Garda Lake:

• Azienda Agricola Monte del Frà
• cantina Pietta
• GENTILI
• Societa' Agricola Corte Fornello Di Venturelli Ivano & C. S.
• CORTE TORCOLO DEL GARDA
• Costaripa di Vezzola Mattia
• Natiia Wine Relais
• Tenuta Maddalena

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Garda Lake:

• Corvina Tasting Experience at Poggio delle Grazie on Lake Garda
• Tour and wine tasting of Lake Garda Wines at Cantina Antico Gelso
• Tasting Lugana Steps from the Lake at Tenuta Frontelago
• Cellar tour and wine tasting experience at Cantina Le Morette & Lakeside Lunch on Lake Garda
• Garda nel Bicchiere Tasting at Tenuta Sgreva on Lake Garda
• Benazzoli Wine Experience
• Knowledge tour and Wine tasting at Tenuta Roveglia near Lake Garda
• Gourmet Tasting Experience "For the Soul" at Cantina Ricchi on Lake Garda