When thinking of lake vacations in Italy, Lake Como usually comes to mind, but don’t make a huge mistake and sleep on Lake Garda, Italy. I had the pleasure of visiting the region this fall and can say that Lugana is truly an experience. Between the people, the Lugana wine, and the food, it’s a must-visit if you ever find yourself in northern Italy or want to organize day trips from Milan.

About Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda, Italy, is between Milan and Venice in northern Italy, and is the country’s largest and deepest lake. It is one of northern Italy’s most popular tourist destinations and I can see why! Its southern shore is home to the Lugana Wine region. Lugana is one of the few wine regions that cross over two provinces—Brescia and Verona, and two regions—Lombardy and Veneto.

Lake Garda was formed by glacial activity more than 10,000 years ago (just like the Finger Lakes). The area’s soil was created through the shrinkage of an ancient glacier, which left behind morainic hills. At the foot of these hills, morainic detritus blended with clays. These clays are rich in limestone and packed with mineral salts, which become gradually sandier in the hilly areas.

About Lugana Wine

Lugana DOC began in the 1960s and is a unique microclimate on Lake Garda with an indigenous white grape variety called Turbiana, which dates back to Roman times (since ‘700). It is grown mainly in low-lying plains in dense, lightly colored clay soil that covers a bed of mineral-rich glacial moraine. The compact soil affects the growth of the grapes as they are neat and tight.

The mild, moderating effect on temperatures of the lake also assists in eliminating stagnant, humid air that would otherwise compromise the berries on such a tight cluster. These conditions are ideal for the late-ripening Turbiana. The lake also helps minimize disease pressure; the breezes off the lake, the Peler (north wind) and Ora (south wind) keep the vineyards relatively free from disease.

It reminds me of Riesling because of its high acidity and five different styles—Lugana, Lugana Superiore, Lugana Riserva, Vendemmia Tardiva, and Spumante. It’s the perfect alternative to those who usually drink Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. Turbiana’s acidity gives aging potential, so it could be enjoyed now or evolved over time. You can expect Lugana wine to be rich in texture with notes of citrus, tropical fruit, subtle almond, and florals, with saltiness, minerality, and high acidity.

Most of the wineries are family-owned, with many currently being run by the younger generations. When talking to all of the different owners and winemakers, you can feel their passion for the land and the wine. There’s also an amazing sense of community because it’s such a tightknit region.

Why You Should Visit Lugana

I fall in love with places that are authentic and provide a unique experience and Lugana in Lake Garda Italy fits the bill. There’s plenty of historical sites to see, like the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione. It has amazing dining to indulge in, like Michelin-star restaurant La Rucola 2.0. You can find many places to unwind and relax, like Aquaria Thermal Spa. Best of all, there is so much to see and do outdoors, like tons of parks or boat rides. I especially had fun visiting all the different wineries in the region, which I’ll share more about later.

Have you ever heard of Lake Garda?