We are departing Ortisei with three remaining nights (before flying out of MXP), and were contemplating spending them near Verona, or Alba, primarily to visit wineries. We have not been to either wine region, thus looking for guidance on the better region to visit. We will be there mid September.
Posted by
5950 posts
What kinds of wine do you enjoy? That’s how I would decide (I eschew red, and I think Veneto has better whites!)
Posted by
403 posts
No bad decisions to be made here. You will simply need another trip to do the one you miss this time.
We loved Alba several years ago and would return in a heartbeat. However, we are heading to Verona in a couple of weeks before returning to the Dolomites.
The Langhe area near Alba has wonderful Barolos (and some spectacular whites) which put it on our radar. We stayed in the town but I would seriously consider an agriturismo in a smaller town if we had a car.
Verona has the Valpolicella region to the west and the Soave region to the east. With the added benefit of being in between Ortisei and MXP, it would win for convenience for me. Save Alba for a good 5-6 day trip on another time.
We have used a wine guide in Alba who has some wonderful posts about both regions. He is actually driving up to take us through the Valpolicella.
If you are really into wine, I would definitely do a private tour which such a guide. For example, Evan asked us what wine profiles we preferred and what foods we wanted for lunch. He was able to take us to several small fabulous wineries where we were the only people there and the owners could bring out a special bottle or two.
There are many options in each local and the local tourist office could even set you up with a driver if you already know which wineries you want to visit. It is well worth the money as it lets you enjoy the wine and not worry about driving.
Tripadvisor does have listings for full and half day tours in these areas but the group sizes usually mean you will be visiting the larger wineries rather than boutique producers.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2640 posts
hey hey Texas Traveler
you could look at the many wineries on lake garda. years back we attended the bardolino wine festival "festa dell uva" first weekend of october on the lake. it was fabulous
visitbardolino.it/ bardolino
lakegardatourist.com/ best wineries & vineyards on lake garda
scroll down to see the many wineries and search each one and what they offer
decanter.com/ lake garda for wine lovers
earthtrekkers.com/ 25 things to do on lake garda
lakegardatravel.net/ markets in lake garda
boat & ferry rides on the lake, many cafes, restaurants, activities to look up. lots to do, FYI: sirmione is a busy and touristy village that gets crowded. many other gorgeous villages to see around the lake that is quieter.
we stayed in bardolino with a car, pescheira del garda and desenzano dell garda are transportation train hubs. we stopped for lunch in pescheira for lunch before driving back to venice.
check booking.com for accomodations. take a look at getyouguide.com (a reseller) that offers lots to do and see. people either like them or don't. we've used them 4 times in different cities with no problem. look at the item and scroll around for company that offers them.
if interested a fun thing is at lazise: painting experience with wine and local food platter in the vineyard
full day lake garda tour: bus & public boat with guide. different towns for pick up
hope this gives you some ideas to enjoy this area, you'll love it with the mountain and lake views. enjoy and have fun
aloha
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1914 posts
I wonder if you consider that Alto Adige - the very region of Ortisei - has some of the best wines in Italy. Ortisei is too high to grow wines, but the lower valleys - Bolzano to Bressanone, Bolzano to Merano and the zone south of Bolzano have hot climates and wines grow very well; the very name Traminer (an aromatic white wine) comes from Tramin, a village south of Bolzano.