12 Must-Visit Wineries in Milan for Your Next Trip

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Travelers arriving in Milan have the unique opportunity to explore some of Italy’s finest wine regions. One standout area is Piedmont, renowned for its prestigious wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as the delightful white truffles that emerge in the fall.

If your journey takes you to this region, consider a detour to Turin. This enchanting city offers its own gastronomic delights, notably the Bicerin, a decadent blend of espresso, chocolate, and milk. Continuing west and north toward Genoa, you’ll discover the coastal vineyards of Liguria, celebrated for their vibrant white wines made from the Vermentino and Pigato grapes.

Additionally, Milan serves as an excellent launching point for visits to the Franciacorta wine region in Lombardy, famed for its high-quality sparkling wines. Alternatively, a drive south to Emilia-Romagna presents opportunities to indulge in superb Lambrusco and Sangiovese wines, along with what many Italians claim to be the best cuisine in the country.

Here is a curated list of 12 notable wineries near Milan that promise exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences.

Ca’ Del Bosco, Lombardy: Franciacorta

At Ca’ del Bosco, visitors encounter a unique artistic installation—an impressive rhinoceros sculpture suspended from the barrel room ceiling, created by artist Stefano Bombardieri. The winery has also enhanced its offerings with a new hospitality center launched in 2023, making it a fascinating destination in the world of wine.

Founder Maurizio Zanella has infused the estate with a love for art, showcasing sculptures by notable artists like Igor Mitaraj and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The newly designed space emphasizes the idea of enriching wine tasting with sensory experiences.

Highlights include the vintage tunnel connecting the historic winery to the modern vinoteca collection, where visitors can walk through a corridor illuminated by tiny lights that create an immersive atmosphere. The “Hall of the Senses” engages multiple senses through dynamically changing chambers, showcasing the multifaceted experience of wine.

A standout moment comes when visitors transition into the “Prestige Immersion” room, crafted from 30,000 backlit bottles of Ca’ del Bosco’s Cuvée Prestige. As guests enter this luminous space, they feel enveloped in a shimmering world of sparkling wine—an arresting visual and sensory experience.

With over five decades of winemaking history, Ca’ del Bosco maintains its reputation for excellence, driven uniquely by Zanella’s relentless passion. Guests can look forward to tasting a range of exquisite wines, including the flagship Cuvée Prestige and the esteemed Annamaria Clemente. This winery seamlessly blends winemaking excellence with breathtaking design, making it a must-visit.

Wine to try

Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Edition 47 Brut Franciacorta

Maurizio Zanella, a luminary in the Franciacorta region, is known for creating some of its top wines. This non-vintage cuvée offers a delightful complexity with brioche and apricot notes.

Bellavista, Lombardy: Franciacorta

Bellavista is recognized for its elegantly designed bottles that reflect the finesse of its wines. As the flagship concern of the Moretti family and Terra Moretti Vino group, Bellavista’s sparkling wines are well-regarded in wine circles.

Many are unaware of the extensive hospitality initiatives offered by the Moretti family, which harmonize fine winemaking with the natural beauty of Lake Iseo.

The estate’s luxury offerings include L’Albereta in Franciacorta, which boasts a stunning landscape covering over 150,000 acres, housing a Relais & Chateaux hotel, an outdoor sculpture park, a wellness center, and a variety of dining options, all underscored by an emphasis on culinary excellence.

For wine enthusiasts, Casa Bellavista offers dedicated tours and tastings designed to illuminate the estate’s history and its diverse wine expressions, making the experience essential for any visitor.

Wine to try

Bellavista Pas Operé Franciacorta

This nuanced cuvée is crafted from a blend of 40 distinct sections of historic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, all over three decades old, showcasing the depth of Bellavista’s winemaking.

Berlucchi, Lombardy: Franciacorta

A pilgrimage site for wine lovers, Berlucchi is known for launching the tradition of Franciacorta sparkling wine. It is here at Palazzo Lana that Guido Berlucchi and enologist Franco Ziliani conceived their bubbling wine vision back in 1955.

Nearly seventy years later, Berlucchi stands as a leader in the Franciacorta region, recognized globally for its high-quality classic-method sparkling wines.

Visitors to the historic underground cellars experience a network that dates back to the 17th century, where time halts, allowing a glimpse into the storied past of the region. The Berlucchi Historical Archive further enhances the visit, showcasing significant vintages that highlight the evolution of their styles over the years.

Seasonal events, such as vineyard picnics and dinners at the historic Borgonato Castle, add to the allure of Berlucchi. The Palazzo Lana, previously home to nobility, provides a captivating insight into the region’s heritage.

Wine to try

Berlucchi ’61 Franciacorta Riserva Palazzo Lana Extrême

This extra brut, made entirely from Pinot Noir, is a refined, elegant offering from the 2013 vintage, highlighting the estate’s commitment to quality.

Beni di Batasiolo, Piedmont: Barolo

The Il Boscareto Resort & Spa, established by the Dogliani family in 2009, uniquely marries traditional charm with modern luxury in the heart of Barolo’s notable landscape.

Its picturesque surroundings encompass 75 acres of vineyards, offering spectacular views of the famed Barolo crus.

The Dogliani family has resided in Serralunga d’Alba for five generations, cultivating a profound connection to the land’s exceptional beauty.

Utilizing materials from local sources enhances the resort’s design, which features large windows that allow guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding hills.

With two fine dining options, La Rei Natura and Bistrot Sunsì, guests can indulge in innovative Piedmontese cuisine that celebrates local flavors and ingredients.

Wine to try

Beni di Batasiolo Barolo Boscareto

This exquisite Barolo from one of the region’s top vineyard locations exhibits the characteristic elegance of Nebbiolo, evolving into a rich and multifaceted experience.

Ceretto, Piedmont: Alba

In the 1960s, brothers Bruno and Marcello Ceretto made a bold decision to purchase land in Barolo, defying their father’s reservations regarding the viability of Nebbiolo. Their gamble has since paid off handsomely.

Today, Ceretto is a stalwart in both Barolo and Brunello production, managing over 295 acres of biodynamically farmed vines.

The estate’s remarkable tasting room, a transparent bubble “The Grape,” offers guests stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Each year, over 10,000 guests come to experience the grandeur of Nebbiolo wines, often opting for generous tastings of Barolo and Barbaresco.

The Ceretto family enhances their wine legacy with two acclaimed restaurants, including Piazza Duomo, which has earned three Michelin Stars, making for unforgettable culinary experiences.

Wine to try

2019 Ceretto Barbaresco Asili

This Barbaresco offers a creamy richness with flavors of cherry and raspberry, framed by sweet tannins and a hint of spice, capturing the essence of its terroir.

Michele Chiarlo, Piedmont: Barolo

Since 1956, Michele Chiarlo has embodied the essence of Piedmont through 270 acres of vineyards, prioritizing sustainable practices and ecological care.

Chiarlo’s dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture reflects a commitment to terroir, emphasizing the region’s native grape varieties.

The winery practices traditional vinification methods, resulting in wines that are recognized for their longevity and complexity.

Chiarlo’s guest space, Palás Cerequio, is located in a renowned Barolo cru, featuring luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the vineyards.

The extensive wine collection housed at Palás Cerequio includes thousands of bottles, allowing guests to explore the evolution of Barolo through curated tastings.

The estate also showcases art installations, including an outdoor museum with works from international artists, merging cultural engagement with viticulture.

Wine to try

Michele Chiarlo Nizza Cipressi

This vibrant Barbera showcases red fruit and complexity, epitomizing the classic expression of its varietal character.

Condé, Emilia-Romagna: Predappio

Historical records dating back to 1383 highlight the wine production in the Emilia-Romagna region of Predappio, influenced by the region’s favorable microclimate. This rich history inspired the Condello family to establish the Borgo Condé Wine Resort in 2001.

The winery, under the guidance of Chiara Condello, focuses on Sangiovese, producing wines that highlight the grape’s elegance.

The estate’s diverse ecosystem is bolstered by surrounding forests, which aid in cultivating a rich biodiversity that nurtures the vineyards.

The heart of the resort is designed around a medieval-style village and features luxurious accommodations, dining options celebrating local cuisine, a spa offering vinotherapy treatments, and extensive outdoor areas for leisure activities.

Wine to try

Condé Sangiovese Predappio Riserva Raggio Brusa

This pure Sangiovese showcases vivid fruit and herbal notes, showcasing the essence of its historic terroir.

Cantine Lunae, Liguria: Colli di Luni

The legacy of Lunae intertwines with the Bosoni family, the cultivation of Vermentino, and the captivating Colli di Luni landscape.

The estate spans 160 acres of vineyards, some managed through organic methods, and integrates established varietals with ancient grapes.

A new modern cellar facilitates innovations in wine research as well as supports the production of the classic method sparkling wine, Cuvée Lunae.

Visitors can enjoy tastings at Ca’ Lunae, which has been meticulously renovated to provide an authentic experience of Liguria’s gastronomic and winemaking heritage.

Culinary offerings include classes on traditional pesto-making and a restaurant that artfully interprets Ligurian cuisine.

The Lunae Museum illustrates the rich viticultural history of the region, presenting a collection of artifacts and installations documenting every aspect of viticulture, ensuring a comprehensive exploration.

Wine to try

Lunae Cuvée Lunae Metodo Clasico Brut

This sophisticated sparkling wine, made from Albarola and Vermentino, is a lively expression of the Colli di Luni terroir, aged on its lees for over 30 months.

Mura Mura, Piedmont: Asti

The Dimora dei Poeti at Mura Mura near Asti celebrates five prominent Piedmontese literary figures, while the adjoining farmhouse showcases the work of contemporary artists.

The estate also features romantic accommodations in a suite with breathtaking vineyard views.

Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Monferrato, Mura Mura offers a sanctuary for wine lovers, emphasizing a lifestyle centered around appreciation of the land and its produce.

Guests can indulge in culinary excellence at the vineyard restaurant while enjoying locally sourced ingredients, alongside opportunities for physical activities like hiking and swimming.

Mura Mura’s wines are divided into two categories: Rigore, focusing on Nebbiolo, and Fantasia, which captivates with interpretations of Piedmont’s other varietals.

Wine to taste

Mura Mura Grignolino d’Asti Doc Garibaldi

The “Fantasia” Grignolino, derived from a secluded vineyard, presents a burst of red fruit accompanied by a hint of spices, showcasing vibrant tannins.

La Raia, Piedmont

La Raia in the Gavi region embodies a commitment to biodynamic farming, harmoniously integrating human creativity with the surrounding natural environment.

The estate covers 445 acres, creating a diverse ecological landscape, with vineyards, orchards, and gardens sustaining its biodynamic practices.

The winery features an architecturally striking cellar, attracting visitors who appreciate both wine and design.

Accommodations at the Locanda La Raia provide a refined yet rustic atmosphere, complemented by a restaurant focusing on seasonal Gavi cuisine.

The estate also supports cultural initiatives through the La Raia Foundation, commissioning site-specific works from various artists, enhancing the connection between art and nature.

Wine to try

La Raia Gavi Pisé

This top-tier wine is crafted from the oldest Cortese vines, offering nuanced flavors derived from the unique iron-rich soils, with a remarkable capacity for aging.

Villa Sparina, Piedmont: Gavi

Situated in the Gavi hills, Villa Sparina is housed within a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse, which features luxury accommodations and gourmet dining at La Gallina, led by chef Graziano Caccioppoli.

Established by Mario Moccagatta in the early 1970s, Villa Sparina has grown into a significant producer of Gavi, with the next generation focusing on enhancing their hospitality offerings.

With distinctly defined roles, each brother manages a different aspect of the operation, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

The hotel’s interiors reflect a charming vintage aesthetic, paired with modern comforts and artistic flair.

Wine to try

Villa Sparina Gavi Monterotondo 10 years

This distinguished Cortese reveals complex aromas of apricot and acacia flowers, enhanced by subtle spice notes and a minerally finish.

Venturini Baldini, Emilia-Romagna

Located about 19 miles from Parma, Venturini Baldini is a multipurpose estate comprising a winery, historical vinegar producer, and a holistic resort housed in restored historical buildings.

In the 1980s, Venturini Baldini became a pioneer in organic farming in Italy, with new owners revitalizing the estate to enhance its appeal as a wine tourism destination.

A visit here includes tours of both the winery and vinegar factory, providing tastings that showcase their exceptional wines and balsamic vinegars.

Dining at Limonaia, located in a historic greenhouse, promises a delightful culinary experience, while cooking classes from the estate’s chef highlight regional specialties.

The Relais Roncolo resort offers a picturesque gateway to explore Emilia’s countryside, complete with cycling paths through Lambrusco vineyards and scenic drives through the region’s hills.

Wine to try

Venturini Baldini Metodo Classico Lambrusco Emilia

This ruby-hued sparkling wine, made from Lambrusco Salamino and Grasparossa, marries finesse with floral notes, making it an ideal companion for regional charcuterie and cheeses as an aperitif.

Source
www.foodandwine.com