To satisfy the desire for a slightly unconventional aperitif, just a few kilometers from the center of Milan to have different possible scenarios available, from Franciacorta to the Oltrepò, to the Valtellina, unique landscapes, territories where they are produced wines among the best in Italy, especially when it comes to bubbles, a fortunate condition that is worth taking advantage of by going and tasting them right in the wineries. Here are the 8 best addresses.
Where to have an aperitif in the vineyard in Lombardy
Castelveder
We are in the most eastern and greenest area of Franciacorta, in a model estate that boasts almost half a century of activity under the banner of an enlightened and solid family management, today carried on by Camilla, granddaughter of the founders of the estate. Their Franciacorta Brut (including the Millesimato and Rosé versions) obtained 2 Glasses in the Vini d’Italia 2024 guide, a sign that excellent work is done in the vineyard and cellar here. Upon reservation, only on Fridays and only in the mild season, from 6.30pm to 10pm an aperitif is served to suit your thirst and appetite, with maison bubbles as the protagonists (whether it’s a single glass or an entire bottle) to accompany various tasty things . In this case the price logically varies depending on how much and what is consumed.
Castelveder – Monticelli Brusati (BS) – via Belvedere, 4 – 030 652308 – www.castelveder.it
Cobue
Since 1971 the Castoldi family has been at the helm of this reality, 17 hectares of vineyards not far from Lake Garda. From these, very respectable wines are obtained, starting from the Albis Dosaggio Zero Metodo Classico and the San Martino della Battaglia Doc, both 2 Bicchieri in the Vini d’Italia 2024 guide. The company offers hospitality in 6 apartments different from each other equipped with the most modern comforts, a wellness center and the possibility of living immersive experiences through guided tours of the cellar, tastings (don’t miss the boat trip on the lake while sipping the house wines), dinners and aperitifs both in the swimming pool (obviously only in summer ) and in the vineyard, the latter from May to September from 6pm to 8pm (reservation required). At a cost of 40 euros per person, “house” wine and appetizers, romantic sunsets included.
Cobue – Pozzolengo (BS) – loc. Cobue Sopra – 030 9108319 – www.cobue.it
The Nico Fief
The area is the Oltrepò, the passion is that of the Madama family, Edoardo, his wife Gabriella and their son Francesco, young and enthusiastic. There are 16 hectares of vineyards, from which first-rate labels are obtained, first and foremost Maria Antonietta Pas Dosé 2018 and Maria Antonietta Brut Nature 2018, both 2 Bicchieri in the Vini d’Italia 2024 guide. The company, which also produces a good extra virgin olive oil from Leccino, Casaliva and Pendolino cultivars, since 1998 it has offered valid local catering in panoramic spaces, managed by Mrs Gabriella. Upon reservation, on Fridays and Saturdays, starting from 7 pm, it is possible to enjoy an aperitif on the magnificent terrace overlooking the rows, accompanied by maison wines, delicious cured meats (father Edoardo takes care of this personally) and tasty morsels. The cost? Between 25 and 30 euros (except for extras).
Il Feudo Nico – Mornico Losana (PV) – via San Rocco, 63 – 0383 892452 – www.ilfeudonico.it
Mosnel
Historic company in the heart of Franciacorta in a charming sixteenth-century village, since 1836 in the hands of the Barboglio family, who from generation to generation has made it become one of the best sparkling wine houses in Italy. Among the various experiences to be had, more or less one Saturday a month (consult the website and book in advance), the Superlative Aperitif takes place, set up under the covered loggia overlooking the vineyards from approximately 5pm to 7.30pm. The price – 35 euros per person – includes a visit to the cellars, a bottle for each couple of guests booked, together with a platter with a selection of cured meats, plus a selection of local cheeses and vegetable omelettes, all accompanied by bread fresh, focaccia and artisan breadsticks.
Mosnel – Passirone (BS) – Camignano hamlet, Barboglio district, 14 (entrance from via GC Abba, 38) – 030 653117 – www.mosnel.com
Tenuta La Gatta – Triacca
Since 1969 in the hands of the Triacca family, owners of other realities in Tuscany (more precisely in the Chianti area – where they also produce extra virgin olive oil – and in Maremma), it is a well-restored ancient sixteenth-century monastery, surrounded by the greenery of the vineyards, in the heart of the Valtellina. There are many initiatives to best welcome guests, from guided tours to picnics to lunches and dinners in the adjoining restaurant. On Fridays, from May to September, from 5.30pm to 11pm, an aperitif is served, based on local products and all the company wines (among which the Sforzato di Valtellina San Domenico 2018 and the Valtellina Superiore Prestigio 2019 stand out, both 2 glasses in the guide Vini d’Italia 2024), at a cost of 25 euros per person. Here too you must book.
Tenuta La Gatta – Triacca – Bianzone (SO) – via La Gatta, 33 – 0342 701352 – www.triacca.com
Conti Thun
12 hectares of vineyard in the name of love for the land and sustainable agriculture, a project that has been going on since 2008, the year in which the first label was created. In the heart of Valtènesi, Ilona Thun and Vittorio Sommo grow native grape varieties, obtaining labels of considerable quality, starting with the Chiaretto Micaela. Guests can stay in a charming relais with swimming pool, wellness area and all comforts, but they can also make purchases at the wine shop, tastings and aperitifs (during the week from 6pm, on weekends from 9am until evening), obviously on reservation. The cost depends on how many glasses of wine you taste and what you choose to accompany them (there is a dedicated menu of various treats).
Conti Thun – Puegnago del Garda (BS) – via Masserino, 2 – 0365 651757 – www.contithun.com
Valdamonte
Located on the eastern side of the Versa Valley, in Oltrepò, it has been owned by the Fiori family since the early twentieth century. 15 hectares of company vineyards, distributed between Santa Maria della Scala and Rovescala, from which highly respectable wines are obtained. Many activities open to the public, from lunch at the farm restaurant (on weekends) to experiences among the vineyards (walks with tasting, lunches and dinners, picnics), including the ad hoc proposal for the aperitif, available only on Saturdays evening in good weather, which is served from 7pm. At the price of 20 euros per person, “house” bubbles with local cured meats, plus a wine paired with a cold and hot appetizer. If desired, extra dishes are available. Reservation essential.
Valdamonte – Santa Maria della Versa (PV) – Valdamonte district, 58 – 333 8176256-334 78512225 – www.valdamonte.it
Count Vistarino
3 Glasses in the Vini d’Italia guide with the Pinot Noir dell’Oltrepò Pavese Tavernetto 2020, the company – which defines itself as “the home of Pinot Noir” – has very ancient roots, in fact it was Count Giorgi da Vistarino who imported it from France the Pinot cuttings thus starting the sparkling wine production of the Oltrepò. Among the various experiences offered by the company, the Aperi-Bike stands out, ideal for lovers of nature and outdoor sports. Organized in collaboration with Ebike Travel of Montalto Pavese, it costs 65 euros per person and includes a visit to the cellar, bike and helmet rental, a basket with everything you need for an aperitif, i.e. a bottle of wine and typical products of the Beyond that.
Conte Vistarino – Rocca de’ Giorgi (PV) – hamlet of Villa Fornace, 8 – 0385 241171 – www.contevistarino.it
