Escape Milan for a day and explore Franciacorta, Lombardy’s renowned sparkling wine region. Visit top wineries, enjoy expert tastings paired with local delicacies, and savor a traditional Italian lunch on this immersive 8-hour experience.
Escape Milan for a day and explore Franciacorta, Lombardy’s renowned sparkling wine region. Visit top wineries, enjoy expert tastings paired with local delicacies, and savor a traditional Italian lunch on this immersive 8-hour experience.
Book with Bologna Tour
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bologna Tour · Milano, Lombardia
Just an hour's journey northeast of Milan lies Franciacorta, a prestigious wine region in Lombardy renowned for its sparkling Franciacorta DOCG wines. This 8-hour immersive tour offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to explore the rolling vineyards and quality-driven wineries that define this celebrated terroir. Starting conveniently from Milan, travelers are whisked away into the lush Italian countryside where tradition and modern winemaking craftsmanship meet.
Franciacorta is famous for its sparkling wines made using the traditional metodo classico, similar to Champagne, but with its unique regional character derived from local soil and climate conditions. The region’s limestone-rich terrain and temperate weather shape the grapes, producing wines noted for their balance, complexity, and vibrant acidity. With only a handful of producers holding DOCG status—the highest Italian designation for quality wines—you’ll experience some of the best sparkling wines Italy has to offer.
The tour visits two handpicked wineries, each with distinct winemaking philosophies but united by passion for excellence. At each stop, expert guides explain the meticulous steps behind Franciacorta production, from grape selection to extended bottle aging. Walk through vineyards, fermentation cellars, and aging caves, gaining an insider look at how delicate bubbles are captured in every bottle.
What truly sets this experience apart is the food pairings. Savor tastings of elegant sparkling wines alongside locally sourced delicacies—creamy cheeses, artisanal breads, cured meats, and fresh seasonal vegetables—carefully chosen to complement each sip. Midway through the day, the tour includes a traditional Lombard lunch that invites guests to taste regional specialties while soaking in scenic vineyard views.
This excursion is not just about wine—it's a cultural journey into an important Italian wine region often overshadowed by Tuscany or Piedmont. It offers a relaxed yet informative day trip perfect for oenophiles and travelers seeking a genuine taste of Northern Italy’s culinary heritage. Franciacorta wineries remain intimate and family-operated in many cases, preserving authentic methods and welcoming visitors with warmth.
For anyone visiting Milan eager to experience Italy’s sparkling wine tradition beyond city borders, this tour delivers both discovery and indulgence. It is a standout way to connect with the landscape, history, and flavors that define Franciacorta’s place on the global wine map.
easy.
8 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves moderate walking on flat and gently sloped terrain.
The full tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including visits to two wineries and a traditional lunch.
Yes, transportation from Milan to Franciacorta and between wineries is included in the tour.
Yes, the tour features multiple wine tastings paired with local culinary specialties.
Absolutely, there are options to enjoy the scenery and food even if you prefer not to drink wine.
Spring and fall offer ideal weather and vineyard scenery, though tours run year-round.
Many Franciacorta wineries are family-operated, preserving traditional winemaking methods.
Franciacorta gained DOCG status in 1995, recognizing its high-quality sparkling wines and winemaking traditions dating back to the early 20th century.
The region emphasizes sustainable viticulture, with many producers adopting organic and biodynamic farming to protect soil and water quality.
Bologna Tour is a guided experiences provider based in Arezzo, Toscana, offering a wide selection of private and group tours across northern and central Italy. The company lists walking tours, boat tours, culinary tastings, museum and gallery visits, and full-day excursions that connect major cultural centers and smaller towns. Tour options include guided city walks in Bologna, Milan, Venice, Florence, Verona, Mantua, Vicenza, Parma and Siena; boat experiences on Lake Garda, Lake Como, the Venetian islands and Capri; motor and speedboat trips in Sirmione; and specialized itineraries to Ferrari and Lamborghini museums in Modena and Maranello. Bologna Tour’s catalog features food-focused experiences such as Taste Bologna food walks, Parmigiano and balsamic vinegar tastings, cooking classes, wine experiences in Chianti and Val d'Orcia, and regional farm visits. Cultural offerings include guided access to UNESCO sites, the Uffizi and Accademia small group visits, and archaeological excursions such as Pompeii and Matera. Transfers, private day trips from Bologna and port excursions are also provided. Bookings reference certified guides for certain city tours and include both private and small-group formats. Descriptions highlight meeting points, typical durations, and combined activities like aperitivo in Milan or boat-and-walking combinations in Sirmione. Travelers can choose experiences by city, theme or duration, matching urban exploration, food and wine, or automotive heritage visits throughout Italy. Listings include detailed summaries, meeting points, durations, and booking options for each trip, and many tours operate as private or small-group experiences across cities such as Bologna, Milan, Venice and Florence with flexible start times.
Book with Bologna Tour