Discover the northern Italy wine region of Custoza
The wine region in Italy you probably haven’t heard of, but Custoza wine is growing in popularity, close to Lake Garda and historic Verona and in what is regarded as one of the best places to visit in northern Italy..
Custoza in Veneto - source: Winekeller
When you mention Custoza, many who know their European history have heard about the ‘Battle of Custoza’ - or more precisely the two Battles of Custoza - in 1848 and 1866 - two Italian defeats attempting to end Austrian control over northern Italy during the Italian Wars of Independence. Both of these battles took place at Custoza, just 11 miles southwest of the historic city of Verona in northeast Italy.
However in the context of wine, Custoza is relatively little known…
Tucked away in the hills between Verona and Lake Garda in northeast Italy, the Custoza DOC wine region remains relatively unknown and overlooked, compared to its neighbouring wine regions of Bardolino and Lugana. Overlooked in terms of a tourist destination and as a wine region - possibly because it’s not directly on the shores of famous Lake Garda and possibly because Custoza wine simply isn’t well known outside of Italy?
Whatever the reasons, we believe Custoza has lots to offer the tourist visitor and indeed the wine tourist!
Custoza, Veneto - Source: Winekeller
Borghetto and the Visconti Bridge - Source: Winekeller
For those in the know, Custoza wine is a highly regarded Italian white wine, but Custoza is also a land of splendid scenery, rich in history, authenticity and tradition and priceless cultural heritage. In addition this lovely Italian wine region is just a stone’s throw from the global tourist destinations, spectacular Lake Garda and historic Verona.
Custoza is a great wine tourism destination, with its people ready to welcome you with unique tourism experiences, with its beautiful rivers, rolling countryside, imposing castles, romantic villas and museums to explore.
Read on to discover more about this wonderful up-and-coming Italian white wine region and its wines!
What is Custoza wine?
Custoza wine - or Bianco di Custoza - is an Italian white wine, a dry, slightly aromatic, fresh white wine, with delicate, floral, fruity aromas. It is typically drunk young but has good potential for ageing.
Custoza wine - a blend of 3 different grapes
What’s significant about Custoza wine is that it’s produced from a blend of 3 different grapes from these native Italian grape varieties: Garganega, Fernanda (Cortese), Trebbianello and Trebbiano. According to the Cortese DOC regulations, Cortese wine must be made from a minimum of 70% from these 3 varieties, with each one not comprising more than 45%. Other grapes can be added to make up the remaining 30%.
The fact that Cortese wine is a blend of 3 grapes allows for a broad range of wine styles and different levels of complexity. The range of wine types defined by the DOC include: Custoza, Custoza Superiore, Custoza Riserva, Custoza Spumante and Custoza Passito.
Custoza wine pairs well with freshwater fish dishes as well as Asian and fusion cuisine. The entry-level Custoza wine is ideal for serving as an aperitif, with appetisers, tapas dishes, oysters, shellfish and sliced meats, whereas the Custoza Superiore wine pairs well with risottos, pastas, white meats, lake fish, seafood and game.
The Custoza wine region extends over 1400 hectares of vineyards, covering 9 different municipalities - Sommacampagna, Sona, Villafranca di Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio, Peschiera del Garda, Castelnuovo del Garda, Lazise, Pastrengo, and Bussolengo. The region is named after Custoza, a historic town in the Municipality of Sommacampagna, famous for being the battleground of two crucial battles during the wars of the Italian Risorgimento. The region is bordered in the southwest by the Mincio River.
Vineyards around the village of Custoza - Source: Winekeller
The region is characterised by rolling hills and loose soils, rich in gravel, pebbles, stones and sand, deposited by the retreating glacier which formed Lake Garda. These soils provide excellent drainage for the vines and help provide a lovely mineral flavour to the wines.
The region enjoys hot but not sultry summers and relatively cold winters, tempered by the proximity to Lake Garda, which creates a microclimate favourable not only to the cultivation of the vine, but also to the growth of the olive tree and the cypress, both typical of the area. The unique microclimate here is responsible for many of the unmistakable peculiarities of Custoza wine. The temperature variations allow a complete ripening of the grapes, bringing the acidity values to constant levels, an essential feature for the typical freshness and delicious aromas of Custoza DOC.
Some 25-20% of the Custoza production is certified organic and there is a strong commitment in the region to sustainable viticulture, biodiversity and the environment.
Custoza wine tourism
As mentioned previously, Custoza is a relatively little known Veneto wine region, however there is so much on offer here for the wine tourist that we would like to highlight some of the many wonderful things you can discover and enjoy here. In terms of wine tourism Custoza really is an undiscovered gem!
Visiting a Custoza winery
There are over 70 wine cellars in the custoza region and many are open to welcome you, to discover their wines of course, but also to experience more about the region and its cultures and traditions, for example picnics in the vineyards, pasta making classes, cycling, art classes, yoga and more!
Here are a few examples we can personally recommend to you:
Gorgo Winery
Cantina Gorgo is a family-owned, traditional winery, located just south of the village of Custoza, founded in 1973 by the Bricolo family and today Roberta Bricolo is at the helm. The family farms over 50 hectares of vineyards, which are all certified organic and sustainable processes are followed from the vineyard through to the bottle.
Gorgo winery in Custoza - Source: Winekeller
Gorgo produces a large range of wines covering the key DOCs of the Verona/Veneto region including Custoza, Bardolino and Chiaretto. The range includes 3 lines - Classic, Superior and Sparkling.
Wine Tourism offering:
Gorgo offers a large choice of wine tasting options comprising a tour of the cellars and barrel room, the vineyards and tasting a different number of wines, with accompanying local meats and cheeses.
The tastings take place in a variety of spaces fully integrated into the winery, including the modern and welcoming wine shop, in the barrel room, in one of the traditional farmhouse rooms or in the ‘Brolo’ - a beautiful outdoor space featuring a garden and swimming pool. This architectural feature has won Corgo many awards and adds a wonderful dimension to the experience here. The focus on ‘Wine and Architecture’ is a key component of Gorgo’s wine tourism offering, helping visitors to more fully experience the combination of wine and landscape.
In addition to experiencing a wine tasting at Gorgo, you can also book on a pasta-making course (as Juergen did and which he thoroughly enjoyed!), or choose from discovering the Custoza countryside and vineyards either on foot, on a bike or on a horse!
We certainly loved visiting Gorgo and were really impressed with the range of activities and immersive experiences on offer. Also, Gorgo is located just 20 minutes from the city of Verona and a few kilometres from the shores of Lake Garda, making it easily accessible.
Monte del Frà winery
Monte del Frà is a family-owned winery, with some 200 hectares of vineyards (140 owned), in the hills of Lake Garda in Sommacampagna. Established in 1958 by the Bonomo family, Monte del Frà has a fascinating history and was originally founded as a monastery of the Friars of Santa Maria Della Scala.
Monte del Frà is known for its quality and highly-rated wines from the wine regions of Verona and Veneto including Custoza, Lugana, Bardolino, Valpolicella and Soave - and they export to over 60 countries worldwide. Sustainable processes are followed across every aspect of the winery’s operations.
Wine Tourism offering:
Wine tourism and hospitality is key at Monte del Frà and they offer a large range of tasting and activity experiences. In recognition of this, Monte del Frà was a regional ‘People’s Choice Award Winner’ in 2023 for the Best of Wine Tourism awards of the Great Wine Capitals Network.
There is a large range of wine tasting options available , including a Discovery Tour as well as a Traditional Tour, which includes a guided cellar tour through the vineyard, barrique cellar, and tasting room, a Grand Cru tasting and even a wine and chocolate experience. You can also experience a sensory ‘blind tasting’ focusing on recognising the aromas and scents of the different wines.
Something quite unique at Monte del Frà, a visit and tasting also includes an opportunity to enjoy the permanent art exhibition which is established in the winery.
The combination of Art and Wine is compelling and this adds a unique dimension to any visit to Monte del Frà.
In addition to enjoying the art and a wine tasting, you can also choose between a number of outdoor activities including a walking tour of the vineyards or horseback ride experience or an e-bike tour.
Monte Del Frà is known for its wines but also its focus on immersive wine tourism experiences. We certainly enjoyed our tasting and visit to the beautiful cellars. Again, Monte del Frà is located just 15kms from Verona.
Bergamini Winery
The Bergamini Winery is located on the hills along the eastern shore of Lake Garda - a region of lush vineyards and olive groves, just outside the popular lakeside tourist village Lazise. Bergamini is family-owned and has been producing wines here since 1904. Today the combination of modern technology and old traditions to protect the land and maximise the potential of the grapes and the wines is the core philosophy.
Wine Tourism offering:
Bergamini offers a range of wine tasting experiences, both at the winery itself, but also on a boat tour on Lake Garda.
At the winery you can taste a range of 7 different wines, complemented by platters of quality cured meats and cheeses, bread, and extra virgin olive oil. Here you will be shown around the vineyard (including the unique circular vineyard) and you’ll visit the production cellar and historic barrel room.
Or - board a private motorboat tour from the Porto Vecchio in Lazise on Lake Garda and sail to Punta San Vigilio and Villa Canossa, where you can enjoy the wine tasting and snacks on the beautiful lake!
We enjoyed a Bergamini wine tasting on Lake Garda and despite the inclement October weather we had a wonderful time! Bergamini’s proximity to Lake Garda enables it to offer an experience which combines wine with one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations - a powerful combination!
Corte Fornello winery
Cantina Corte Fornello is owned by the Venturelli family who have been cultivating the vineyards and producing wine here for 5 generations. Corte Fornello is located in the historic village of Valeggio sul Mincio, in the far south-west of the Custoza region, on the border between Lombardy and Veneto (see later about this beautiful village).
Corte Fornello is a relatively small winery, with just 11 hectares, but in addition to its range of regional wines, the family also produces some excellent extra virgin olive oil and also grappa.
Wine Tourism offering:
Corte Fornello offers a range of wine tourism experiences which follow the entire production process, from vineyard to glass, with guided tastings, accompanied by food pairings and tours of the winery and the surrounding area.
In addition to the range of different wine tasting options you can opt to take a pasta cooking class, where you can learn how to make the typical ‘tortellino’, the regional pasta of Valeggio.
We enjoyed a lovely wine tasting at Corte Fornello and a tour of the cellars. This is a great example of a smaller, family-owned, traditional Custoza winery and one to visit if you visit the beautiful village of Valeggio. Also, in just 15 minutes you can reach the town of Peschiera del Garda, the jewel in the crown of the Verona shore of Lake Garda,
Discover Custoza - places to visit and things to do
Custoza is an incredibly authentic and unspoiled tourist destination - despite the proximity of Lake Garda and Verona - with stunning natural scenery waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. The Custoza DOC production area is located in a territory that combines natural beauty with a rich heritage of history, culture and tradition.
Trekking, cycling and horse-riding
Custoza wine territory is also characterised by the beauty of its natural views and it’s the ideal place for long walks, bike rides and treks on horseback.There are lots of walking trails, cycling routes and horse-riding trails.
There are 4 main historical and nature trails: Camminacustoza (the walk of Custoza), Tamburino Sardo, Percorsi nella storia and Percorsi della pace. There is also an excellent cycle path along the River Mincio from Peschiera del Garda to Mantova.
Explore Custoza’s historical monuments and attractions
Ossario di Custoza
Every trip to Custoza should include visiting the Ossario di Custoza and museum - the famous historical monument that looks over Custoza and commemorates the fallen soldiers of the bloody battles for Italian independence.
Scaliger castle, Villafranca di Verona
Castello Scaligero di Villafranca is a vast and imposing fortress, featuring a towering wall lined with turrets, dating back to the 12th century. The huge quadrangular structure was a key element of the Scaligeri defensive line and today is a symbol of the town of Villafranca di Verona and evidence of its medieval history. It is also known for being mentioned in Act 1 of Shaekespeare’s Romeo and Juliet masterpiece.
Valeggio sul Mincio
The village of Valeggio sul Mincio is dominated by the majestic Valeggio Castle, built by the Scaliger family which ruled Verona during the Middle ages. Here you can also visit the picturesque Borghetto, an ancient mill village, declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its medieval buildings, bell tower and the remains of the Visconti Bridge, a fortified dam built in 1393 by Duke Visconti.
Close by is the Villa Sigurtà and Sigurtà Garden Park, a magnificent villa surrounded by stunning 19th century romantic gardens - recognised as ‘one of the best gardens in the world’ in the Garden Tourism Awards 2023
Family fun and leisure
Custoza is a great destination for families, combining a food and wine visit for the grown-ups with exciting experiences for children! There is a great choice of theme parks including Gardaland in Castelnuovo and MovieLand in Lazise and also water parks, with CanevaWorld in Lazise, Pico Verde in Custoza, Cavour in Volta Mantovana and Aquamore in Villafranca. For animal lovers there is also the Natura Viva wildlife park in Pastrengo.
Lazise is also home to Parco Termale del Garda, a 13 acre natural spa, with thermal lakes, swimming pools, a wellness centre and a fitness facility.
Custoza is a great destination for golf lovers, with courses in Sommacampagna, Villafranca, Sona and Peschiera.
Custoza for food lovers
Custoza is a haven for food lovers. Traditional Custoza dishes include grilled chicken from Santa Lucia ai Monti, puff pastries from Villafranca, Custoza broccoli and the most famous of all, Tortellini di Valeggio, a delicious speciality of Valeggio sul Mincio (see above) and nicknamed Nodo d'Amore (Love Knot) - knot-shaped pasta filled with braised beef.
Family recipes for this famous pasta are handed down between generations and this dish is very much linked to Valeggio through an ancient, romantic legend. We enjoyed some incredible Tortellini di Valeggio at a restaurant in the heart of Valeggio called Ristorante Alla Borsa and it was indeed some of the best pasta we have ever tasted!
Other recommended restaurants include Locanda Belvedere in Santa Lucia ai Monti (incredible views and setting), Trattoria al Fornello (typical food from Verona) and Trattoria ai Colli Storici (traditional trattoria, very good food).
Explore Lake Garda
Custoza village is just 15 minutes from Lake Garda so a visit to the Custoza wine region can easily be combined with exploring beautiful Lake Garda and the other local wine regions.
The beautiful lakeside resorts of Peschiera del Garda and Lazise are definitely worth visiting.
See here for more about visiting Lake Garda.
Discover Verona
Custoza is also just 15 minutes from the historic city of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of historic wonders, including its spectacular Roman amphitheatre. Verona is one of the top northeast Italy places to visit, a beautiful, historic city at the centre of many of the famous northern Italy wine regions.
To learn more about beautiful Custoza, visit:
Conclusion
What a discovery Custoza was! A beautiful, traditional, authentic and unspoiled region, but within easy reach of Lake Garda and Verona!
