Wine experiences around Lake Garda

Wine and joie de vivre on Lake Garda

Lake Garda is home to some of Italy's most famous wineries. Among them is the Masi winery. The Boscaini family has been producing exceptional wines in Valpolicella for over 250 years—an emotional journey to the roots of Amarone.

"La Dolce Vita" – Italian joie de vivre with a glass of sparkling wine in hand and a boat ride across Lake Garda. This is how the traditional Masi winery likes to welcome or bid farewell to its visitors at its wine events.

As the boat, skippered by David, moves toward sunset, the voice of opera singer Andrea Bocelli emerges from the speakers, first gently melodious, then passionately and powerfully. By the time "Con te partirò" is over, the moment becomes an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Like other wineries, Masi believes it's important to not only showcase craftsmanship and quality at its wine events, but also to create a delightful harmony. Wine knowledge, celebration, and experience go hand in hand here.

The successors of Dante Alighieri

The story of Masi began in 1772. In that year, grapes were harvested for the first time in the “Vaio dei Masi” (Valley of the Farms) by the Boscaini family.

As early as 1353, Pietro Alighieri, son of the famous poet Dante Alighieri, established a winery in the region. Today, it is run by the 21st generation of the Serego Alighieri family.

Over the centuries, a close friendship and business collaboration developed between the Serego Alighieri and Boscaini families. The neighboring Possessioni Serego Alighieri winery now belongs to the Masi Group, managed by Sandro Boscaini in the sixth generation.

Sandro Boscaini is considered a visionary. He played a key role in making Valpolicella famous for Amarone wines made using the appassimento method. Since then, he has been called "Mister Amarone."

Amarone: Powerful red wine from Valpolicella

In the appassimento method, the grapes are dried for three to four months before fermentation. This reduces the water volume and concentrates the sugar and aromatic content. This produces the rich, dry Amarone della Valpolicella , mostly from Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella.

"Everything is in balance. Nature works." – Roberta Beber, agronomist

This DOCG wine is one of Italy's most famous and appreciated worldwide. According to Roberta Beber, Amarone wines can easily be aged for 50 to 60 years.

In addition to Amarone, Masi also produces Campofiorin, Valpolicella Classico, Soave and Bardolino – always using sustainable winegrowing methods.

Nature & Vineyards Montepiazzo

Masi's philosophy is particularly evident when walking through the Montepiazzo vineyards, just 20 kilometers from Lake Garda. Thanks to the protective basin, the climate remains pleasant in summer and mild in winter.

The vineyards are located 200–400 meters above sea level. Protected by stone walls, the vines benefit from natural biodiversity: insects within the walls combat pests, requiring minimal intervention.

All grapes are hand-picked, and only the best make it into the drying room for the Amarone.

Festa della Vendemmia – grape harvest up close

A special event is the Festa della Vendemmia , which takes place every year in September at the winery. Visitors to the Masi Tenuta Canova experience the grape harvest.

Equipped with gloves and tongs, guests are allowed to pick their own grapes. Whether these grapes will actually become Amarone remains to be seen, with a wink from the experts.

Back at the winery, Sandro Boscaini personally welcomes the visitors. The evening concludes with music and an Italian menu – an experience that makes you want to return next year.

Masi Wine Experience

The Masi Wine Experience offers various events every year:

• Grape Harvest Festival (September 19, 2025)

• Dinner in the vineyard

• Opera evenings in the courtyard of Serego Alighieri

• Tours of wine cellars & wineries

Monteleone21 , a center for wine lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and gourmet enthusiasts, has just opened. It is considered the gateway to Amarone and the Valpolicella region.

Masi has been awarded the “Best of Wine Tourism” prize and is part of the global network of Great Wine Capitals .

Harvest Party 2025

• Date: September 14

• Location: Masi Tenuta Canova, Lazise del Garda

• Price: 75 euros including champagne reception, grape harvest, cellar tour & tasting dinner

• Registration:

  • Email: canova@masi.it

  • Phone: +39 045 758 0239

  • Website: masi.it/de

Overnight tip

Hotel Aqualux, Bardolino – Four-star superior hotel, just a few minutes' walk from Lake Garda. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools, an AquaSpa and wellness area , sustainable treatments, and Italian cuisine. Prices per night start from approximately €200.