PHOTO: COURTESY OF RONCO CALINO WINERY.
Celebrities are notoriously particular about just about everything, and beverages are no exception. To wit: Beyoncé reportedly prefers her water at exactly 21 degrees celsius (and served with a titanium straw, mind you), while Robert De Niro is said to demand his cocktails are shaken for far longer than one would think is necessary. But perhaps the most specific quirk is George and Amal Clooney's. It's beenreported that when summering in Italy, they only drink wine from a friend's winery in a remote northern Italian region called Franciacorta.
So, when I got the opportunity to explore the region and taste the wines in question, I jumped at the chance. Of course, it's no secret that the couple is obsessed with the Italian region of Lombardy — and two flights, three car rides, and 19 hours later, I realized why. Almost totally untouched by tourists, it has the sensuality of Italy, with the charm of nearby France, and prestige of neighboring Switzerland. And did I mention their newest export — sparkling wine made in the style of Champagne — is giving the world of bubbly a run for its money?
The Italian destination is the perfect place to add to your travel bucket list, and not just for the chance to rub elbows with Hollywood A-listers. Ahead, everything you need to know to add Franciacorta to your dream European vacation itinerary. And until then, you can school even the biggest winos with your new knowledge on poppin' bottles like an Italian. Cheers!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LEONE FELICE.
What To Know
Franciacorta is located one hour east of Milan, in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. It's a bit like Champagne, in that the word Franciacorta describes the region, the production method, andthe sparkling wine itself. Say it with me now: I'm going to Franciacorta to drink Franciacorta.
The area has been producing wines since the 16th century, but the bubbles are a recent addition, dating back only 50 years. Which could be why the town is quaint, quiet, and almost totally untouched by tourists. While around 90% of Franciacorta is sold within Italy, availability in the States is rapidly growing, popping up in places like Sotto in Los Angeles and Scarpetta in New York.
Since it's just a stone's throw from Milan, it's also a hot spot for the Italian fashion set in the same way that Palm Springs is to Hollywood or the Hamptons are to New York. In fact, Franciacorta is the official wine of Milan Fashion Week.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RELAIS FRANCIACORTA.
Where To Stay
Franciacorta is the perfect day trip to punctuate a visit to Milan — but it's even better if you spend the night at one of the rustic hotels or posh resorts dotting the region. Warning: Book early, as most hotels have limited rooms and can fill up quickly.
For rustic charm (think: actual room keys, sweeping views, and spotty Wi-Fi that will force you to disconnect), opt for Relais Franciacorta, pictured here. You'll understand the full spectrum of the region without leaving the property, thanks to bike tours and a restaurant serving regional fare (and Franciacorta, but of course).
For those who want to take it a step further into the past, select Hotel di Charme, a former convent with 14 rooms that have been beautifully preserved in a courtyard-like setting. It's peaceful, with old-world charm and a renowned restaurant on site. Not a fan of rustic? Book your digs at L’Albereta. You'll get lost navigating the 5-star resort: There are several restaurant choices, a spa you could spend an entire day in, sunning decks, and sprawling grounds.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALBERETA.
Where To Eat
Lombardy is far closer to France and Switzerland than southern Italian cities like Naples or Sicily, so it's a totally different experience than the red sauce eats you may be anticipating. Expect fresh pasta topped with white sauce, seafood caught that day in nearby Lake Iseo, and local cheese and meat plates on most menus. Naturally, Franciacorta is offered with nearly every meal. (Insider tip: Breakfast wine is totally acceptable on vacation.)
Whether you're looking to sip bubbly, or a café au lait first thing, swing by Pasticceria Roberto to start the day nibbling beautiful (and wildly delicious) pastries with the locals. Lunch is best served with a view, so make a reservation at Vistalago Bistro at L'Alberta, pictured here, and order whichever house-made pasta strikes your fancy.
But save some room for dinner at La Foresta, which is easily the best kept dining secret in the area. It's situated on a tiny island in Lake Iseo, only accessible by ferry, and there's no menu. Instead, you'll be greeted by a waiter who will seat you and begin a procession of seafood caught that day until you firmly say finito!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RONCO CALINO WINERY.
Where To Taste
Now comes the hard part: There are well over 100 vineyards to choose from in the region, most of which are family owned and operated and offer affordable tastings of their best brut, sparkling rosé, and every other bubbly they make. But the bonus is the tour that traditionally comes with the tasting.
Ronco Calino, pictured here, is one of the smaller productions: They ship under 70,000 bottles a year, which is teeny in comparison to many others. The property boasts impressive views, organic bubbly, and intimate tours you can't get at larger vineyards.
Art lovers can view impressive works while tasting at Majolini, a vineyard that ships about 150,000 bottles a year. Expect art ranging from Insta-worthy, large-scale sculptures all the way down to leather wine bottle covers you'll need a second look at to appreciate. (Yes, wine bottles are dressed in couture koozies here.)
But whatever you do, do not miss Il Mosnel, where you can spend the entire day exploring the cellars (which date back to the 1800s) and biking around the 99 acres on a rented bike, which comes complete with a picnic lunch.