Lugana Wine Region

Lugana is a scenic region that produces white wine in Italy. The vineyard area stretches across the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, located in the west and east respectively. It sits at the southern end of Lake Garda, its vineyards adding a new facet to gentler fishing villages and castles perched high above towns. The admired region of Lugana is known internationally for its remarkable wines. You will have the opportunity to pair these exquisite wines with a wonderful menu in Lugana's  restaurants during your visit to the whole region of Lombardy. We hope you'll enjoy the wines of Lugana.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Lugana Wine Region

Where is the Lugana Wine Region

The Lugana wine region is in northern Italy, along the southern banks of Lake Garda, near Verona.

History of Lugana Wine

Originally, this region was swampy. It's difficult to know when it first started growing grapes. There are several legends about it, dating back to the Romans and the Lombards. The beginning of the 20th Century brings Father Giuseppe Lenotti's account of what life was like in Lugana around the turn of the 20th Century: «the ancient Selva Lugana is now a fertile plain almost exclusively cultivated with vines; it produces a white wine of excellent quality and that is highly valued, even in the marketplace».

Indeed, Trebbiano grapes were cultivated back in the 16th century and are excellent. This is a white grape and it's shaped like a pyramid.Trebbiano has a very good resistance to diseases, which contributes to its success together with its great aromatic profile.

Terrior of Lugana

The terroir of the Lugana wine region has a distinctive mix of soil and microclimate that has an impact on grape varieties. Soils in Lugana often are calcareous, rich in mineral salts, and they become even more sandy in hilly areas. The Lugana terroir is also shaped by the temperate breeze coming off of Lake Garda, which ensures a fairly constant and mild climate. This, together with the soil composition found in this area, makes Lugana wine region an ideal place for making cool-climate wines.

Lugana Wine Characteristics

Unique terroir of Lugana DOC produces fresh and versatile white wines that stand out among other wines in Italy. The identity of Lugana DOC is defined by Turbiana grape variety that was called Trebbiano di Lugana or was refered as Trebbiano di Soave. The bunch of Turbiana is medium and compact with an elongated pyramid shape. Grapes have thick skin and juicy, slightly acidic pulp. You can observe these characteristics if you eat one.If you haven’t tried Turbiana grapes before, they are juicy, refreshing and more acidic than other grape varieties. This means it has the ability to be considered a ‘quick’ wine, so you can drink it without aging it first, while also having the ability to age if desired. The bouquet of Lugana DOC is made up of mainly white flowers and a hint of almond. It has a particularly delicate, fresh and balanced flavor with an acidity that is reminiscent of that of young wines with fruit and forest scents.

Food to pair with Lugana Wine

1. Fritto misto di pesce

Fritto misto di pesce is hugely popular all over Italy. Along the Italian coastline, crustaceans and mollusks will often come into play and include shrimp and squid. You may also find some paranza thrown in which is a collective name for very small whole fish such as fresh anchovies, sardines, baby mackerel or mullet. Depending on the region, fritto misto is sometimes battered and fried, but the simplest way to prepare it is by coating it in flour and deep-frying it in hot oil until it forms a nice golden brown crust. Lugana wines are perfect for Fritto misto di pesce.

2. Acqua pazza

This simple broth is made of olive oil and tomatoes. It was originally a basic recipe. However, over time it became an important dish in the Italian coast, especially popular with tourists on isolated beaches. As with most Mediterranean dishes, ingredients in this soup could vary from one iteration to another. However, you're likely to include white fish such as bass, cod perch and halibut as well as vegetables like celery, carrots and maybe even a few capers. The nutritious broth is cooked in a pot which is flavored with olive oil, white wine, garlic and parsley. Once a poor man's staple, today the dish can be eaten with bread and paired with the Lugana white wines that come out of the region where this delicious dish is made.

Places to visit near Lugana

1. Lake Lugana

Beautiful Lake Lugano is Ticino's star attraction and there are a number of ways to enjoy it. Tourists have the option to take a tour on one of the iconic historical steamers, rent their own boat or choose from dozens of other excursions.

2. Santa Maria degli Angioli

Santa Maria degli Angioli is located at the end of Lugano's most fashionable shopping street. You should see the Basilica of San Lorenzo to admire one of the region's most impressive art treasures - a full wall covered with an early 16th-century masterpiece by Bernardino Luini depicting the Passion and Crucifixion.

3. Valle Verzasca

The 220-meter Verzasca Dam is one of the highest in Europe. But it's more well-known as the site of James Bond's spectacular leap in GoldenEye, the film's opening scene. You won't regret coming here!

4. Ride the Funicular up Monte Brè

Monte Brè is an iconic destination for visitors to Lugano. You can reach the summit of the mountain by car, on foot or by taking a funicular. On the terrace you'll find two restaurants, one with fantastic views of Lake Lugano. Brè is a small Ticino-style village on the eastern slope of mountains. It is beloved among artists and art appreciators for its vision of unspoiled tradition.

Frequently asked questions about Lugana Wine Region