Castell’Arquato: Winery tour and tasting Colli Piacentini wines

Discover Castell’Arquato’s Historic Winery Since 1916

The Castell’Arquato: Winery tour and tasting of Colli Piacentini wines offers an authentic glimpse into Italy’s wine craftsmanship. This 2-hour experience takes place at the Casa Benna Winery, owned by the Molinari family since 1916. Located just one kilometer from the medieval village of Castell’Arquato, this tour appeals to those interested in territorial wines made from grapes grown on the surrounding hillside vineyards.

This activity combines a guided visit to the historic premises with a tasting of the full range of Colli Piacentini wines. Visitors also enjoy a plate of PDO Piacentini cured meats and Grana Padano cheese, making it a well-rounded experience of local produce. The tour is led by live guides speaking Italian and English, ensuring a personable and informative visit.

While the tour includes a visit to the wine production areas and aging cellars, it is important to note that it is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility issues. This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to understand the territorial essence of Piacentini wines.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours, with guided tour and tasting included
• Location: Casa Benna Winery, Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna
• History: Family-owned since 1916, rooted deeply in local tradition
• Activities: Tour of vineyards, winemaking rooms, aging cellar, and bottling rooms
• Tasting: Full range of Colli Piacentini wines paired with cured meats and cheese
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Casa Benna: A Family-Run Winery Since 1916

The Casa Benna Winery has been operated by the Molinari family for over a century. This heritage gives the tour an intimate feel, as visitors meet winemakers with generations of experience. The location itself is in a scenic area, just a kilometer from Castell’Arquato’s medieval center, offering a charming setting for this journey into wine production.

The winery’s activity is deeply connected to its territory, with a focus on producing high-quality wines from own hillside vineyards. Exploring the production philosophy highlights a commitment to territorial wines with a strong personality that reflect the unique terroir of Emilia-Romagna.

This family-driven approach means visitors gain insights not just into winemaking but also into the local culture and history, making the experience more meaningful.

Visiting the Vineyards and Production Areas

The guided tour begins with a walk through the surrounding hillside vineyards, where the story of the vines’ origins is shared. You learn how the winemakers cultivate grapes suited to the terrain, contributing to the distinctive character of the wines.

Next, visitors explore the winemaking rooms, where they see the steps involved in transforming grapes into wine—from crushing to fermentation. The tour proceeds to the aging cellar, featuring oak barrels where the finest wines rest and develop their personality. The visit ends with a look at the bottling rooms, revealing the final part of the wine’s journey.

This comprehensive look at wine production processes provides a clear understanding of how artisan wines are crafted at Casa Benna.

The Art of Colli Piacentini Wine Tasting

The tasting session occurs in a dedicated room, where visitors sample the full range of Colli Piacentini wines. Guided by the producers, each wine’s blends and characteristics are explained, helping guests appreciate their nuances.

The tasting is paired with a platter of PDO Piacentini cured meats and Grana Padano cheese shavings, offering a taste of local culinary traditions. This pairing enhances the wine experience and provides a delicious complement to the different varieties.

Participants are encouraged to discover how each wine pairs with foods, making this a practical lesson in appreciating wine with local specialties.

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What Makes This Tour Unique: Deep Roots and Terroir Focus

What sets this experience apart is its deep connection to the Emilia-Romagna territory and its family heritage. The winemakers’ generations of experience, combined with the use of grapes from their own hillside vineyards, ensure a high-quality, authentic product.

The tour emphasizes territorial wines with a distinct personality, giving visitors an insight into the essence of Colli Piacentini wines. The activity’s small-group format allows for more personalized attention, and the possibility to purchase wines directly from Casa Benna at the end enhances its value.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Booking

Participants meet at the courtyard of Casa Benna, where staff are ready to guide the tour. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, making it a convenient experience for visitors staying nearby.

Booking can be done with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is available in Italian and English, ensuring accessibility for international visitors.

Since the experience involves walking through production areas and tasting, it is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility limitations.

How the Tour Fits Into a Visit to Castell’Arquato

This winery tour complements a visit to the medieval village of Castell’Arquato, allowing travelers to combine cultural sightseeing with a culinary and enological experience. It offers an engaging way to deepen one’s understanding of local traditions, wine production, and regional flavors.

The 2-hour duration makes it an ideal activity for those looking for a short but meaningful experience, especially for travelers interested in exploring Emilia-Romagna’s wine scene beyond the well-known spots.

Final Thoughts: An Authentic Taste of Emilia-Romagna’s Wines

The Castell’Arquato winery tour and tasting at Casa Benna delivers an authentic, family-run experience rooted in tradition. Visitors gain valuable insights into wine-making processes, the importance of territorial terroir, and regional culinary pairings.

While the experience is not suitable for children or pregnant women, it offers a rich understanding of Colli Piacentini wines for connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. The opportunity to purchase wines directly adds further appeal for those wanting to take a taste of Emilia-Romagna home.

This tour provides a well-rounded look at a historic winery with a focus on quality, heritage, and local identity. It is a compelling choice for visitors eager to connect with the wine culture of the region in an intimate setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the winery tour last?
The entire experience lasts 2 hours, including the guided tour and tasting.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak Italian and English, making the tour accessible to international visitors.

Can I buy the wines tasted during the tour?
Yes, it is possible to purchase the wines directly from Casa Benna at the end of the activity.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the experience is not suitable for children under 18 due to tasting activities and the nature of the visit.

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?
If you have celiac disease, food intolerance, or follow unconventional diets, notify the staff in advance for a suitable alternative.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

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