Castle Winery Tour & Tasting near Lake Maggiore

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $55.80 per person and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
• Location and Setting: It takes place at Cantine Del Castello Di Conti Elena in Maggiora, near Lake Maggiore, with stunning views of the Maggiora hills.
• Wine Selection: Guests enjoy 4 tastings of exceptional red wines from the North Piedmont & Lake Maggiore area, including Nebbiolo, Boca, and Elixir.
• Food Pairings: Each tasting is complemented by local cheese and ham, enhancing the rich flavors of the wines.
• Castle Visit: The guided tour includes access to the castle’s cellar and oak barrel rooms, highlighting the volcanic origins that influence the wines.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and engaging explanations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Castle Winery Location Near Lake Maggiore

The tour begins at Cantine Del Castello Di Conti Elena in Maggiora, a charming town just 20 minutes from Arona. The venue is marked by a distinctive green and yellow sign on the roadside displaying “CONTI” and “Boca Wine Experience”. This location offers a picturesque setting with views of the Maggiora hills, providing an ideal backdrop for this wine experience.

The winery’s setting on volcanic terrain adds a unique aspect to the visit, as the guide explains how the ancient Supervulcano’s geology influences the characteristics of the wines. Travelers can anticipate a relaxed atmosphere with the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.

This tour is suitable for those interested in regional wines, historic castles, and scenic countryside. Since it is not suitable for pregnant women, it remains focused on wine enthusiasts and curious visitors eager to learn about local winemaking.

Exploring the Enchanting Castle and Its History

The guided visit spans approximately 25 minutes, taking guests through castle halls and cellar rooms. This part of the tour emphasizes the historic charm of the castle and showcases the traditional architecture alongside the oak barrel rooms where wines age.

Guided by the family staff, visitors gain insights into the volcanic origins that shape both the castle’s history and the winemaking process. The castle is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the region’s heritage and the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

The castle’s underground cellar is a focal point, where guests observe the wine maturation process firsthand. This part of the experience enhances understanding of how aging impacts flavor and quality.

Tasting Four Distinct Regional Red Wines

The main event is a tasting of 4 carefully selected red wines from the North Piedmont & Lake Maggiore area. Each wine is introduced with background on its grape variety and production style.

Guests sample Origini Rosso or Fiore Rosso, both crafted from old vines grown in the “alla maggiorina” style, offering depth and complexity. The Spanna Colline Novaresi or Flores provide a pure Nebbiolo experience, with options for traditional or sulfur-free wines. The Boca DOC 2019/2020 exhibits minerality and structure, thanks to the volcanic terroir, while the Elixir adds an aromatic blend to the lineup.

The wine tastings are paired with local cheese and ham, which help bring out the flavor nuances of each varietal. The food pairings are simple but effective, adding a savory touch to the wine experience.

The Food and Drink Pairings

Each wine tasting is complemented by artisan cheese and craft savory ham, chosen to enhance the individual flavors of the wines. The pairing emphasizes local products, providing a taste of regional culinary traditions.

Water is also provided throughout the tour, ensuring hydration between tastings. For kids or non-drinkers, non-alcoholic drinks are available, making the experience accessible for families or those who prefer to avoid alcohol.

While some reviews note that food pairing could be more elaborate, the included cheese and ham effectively support the wines’ profiles, especially considering the short duration of the tasting.

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The Underground Cellar and Wine Maturation

One of the most fascinating aspects of this tour is the visit to the underground cellar. Here, guests observe wine aging in oak barrels and learn about how volcanic soil influences wine minerality and flavor development.

The cellar showcases traditional aging techniques, and the guide explains how the volcanic origins of the terrain give the wines their distinctive character. Witnessing the maturation process adds a layer of appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

This element of the tour is especially appreciated by those interested in winemaking techniques and local geology.

The Experience of the Guided Tour

The family-led guides are highlighted for their engaging and passionate explanations. They provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making the visit enjoyable and informative.

Guidance covers wine varieties, growing techniques, and food pairing tips, all delivered in clear, accessible language. The tour balances educational content with entertainment, making it suitable even for those new to wine tasting.

Guests also appreciate the small group size, which fosters a more personalized experience and allows for questions and interactions.

Practical Details and Logistics

The meeting point is at the winery in Maggiora, marked clearly with signage. The activity begins with the castle visit, followed by wine tastings and food pairings.

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with availability depending on the day. It operates in English and Italian, and live guides lead the experience, ensuring authentic narration.

The tour is limited to 10 participants, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and interactive. For those interested in additional bottles, they are available for purchase at the end of the experience.

Cancellation is flexible; guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can be made later to keep plans flexible.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This experience shines through its combination of historical castle exploration, volcanic terroir, and regional wine tasting. The guided visit to the castle and underground cellar offers a rich contextual background that many other tastings lack.

The focus on local wines, especially those made from old vines and region-specific grape varieties, gives this tour a distinct regional character. The small group size enhances the personalized attention and interactive learning.

While the food pairing is simple, the quality of wines and setting compensate for this, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a scenic, cultural experience.

Final Thoughts on the Castle Winery Tour & Tasting

This 1.5-hour experience provides a comprehensive look into local winemaking, combining historic castle visits, volcanic terroir insights, and regional wine tastings. The 4 wines sampled from North Piedmont and Lake Maggiore are thoughtfully chosen, and the food pairings add a savory dimension.

The guides are praised for their passion and clarity, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The small group format ensures a personalized experience that can suit wine curious visitors or those interested in regional history.

The price of $55.80 is reasonable given the multi-faceted nature of the tour, though some might wish for more elaborate food pairings. This tour offers a unique taste of the region’s heritage and winemaking pride, making it a worthy addition to any Lake Maggiore visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

• How many wines are tasted?
  There are 4 wine tastings included in the experience.

• Are food pairings included?
  Yes, each wine is paired with 1 cheese and 1 craft cold cut.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Non-alcoholic drinks are available for kids, but the tour is primarily designed for adults.

• Can I buy wine after the tour?
  Extra bottles can be purchased at the end of the experience.

• What languages are available?
  The tour is conducted in English and Italian.

• Where does the tour start?
  It begins at Cantine Del Castello Di Conti Elena in Maggiora.

• Is the castle visit guided?
  Yes, the castle and cellar visit is led by family staff.

• How large are the groups?
  The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small group experience.

• Is the tour refundable?
  Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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