A Weekend in Franciacorta

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As the summer draws closer, the desire for sun, fresh air, romance and relaxation increases exponentially. So how do you satisfy that desire if you don’t have time to go to the beach or elsewhere? Fortunately, there’s Franciacorta, which is just over an hour from Milan: this area is full of gourmet delights and is the perfect place to spend days with friends, a partner and even with the family.

Leave mid-morning and head toward Adro (near Brescia) to arrive right in time for a pre-lunch aperitif or lunch at the Dispensa Pane e Vini, a place where the focus is on the highest quality ingredients and a great deal of professionalism and experience. Here you can have an abundant aperitif with a wide selection of cured meats, cheeses and other Slow Food presidia products.

Photo Credit © Dispensa Pani e Vini

For a casual lunch, the Osteria is the place for you. Excellent ingredients are used to prepare dishes that feature simplicity and tradition. For true gourmets, there is also the Ristorante della Dispensa, where you will be presented with more elaborate and creative dishes that are also based on excellent ingredients. Adro is also in a strategic position for visiting a few famous winery where one can take a tour to discover the production process behind this much appreciated golden elixir with its delicate bubbles.

Photo Credit © Ristorante della Dispensa

In fact, Berlucchi, Contadi Castaldi and Bellavista, just to name some of the most famous, are minutes away, but there are actually many winery around here. In this area, you will also find the agricultural wine museum that has exhibits on grapevines and life in the vineyards. There are also tastings here as well. If you prefer to stay outdoors, you can put your muscles to good use at the Franciacorta Golf Club, which stays in the wine theme with Brut, Saten and Rosé courses.

Photo Credit © Golf Club Franciacorta

As the day winds down, the Relais & Chateaux L’Albereta is the perfect place for those seeking absolute comfort and the luxury of classic elegance. It is completely immersed in the vineyards, has three restaurants, an outdoor sculpture park and even a small shop for buying things. This luxurious five-star hotel is a true gem. Your every wish will be granted, and you can even lose a few pounds thanks to the renowned Henry Chenot Spa. If you prefer a place that is equally smart but at a lower price point, the Relais dei Cappuccini is a small resort with 14 rooms in what was an ancient convent; today, they are furnished simply and tastefully. Here you can also enjoy a spa treatment and give yourself over to complete relaxation.

Photo Credit © L’Albereta Relais & Chateaux

For dinner – or a Sunday lunch if you prefer – I won’t even give you a choice. I’m going to recommend one place that is truly not to be missed: La Madia. You will need to wind your way up through the hills of Brescia, but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. What you will find here is a rustic yet sophisticated and extremely welcoming atmosphere, organic or farm-to-table products and the sensational cuisine of Michele Valotti. He has direct relationships with producers and breeders, knows the local area and its riches well and has an eclectic personality: these are the ingredients you’ll find in Madia’s dishes. This is an osteria where you can eat specialties you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Mutton is truly the star of the show here: you will find a delicate version among the starters, in a meat sauce with fresh pasta or as a stew, and along with the cheeses, it truly represents the local area. From starters to sweets, here every flavor will amaze you for its authenticity…It is sure to be love at first bite!

Still have any doubts about spending a weekend in Franciacorta? You shouldn’t. Let’s go!