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If you love sparkling wine, get ready to add a new favorite to your list! Franciacorta, located in the Brescia region of Northern Italy, produces some of the finest bubbles in Europe — and yet most travelers haven’t heard of it. Made using the same traditional method as French Champagne, Franciacorta wines are elegant, complex, and deeply connected to the land. Pair that with rolling vineyards, charming wineries, and warm hospitality, and you have one of Italy’s most magical and underrated wine regions.
Today, you’ll learn why Franciacorta deserves a top spot on your Italy bucket list!
I was hosted by Visit Brescia, Enit.it, and Neos Airlines for this media trip. All opinions, experiences and photos are my own.
Franciacorta: Italy’s Sparkling Wine & Where It’s Grown
When you hear the word Franciacorta, it refers to both the wine and this region of Italy where it is grown. So, you will hear both used interchangeably throughout this post and during your visit.
The name Franciacorta comes from the Latin phrase “francae curtes,” meaning “tax-free courts.” In the Middle Ages, this area was home to monastic communities that were exempt from paying taxes — and over time, the name became synonymous with the region and its winemaking tradition.
Today, the Franciacorta region is home to 122 wineries, the locations of which are easy to see on this map.
The Italian Sparkling Wine Region You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Italy has its fair share of iconic wine regions, but Franciacorta still feels like a secret. Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Brescia region near Lake Iseo, this sparkling wine paradise remains blissfully under the radar for most travelers.
While the world rushes to Tuscany, Franciacorta quietly produces some of Europe’s finest bubbles, elegant, refined, and deeply connected to the land. If you have never heard of it, you are not alone, and that is exactly what makes discovering it feel so magical. And, I am going to tell you all about this Italian hidden gem today!
The good news is that this area is actually fairly easy to get to. The main train route from Milan to Venice runs right along the southern edge of the Franciacorta region, stopping in Brescia, Italy. So, pay close attention, because a Franciacorta wine weekend can and should be included in your next Italy itinerary.
My First Impressions of Franciacorta
Upon arriving in Franciacorta, we made our way to the Cappuccini Resort, which is housed in what was once a monastery and set atop vineyard-covered hills. The peaceful countryside and warm hospitality immediately made me feel right at home. The hotel and surrounding area exuded luxury but without pretension.
And, as I would come to find out over the next couple of days, the area draws a wonderful group of people: upscale yet laid-back and adventurous. Everyone we encountered was friendly and happy to be there. The pace was slow, and it gave me the opportunity to really savor the Franciacorta area and its wine.
Today, I will first tell you about Franciacorta, the region where you can find places such as the beloved Castello di Bornato, where vineyards are planted in a circular pattern. Then, I will discuss Franciacorta wine, local wineries, and some tips for visiting this part of Italy in more detail.
Where Is Franciacorta In Italy?
Franciacorta is located in northern Italy, in the Lombardy region. It’s along the southern end of Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia. It’s about an hour outside of Milan and just over two hours from Venice, making it a great addition to your Northern Italy itinerary.
How Do You Get To Franciacorta?
The most popular way to reach this region is by car or by train from one of the larger cities with International airports. For my visit, we flew from New York City’s JFK airport to Milan on Neos Airlines. This Italian carrier offers lower-cost flight options, and we had a very pleasant experience. So, if you are in the greater New York area, make sure to check them out.
Once in the area, there are several options for getting around. If you plan to drink a lot of wine or aren’t comfortable driving internationally, there are plenty of private drivers and car services that service the wineries and the local area. Uber is also available in this area, but may have longer wait times in some areas. Additionally, you won’t see basic UberX, but instead Uber Black-style premium rides, which are always a nice treat!
Things are a bit spread out, and I think that most visitors would really appreciate having a rental car, especially if staying in a more secluded resort. At the same time, you could also opt to stay in one of the more walkable areas, such as Iseo or Brescia, and use car services only on the days you plan to visit the wineries. You will find a great selection of local Franciacorta wines at most of the restaurants and wine shops in the area.
If you are looking for a luxury stay, I have heard amazing things about L’Albereta, Relais & Chateaux. I also like the idea of staying near or on Lake Iseo during the warmer summer months.
Click here to browse accommodations in the Franciacorta region!
What Is Franciacorta Wine?
Now that we know where Franciacorta is, let’s talk about the wine!
Franciacorta is Italy’s finest sparkling wine, made in a small section of the Brescia province using the same process used to make Champagne in France. Unlike Prosecco, another Italian sparkling wine you are likely more familiar with and produced in large tanks, Franciacorta’s bubbles form naturally in the bottle through a second fermentation, creating a rich and elegant flavor with fine, long-lasting bubbles.
Each bottle of Franciacorta wine is aged for at least 18 months, often much longer, which gives the wine its depth and complexity. The result is a sparkling wine that feels elegant yet approachable, perfect for celebrating or simply enjoying during a visit to one of Italy’s most beautiful wine regions.
I found it interesting to learn how, after the aging process, the bottles spent additional time tilted and rotated, often by hand. This process, known as remuage, brought the sediment to the neck of the bottle, allowing them to flash freeze it and remove it. This process is called disgorging. When we toured the different wineries, it was also fascinating to see how small some of the batches were.
How Is Franciacorta Wine Made?
The Franciacorta region produces a few variations of the traditional bubbly Franciacorta wine, and you may also encounter some still wines, also made from local grapes or blends of them. These red and white wines are another delicious option if you want to mix it up a bit.
It’s important to understand that Franciacorta is a style of wine and winemaking, not the name of the actual grape. Franciacorta wine is made primarily from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc). Sometimes, Erbamat, a local white grape variety, is added in small amounts to some blends.
These grapes are grown locally in the gently rolling hills of the Franciacorta region, where the climate and mineral-rich soils create perfect conditions for high-quality sparkling wine. The harvest each year typically takes place at the end of August or into September. When we visited in mid to late August, the warm weather meant that there were still some grapes hanging from the vines.
Most Franciacorta wineries produce a traditional Brut Franciacorta, with variations attributed to the winemaking process and the age of the batch produced. Many also produce Saten or Rose versions of Franciacorta. And, there is no better opportunity to try them all than the annual Franciacorta Festival right there in Northern Italy.
The Franciacorta Festival
When I visited this area last month, it was specifically to experience the Franciacorta Festival. And, it did not disappoint! We had the opportunity to visit several vineyards and wineries in the Franciacorta region, sampling Franciacorta wine throughout.
Not only did we take part in traditional wine tastings like at Monte Rossa and Villa Franciacorta, but we also attended chic cocktail parties and the most incredible Secret Cellar Wine Dinner at Antica Fratta.
Many of the Franciacorta wineries are not generally open to the public, and visiting often requires some preplanning. However, during the annual Franciacorta Festival, local wineries open their doors, host events from simple to lavish, and welcome wine enthusiasts with open arms.
Not only do I encourage you to add the Franciacorta Festival to your bucket list, but I would go as far as to say that you can’t miss it if you find yourself in Italy when it’s happening. Next year’s Franciacorta Festival will take place September 11—13, 2026.
Tips For Visiting Franciacorta, Italy
There are so many things to do in the Franciacorta wine region outside of the Franciacorta Festival. Many people enjoy a warm summer day cruising around, admiring the scenic vineyards and stopping in charming towns throughout this region for aperitivo on alfresco terraces and patios. This is one reason why it’s most desirable to have a rental car while visiting the greater Brescia area.
If you plan to go out sightseeing, check out this list of 12 things to see in the Franciacorta & Lake Iseo area.
Many Italian resorts offer peaceful luxury experiences, with lovely restaurants, gorgeous swimming pools, and relaxing spa experiences. Franciacorta is one area where you can allow yourself to slow down a bit. Use your visit to the Franciacorta region as a chance to exhale and reset before continuing on to explore one of the larger Italian cities.
Things To Do In Franciacorta
Here are some of the things that you may want to do in the Franciacorta area. And, I do want to point out that this part of Northern Italy experiences all four seasons.
In fact, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be taking place not far from here. Therefore, the warm outdoor and water-related activities are best for summer and the months leading up to and following it. During the Wintertime, you may find yourself wanting to head up into the mountains!
There is also a wide variety of experiences and special events that take place in this area, many of which are not to be missed!
If you can only spend a day in this area, consider booking a Lake Iseo and Franciacorta Wine Tour. That way, you can see everything with a knowledgeable tour guide and not worry about transportation between places.
#1 Visit Charming Franciacorta Wineries
Visiting the wineries is the heart of the Franciacorta experience. Many estates offer tours, tastings, and gorgeous vineyard settings where you can sip sparkling wine and learn how it’s made. Look for small, family-run producers along with well-known estates to get a mix of styles and stories. Most of the year, you will want to book your Franciacorta winery visit in advance.
With most reservations, you can experience tours and Franciacorta wine tastings as well as opportunities for food pairings and other special events. You can browse each winery’s website for hours and offerings. Or, you can choose to book an organized tour of the wineries.
The Franciacorta Wine Route winds through charming countryside, peaceful villages, and rolling vineyards. You can drive it or rent bikes or e-bikes and enjoy a slow, scenic day exploring local wineries, farm shops, and cozy restaurants tucked into the hills.
#2 Enjoy Local Cuisine & Vineyard Restaurants
One of the best ways to experience the region is to relax with a long lunch overlooking the vineyards or enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo with sparkling wine and small bites. And don’t worry, you won’t be eating only pasta! Fresh lake fish, risotto, cured meats, local cheeses, handmade pasta, and olive oil all shine in the Franciacorta region.
Click here to browse restaurants in the Franciacorta region!
#3 Visit Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo is at the northern end of the Franciacorta wine region and is the perfect place to spend a day. While I was there, we spent the most gorgeous sunny September day at the lake. While not as well known as its neighbors Lake Como and Lake Garda, Lake Iseo is a destination in and of itself.
First, we started our day in Iseo for the market. Then, we boarded a private boat that took us around the lake, circling Monte Isola before stopping for lunch on this charming mountain island. It was fascinating to hear about the rich history of net making and sardine fishing from locals.
Taking the ferry from Iseo to Monte Isola is another quick and easy option. Ferries run throughout the day, and the ride only takes about 10–15 minutes, offering beautiful views of Lake Iseo and the Monte Isola as you approach the charming village of Peschiera Maraglio.
There you can rent bikes and cruise around the island. Or enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants and a stroll along the walking path. It’s an easy and scenic way to reach one of Italy’s most peaceful lake destinations.
#4 Explore Brescia
Just minutes from the Franciacorta wine region, Brescia is a beautiful and underrated Italian city with ancient Roman ruins, medieval architecture, charming piazzas, and great shopping and dining. Climb to Castello di Brescia for panoramic views and wander the historic streets for a dose of culture between tastings.
We stayed here for the final night of our trip, and I was pleasantly surprised by everything it had to offer! There are various museums, shopping opportunities, and plenty of open-air squares to sit and enjoy a glass of Franciacorta wine.
What To Wear In The Franciacorta Region
Franciacorta has a relaxed yet elegant feel, especially when you are visiting wineries, enjoying long lunches, or exploring the countryside. That said, being close to Milan, I found the locals and visitors to be dressed much more chicly than in some of the other areas that I have visited in Italy. Casual in Europe is a little different than casual here in the United States, and unless you are exercising, you’ll want to avoid aesthetic wear.
So, think comfortable, polished outfits that fit the vibe of Italian wine country. Light layers work well in spring and fall, while breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are great for summer. I saw a lot of ladies in pretty dresses and tailored pants, and shorts.
Comfortable shoes are key if you plan to tour vineyards or walk through historic towns like Brescia or Iseo. Many wineries have beautiful outdoor spaces and cellar tours, so avoid heels that might sink into grass or gravel.
Don’t forget your other European Travel Essentials!
Why You’ll Fall In Love With Franciacorta
What I loved about this region is that it felt significantly less touristy than some of the other places I have visited, such as Rome, Venice, and Cinque Terre. I felt like I had been let in on a secret, a hidden gem. I appreciated how authentic Franciacorta felt and how elegant and laid-back it was at the same time.
So, if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Italy, consider a trip to the Franciacorta region. If it were me, I would plan a 10-14-day Northern Italy trip using the train to get between larger cities. We would fly in and out of Milan and Venice, spending a few days in each. This would allow us four to eight days to stop in Franciacorta and one or two other areas along the train route. The entire train ride takes less than three hours, so you wouldn’t have to waste a lot of time in transit and would be able to see and experience so much of Northern Italy.
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