Cantina Zeni: the passion that resists the passage of time

Just ten minutes by bike from the Color Hotel is a gem of local oenology: the Cantina Zeni. Behind the scenes is the story of a family history handed down from one generation to the next (just how we like it!), the winery being the result of the tireless work of the Zeni heirs: Fausto, Elena and Federica. Having grown up immersed in the culture of wine, they have embraced the spirit and values of the company, transforming the Cantina Zeni into a true temple for lovers of good wine.

Lake Garda, with its mild climate and the richness of the territory, offers fertile ground for the production of fine wine. Cantina Zeni ticks every box, offering a range of wines that reflect the authenticity and tradition of our region. We love the taste of the Cantina’s wine, but also appreciate what lies behind the wine-making process. Deep within the bottles lie the values of the winery, the strong connection to the territory, the passion for experimentation, business sense, elegance and friendliness. All of these values combine effortlessly with the same enthusiasm and dedication first shown by Gaetano Zeni who breathed life into the entrepreneurial initiative in 1870.

In addition to the production of quality wines, the Cantina Zeni offers tours of its Wine Museum. Different areas of the museum are each dedicated to an aspect of the wine supply chain, from vine cultivation to harvesting, and from grape processing to bottling. A guided tour of the museum transports you into the wine-related history and tradition of the area. The Museum also displays collections of ancient and modern tools, and examples of grafting and cultivation that tell the story of the developing relationship between wine and those who create it.

You can also visit the underground vaults where wine is left to rest in barrels, maturing slowly over time. It’s worth spending time looking at the frescoes of myths and legends, decorations, stucco and gold leaf.

But the most surprising experience is undoubtedly the olfactory gallery, with its sensory journey through the scents, aromas and memories linked to wine, designed to test your olfactory memory.

The experience encourages visitors to sharpen their senses and discover the secrets behind each bottle. Entry to the museum includes a wine-tasting of two selected wines, paired with several cheeses.

The tour ends in the shop where you can purchase wine such as the renowned Chiaretto from the Cantina and take a little taste of this experience home with you. We think the Cantina Zeni is an essential stop for anyone looking to explore the world of wine on Lake Garda.