Stresa Wine Tours. Lake Maggiore wine tasting. Visit to a wine cellar in Ghemme in the Hills of Novara

Half an hour's drive from Stresa, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta is a hilly area covered by vineyards, renowned for the production of a fine Piemonte wine called Ghemme which takes its name from one of the two towns where it is produced (the other one is Romagnano Sesia). Other good wines produced in this area are Sizzano, Fara, Boca.

It's possible to organize a half-day trip to visit a wine cellar where you will be shown the whole wine-making process. After seeing all the steps involved in wine production you can get a taste of a selection of wines along with a sampling of local cheese (like the celebrated Gorgonzola cheese) and salami.

The old part of Ghemme itself is worth a visit. It's called Ricetto, a word that is evocative of the Middle Ages and refers to a group of fortified houses that were originally built between the 11th and the 15th centuries. At that time the small village was surrounded by a defensive wall and a moat. The Ricetto was used to store food supplies and wine and occasionally as a shelter for men and animals.

CLASSIC HALF-DAY ITINERARY

In the afternoon (or in the morning) we meet at your hotel. Transfer by car or by coach to Ghemme. Visit to a wine cellar. Wine and food tasting.

Stroll around the ancient buildings of Ricetto.

Return to your accommodation.

NOTES

• This wine tasting tour can be combined with a rice tour: Unusual Culinary Tours in Piedmont Italy

• This tour is available for small parties and groups

• This half-day excursion can be combined with a half-day itinerary on Lake Orta or Maggiore