In this Boozy Blondes Abroad episode, the girls take you beyond Verona and into the Lake Garda region for a full-day wine tour that blends education, scenery, and an immersive taste of northern Italy’s wine culture. What begins as a simple day of wine tasting quickly turns into a memorable experience filled with new friendships, rich history, and an appreciation for the region’s unique approach to winemaking.
The DOE is very special today. The girls are drinking a bottle of “victory” Prosecco sent to them by Pagus Wine Tours. The girls’ photo with Marco (more on Marco later) was chosen to be the home page hero image on the Pagus Wine Tours website!
The episode sets the stage by exploring why the Lake Garda region is such an ideal environment for vineyards. Thanks to its natural microclimate, shaped by the lake’s ability to regulate temperature, the wines produced in this region are known for being light, fresh, and highly drinkable. The blondes explain how this balance creates wines that are approachable and perfect for long, leisurely meals, reinforcing why the area has been producing wine since Roman times.
They also break down the often-confusing Italian wine classifications, explaining the difference between DOC and DOCG. While DOC wines follow strict regional guidelines, DOCG wines meet even higher standards and undergo additional quality controls. In the Lake Garda region, many wines fall under DOC, emphasizing a more relaxed, easy-drinking style that aligns with the area’s overall atmosphere.
The girls booked a full-day tour with Pagus Wine Tours, which they both agree is a standout choice for travelers looking for a more intimate and personalized experience. With a small group of just eight people, the tour avoided the feel of a large, impersonal excursion and instead created an environment where guests could connect with each other, their guide, and the winemakers themselves. The day included transportation from Verona, visits to two wineries, and a long, scenic lunch along Lake Garda, making it a seamless and well-paced way to explore the region.
The first stop, Benazzoli Winery, introduced the group to classic Bardolino wines. This family-run winery showcased the lighter, fruit-forward style the region is known for, with wines made from grapes such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The girls highlight the approachable nature of these wines, particularly the Chiaretto di Bardolino, a crisp rosé that embodies the easygoing spirit of Lake Garda. The modern tasting experience, combined with the winery’s long-standing history, created a welcoming introduction to the region. The girls loved the bright and airy, modern feel of the tasting room and enjoyed the opportunity to roam through the vineyards.
After Benazzoli, the group drove to Lake Garda for lunch and to walk through the town. The tour included lunch which was a set budget to spend at the restaurant. The budget allowed plenty of room for apps, entrees, desserts, and plenty of drinks! The walk through the town was a perfect way to keep up energy after indulging…although some still couldn’t stay awake on the ride to the next stop (pictured below).
The second stop, La Marega Winery, offered a contrasting but equally memorable experience. Marco, mentioned earlier, is the winemaker and the fourth generation of this family-owned operation. With a focus on traditional methods and minimal intervention, this winery emphasized authenticity and a deep connection to the land. This was the opposite to Benazzoli with a more intimate setting, where they tasted wines in a cave beneath the winemaker’s home and shared food and conversation in a way that felt more like a family gathering than a formal tasting. The opportunity to hear directly from the winemaker added depth to the experience, making it a highlight of the day.
The Boozy Blondes emphasize that the combination of these two wineries created a well-rounded perspective on Italian wine. One showcased modern, approachable styles, while the other highlighted tradition and craftsmanship, together demonstrating that Italian wine can be both accessible and deeply meaningful.
By the end of the tour, the experience is framed as more than just a day of drinking wine. It becomes a reflection of the Lake Garda lifestyle, where time slows down, meals are meant to be savored, and wine is simply a natural part of the moment. The girls encourage listeners to consider a full-day wine tour as an essential addition to any Verona itinerary, not only for the wine itself but for the connections, scenery, and perspective it provides.
This is the second time the Boozy Blondes booked a wine tour during their Italian travels and can’t recommend it enough. If you are traveling near Rome, listen to Episode 087 | Italy: Wine Tour & Tasting Near Rome (check out the blog here) to learn more about a half day option the girls recommend.
Have you experienced a memorable wine tour that you think the girls would enjoy! Leave a comment below!
Boozy Blondes 