Vineyard tours in Ticino by Pamela Pintus
Switzerland is known for so many things, think fine manufactured watches, the financial centre or tasty chocolate, but also for its excellent wine, a speciality we find in Ticino, a region represented by producers appreciated the world over.
situation for cultivating the extensive vineyards that decorate the landscape. In addition, it is interesting to note how the wine business has grown over the last twenty years; we are talking about a 20% increase in production and quality, which has been rewarded internationally. These wines are different from each other, as they come from different terroirs that contribute to highlighting the flavour of the grapes. The most famous wines are undoubtedly Merlot and white Merlot, recently introduced to the wine-gastronomic scene and appreciated for their delicacy. In other areas, we can find Pinot noir and Bondola.
In this guide, we will visit some of the best vineyards in Ticino on tour designed especially for lovers of good wine.
Locarno
Cantina Ghidossi vineyard in Sessa, Malcantone
The first vineyard we will discover is in the area of Sessa, in the Malcantone region, specifically in Via San Martino, below the church of San Martino. The famous Merlot di San Martino is the wine produced, which boasts two awards in its career: a silver medal won at the Grand Prix du vin Suisse 2019 and a gold medal at the Mondial du Merlot 2020.
Easy to recognise by its deep ruby red colour and fruity aroma with elegant roasted notes, it is characterised by a fruity flavour and is smooth on the palate. The area where the vines are grown is rich in history, and the passage of the different peoples who have trodden this land is evident as you walk through the streets of the small village of just over 600 inhabitants.
Bellinzona
Cantone Castle Vineyard, Capolago
We move to the foot of Castello di Cantone, in the Capolago area. This winery has a 30-year history, when - with insight - it was decided to plant the first vineyard right under the Castle. The careful and meticulous study of the owners and the excellent soil quality has allowed the winery to grow and develop significantly. Absolutely to be tasted: the Merlot Ticino DOC Riserva, dark red, with floral notes reminiscent of juniper and carnation and a faint hint of forest berries, the Negromante Rosso del Ticino DOC, also ruby red but with fruity notes reminiscent of red and black fruits including raspberries, currants, blackberries and plums, an ideal wine to accompany game meat such as wild boar, and the Galanthus white wine with woody and citrus notes reminiscent of caramel and grapefruit.
Mendrisiotto Vineyards
In the Mendrisiotto area, there is the highest concentration of vineyards in the whole of Ticino, with no less than 120 hectares of cultivated land; for this reason, it is defined as the capital of viticulture, where all the producers work enthusiastically and proud of the product, they can offer their customers.
The area's climate is ideal for a good ripening of the grapes, as are the characteristics of the land; among these beautiful hills, it is straightforward to let oneself go to meditation and contemplation.
When one decides to travel to the Mendrisiotto, one must be prepared to spend long days in the open air at popular events proposed by two organisations in the area:
MendrisiottoTurismo specialises in routes through the vineyards, and MendrisiottoTerroir focuses more on ways through nature. The wines available are both red and white, so they are perfect for pleasing the tastes of all visitors.
Cantina Carrara vineyard in the Locarno region
To proceed with the Ticino Vineyard Tour, one can move on to the Ascona-Locarno area to discover the Cantina Carrara, an enchanting place with a breathtaking view that immediately recalls the idea of being on holiday; the wines most often produced are red and white Merlot. Cantina Carrara is not only a winery but also a holiday farm where it is possible to stay, and book guided tours and tastings to discover the local production. All the wines are identified under the name Gordola but are easily recognisable thanks to special features on the front label: the producers want customers to be able to locate their bottles immediately, so they decided to use the rock, a different one for each quality of wine, as a background, and the Verzasca gneiss on the back.
Cantina Tamborini vineyards
Cantina Tamborini is a milestone institution in Canton Ticino. It boasts a 75-year history, which began in 1911 when the current owners' grandmother opened a small restaurant. The family's passion for wine was immediately apparent, and by the 1960s, the Tamborini family was already well known for importing and exporting wines until they started their line.
Today, Tamborini's locations are diverse, as are its products. Every year they expand into new horizons; one of the most interesting new products is the boldly flavoured wine macerates, which offer a unique sensory journey.
A visit to their cellars is a must for all those who love good wine, scenery, and good company.
Sleeping in the vineyards, the Amorosa farm in Gudo Bellinzonese
A tour of the vineyards cannot be complete without experiencing the wonderful feeling of sleeping in a setting surrounded by the scent of ripening grapes.
The Amorosa farm, located in the Gudo area, precisely in Via Mayer, offers this possibility thanks to the ten rooms provided, all furnished in a rustic style that allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the place entirely.
The facility also has a reception room and a winter terrace where guests can taste the local food and wine, allowing themselves to be guided through a unique eno-gastronomic experience. For guests, tours are also organised in the cellars where the homemade wine is produced and bottled, with a tasting of the various products, accompanied by snacks.
Sassi Grossi vineyard in Giornico, Gialdi winery
The wine tour ends with a final proposal, a visit to the Gialdi wine cellar near Sassi Grossi in Giornico. The winery is famous for producing Merlot and is fascinating because of its particular layout; the vineyard is located in a tiny space surrounded by no less than seven churches and several bridges and historic buildings. The wine produced by this winery is Sassi Grossi, which boasts a gold medal won at the World Merlot Championship in 2022. Its characteristic colour is an intense ruby red. On the nose, one can appreciate fruity notes reminiscent of plums and blueberries; on the palate, it has a strong taste but still leaves an excellent freshness at the end. Perfect with red meat, roasts, and game.
These are just a few of the Ticino vineyards that have the power to excite and fascinate a wine lover like me.
Go where... the wine takes you, and you will experience unforgettable moments, according to Pamela Pintus, an authentic food and wine enthusiast.
Pamela
