Ca’ Minore is in Camignone di Passirano, surrounded by vineyards, exactly halfway between Brescia and Lake Iseo.
From here, the best-known wineries in Franciacorta are a ten-minute drive away, the Torbiere del Sebino a quarter of an hour, and the ferry to Monte Isola twenty minutes. Lake Garda and Bergamo are both less than an hour away.
We have put together what we genuinely recommend to our guests: where to go, how long it takes, the best time to go and what to avoid.
Franciacorta is the band of moraine hills that stretches between Brescia and the southern shore of Lake Iseo: around two hundred square kilometres of vineyards, villages, abbeys and historic villas. The hills are the debris left behind by an ancient glacier, and it is precisely this gravelly, free-draining soil that made winegrowing possible.
The name most likely comes from the curtes francae, the estates of medieval monastic communities that were exempt from duties and that drained this land and planted the first vineyards. The Cluniac monks based at San Pietro in Lamosa, above the Torbiere, are where it all began.
Today ‘Franciacorta’ means three things at once: the area, the wine and the method. It is the only case in Italy where a single word stands for place of origin, product and production technique. The method is secondary fermentation in the bottle, under strict production rules covering yields, ageing times and permitted grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Erbamat, with Pinot Blanc allowed in some styles.
Lake Iseo is a lake in Lombardy, lying between two of Italy’s largest and best-known lakes: Lake Garda to the east and Lake Como to the west. Its waters mark the border between the provinces of Brescia (eastern shore) and Bergamo (western shore).
It is a glacial lake, and at its southern end lies a system of moraine hills, arranged in concentric arcs and formed from deposited debris. This is where the area known as Franciacorta, the land of sparkling wine, now extends.
Three hundred and sixty hectares of wetland between Franciacorta and the southern shore of the lake: reed beds, open water and raised wooden boardwalks. It is the most important wetland in the province of Brescia, a Natura 2000 site and a protected area for breeding birds.
The Torbiere were born out of industry: peat was dug here until the 1950s, and the pools left behind have become the habitat you see today.
At dawn. The mist over the water and the chorus of birdsong are worth the early start. Late afternoon is a good alternative. The water lilies bloom between June and July. Bring binoculars and, from May to September, some insect repellent.
Located in “Pradizì del Paradis” (Paradise Meadow) in Ome (Brescia), this is a place where science, politics, thought, and labour came together to pursue a single goal: the creation of beauty.
The garden houses seven conifer families (Pinaceae, Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxaceae, Cephalotaxaceae, Araucariaceae, Podocarpaceae) with 82 species represented, each with at least two specimens.
It can be reached via a pleasant 20-minute walk from the hamlet of Valle. The garden is pedestrian-only – a space free of traffic, noise, and stress.
Near the Borgo del Maglio, south of the village, the Oak Botanical Garden is home to over 100 species, aiming to reach 150 within the next decade.
An invaluable botanical heritage to pass on to future generations, who will surely appreciate the hopeful efforts of those who came before.
The Lioness of Italy – Birthplace of the Red Arrow
Since 1927, the Mille Miglia has been synonymous with the city of its origins: Brescia. A place that has always been the heart and soul, start and finish of this iconic race.
Its story began in Milan in the winter of 1926 and has grown over time through innovation and unforgettable moments. Thanks to its founders, the Mille Miglia has become inseparable from Brescia and its name.
Lake Garda, also known as Benaco, is Italy’s largest lake, with a surface area of approximately 370 km². It acts as a natural border between three regions – Lombardy (province of Brescia), Veneto (province of Verona), and Trentino-Alto Adige (province of Trento).
Narrow and fjord-like in the north, and wider and gentler in the south, surrounded by rolling morainic hills, it is a major tourist destination visited by millions each year.
Famed for its enchanting Upper Town (Città Alta), Bergamo is a beautifully preserved example of Italian medieval architecture. Surrounded by mighty Venetian walls, it offers artistic treasures such as the Palazzo della Regione, Piazza Vecchia, the Cathedral, Colleoni Chapel in Santa Maria Maggiore, Palazzo Nuovo, and the Civic Tower.
The Lower Town is home to the prestigious Carrara Academy (founded in 1796) and the renowned GAMeC – Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.
The romantic city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of Italy’s premier art cities, with a history stretching back millennia. Visitors can explore Roman gates such as Porta Borsari and Porta Leoni, and the Arena, which still hosts concerts and shows.
Strolling along Corso Mazzini with its elegant boutiques leads to lively Piazza delle Erbe with Palazzo Maffei, Piazza dei Signori, the Loggia del Consiglio, and many more architectural gems.
A jewel of the Italian Renaissance, Mantua flourished under the Gonzaga family, patrons of countless artists including Mantegna, author of the celebrated Bridal Chamber (Camera degli Sposi) in Palazzo Ducale.
With the splendid Palazzo Te, San Sebastiano Palace, many churches and basilicas, and its unique natural setting within the Mincio Nature Park, the city seems to rise from the water itself.
A cultural gem in the Po Valley, Cremona is the birthplace of the legendary luthier Stradivari and the site of the world’s most prestigious violin-making school.
Visitors can enjoy sites such as the Baptistery, Cathedral, the Torrazzo, Loggia dei Militi, the Churches of San Michele and San Sigismondo, Teatro Ponchielli, and the innovative Violin Museum.
Golf enthusiasts will find numerous prestigious clubs throughout the province of Brescia, ideal for a relaxed round with friends or for taking part in the many tournaments held annually.
Within a 60 km radius, you’ll find 18 golf clubs.
The Franciacorta Wine Route offers five cycle routes suitable for everyone – perfect for relaxed outings, family rides, and wine tourism adventures.
The routes wind through vineyards, fields, quaint villages, scenic viewpoints, and natural or historical landmarks.
A brand-new karting circuit, certified by ACI-CSAI and FMI, will soon rise within the Franciacorta Motor Circuit complex – open to both amateur and professional drivers.
One of the most modern and fully equipped model car circuits in the region, perfect for all enthusiasts.
Pure Yoga is a warm and light-filled space in the heart of Franciacorta, a sanctuary to carve out sacred time for yourself.
It’s more than just a place – it’s a way of life dedicated to balance, mindfulness, and connection.
Crazy Horse Riding School is located on beautiful hills in the heart of Franciacorta.
Thanks to its strategic location, you can set off directly from the stables for a variety of trails, from easy one-hour rides for beginners to longer excursions for experienced riders.
It was 1986 when a group of friends fell in love with paragliding. Back then, the sport was in its infancy – the wings resembled parachutes, and every flight was a bold adventure.
Years later, Parapendio Sebino was founded, establishing a school that has taught over 500 pilots to fly.
Today, our club actively promotes the sport in the spectacular amphitheatre of Sale Marasino – a natural balcony over Lake Iseo.
