Garda

Nowhere inspires romance quite like Italy's Lake Garda. Its eastern shores merge into the beautifully terraced hillsides of Verona, where vines meet cypress, olive, cherry and citrus groves. Chardonnay is the most planted variety here, soaking in the warm Mediterranean sun and developing fine acids and aromatics in the cool Alpine air. Garganega (the grape of nearby Soave) also thrives, as does Riesling and northeast Italy's ubiquitous Pinot Grigio. Garda's famous light reds—Valpolicella and Bardolina—are made principally from the local Corvina grape. Other outstanding Garda wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.