Franciacorta, between Brescia and Lake Iseo, makes sparkling wine by the traditional method with the same second fermentation in bottle as Champagne, and defends the distinction from Prosecco with some vigour. For one weekend in September around a hundred producers open for tastings, cellar tours, walks through the vineyards and meals.
No attendance figure is recorded here in this pass.
It is anchored to the third weekend of September, which places it during or just after the harvest — several estates are pressing while visitors are tasting.
The practical mechanism is worth stating: the festival sells a pass, but individual estates take their own bookings and the best visits fill first. Erbusco is the centre of the appellation, forty minutes from Brescia and an hour and a half from Milan.
PlanningAnchored to the third weekend of September; a pass covers several estates, which must be booked individually.