Franciacorta, a wine region tucked between Brescia and Lake Iseo, produces Italy’s most celebrated traditional-method sparkling wine. Less known to cyclists than Tuscany, it still offers pleasant gravel terrain, over gentle hills between vineyards and lakeshore.
A route between vineyards and the lakeshore
From Erbusco, the historic heart of the appellation, the route winds between the wine estates of Adro before reaching the shore of Lake Iseo near the town of the same name. Expect around 50 km and 600 m of cumulative climbing for a full loop, on generally smooth terrain alternating vineyard tracks with quiet small roads.
Getting the ride right
A standard 35-40mm gravel tyre is plenty for this terrain, with no notable technical sections. Wine estates punctuate the route at regular intervals, several open for a visit and tasting at the end of the ride.
When to go
April to June or September to October, when the vines look their best and temperatures stay comfortable for a full day out.
Good to know
Erbusco and the surrounding villages have a choice of accommodation geared toward wine tourism, with convenient access to Brescia and Lake Iseo to extend the trip beyond cycling.
