34 <strong>#ticinomoments</strong> An original cycling tour in the Mendrisiotto leads to the discovery of Canton Ticino’s quintessential winemaking region. Through picturesque landscapes, ancient villages and genuine flavours. 5 REASONS WHY IT’S WORTH IT AN ALL-ROUND WINE EXPERIENCE We’re in Vacallo, just outside Mendrisio, ready to throw ourselves into a grape-fuelled weekend. Some friends have recommended the Conca Bella Boutique Hotel – Ticino’s first wine hotel. Everything here revolves around wine. Our room has ruby-coloured walls and is dedicated to a local winery with lots of bottles to taste. The hotel wine cellar features more than 1,100 different labels. We can’t resist and treat ourselves to a delicious white Merlot-based aperitif before dinner in the beautiful little courtyard in front of the hotel. BIKE&WINE MENDRISIOTTO In the morning we admire the hilly landscape covered in vineyards from the window. It’s the perfect day for setting out to discover the local area. The tour we have chosen winds its way through the region’s wine estates and gives us the chance to taste local wines and produce, all entirely by bike. We’re due to depart from Balerna-based Borgovecchio. Here we meet our two friendly guides – both volunteers and strictly local – and get to know the rest of the group. There are only a few of us, so it doesn’t take long to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Having been given bright red bicycles, helmets and a few bottles of water, we’re ready to get going. PASSION AND DEDICATION The Mendrisiotto offers one surprise after another. Our guides lead us through small villages, past colourful little houses and narrow alleys, telling us about the history of the area, its traditions and a few fun little anecdotes. The vineyards are the “common thread”, invariably reappearing between one village and the next. Sometimes they’re on top of a hill, sometimes on terraced land. We cycle along with a smile on our faces. Another short climb and we reach our first stop: the Trapletti estate in Coldrerio. Enrico, the owner, is waiting for us. He grew up here at the vineyard, turning it from a passion into a career. His enthusiasm is contagious. We visit the large estate, where the perfect grapes are well looked after and have also been organic since 2020. Enrico has prepared a selection of wines to taste. We appreciate the characteristics of each bottle thanks to his invaluable explanations. We wouldn’t mind staying a bit longer, but our tour has more to show us. Back on our bikes and we finally enjoy a bit of downhill. LOCAL FLAVOURS The next stop is La Costa in Novazzano. This farm was converted into a winery, while managing to preserve its rural appearance. We actually saw cows grazing freely amidst the vines. In the charming courtyard of the farmhouse, an inviting table laden with delicacies awaits us: fresh cheese and sliced meats paired with wines from the estate. Here too, we have the chance to taste, savour and chat with the producer. When we get back on our bikes it’s almost dinnertime and the ride past the historic Grotto Sant’Antonio in Balerna is spot on. So, before ending our tour, we enjoy some local specialities in a lively and friendly atmosphere. REAWAKENING THE SENSES It’s not possible to leave this region without visiting the Corte del Vino Ticino in Morbio Inferiore. The next day, we go for a walk in the Breggia Gorge Park. The Corte is right at the entrance to the park, inside the Ghitello mill. This little gem pays tribute to the region’s more than 1,000 hectares of vineyards, its centuries-old history and the many people who have made wine their reason for existence. After visiting the cellar, we ask the sommelier whether we can try a “Blind Wine Tasting”. No sooner said than done: we find ourselves blindfolded and ready for an extrasensory experience. Our senses of taste and smell are reawakened, so that everything seems amplified. We appreciate the scent, aroma and flavour of every glass. The sommelier guides us skilfully, explaining the characteristics of the different wines. The activity proves great fun and allows us to discover the variety and great wealth of wine production in this corner of Ticino. The weekend has taught us about an unexpected region, introducing us to the winemaking tradition, as well as the history and passion of the people who live there. Protip Did you know that the Mendrisiotto region is also known as the “Tuscany of Switzerland”? This is because of the hilly landscape and the huge concentration of wineries. For more food and wine experiences: (mendrisiottoterroir.ch) TO THE VIDEO Discovering the wines, culture and history of the Mendrisiotto region. The chance to meet and chat with local winemakers. Tasting the area’s finest food and wine products and flavours. Travelling panoramic routes on comfortable bicycles: historic roads and ancient villages. Experiencing the versatility of Ticino’s wine.
Coldrerio, Tenuta Vitivinicola Trapletti. A toast with the owner’s son and his first wine. La Costa winery welcomes visitors on two wheels in its splendid courtyard.
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