leaving from Tenero, at the Matasci winery, which produces red traditional Merlots and hosts a wine museum as well as an exhibition of the painter Varlin?s works (the exhibition was opened in 2005 and will end on March 4th, 2006).
We will head towards the hills and find the Scalinata ?grotto?, where the Balemi sisters offer traditional dishes. The road heads up through the vineyards, where the Fracia oratory is located, and reaches Conra.
Continuing towards Brione (possible detour for the Daniele Poroli and Stefano Haldemann vineyards). In Orselina, which we will have reached following a panoramic road, the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary can be found. At the crossroads, we go down towards Locarno, from where we'll continue towards the Centovalle. We'll find the Broll Bridge: here many ?grotti? existed, protected by the shade of age-old trees. We can still find some near the crossroad between Valemagiore and Centovalle.
The centres of Tegna, Verscio and Cavigliano offer some of the same features. The vineyards of Giovanni Carverzasio are also in the region: he produces the optimum Rompidèe. Of exceptional interest is the Casigliano wine-press, one of the oldest in Cantone! Intragna welcomes visitors with the tall St. Gottardo bell tower and the museum. In town,we can find the restaurant Stazione (good wine list). We?ll head back towards Locaron passing the other side and cross Golino (a pleasant town centre!) Just after, we?ll head towards Zandone, where Delea, producer of Merlto Carato and Charme sparkling wine, is located.
Heading towards Ascona, where we will visit the company Chiodi di Fabio Arnaboldi and the Company Terreni alla Maggia which produces wine, fruit and vegetables and rice.
Our journey comes to an end in the centre of Ascona, where we can find museums, churches, lanes and houses rich in history. Two wineries: the Catine dell?Orso and the Bottegg del vino.