Wine Museum Zeni

Cellar and Museum – Bardolino, Lake Garda

Wine Museum and Cellar

The Wine Museum Zeni, established in 1991, is nestled in Costabella on a hill overlooking the village of Bardolino and Lake Garda. This museum is a testament to the Zeni family’s rich winemaking heritage, initiated by landowner Gaetano Zeni, who transformed their main house into a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the world of wine.

The Wine Museum Zeni offers a comprehensive journey through the history of winemaking, covering all phases from the origins of viticulture to modern bottling techniques. Visitors can explore various sections that detail the different aspects of the winemaking process.

WINE MUSEUM ZENI

Via Costabella, 9 – 37011 Bardolino

See on the Map

+39 045 622 8331

Visit Wine Museum webpage

The Winegrowing Section

This section introduces visitors to the vine training systems, highlighting the popular Guyot system. It also showcases vintage tools used for pest control and various types of ploughs, emphasizing their crucial role in agriculture. A detailed blackboard provides an overview of grape varieties.

The Grape Processing Area

Here, visitors gain insights into the tools and processes involved in grape processing. The exhibition includes an antique scale for weighing grape-filled baskets, traditional carts for transport, a drying rack, and various mills for mashing grapes. Among these is an old crushing mill where grapes were once crushed by foot.

The Winemaking Section

This area showcases the intricate work within the winery. Exhibits include wine pumps used to transfer wine between barrels for filtering and clarifying, and a collection of cork machines ranging from medieval times to the present.

The Cooper’s Tools

This section is dedicated to the almost forgotten craft of barrel making. It highlights the step-by-step process of creating wooden barrels and displays the specialized tools required for this ancient craft.

The Bottling Area

Separate from the main museum trail, this final section illustrates the bottling process, symbolizing the modern advancements in winemaking. It demonstrates the final stage where the wine is prepared and bottled for sale.

The Wine Museum Zeni offers a rich, immersive experience into the art and history of winemaking, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and those interested in the heritage of Bardolino and Lake Garda.