Lake Garda: Horseback Riding & Picnic with Local Wine Farm

Summary

Horseback ride through vineyards taste honey and wine in Lazise

You’ll ride horseback through Lake Garda’s hidden countryside near Lazise, passing vineyards before stopping at a family beekeeping farm for a picnic of local cheeses, honey, pies, and wine under the vines. Expect warm welcomes (even if your Italian is shaky), peaceful scenery, and that feeling you only get when you slow down for a while.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever ridden a horse before?” our guide asked, grinning as I adjusted my helmet (honestly, not since I was twelve). We started out just outside Lazise, the horses’ hooves making that soft clop-clop on the dirt. The air smelled faintly sweet — maybe wildflowers or just the early summer grass. The castle walls of Lazise peeked behind us, but soon it was just rows of vines and olive trees, the kind of green you don’t get back home. Our guide didn’t say much in English, but he’d point at things — an old fig tree, a crumbling stone wall — and smile like we were in on some secret.

We passed through Colà, a tiny hamlet where even the dogs seemed to nap in the shade. There’s this hush in the countryside here — except when our horses snorted or a tractor rumbled somewhere far off. After about an hour (my legs definitely noticed), we reached this family-run beekeeping farm tucked between vineyards. The owner welcomed us with a big wave and set out homemade pies, cheeses with their own honey (the kind that tastes like flowers), and this rosé called Chiaretto that was cold and almost too easy to drink. I tried to say grazie mille but probably butchered it; she laughed anyway.

We ate under a canopy of vines while bees drifted lazily nearby — not bothering anyone, just doing their thing. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for someone pouring more wine and birds somewhere above us. I still think about that view over Lake Garda from the saddle on the way back — sun starting to dip, fields stretching out forever. Felt like we’d stumbled into someone else’s slower life for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride and local tasting

• Start near Lazise town
• Horseback ride through Lazise countryside
• Pass on horseback through Colà hamlet
• Admire vineyards and countryside views
• Arrive at family-run beekeeping farm
• Taste local wines and honey products
• Enjoy picnic with artisanal cheeses and preserves
• Return horseback riding to starting point

Top questions

Is horseback riding experience required for this tour?

No previous horseback riding experience is required but travelers should have moderate physical fitness.

Where does the horseback ride start?

The ride starts near Lazise on Lake Garda.

How long is the horseback riding part?

The ride lasts about one hour each way before stopping at the farm.

What food is included in the picnic?

The picnic includes artisanal cheeses with honey, homemade crackers or biscuits, vegetable pies, preserves, and local wine.

Is wine tasting included?

Yes, you’ll taste wines produced at the beekeeping farm including Bardolino and Chiaretto.

Is vegetarian food available?

Vegetarian options are available but vegan food cannot be served.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

The horse guide speaks limited English but the host at the tasting speaks good English.

Are transfers or pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided horseback ride through Lazise’s countryside with stops in Colà village, followed by a picnic featuring local cheeses paired with house-made honey, vegetable pies, preserves, homemade biscuits, and tastings of Bardolino and Chiaretto wines at a family-run beekeeping farm before returning to your starting point on horseback.