This morning we headed back down the freeway towards Verona and then turned east to Bassano Del Grappa a little town on the banks of the Brenta River. Mostly an agricultural place but with a strong link to the war through the "Alpina", a group of extremely tough soldiers who fought for many years in the mountains. They endured horrific conditions, fought savagely and are revered by all Italians!
We stopped at a covered wooden bridge that had been destroyed several times during various wars, but rebuilt each time, and at one end was a grappa distillery that was built in 1771. Incredible that Captain Cook discovered our East Coast in 1770!!!!!
We had a great lesson on the making of grappa and then had several tastings of different varieties, all about 3 levels below the street in a little cellar that had a tunnel leading to the river bank where the grappa was put on rafts and floated down to Venice for sale. Grappa is made from all the crushed grape skins and pulp and was first made during the Depression when the ordinary people couldn't afford wine! It is very strong, between 40 and 70% alcohol, and the plain one tastes pretty horrid, but some of the flavoured ones are excellent!
For lunch we sampled some local bruschetta, topped with some of the regions famous white asparagus - very yummy! Unfortunately we dwelled a little long over lunch and only had time for a very quick look at the little Alpina Museum before getting back on the coach!
From Bassano Del Grappa we took the road north, following the Brenta River along the most picturesque valleys and mountains! It was a beautiful drive and we eventually came to Trento - the main city of this region - with some big industry including a Michelin tyre factory.
We drove through some more vineyards and apple orchards, stopping at a family owned winery - about 10 hectares - where we had a meal of locally grown meats and cheeses, homemade breads and tomatoes, all washed down with their white and red wines! It was a ripper spread served by the current owners and we also met their parents who still help out!
It was only a short drive back to Riva Del Garda, finishing the night with a bit of a walk and a nightcap!
It was a very enjoyable day - great scenery and interesting stops - we are really enjoying this part Italy!