Soave, Italy from above on a sunny day (Kimberly Kephart)
Tucked between the rolling hills of Veneto and the wine country just east of Verona lies Soave, a medieval walled town that feels like it was plucked from the pages of an Italian Renaissance painting.
Famous for its crisp white wine and its perfectly preserved castle, Soave is easy to reach from Vicenza and hard to forget.
Whether you’re in search of a romantic day trip, a slow-paced solo adventure or an outing that combines culture and countryside, Soave checks all the boxes.
You don’t really need more than one day here, but what a day it can be!
Soave is under an hour from Vicenza or Verona by car and you can also reach it via bus from San Bonifacio, which is on the regional train line.
As you approach, the first thing you’ll notice are the medieval walls that wind their way up the hill like a crown. The town’s name is synonymous with wine, but the vibe is elegant and calm, a place where locals linger at cafes and vines grow up the sides of historic buildings.
Perfect for a slow afternoon away from tourist masses.
Start your day with a stroll through the old town.
Walk under the Porta Verona gate and into a network of cobblestone streets filled with family-owned shops and enotecas (wine bars).
Grab a cappuccino and a brioche at one of the local bakeries or sit down for a leisurely espresso in the main piazza, Piazza Antenna.
The heart of your Soave experience begins at Cantina Del Castello, located just beneath the imposing medieval castle walls. I’ve had great experiences here, particularly one rowdy outing with a few girl friends. I highly recommend making reservations here for its ambiance, history and the profile of the wines made here.
You’ll get a guided explanation of the Soave DOC and DOCG wines. For reference: DOC stands for “Denominazione di Origine Controllata,” meaning the wine comes from a specific region and meets strict production standards. DOCG, or “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita,” is the next level up—indicating even higher quality control and a government guarantee of origin.
The tastings typically feature three to five wines and will include their celebrated Soave Classico, a refreshing white wine made from the Garganega grape, grown in volcanic soil that gives it a unique minerality. My favorite is Pressoni Soave Classico with its beautiful floral notes of chamomile and acacia, you’ll love this too.
What’s particularly wonderful about Cantina Del Castello is that it’s more than just a tasting room: They offer bike rentals, making it easy to wander aimlessly through the vine-covered hills that surround the town. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can cycle past olive groves and stop by scenic viewpoints.
Interior of Cantine Del Castello (Kimberly Kephart)
After your tasting, it’s time to earn those sips with a gentle walk up to Castello di Soave, the town’s fortress that dates back to the 10th century. The climb is short but steep and the views from the top are more than worth it. You’ll be able to see the full sweep of the Soave countryside with rolling green hills and orderly rows of vines. On a good day, the Alps are visible.
The castle is remarkably well preserved, with battlements and towers that you can climb. Inside, you’ll find a modest museum and rooms staged with medieval furnishings. The experience feels quiet and if you have kids with you, they’ll love the sense of exploration it offers.
Before heading home, have dinner at L’Osteria di Via Roma. This is a cozy and refined restaurant just steps from Soave’s main piazza. It’s the perfect setting for reflecting on your day of tastings, castle walks and countryside views.
If you are lucky enough to visit on a festival weekend during the summer months, the town comes alive with tastings, live music and food stalls. However, even on a quiet Tuesday, Soave gives you that rare combination of cultural richness, wine country beauty and just enough to do without feeling like you are checking things off a list.
You can always start your day at the castle and then head to the vineyard if you have time before your wine tasting. This one-day itinerary is a suggestion, and you can improvise based on your needs!
Getting There: Soave is about 40 minutes by car from Vicenza, 30 minutes from Verona. Train and bus combinations are possible via San Bonifacio.
Cantina del Castello: Book wine tastings and e-bike rentals in advance via their official website.
Accessibility: Some parts of the castle and hilltop are uneven or steep; comfortable shoes are a must.
Castle Entry: Entry to the castle costs a few euros, cash is recommended. Open most days except Monday.
The Castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday: 9a.m. to noon and 3-6 p.m.
LAST ADMISSION 45 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING TIME!
Kimberly Kephart is a freelance travel writer and destination content creator, collaborating with global brands and destination management offices. Based in Vicenza, Italy, Kimberly is passionate about exploring the globe and sharing her insights through her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, and on Instagram at @kimberlykepharttravels. As she pursues her Travel Coach Certification with the Travel Coach Network, Kimberly continues to craft comprehensive travel resources that inspire and empower fellow military spouses and solo travelers to embark on meaningful, sustainable journeys.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
