While the World Watches the Games, We’re Pouring Lombardy’s Best

It’s that magic time again, and it’s got me thinking of dramatic mountain backdrops, years of dedication to one’s craft, the perfect balance of power and finesse, and jaw-dropping finishes that leave you breathless. The 2026 Winter Olympics? Well, yes. But more importantly, the incredible wines from Lombardy that deserve just as much attention as the games themselves!

Milan is the host city for this year‘s games, and the surrounding region of Lombardy is home to two lesser-known but absolutely worth-your-time wine subregions: Valtellina and Franciacorta. While these two locations are renowned for very different styles of wine, both are fantastic in their own right.

Valtellina is the quintessential mountain wine region known mainly for its reds made from Nebbiolo called Chiavennasca by the locals.

Grown at the most northern edge of where Nebbiolo can ripen, Valtellinas are little lighter in color and body than their cousins from Barolo and Barbaresco. But they are every bit as delicious with a bright, fresh aromas and flavors of rose petals, dried cherries and blood orange. I love these served with a slight chill.

Valtellina also produces wines made from dried grapes similar to Amarone. This produces a much more dense and richer take on the Nebbiolo grape with similar flavors as the “regular” but built with an inner sweetness.

Franciacorta is Italy‘s premiere sparkling wine region that is getting more popular by the day! The wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (Nero) with small amounts of Pinot Blanc. They are made in Méthode Champenoise style. These wines are, clearly, built to give Champagne a run for its title as the best sparkling wine in Europe. Top examples are refined, high-toned wines with delicate mousse and fruit and biscuity flavors and aromas. There are rosé bottlings as well, where the Pinot Nero must make up 25% of the blend.

Grab a few bottles of each and raise a glass to The Games!!