Ca’ dei Frati may sound like a monk’s hideaway—and it was, centuries ago—but today it’s a benchmark name in Italian wine, famous for white wines that actually age like legends. The Dal Cero family planted their roots in Sirmione in 1939, just before Lugana was a DOC and long before the grape Turbiana became a sommelier obsession. From just 4 hectares back then, the family grew the estate to 200 (yes, two hundred!), all still family-run and all planted in soils shaped by ancient glaciers. 

Here, the lake acts like a natural air conditioner, letting the grapes soak up the sun by day and cool off at night—think summer camp for vines, with a mineral edge. The cellar team are tech wizards: grapes are kept oxygen-free from crush to cork, and Brolettino—their barrel-aged Lugana—is practically a cult classic. 

Beyond their signature whites, Ca’ dei Frati dabbles deliciously in sparkling rosé, reds like Ronchedone, and a powerful Amarone crafted in homage to patriarch Pietro. If you haven’t met Turbiana yet, this is the place to fall in love. 

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Did You Know?

What’s in a name? Everything. Ca’ dei Frati means “house of friars”—a nod to the Carmelite monks who once tended vines on the same land. Their old coat of arms still marks the cellar’s original doorway, now the winery’s logo. Sacred terroir turned world-famous wine? Yes, please. 

Wines from Ca' dei Frati

Ca' dei Frati

Brolettino Lugana DOC

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific

Ca' dei Frati

Cuveè dei Frati Brut Metodo Classico

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific

Ca' dei Frati

I Frati Lugana DOC

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific

Ca' dei Frati

Pietro Dal Cero Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific

Ca' dei Frati

Pratto Vino da Tavola Bianco

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific

Ca' dei Frati

Ronchedone Vino da Tavola Rosso

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific

Ca' dei Frati

Rosa dei Frati Vino da Tavola Rosato

Available in: Canada, North America, Asia Pacific