Sommacampagna, Villafranca di Verona and Peschiera del Garda: three municipalities named in the official list of Custoza, the white wine of the Garda moraine, and each has an 18-hole golf course.
Anyone landing in Verona with a golf bag has two wines ahead that resemble each other less than you might think: Amarone, a red made from dried grapes, and Custoza, a light white that comes from exactly where the golf courses are. The first comes from a hilly area west of the city, Valpolicella; the second from the nine municipalities around Sommacampagna and the lower Garda. Here is how to line them up for those who want to play in the morning and taste in the afternoon, with the clubs of Verona and Lake Garda that lie within the area of the two wines and welcome guests with green fees.
Valpolicella: Amarone, Ripasso and the three grapes
The Consorzio per la tutela della Valpolicella promotes four styles: Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG. There are three native grapes: Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. According to Wikipedia the zone comprises seven municipalities in the province of Verona, covering 240 km², between the Adige to the south and the Lessini Mountains to the north: Negrar di Valpolicella, San Pietro in Cariano, Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Fumane, Marano di Valpolicella, Pescantina and Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo.
Amarone, DOCG since 2010 according to Wikipedia, is made with Corvina (45-95%) and Rondinella (5-30%), with other red grapes up to 25%. The grapes dry in the fruttaio for 100-120 days, until they lose about half their weight; minimum ageing is two years, four for the Riserva, and the minimum strength is 14%. At 14% alcohol or more, it is a wine to drink after the round and not before, with a designated driver.
Custoza: the white of the golf courses
Custoza DOC, recognised in 1971, is produced in nine municipalities of Verona province, including Sommacampagna, Villafranca di Verona, Peschiera del Garda, Lazise and Valeggio sul Mincio, and uses Trebbiano Toscano and Garganega among other grapes. Wikipedia describes it as a white of freshness and light aromatic character, with fruity and floral notes. Three of the most convenient courses for a round therefore lie in municipalities of the denomination:
- Golf Club Verona, in Sommacampagna: 18 holes, par 72, 6,075 metres, among the hills of Custoza and the vineyards. The club has existed since 1963. The 2026 rate card gives 90 euros on weekdays and 110 on public holidays for 18 holes (from November to February 70 and 90).
- Golf Club Le Vigne, in Villafranca: 18 holes at the foot of the Custoza hill, open all year. Published rate cards show 35 to 45 euros on weekdays; confirm when booking.
- Golf Club Paradiso del Garda, in Peschiera: 18 holes by Jim Fazio, with five lakes and bunkers of white quartzite. The rate card, undated, gives 70 euros on weekdays and 80 on public holidays.
Lake Garda: Bardolino and Ca' degli Ulivi
On the Veronese shore of the lake the denomination is Bardolino DOC, a red from Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and Negrara that also includes Chiaretto, the rosé version. Wikipedia describes it as light ruby in colour, dry and savoury. For golf on that shore there is Ca' degli Ulivi, 27 holes among olive groves and small lakes with a 180-degree view of the lake and Monte Baldo: the Championship course, par 72 at 6,059 metres, designed by Cotton Pennink & Partners, requires a playing handicap of 36 or lower. The undated rate card gives 60 euros on weekdays and 75 at weekends.
Where to stay: Quellenhof in Lazise
On the Veronese side of Lake Garda the address for golfers is the Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise, a municipality that falls within the Custoza area. The hotel has no course of its own, but offers guests green fees on favourable terms and rental equipment at courses in the area; according to the hotel the nearest, Paradiso del Garda, is a quarter of an hour away. For autumn 2026 it offers the 7=6 Golf Getaway from 25 October to 8 November: seven nights for the price of six and four green fees to use among Golf Club Verona, Paradiso del Garda, Ca' degli Ulivi and Chervò San Vigilio.
How to organise the day
The practical advice is the order: golf in the morning, wine afterwards. For the cellars, write or phone the chosen producer, since opening hours and visits vary. Those staying in Lazise who want a tasting without driving can ask the hotel whether it arranges transport.
Curiosities
- An Amarone that weighs half. The grapes lose about half their weight in the fruttaio, over 100-120 days.
- White bunkers. At Paradiso del Garda the sand is white quartzite, over 8,000 square metres.
- Footgolf. At Le Vigne, in 2019, more than 5,000 footgolf players.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I play golf near Valpolicella?+
In the Custoza area: Golf Club Verona in Sommacampagna and Le Vigne in Villafranca are convenient for combining a round with a Valpolicella winery.
What is the difference between Amarone and Ripasso?+
They are two Valpolicella wines: Amarone is DOCG and comes from grapes dried in the fruttaio for 100-120 days, while Ripasso is a separate DOC. For details on Ripasso, consult the Valpolicella Consorzio.
How much does it cost to play at Golf Club Verona?+
In 2026, 18 holes cost 90 euros on weekdays and 110 on public holidays from March to October; from November to February 70 and 90.
What is Custoza?+
It is a white DOC wine since 1971, produced in nine municipalities of Verona province, including Sommacampagna, Villafranca and Peschiera del Garda.
Which course is nearest to the Quellenhof in Lazise?+
According to the hotel, Paradiso del Garda, in Peschiera, about a quarter of an hour away.
Can you play all year round?+
Le Vigne and Paradiso del Garda state that they are open all year; Golf Club Verona publishes a winter rate card from November to February.
