That’s Lake Iseo as seen from atop Belvedere to the west.

We visited there yesterday to see what most believe is the highest vineyard in the Franciacorta appellation, where classic method sparkling wines are made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc.

It was one of the highlights of an extraordinary week of tastings and winery tours. The sojourn was part of my “Franciacorta: the Real Story” project, a year-long blogging campaign sponsored by the Franciacorta Consortium.

Today is my last day here and probably my last visit this year.

I have lots of notes and images to share.

Thank you to the Franciacorta Consortium and its members for their great work in organizing our time here. And truly heartfelt thanks to all the winemakers who received me and the journalist that I’m traveling with.

Opening your wine for someone is like playing them a song you wrote. It means putting your heart on the line and your soul on display. I greatly appreciate the hospitality, the honesty, the earnestness, and the passion that you shared with us.

I’ll see you next year.