The grand tour of Amarone: 2 wineries, lunch & Amarone focus

A detailed look at the grand tour of Amarone, a five-hour journey through Veneto’s famed wine country that promises an authentic taste of local winemaking. Based in Veneto, Italy, this experience offers visits to two carefully chosen, family-run wineries, where you’ll meet the producers behind some of Italy’s most celebrated wines. The tour is particularly focused on Amarone, giving you the chance to taste multiple vintages, including special RISERVA editions, and even limited-edition IGT wines. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a traditional Italian light lunch served inside ancient cellars, with some stops offering optional olive oil tastings, adding a flavorful dimension to your day.

What I really appreciate about this tour is its intimate character—guests always meet the actual winemakers and family members, rather than large, anonymous operations. This lends a personal touch that makes the tasting sessions more meaningful. Another highlight is the diverse wine selection, from Amarone to Recioto, with opportunities to sample rare vintages and limited editions, which is a treat for wine enthusiasts. However, a potential consideration is that the tour is quite full on time, so if you prefer a more leisurely or in-depth experience, you might find the 5-hour schedule a bit tight, especially during busy seasons.

This tour strikes a fine balance between education, tasting, and authentic local culture, making it a standout choice for those who want more than just a quick wine tasting—it’s about understanding what makes Valpolicella wines special. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious to see how Italy’s celebrated Amarone is made, this experience offers genuine value with its focus on quality, personal connections, and regional charm.

Key points / Takeaways

• Meet the producers: The tour emphasizes personal encounters with winemakers, making the experience warm and authentic.
• Amarone-focused tastings: You’ll taste different vintages, including rare RISERVA and limited-edition wines, offering a deep dive into this famous wine.
• Exclusive olive oil tasting: One winery offers a chance to sample high-quality extra virgin olive oils, adding a tasty local touch.
• Delicious Italian lunch: Enjoy a light, well-curated meal inside historic cellars, perfectly paired with Valpolicella wines.
• Vineyard insights: Learn about indigenous grape varieties during a walk through the vineyards at the second winery.
• Door-to-door shipping service: The tour provider offers international shipping, so you can bring some of your favorites home without hassle.

Exploring the Heart of Valpolicella: An In-Depth Review

How the Tour Begins: Conveniently Located in Verona’s Heart

The adventure kicks off at Piazza Bra, right beneath the big clock and near the International Pharmacy—an easy spot for most travelers based in Verona. From there, a private, comfortable vehicle takes you on a 20-minute drive into the picturesque Valpolicella wine region. This short transfer keeps travel time to a minimum but still offers glimpses of the scenic hills and vineyards that define the area. It’s an efficient way to start your day, especially if you’re coming from the city.

The First Winery Visit: Personal, Small-Scale Charm

Your first stop is at one of the region’s distinguished boutique wineries. Reviews highlight how the hosts, often family members, create a warm and personal atmosphere. For example, one reviewer praised the friendliness of the hosts and how they took guests around to show and explain the winemaking process, making it accessible even for newcomers.

Here, you’re invited to explore the production areas, see traditional fermentation tanks, and learn about the specific techniques that produce Amarone’s signature richness. Tasting sessions include multiple vintages, with a focus on Amarone and Riserva wines, revealing how different years and aging processes affect flavor. The tasting is often accompanied by explanations that help you appreciate the nuances—think about the aroma, tannin structure, and how the wine develops over time.

The Olive Oil Tasting Bonus

One of the standout features at this winery is the chance to sample extra virgin olive oils, often described as delectable. This optional tasting offers a sensory experience that complements the wines perfectly, giving you a broader taste of local produce and craftsmanship.

The Traditional Italian Lunch: A Feast in Historic Cellars

After the first winery, it’s time for a delicious, light Italian lunch. Served inside ancient wine cellars, the meal typically features appetizers, bruschettas, a main course, and sweets. The lunch is thoughtfully paired with Valpolicella wines, enhancing the flavors and creating a true regional experience. According to reviews, the food is plentiful and well-prepared, with some emphasizing how well the charcuterie boards paired with the wines. Vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities are accommodated if requested, making it accessible for different dietary needs.

The Second Winery: Vines, Varieties, and Vintages

The next stop takes you to a larger, yet still boutique, winery. Here, you’ll walk through the vineyards—learning about indigenous grape varieties that are unique to the Valpolicella region. This walk provides insight into the terroir and how it influences the wine’s character.

Back inside, you’ll enjoy an extensive tasting of Valpolicella wines, including white and red varieties, with the chance to sample some limited edition IGT wines. The hosts are friendly and eager to answer questions, which makes the experience more engaging. One reviewer mentioned that they learned a lot about how different wines are made and appreciated their flavors more deeply afterward.

A Toast to the End: Grappa and Final Cheers

The day wraps up with a shared toast of grappa, a traditional Italian spirit, often infused with local herbs or fruits. This spirited finale is a fun way to celebrate the day’s discoveries and bid farewell to the producers—many of whom are happy to share their family stories.

The Return: Views and Reflection

On the way back, depending on the season, the guide might stop at scenic panoramic viewpoints—perfect for photos and soaking in the landscape. The entire journey is designed to be both educational and leisurely, providing ample time for questions and reflection.

The Value of the Experience: Who Benefits Most?

This tour is especially valuable for those with a genuine interest in wine, particularly Amarone. If you’re keen on understanding the craftsmanship behind Italy’s most celebrated reds, the combination of guided visits, tastings, and regional insights is well worth the price. It’s also a fantastic choice for travelers who appreciate small-scale, family-run wineries over large commercial operations.

The inclusion of a delicious Italian lunch makes the experience stand out—an important aspect if you want to enjoy regional cuisine paired with local wines. Plus, the door-to-door shipping offers peace of mind for those who want to buy bottles as souvenirs.

It’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include a private guide, but the knowledgeable hosts and guides like Sara, Jacobo, or Laura more than compensate with their friendliness and expertise. The tour lasts about five hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that fits easily into a Verona itinerary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Wine lovers eager to explore Amarone and Valpolicella varieties
• Travelers interested in authentic, family-run wineries
• Those who enjoy pairing wine with regional food and olive oil
• Visitors looking for a comprehensive, yet manageable, wine day trip from Verona
• Guests who value personal interactions with producers

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately five hours, including visits, tastings, and lunch. Check availability for specific starting times.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Piazza Bra in Verona and returns there at the end of the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll have private transport with a certified local driver, making the experience smooth and comfortable.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Yes, these options can be requested in advance, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated.

Can I buy wines during the tour?
While the tour itself includes tastings, many wineries offer bottles for sale, and the tour provider can ship bottles worldwide.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Since the focus is wine, it’s best suited for adults. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery and food, but tastings are part of the experience.

How personalized is the experience?
Given the intimate nature of the visits and the family-run wineries, the experience feels very personal, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

What makes this tour different from larger group tastings?
Smaller, boutique wineries mean more direct contact with the owners and genuine stories behind the wines, offering richer insights than bigger commercial operations.

What is the quality of the food provided?
The lunch is described as plentiful, delicious, and regionally inspired, with an excellent wine pairing that enhances the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

This Valpolicella wine tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the region’s wines and culture, with a particular emphasis on Amarone. The small, family-owned wineries provide a genuine connection to the local winemaking traditions that many larger tours can’t match. The inclusion of a traditional Italian lunch and optional olive oil tasting rounds out the experience beautifully.

If you’re someone who appreciates quality over quantity, loves authentic stories behind the wines, and values personal interactions, this tour should be at the top of your Verona itinerary. It’s especially suited for those who want to deepen their understanding of Italian wine, explore indigenous grape varieties, and enjoy a scenic, relaxed day amidst vineyards and historic cellars.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to taste some of Italy’s finest wines, this experience delivers excellent value, memorable moments, and a true taste of Veneto’s winemaking artistry.