The Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Tasting in Valpolicella

Nestled in the picturesque Valpolicella region, the Tenuta Santa Maria estate offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and traditions behind the production of the renowned Amarone wine. Visitors can embark on a guided tour through the estate’s 18th-century Venetian villa, English-style gardens, and the meticulous Amarone cellars, where the family-owned Bertani winery meticulously practices the appassimento technique. Along the way, guests will have the chance to sample the estate’s exquisite wines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and passion that goes into crafting these exceptional vintages. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Amarone as you explore the heart of this winemaking legacy.

Key Points

• The Amarone Chateau offers a guided tour of its 18th-century Venetian villa, English-style gardens, and renowned Amarone wine cellars.
• Visitors can learn about the Bertani family’s centuries-old winemaking traditions, including the appassimento technique used to produce exceptional Amarone wines.
• The guided tour showcases the villa’s opulent interiors, exquisite frescoes, and antique furnishings, as well as the estate’s history.
• The tasting experience allows guests to sample a selection of the Bertani family’s renowned Amarone and other wine varieties.
• The tour and tasting provide an immersive exploration of the Amarone winemaking legacy, highlighting the expertise and passion behind these iconic wines.

Exploring the Tenuta Santa Maria

Visitors to the Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani wine estate embark on a guided tour that showcases the property’s 18th-century Venetian villa and English-style gardens, as well as its renowned Amarone wine cellars.

They’ll explore the elegant villa, admiring its Venetian architectural features, and wander through the tranquil gardens.

The highlight, though, is the tour of the Amarone wine cellars, where the famous appassimento technique is demonstrated. Here, guests learn about the intricate process of drying the grapes to concentrate their flavors before they’re turned into the estate’s renowned Amarone wines.

It’s a unique opportunity to explore the traditions and techniques behind these coveted Italian red wines.

Visiting the Venetian Villa

Upon arrival at the Tenuta Santa Maria, guests are immediately struck by the grandeur of the 18th-century Venetian villa that stands as the centerpiece of the estate. Its Venetian architectural elements, such as the ornate façade and stately columns, create an impressive and stately presence amidst the surrounding English-style gardens.

During the guided tour, visitors explore the villa’s opulent interiors, admiring the exquisite frescoes, antique furnishings, and intricate details that transport them back in time. The knowledgeable guide shares the villa’s rich history, highlighting its role as the former residence of the Bertani family.

This unique opportunity to step into the past adds an extra layer of enchantment to the Tenuta Santa Maria experience.

Tour of the Amarone Cellars

The guided tour then leads visitors deep underground, where they discover the renowned Amarone wine cellars that have been the domain of the Bertani family for generations.

Here, the appassimento technique – the centuries-old process of air-drying grapes – is meticulously practiced, imbuing the Amarone wines with their signature bold and complex flavors.

Visitors wander through the maze of historic cellars, marveling at the rows of oak barrels where the prized Amarone ages to perfection.

The guide explains the intricate details of this time-honored winemaking method, offering insights into the Bertani family’s dedication to preserving the traditions that have made Amarone a beloved Italian icon.

Experiencing the Appassimento Technique

One delves into the centuries-old process of air-drying grapes, known as the appassimento technique, which imbues the Amarone wines with their signature bold and complex flavors.

During the tour, guests witness the Bertani family’s meticulous approach to this time-honored tradition. In the famous cellars, they’ll see rows of carefully selected grapes slowly losing moisture over several months, concentrating the sugars and tannins.

This painstaking process is essential for crafting the rich, velvety Amarone. As visitors explore the cellars, they gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and expertise required to produce these exceptional wines.

The tour provides a captivating glimpse into the art of appassimento, a cornerstone of Valpolicella’s winemaking heritage.

Sampling the Bertani Family Wines

After exploring the intricate process behind the Amarone wines, guests now have the opportunity to indulge in a tasting of the Bertani family’s renowned vintages.

The wine tasting experience allows visitors to sample several of the estate’s exquisite offerings. Guests can expect to sip and savor a selection of the Bertani’s most celebrated wines, each with its unique character and complexity.

From the bold and velvety Amarone to the lighter, more delicate varieties, the tasting offers a comprehensive introduction to the family’s winemaking legacy. With the guidance of the knowledgeable tour staff, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the art and passion that goes into crafting these exceptional wines.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes a wine tasting and a guided tour with a knowledgeable host, along with local taxes and gratuities. However, lunch and transportation to the villa aren’t provided.

The wine tasting allows visitors to sample several wines made by the prestigious Bertani family. The tour escorts you through the 18th-century Venetian villa, its English-style gardens, and the famous Amarone wine cellars, where you’ll learn about the appassimento technique.

While the villa’s stunning grounds and historic architecture are part of the experience, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation and midday meal. This tour offers an immersive exploration of Valpolicella’s winemaking legacy.

Meeting Point and Directions

The Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani winery and wine shop, located at Località Novare 4 in Arbizzano-Santa Maria, Verona, serves as the meeting point for this guided tour. It’s situated a brief 15-minute drive from the center of Verona, accessible by car, taxi, or limousine service.

Meeting Point	Location
Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani	Località Novare 4, Arbizzano-Santa Maria, Verona, Italy
Distance from Verona City Center	15 minutes by car, taxi, or limousine service

Whether you’re exploring the estate’s 18th-century villa and English-style gardens or enjoying the world of Amarone wine, the convenient location makes it easy to start your journey into the Valpolicella region.

Additional Tour Information

Along With the guided tour and wine tasting, there are a few important details to be aware of for this experience. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and while the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, those with disabilities are welcome though not all areas may be accessible.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, and the tour may be conducted in multiple languages with other guests present. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation, though transportation to the villa itself isn’t included.

The tour includes:

1. A visit to the 18th-century Venetian villa and English-style gardens.
2. A tour of the famous Amarone wine cellars, home of the appassimento technique.
3. A wine tasting to sample several wines made by the Bertani Family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Beverages?

Guests are not allowed to bring their own snacks or beverages on the tour. The experience includes a wine tasting, but any additional food or drinks must be purchased from the winery’s facilities.

Is the Tour Conducted in Multiple Languages?

The tour is conducted in multiple languages. According to the information provided, the tour "may be operated by a multi-lingual guide and with other guests," indicating it’s not limited to a single language.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. The tour involves walking through the estate, so dressing for the weather and terrain is recommended.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the guided tour, except in certain restricted areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide about any photography guidelines before the tour begins.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the winery may have special deals or promotions available, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on pricing and any applicable discounts.

Recap

The Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Tasting in Valpolicella offers a unique experience to discover the fascinating history and traditions behind the production of Amarone wine.

Visitors can explore the Tenuta Santa Maria estate, tour the Venetian villa and wine cellars, and savor a selection of the Bertani family’s exquisite wines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and passion that goes into crafting these exceptional vintages.