Valpolicella: Lunch or Dinner tasting with Amarone

If you’re heading to Veneto and want to truly understand the soul of Valpolicella wine, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss. Buglioni’s guided tour, combined with a 5-course meal paired with five distinctive wines, offers a deep dive into one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. The whole experience lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a well-paced, immersive journey that combines education, tasting, and authentic local flavors.

What I love about this experience is how it balances the technical side of wine production with the simple pleasure of eating well. First, the tour takes place outdoors among the vineyards, giving you a chance to breathe in the atmosphere where these grapes grow — a real treat for those who appreciate terroir. Second, the pairing of wines with seasonally inspired courses makes each sip even more memorable.

One potential consideration is that the tour is shared, which means you might be rubbing elbows with other wine lovers. While this can enhance the conviviality, it’s worth knowing if you prefer more private or intimate tastings. Also, the experience is primarily geared towards adults, especially since children under 18 are free but will have to pay for any extra food or drink.

This experience strikes a fine balance of education and enjoyment, making it ideal for curious travelers eager to taste the real Valpolicella and learn about the region’s famous wines like Amarone and Recioto.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Vineyard Setting: The experience begins outdoors among organic vineyards, which is a genuine way to connect with the place where the grapes are nurtured.
• In-Depth Cellar Tour: You’ll visit both the cellar and drying loft, gaining insight into traditional wine-making methods, especially the drying process for Amarone.
• Expert Guide: Fabio, the guide, is praised for his professionalism and friendliness, which enhances the experience and makes complex topics accessible.
• Food & Wine Harmony: The 5-course menu is seasonally curated and thoughtfully paired with five wines, including Ripasso, Amarone, and Recioto della Valpolicella.
• Bonus Voucher: A complementary glass of wine at Piscaria, Verona’s seafood Osteria, offers a fun way to extend your wine journey with an unusual pairing of fish and red wine.
• Flexible Booking & Accessibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve without immediate payment, making it suitable for flexible plans.

What to Expect from the Experience

Starting Outdoors among the Vineyards:
You’ll gather at Cantina Buglioni in Corrubio di Negarine, surrounded by organic vineyards that serve as the foundation of their wines. The open-air setting immediately immerses you in the landscape, giving you a sense of the climate and soil that influence the wines. This part of the experience is perfect for those who appreciate a scenic, relaxed start and want to understand the terroir behind Valpolicella wines.

Cellar and Drying Loft Tour:
Following the vineyard visit, you’ll step into the cellar, where the magic of wine aging happens. The highlight here is the drying loft, where grapes like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta are hung for months to dry before becoming Amarone. Watching the drying process and hearing about traditional techniques from Fabio makes this part both educational and visually striking. It’s a reminder that good wine depends as much on patience and craftsmanship as on the grapes themselves.

The Tasting Menu in Locanda Buglioni:
Back inside the cozy, rustic wine restaurant, your guide Fabio will walk you through each of the 5 wines paired with seasonally appropriate courses. Expect to taste Il Disperato, a crisp Bianco Trevenezie IGT, alongside a delicate seafood dish; then move through Molì, a sparkling wine made via the Classic Method with Zero Dosage, paired with a light appetizer. The main event is Il Bugiardo, a Ripasso, which brings richness and depth, and Il Lussurioso, an Amarone offering a rich, full-bodied experience. Finally, Il Narcisista — a Recioto della Valpolicella — caps off the tasting with a sweet, aromatic finish. The wines aren’t just poured; they’re explained, making this a true lesson in how each wine reflects the region’s heritage.

The Value of the Experience:
For around $107, you’re getting a comprehensive tour, tastings, and a quality meal, which is rare in this part of Italy. The inclusion of a wine voucher for Verona’s Piscaria Osteria adds flexibility, allowing you to continue your exploration of local wines and dishes afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?
It’s perfect for curious travelers who want more than just a tasting — those interested in the traditional methods, the connection between vineyard and glass, and the culinary culture of Valpolicella. It’s also ideal if you appreciate a more relaxed pace and like to learn from passionate guides like Fabio, whose friendly demeanor makes complex topics approachable.

Visiting the Vineyard: Why It Matters

The outdoor start among the vineyards is more than just scenic; it’s informative. You’ll learn about organic farming practices and see how the landscape influences the grapes. This tangible connection to the land makes the tasting more meaningful, especially for those who want to understand why Valpolicella wines are so distinctive.

The visit to the drying loft is particularly valuable because it’s a rare chance to see how Amarone gets its characteristic richness. Watching grapes hang for months, and hearing about the drying process, reminds you that Italy’s wine traditions are rooted in patience and craftsmanship. It’s a lesson that elevates your appreciation beyond just drinking wine.

The Tasting & Food Pairings: A Lesson in Balance

The five wines are carefully chosen to show different facets of Valpolicella: from a crisp white to a sparkling, dry Ripasso, to the powerful Amarone, finishing with a sweet Recioto. Each wine is paired with dishes that highlight its strengths and bring out nuanced flavors.

Fabio’s explanations add real value — he’s described as both professional and friendly, making the tasting feel personal. Luca’s review notes that “the activity was wonderful, also improved by the professionalism, competence and friendliness of Fabio,” which echoes the overall positive vibe.

You’ll learn not only about the wines but also how they complement local dishes, which enhances your understanding of regional cuisine.

Price & Value Analysis

At $107.62 per person, this experience provides excellent value considering the guided tour, vineyard visit, cellar exploration, five wines, and a multi-course meal. You’re paying for an in-depth look at the region’s winemaking techniques, plus the chance to taste some of Italy’s most renowned wines.

The inclusion of a voucher for a glass of wine at Piscaria in Verona adds an extra layer of value, extending your wine journey without additional expense. Plus, the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance without penalty makes it an accessible option for spontaneous travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits those interested in wine education, local cuisine, and authentic vineyard visits. It’s especially great for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, informative atmosphere and want to meet a passionate guide. It’s less suitable for children under 18, although they’re welcome to join free of charge — they just won’t be tasting wine.

If you’re looking for a quick, superficial tasting, this might be too detailed. But if you want to truly understand what makes Valpolicella wines special, then this tour offers an immersive, enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

This Valpolicella wine tasting with Buglioni offers a genuine taste of Italy’s wine-making culture, paired with captivating scenery and expert guidance. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances education and pleasure, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and curious travelers alike.

The outdoor vineyard start, the detailed cellar visit, and the thoughtful wine-food pairing make this a memorable, valuable experience. The professionalism of guides like Fabio ensures that you walk away not just with a fuller glass but with a deeper understanding of one of Italy’s most treasured wine regions.

If you’re looking to connect with the land, the tradition, and the flavors of Valpolicella, this tour provides a warm, welcoming introduction — all for a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the experience start and end?
It begins at Cantina Buglioni in Corrubio di Negarine and finishes back there, making it easy to find and convenient for local travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Children under 18 can join for free, but they must pay for any additional food or drinks. The focus is on adult wine tasting.

How long does the experience last?
The entire activity lasts approximately 3.5 hours, which includes the vineyard tour, cellar visit, and tasting with a meal.

Are the tasting glasses included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy five different wines in tasting glasses, each paired with a course designed to enhance their flavors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it available for a broader range of travelers.

What wines will I taste?
Expect to taste Il Disperato (white), Molì (sparkling), Il Bugiardo (Ripasso), Il Lussurioso (Amarone), and Il Narcisista (Recioto).

Is the menu fixed or seasonal?
The 5-course menu depends on seasonality, ensuring fresh ingredients and regional specialties.

Do guides speak languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English, but accessibility for other languages isn’t specified.

Can I extend my wine experience after the tour?
Yes, the voucher for a glass at Piscaria allows you to continue exploring Verona’s wine and food scene at your leisure.

This tour of Valpolicella with Buglioni provides a well-rounded, authentic experience that’s as educational as it is enjoyable. For anyone eager to understand what makes Valpolicella wines unique while savoring delicious local dishes, it’s a rewarding way to spend an afternoon or evening.