Guided tour and tasting with platter.

Discover Veneto’s Heritage with a Guided Wine Tour and Tasting

If you’re seeking a taste of authentic Venetian wine culture, this guided tour and tasting experience in Veneto offers a compelling blend of history, tradition, and flavors. Hosted by Corte Badin, a family winery with roots stretching back to 1931, this tour promises a glimpse into over 90 years of winemaking on the same land—something that adds a special layer of authenticity and pride.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines a personal, family-run atmosphere with stunning scenery in the Valpolicella Classica region. It’s a taste of Italy that feels genuine and intimate, away from the crowded tourist spots. The opportunity to sample a rare Amarone salami—a limited-production delicacy—adds an extra touch of exclusivity. One thing to keep in mind: the tour lasts only 2 hours, so it’s a quick but enriching peek into Veneto’s wine traditions. This experience is ideal for wine lovers, curious travelers eager to learn about Italy’s celebrated wines, and those who enjoy small-group, authentic visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Family Winery: Operated by four generations since 1931, offering genuine insights into Veneto’s winemaking traditions.
• Exclusive Tasting: Sample four wines, including Valpolicella Superiore, Ripasso, and two IGTs, paired with local cold cuts and cheeses.
• Unique Delicacy: Opportunity to taste a limited-production Amarone salami, a rare treat for enthusiasts.
• Scenic Setting: Located in the Valpolicella Classica, a UNESCO-worthy area famous for Amarone, with vineyards and olive trees on a south-facing hill.
• Educational Tour: Learn about the history of the estate, the land, and the winemaking process from knowledgeable guides.
• Accessibility & Flexibility: Wheelchair accessible, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a flexible reservation policy.

Exploring the Veneto Wine Experience: A Detailed Review

The Location and Its Significance

The tour takes place at Corte Badin, situated in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica. This small, historic zone is the only designated area north of Verona where Amarone, Recioto, and Valpolicella wines have been produced since before 1968, when the DOC and DOCG zones expanded. The estate’s elevated position on a south-facing hill provides not only excellent sun exposure for the vines but also stunning views that make the visit memorable.

The estate covers about 8 hectares, mainly dedicated to vineyards, along with olive and cherry trees. The land has been cultivated since the late 1700s by the Bonazzi family, who have passed down their knowledge through four generations. This deep-rooted history is palpable in the atmosphere, making it more than just a tasting; it’s a lesson in tradition.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at parking Villa Badin, where you’ll meet your guide—likely bilingual in Italian, English, and Russian. The guide will lead you through the winery and vineyards, explaining the land’s unique qualities and the family’s approach to sustainable viticulture. You’ll learn about the specific grapes used and how the climate and soil influence the character of the wines.

The winery tour itself is quite comprehensive considering the brief two hours. You’ll see the wine production facilities—maybe the barrels, fermentation tanks, and aging rooms—and gain insight into traditional methods that have persisted for generations. The tour isn’t overly technical but offers enough detail for wine novices and enthusiasts alike.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Highlight: Tasting and Local Platter

After the tour, the real pleasure begins. You’ll sit down to taste four distinct wines:

• Valpolicella Superiore: A lively, fresh red with bright fruit notes, perfect for an everyday drink.
• Valpolicella Ripasso: A richer, more complex red with hints of dark berries and spices.
• Camponi IGT: An interesting IGT wine, likely with a distinctive character reflecting the estate’s style.
• Beso IGT: Another IGT wine, potentially offering a different grape blend or aging process.

Each wine is served with a platter of cold cuts and cheeses, showcasing local flavors. The pairing emphasizes how Veneto’s foods and wines complement each other beautifully, adding depth to the tasting experience.

A unique feature is the Amarone salami, a limited-production delicacy with a rich, intense flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. Several reviewers have praised this exclusive tasting, calling it “a real treat” and “a rare opportunity to taste something special.”

The Experience: Atmosphere and Personal Touches

What makes this tour stand out is its family-run charm. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share stories about the land, the family’s history, and their wine-making philosophies. The setting—surrounded by vineyards and olive groves—adds a serene, authentic touch.

Reviewers have mentioned that “the guides made it feel like visiting friends,” and that the views from the estate are a highlight. The limited group size ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and absorb the story behind each wine.

Practical Considerations: Value and Logistics

The cost of the tour appears reasonable considering the quality of the wines and the exclusive tasting of the salami. It’s a worthwhile investment for those interested in understanding Italy’s wine-making landscape beyond just drinking.

Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable experience for most travelers, especially those with tight schedules.

Accessibility and Limitations

While the tour is wheelchair accessible, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility issues. This is primarily due to the nature of the winery environment and the tasting setup. Still, the inclusion of multiple languages—Italian, English, and Russian—ensures most visitors will feel comfortable.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn about the production of Valpolicella and Amarone, as well as travelers who appreciate history and tradition. It’s perfect for those looking for an educational, authentic experience in a scenic setting. If you enjoy pairing wines with local foods, the platter adds a nice touch of local flavor.

Final Thoughts: The Value of a Small-Scale, Family-Run Winery Tour

This guided tour and tasting in Veneto offers a rare glimpse into a family’s long-standing commitment to quality and tradition. The scenic vineyard setting, paired with personalized stories and exclusive tastings, creates an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.

While it’s a quick tour, the depth of knowledge shared and the quality of the wines make it well worth your time. The chance to taste a limited-production Amarone salami adds an extra layer of exclusivity and delight.

This experience is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate authentic, family-run establishments and are curious about the heritage behind Italy’s iconic wines. It’s also a great choice for small groups seeking a personal connection and a relaxed pace.

If you’re in the Veneto region and want a genuine taste of local wine culture, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and palate alike.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Not quite—it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility issues, mainly due to the environment and tasting setup.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2 hours, including the winery visit and tasting, making it ideal for a half-day activity.

Are the guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Italian, English, and Russian, ensuring clear communication for most visitors.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm in advance if you have specific mobility needs.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste four wines—Valpolicella Superiore, Ripasso, Camponi IGT, and Beso IGT—paired with a platter of local cold cuts and cheeses, plus a rare Amarone salami.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is at the parking villa Badin, and the tour concludes back there, making logistics simple.

How is the value for the price?
Considering the quality of wines, the exclusive salami, and the scenic setting, this tour offers excellent value for wine lovers and those interested in Veneto’s wine traditions.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, and you can reserve now without paying upfront, thanks to the flexible policy.

This guided tour of Veneto’s celebrated winery balances education, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about Italy’s storied wine-making, it’s a memorable way to connect with the region’s heritage—without the crowds and high costs of larger tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: