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

If you’re dreaming of a day spent sipping world-class Amarone amidst stunning vineyard views, our review of this comprehensive Valpolicella wine tour might just help you decide. Designed for lovers of authentic Italian wine experiences, this tour offers an engaging look into the region’s winemaking traditions, paired with delicious food and personal touches from local producers.

What we particularly love about this tour is its focus on small, personal wineries, which means you’ll meet the families behind the labels, not just the labels themselves. Plus, the variety of vintages and limited-edition wines gives wine enthusiasts plenty to savor. The only caveat is that, with so much on offer, the pace may feel a little quick if you’re a slow sipper or prefer more leisurely visits.

This tour suits those eager to deepen their understanding of Amarone and Valpolicella’s indigenous grape varieties, especially if you’re looking for an authentic, culturally rich experience, rather than a commercialized tasting.

Key Points

• Authentic Visits: Meet family-owned wineries for a personal touch.
• Amarone Focus: Tasting multiple vintages, including rare RISERVA and limited editions.
• Culinary Pairings: Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch paired with local wines.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Savor a tasting of high-quality, artisanal oil.
• Vineyard Walks: Learn about indigenous grapes and vineyard practices.
• Door-to-Door Service: Convenient pick-up, private transport, and drop-off.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts who share winemaking secrets.
• Flexible Options: Vegetarian and gluten-free choices available on request.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail: From Start to Finish

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at Piazza Bra in Verona, a lively hub filled with cafes and historic sights. From here, you’ll hop into a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a certified local driver fluent in English, German, Italian, or Spanish. The drive to Valpolicella takes about 20 minutes—short enough to get excited, but long enough to settle into the scenic beauty of the region.

Having a private transport service means your day stays flexible and comfortable. It also allows the guide to focus entirely on your group, creating a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours.

First Stop: The Vineyards and Panoramic Views

Your first stop might include a quick photo opportunity at a scenic overlook in St. Ambrogio, just outside Verona. This is where you can get your camera ready for sweeping views of the Valpolicella hills, setting the mood for the day ahead.

Wineries Visit 1: Personal and Authentic

The first winery is often described as a small, ecological operation, where you’ll be greeted by the owners and have the chance to walk through the vineyards. One review emphasizes the friendliness and explanatory nature of the hosts, who show how Valpolicella’s signature wines are made, from grape to glass.

Here, you’ll sample a variety of red wines, with extended tastings that allow you to appreciate subtle differences. The focus on Amarone means you’ll taste multiple vintages, including Riserva versions, which are aged longer and generally more complex.

The tasting experience isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding the winemaking process and the indigenous grape varieties. One guest appreciated the detailed explanations, stating, “we learned a lot more about how they do it,” which really enhances the appreciation for the wines.

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Italian Light Lunch in the Cellars

Next, you’ll enjoy a delicious Italian light lunch inside the winery’s cellars. Think of it as a thoughtfully curated spread of appetizers, bruschettas, a main course, and sweets, all served in a cozy, historic setting. The pairing of local wines with each course is a highlight, making the meal more than just fuel but a true part of the experience.

According to reviews, the charcuterie boards and wine pairings are plentiful and of high quality, adding value to the overall experience.

Wineries Visit 2: Vineyard Walk and Tasting

The second winery offers a more hands-on experience. You’ll take a walk through the vineyards, learning about indigenous grape varieties that are unique to Valpolicella. This walk is a chance to see how terrain and climate influence the taste and style of the wines.

Back inside, you’ll sample more wines, including limited-edition IGTs, offering a glimpse into the region’s innovation and variety. The hosts are described as very friendly, eager to share their passion and answer questions.

One reviewer mentions the extra virgin olive oil tasting as a generous bonus, which pairs beautifully with the wines and adds a culinary dimension to the day.

The Grand Tasting: Amarone and Beyond

The star of the tour is the comprehensive tasting of Amarone wines—from younger vintages to the aged Riserva. The tasting sessions are often described as extended and insightful, giving you the chance to appreciate the nuances of each vintage.

The wine tastings are complemented by chocolate and Amarone pairing, an indulgence that highlights how flavors can beautifully contrast and complement each other.

End of Day and Return to Verona

The tour concludes back at Piazza Bra around 5 hours after departure, feeling like the perfect length to enjoy a full day without exhaustion. The private transport ensures you arrive comfortably, perhaps even with a little souvenir or bottle of wine shipped directly to your door if you opt for the shipping service.

One consistent praise from reviews is the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, who make complex winemaking techniques accessible and engaging. Guests mention guides like Jacobo and Sara as warm, enthusiastic, and well-informed, which makes all the difference in such intimate experiences.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

Considering the all-inclusive nature—visits to two outstanding wineries, multiple tastings, a gourmet lunch, olive oil tasting, and door-to-door transportation—the value is clear. You’re paying for a curated experience with local hosts, avoiding the hassle of organizing individual visits and transportation.

Compared to larger, less personal tours, this one emphasizes authenticity and quality interaction, which many guests find priceless. Reviews highlight the generous tastings and the personal attention as particularly valuable features.

Who Will Love This Tour?

• Wine enthusiasts eager to explore Amarone and Valpolicella’s indigenous grapes.
• Travelers who prefer small, intimate winery visits over commercial tours.
• Those interested in learning about winemaking techniques in a relaxed, friendly setting.
• Food lovers wanting a well-paired Italian lunch with regional wines.
• Visitors seeking convenience and comfort with door-to-door service.
• Anyone with dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free options available).

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting from Verona’s Piazza Bra and returning there by the end.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a certified local driver—no need to worry about driving or parking.

Are vegetarian and gluten-free options available?
Yes, these options can be requested in advance, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs are met.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
While the tour includes tastings, they also offer a shipping wine service, allowing you to purchase bottles and have them shipped directly to your home worldwide.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
The experience is primarily wine-focused, but non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery, lunch, and olive oil tastings. It’s best suited for adults.

Do I need to know anything about wine beforehand?
Not at all. Guides are friendly and eager to explain, whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur.

What is the maximum group size?
Since it’s a private transport service with a focus on personal interaction, group sizes are typically small, guaranteeing an intimate atmosphere.

How do I book?
You can reserve online, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Grand Tour of Amarone offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Valpolicella’s wine culture. It combines personal encounters with passionate producers, a variety of exemplary wines, and a delicious Italian lunch — all within a manageable 5-hour window. The focus on small wineries means you’ll likely get a more personal, memorable experience than larger tours.

For those who appreciate quality over quantity and want to understand the art of Amarone wine-making directly from the people who craft it, this tour is a solid choice. If you’re traveling to Verona and want a blend of learning, tasting, and scenic views, this experience will likely meet and even exceed your expectations.

Overall, it’s a rewarding way to deepen your appreciation for one of Italy’s most iconic wine regions, especially if you value authenticity, expert hosts, and regional specialties.

Note: Always check availability and specifics when booking, as seasonal variations or winery schedules can influence the exact experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: