The history of Amarone: tour and vertical tasting of 3 decades

Discover the Evolution of Amarone: A Winery Tour and Vertical Tasting at Cantine Lenotti

When it comes to Italian wines, few are as captivating and storied as Amarone della Valpolicella. For those curious about this iconic red wine’s journey through time, the “Vertical of Amarone – 3 Decades” tour at Cantine Lenotti offers an exceptional opportunity. While we haven’t personally traversed every step of this experience, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews paint a picture of a thoughtfully curated, authentic immersion into one of Italy’s most celebrated wines.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines both education and sensory delight. First, the comprehensive tour of the winery reveals the meticulous processes behind Amarone’s production—from vineyard to bottle. Second, the vertical tasting across three vintages (1998, 2008, 2018) offers an extraordinary glimpse into how climate, aging, and winemaking styles influence the final product.

A potential consideration for travelers is the cost—at nearly $900 for a group of six—though this price reflects the exclusivity and depth of the experience. It’s best suited for serious wine enthusiasts or those eager to deepen their understanding of Amarone’s longevity and complexity. If you’re looking for a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at a historic winery with the chance to taste rare vintages, this tour should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• In-Depth Experience: A comprehensive look at Amarone’s production process combined with a tasting of three decades of vintages.
• Authentic Setting: An intimate, family-run winery in Verona, close to Lake Garda, offering a genuine Italian wine experience.
• Unique Tasting: Tasting older vintages like 1998 and 2008 alongside a 2018, plus a barrel sample of a still-young Amarone, provides insight into aging potential.
• Educational Tour: Learn about the stages from vineyard to bottle, including visits to the vineyard, fermentation cellar, and underground barrel rooms.
• Value for Enthusiasts: A private, guided experience with a knowledgeable team, perfect for serious wine lovers.
• Limited Group Size: Only your group participates, enhancing the personalized feel and expert attention.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The tour begins at the Lenotti Cellars, located in Bardolino, not far from Lake Garda, making it a convenient stop if you’re exploring northern Italy. Starting at 3:00 pm, the experience is designed to last about two hours, during which you’ll cover the entire winemaking journey with a focus on Amarone.

The Vineyard: Vigneto Santa Cristina

We loved the way the tour kicks off in the vineyard itself. Behind the winery, the Vigneto Santa Cristina is one of the few vineyards near Lake Garda, offering a picturesque setting with its proximity to the lake. Walking among the grapevines gives a tangible sense of where those precious bunches start their journey, and it’s quite surprising how such a small patch of land can produce such bold wines.

The Winery Tour: From Grape to Bottle

Moving from the vineyard, the guide takes you through the reception area of grapes, where the harvest is processed. This part of the tour highlights the care taken in selecting the best grapes for Amarone, which is crucial given that this wine relies heavily on the quality of the dried grapes.

Next, you’ll explore the fermentation cellar—a space filled with the aroma of fermenting grape must and the hum of aging tanks. It’s here that the magic of turning grapes into wine happens, and the guide’s explanations make it clear why temperature control and timing are vital.

The underground barrel cellar is often the highlight, with its cool, dim atmosphere, and rows of aging barrels. Here, you’ll understand the aging process that defines Amarone, which can mature for decades. We appreciated the way the guide described how climate, land, and craftsmanship influence the wine’s evolution over time.

Bottling and Packaging: The Final Touches

The tour then moves to the bottling room and warehouses, where each bottle is carefully packaged and labeled—an unassuming step that, in fact, ties the whole story together. It’s fascinating to see how much attention goes into every bottle, emphasizing that winemaking is as much about precision as it is about passion.

The Vertical Tasting: A Journey Through Time

The moment many look forward to arrives at the barrique, where the guide will present a tasting of three vintage Amarones: 1998, 2008, and 2018. Each vintage exemplifies different characteristics shaped by their respective climates and aging periods.

• 1998: A warm and mature vintage, offering soft tannins and a harmonious structure. Expect flavors that have mellowed with age, with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
• 2008: Known for its freshness and complexity, this vintage features lively acidity and bright red fruit notes. It’s a great example of a balanced and lively Amarone, still with many years ahead.
• 2018: An elegant and youthful vintage, showcasing finesse and a promising future. Expect aromatic complexity and a long, lingering finish.

To add a layer of knowing and appreciation, a young Amarone straight from the barrique is also poured for tasting. This gives you a sense of what the wine will become with aging—a rare opportunity to compare the current state of the wine with its long-term potential.

Accompanying the wines is a platter of local cold cuts, cheeses, and other regional products, giving you a taste of Verona’s culinary traditions alongside the wines.

What Reviewers Say

One enthusiastic Tripadvisor reviewer called it “a simply wonderful and unforgettable experience,” praising the staff’s kindness and the tasting as “an immersion in another world.” They emphasized that such moments are “not to be missed,” which speaks to the emotional and memorable quality of this tour. The fact that it’s a private experience only enhances its personalized nature.

Another aspect that reviewers consistently highlight is the knowledgeable guides who take the time to explain each step of the process in accessible detail, making a complex subject like winemaking understandable and engaging.

Pricing and Value

At around $894.38 for up to six people, this tour is definitely on the premium side. However, considering the depth of the experience—including the private tour, the exclusive tasting of three vintages plus a young barrel sample, and the educational component—it’s a worthwhile investment for wine lovers eager to learn and taste in a relaxed, authentic setting.

Compared to the cost of visiting multiple wineries or purchasing rare vintages on your own, this experience offers a concentrated dose of knowledge, history, and sensory pleasure—all in just two hours. It’s especially valuable for those who want to deepen their appreciation for Amarone’s aging potential and craftsmanship.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for serious wine enthusiasts or anyone with a keen interest in Italian wines and their histories. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just a tasting; they seek context, craftsmanship, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of Italy’s most distinguished wines.

Those who enjoy intimate, guided experiences will appreciate the private nature of this tour. If you’re traveling with a group of up to six, this is a fantastic way to share a memorable, educational moment. However, those on a tighter schedule or with a limited budget might prefer quicker or more casual tastings.

The Sum Up

The “Vertical of Amarone – 3 Decades” tour at Cantine Lenotti offers a rare glimpse into the aging potential and consistent quality of Amarone della Valpolicella. It balances a thorough behind-the-scenes look at winemaking with the sensory pleasure of tasting vintage wines, making it a compelling choice for lovers of Italian wine.

The attention to detail in the vineyard, cellar, and bottling stages underscores the care that goes into each bottle. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of Amarone’s history, how climate and land influence its character, and what makes this wine so special.

While the price is on the higher end, the personalized, authentic experience makes it a worthwhile investment for those eager to truly grasp what sets Amarone apart. If you’re in Verona and want an engaging, educational, and memorable wine experience, this tour is an excellent choice.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering the vineyard, production process, and tasting.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste three vintages of Amarone—1998, 2008, and 2018—and a young Amarone straight from the barrique, all accompanied by regional cold cuts, cheeses, and local products.

Is this a private or group experience?
This is a private tour, only your group will participate, which allows for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What is the group size?
The price covers up to 6 people, making it intimate and ideal for small groups or families.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
The experience begins at Lenotti Cellars in Bardolino, with the same location serving as the endpoint.

This tour combines education, authentic Italian ambiance, and exceptional tasting opportunities. It’s perfect for travelers who want to understand and savor the nuances that make Amarone a treasure of Italian winemaking.