Valeggio, a picturesque town in Northern Italy, is home to a winery that’s mastered the art of oak aging. Visitors can embark on a guided tour that unveils the secrets behind the region’s premium wines. From exploring the enchanting 18th-century cellar to savoring a curated tasting experience, this journey promises to immerse guests in the essence of oak and its profound influence on the flavors of Custoza Superiore DOC and Bardolino Superiore DOCG. The intriguing details of this winemaking process just might pique your curiosity.
Key Points
Key points:
- Visitors discover the winery’s 18th-century barrique cellar, where oak barrels contribute to the development of complex wine flavors.
- The tour includes insights into the winemaking process, from fermentation to blending, with a focus on the impact of oak aging.
- Guests explore a hidden 18th-century cellar within the estate, offering a rare glimpse into the winery’s secrets.
- The winery’s expertise in sparkling wine production is showcased through a visit to the champagne house and a tasting of their own champagne.
- The wine tasting experience features three premium wines, accompanied by a platter of cured meats and cheeses, providing an educational and personalized guided session.
Exploring the Vineyards
The tour begins with a stroll through the picturesque vineyards of Valeggio.
Visitors marvel at the lush, rolling hills blanketed in verdant vines. The winery owners provide insights into the grape varietals and sustainable farming practices.
Guests learn how the terroir – the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography – imparts distinctive flavors to the wines. As they wander the rows, the scent of ripening grapes fills the air.
The tranquil ambiance and breathtaking views set the stage for an immersive wine experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Fornello.
Unveiling the Winery
As visitors move from the vineyards, they find themselves immersed in the winery’s inner sanctum.
The owners proudly guide them through the 18th-century barrique cellar, where oak barrels line the walls, their contents quietly maturing. Guests learn about the winemaking process, from fermentation to blending, as they witness the meticulous attention to detail.
The tasting room, with its cozy ambiance, sets the stage for sampling the winery’s finest offerings – a Custoza Superiore DOC, a Bardolino Superiore DOCG, and the robust IL DAVID Rosso Verona IGT.
In the cozy tasting room, visitors sample the winery’s finest – Custoza Superiore DOC, Bardolino Superiore DOCG, and robust IL DAVID Rosso Verona IGT.
Throughout the experience, the owners’ passion for their craft shines through, offering visitors a truly authentic glimpse into the world of Valeggio’s winemaking.
The Secret Stop
Leaving the winery’s inner sanctum behind, guests embark on a mysterious journey to a secret location within the estate.
Through winding paths, they discover a hidden 18th-century barrique cellar, where the oaky essence of the wines is nurtured.
Rows of aging barrels line the dimly lit room, casting an aura of history and tradition.
The guide shares insights into the cellar’s role in developing the complex flavors, allowing guests to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle.
This exclusive access offers a rare glimpse into the secrets behind the winery’s acclaimed wines.
Champagne Delight
Next, guests reach a delightful stop at the winery’s champagne house. Here, they’ll discover the intricate process of producing the region’s renowned sparkling wine.
The guide shares insights into the traditional méthode champenoise, complete with a tasting of the winery’s own champagne. Guests sip the effervescent elixir, savoring its complex flavors and crisp finish.
The champagne house itself is a charming 18th-century structure, adding to the experience. This segment offers a captivating glimpse into the winery’s expertise, leaving guests eager to explore the final stop on their vinous journey.
More Great Tours NearbyWine Tasting Experience
Where next? Onto the wine tasting, of course!
Guests will spend 80 minutes savoring three premium wines at the estate’s main stop. They’ll taste the Custoza Superiore DOC, Bardolino Superiore DOCG, and IL DAVID Rosso Verona IGT, all produced on-site.
The tasting is accompanied by a platter of cured meats and cheeses, along with water and bread. It’s a chance to explore the nuances of the wines, learning about the oak-aging process that lends them their unique character.
With the winery owners as guides, guests can expect a personalized, educational experience in a relaxing atmosphere.
Cellar of Aged Delights
After the exhilarating wine tasting, guests are invited to venture into the estate’s 18th-century barrique cellar, a hidden gem that holds the secrets of the oak-aged delights.
Here, rows of French and American oak barrels line the walls, imparting their nuanced flavors to the maturing wines.
Visitors can marvel at the intricate interactions between the wood, air, and liquid, observing how time and craftsmanship transform the wines into complex, aromatic expressions.
Visitors can marvel at the intricate interplay of wood, air, and liquid, observing how time and skill craft wines into complex, aromatic expressions.
The serene atmosphere and the chance to connect with the winemaking process make this cellar visit a truly immersive and memorable experience.
Accommodating Dietary Needs
The winery takes great care to accommodate guests with diverse dietary needs.
Visitors with gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegetarian requirements can enjoy the tasting experience. The tour includes a platter of cured meats and cheeses, as well as water and bread.
For those who can’t have certain items, the winery offers alternatives like gluten-free bread.
Practicalities and Additional Options
To facilitate a smooth and seamless experience, the winery provides ample parking next to the vineyards at the end of the property. The meeting point is near a small statue of Our Lady on a yellow wall in the Fornello hamlet. While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, children under 18, or vegans, the winery gladly accommodates other dietary needs. Guests can also opt for extra wine tastings, charcuterie, cheese boards, gluten-free bread, and private transportation, as well as request a German-speaking guide.
| Additional Options | Price |
| — | — |
| Extra Wine Tastings | Varies |
| Charcuterie | Varies |
| Cheese Board | Varies |
| Gluten-Free Bread | Varies |
| Private Transportation | Varies |
| German-Speaking Guide | Varies |
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour does not allow guests to bring their own food or drinks. The tour includes a tasting of 3 wines, a platter of cured meats and cheeses, as well as water and bread.
Do You Offer Discounts for Larger Groups?
Yes, the winery offers group discounts. For groups of 4 or more, there’s a 10% discount on the per-person tour price. Contact the winery directly to inquire about availability and to book your group tour.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing as the tour involves walking through the vineyard and winery. Casual attire is recommended to fully enjoy the relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
Can I Purchase Wines or Other Products Directly From the Winery?
Yes, visitors can purchase wines and other products directly from the winery after the tour. The tour includes a tasting of 3 wines, and additional bottles or items can be purchased on-site.
Are There Any Photography or Videography Restrictions During the Tour?
The guided tour allows visitors to take photos and videos throughout the experience, except in the barrel cellar for safety reasons. Guests are encouraged to capture memories of their winery visit.
Final Words
Set out on a captivating journey through Valeggio’s winemaking heritage. Discover the art of oak aging, savoring premium wines paired with delectable local delicacies. This enriching experience showcases the region’s terroir and the winemaker’s dedication, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind each bottle.
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