Imagine walking into a historic winery in the heart of Veneto, where you’re greeted by the aroma of aging wines and the promise of a memorable tasting experience. That’s exactly what you get with the Valpolicella: Discovering Amarone Capitel della Crosara tour. This is an opportunity for wine lovers to get a close look at the iconic Amarone, with a focus on four vintages from the last 20 years, and to understand what makes this wine so special.
We’re impressed by how this tour combines the storytelling of winemaking with tasting some excellent vintages, all set in a charming part of Italy. The guided visit to the cellar and wine museum offers a tangible connection to the tradition behind the wines. Plus, the pairing of wines with local meats and cheeses makes for a satisfying experience.
One thing to consider: the tour lasts about 1.5 hours, so if you’re looking for an in-depth, leisurely experience, this might feel a bit quick. Also, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of authentic Italian winemaking without the fuss—perfect for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone eager to learn more about Amarone.
Key Points
- Authentic Experience: Visits to the cellar, wine museum, and a tasting of four Amarone vintages.
- Educational & Enjoyable: Insightful narration about winemaking and season influences.
- Tasty Pairings: Local meats, cheeses, and typical products enhance tasting.
- Value for Price: At $79.30, the experience includes guided tours, tastings, snacks, and museum entry.
- Accessibility: Suitable for most travelers, with wheelchair access and flexible cancellation.
- Limited Duration: It’s a brief but rich 1.5-hour experience—great for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
An Introduction to Amarone and Its Charm
Amarone is not your everyday red wine. Its deep, complex character comes from a special process where grapes are dried to concentrate their sugars before fermentation. The result? An intensely flavorful, velvety wine that often comes with a higher price tag, but also a unique story. On this tour, you’ll learn what makes Amarone so unmistakable—a perfect blend of tradition, climate, and grape drying techniques—by walking through a winery that’s proud of its heritage.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Valpolicella.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Entry and Guided Cellar Tour
Your experience begins with entry into the winery, where the guide—often a knowledgeable host—takes you on a journey through the cellars. You’ll pass through areas from the pressing and fermentation plant to the ancient grape drying room, and then into the underground aging cellars. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the meticulous care and historical techniques that give Amarone its signature quality.
Travelers have shared positive impressions about the guide’s expertise—like Edward noted, “Sylvia was an excellent guide and host,” making the tour engaging and informative. The visit offers a tangible sense of the winemaking process and helps you appreciate the time and effort behind each bottle.
The Wine Museum
The wine museum adds an educational element, allowing you to see historic bottles, barrels, and winemaking tools. This part of the experience enriches your understanding of Valpolicella’s wine traditions and the evolution of the craft over the years. Hans found this museum “educational,” especially when pondering the historical stock of bottles and barrels.
More Great Tours NearbyTasting Four Vintages of Amarone
The highlight is undoubtedly the wine tasting, where you’ll sample four different Amarone Classico DOCG vintages from 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2015. By tasting these side by side, you’ll see how seasonal variations influence the flavor profile—each vintage telling its own story. Starting with the most recent vintage and working backwards, you get a layered understanding of how climate impacts quality and character.
Food Pairings and Light Lunch
To complement the wines, the tour includes a light lunch with local cold cuts, cheeses, and seasonal regional products. This thoughtful pairing enhances the tasting experience, making each sip more memorable. The snacks are carefully chosen to bring out the flavors of the Amarone, giving you a genuine taste of local cuisine.
What Makes This Tour Special
This experience isn’t just about tasting wine; it’s about understanding the story of Amarone—its history, winemaking process, and the climate variations that affect each vintage. The selection of four vintages over 20 years allows you to compare and contrast, gaining insights into regional climate shifts and winemaking evolution.
The guide’s storytelling—highlighted by satisfied reviews—brings the process to life. As Edward mentions, “Sylvia was an excellent guide,” sharing stories that add layers of understanding to the tasting. Hans appreciated the “educational insight,” which makes this tour particularly rewarding for those who want more than just a sip or two.
The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and Accessibility
At $79.30 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions: guided cellar visit, museum entry, four vintage tastings, snacks, and an experienced guide. The 1.5-hour duration makes it a manageable experience, perfect for fitting into a larger day of sightseeing.
Another plus is the accessibility—the tour is wheelchair friendly and offers flexible cancellation, allowing you to book with confidence. Keep in mind that transport to the winery is not included, so plan your route accordingly—many recommend arriving via scenic back roads, as one reviewer pointed out.
Who Will Enjoy This Experience?
This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Amarone and its regional roots. It’s also perfect for curious travelers looking for an authentic and educational experience without the crowd or commercial feel of larger wineries. The pairing of local flavors with the wines makes it appealing for food lovers, too.
It’s worth noting that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 18, vegans, or pregnant women, given the wine tastings. However, for anyone interested in authentic Italian wine culture, this experience offers genuine insight and a taste of Veneto’s rich winemaking traditions.
This guided visit balances educational value and pleasure beautifully. You’ll walk away with a better grasp of what makes Amarone unique, along with a collection of memories (and tasting notes). The combination of a historical cellar, museum, and four carefully selected vintages offers a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in wine and regional culture.
The tour’s value lies not just in the tasting, but in the storytelling and context it provides. It’s a chance to see the art of winemaking in action—an experience that elevates a simple glass of wine into a story of tradition, climate, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveler, this tour offers a meaningful and enjoyable peek into Veneto’s celebrated wine scene.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re looking for a short but substantial wine experience, this tour hits the mark. It suits travelers who appreciate authentic regional products, value guided storytelling, and want a hands-on look at winemaking from a historical perspective. It’s perfect for those who want to understand how seasons and tradition influence the wines they enjoy—and it’s a great way to add some depth and flavor to your Italy trip.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the winery, but many travelers recommend taking scenic back roads to avoid busy areas.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to your day’s plans.
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 schedule shifts.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 are not allowed, as the experience involves wine tasting.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair friendly, ensuring most travelers can participate comfortably.
What is included in the price?
Your fee covers entry to the winery, the wine museum, a guided tour, tasting of four vintages, snacks, and the live guide.
What wines will I taste?
You’ll taste four vintages of Amarone Classico DOCG from 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2015.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
The tour is not suitable for vegans, and specific dietary options are not mentioned, so it’s best to check ahead if you have special dietary needs.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera and wear comfortable clothes, as you’ll be exploring the cellar and tasting comfortably.
Is there a limit on group size?
While not specified, guided tours typically keep groups small enough for an intimate experience, especially with a knowledgeable guide.
To sum it up, this tour offers a genuine peek into the world of Valpolicella’s Amarone, combining history, craftsmanship, and tasting in a way that’s both educational and delicious. It’s perfect for those who want a meaningful, authentic experience that highlights Italy’s rich wine culture without overdoing it. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about Italian wines, this guided journey is sure to add a flavorful chapter to your trip.
You can check availability for your dates here: