Valpolicella Lunch or Dinner Wine & Food tasting with Amarone

For those dreaming of tasting Italy’s renowned wines paired with authentic cuisine, this Valpolicella tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s a chance to explore a historic winery, learn about traditional winemaking, and enjoy a delicious meal—all in a convivial setting. What makes this experience stand out are the personalized guided tours through vineyards and cellars, along with the luxurious 5-course meal paired with five distinct wines. It’s not a rushed stop but a thoughtfully crafted journey that balances education with enjoyment.

One thing to consider is the price point, which at around $110 per person, offers good value in relation to the depth of experience and quality of food and wine. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to organize your own transfer to the winery, but the overall experience is tailored for those who truly want to savor the flavors of Valpolicella without the typical touristy feel. This tour is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone curious about authentic Italian wine culture—especially those who appreciate a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Key Points

• Authentic winery visit with close-up views of barrels, amphorae, and drying lofts
• Guided tasting that balances storytelling with tasting various wines
• Five-course meal paired expertly with five different wines, including Amarone
• Informal, friendly atmosphere making wine tasting feel like visiting family
• Extra voucher for a glass of wine at a top Verona Osteria
• Highly praised guides, especially Fabio, who bring passion and knowledge to the experience

A Deep Dive into the Valpolicella Experience

The Winery Visit: Touching History and Tradition

Your journey begins outdoors among organic vineyards, where you’ll get a feel for the land that produces Valpolicella’s signature grapes. The winery, Buglioni, has been around for over 30 years, and visiting the cellar is like peering into a family’s treasure trove of wines. You’ll see barrels aging reds and amphorae holding Amarone Riserva, which is a rare chance to get close to the tools of Italian winemaking.

Travelers rave about the personal touch. One reviewer mentions how Fabio, the guide, “transmits all the care and passion that the company employs in the production of their wines,” making the tour educational but also warm and engaging. Touching the barrels and amphorae isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a tactile reminder of the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The visit lasts about an hour, giving enough time to appreciate the process without feeling rushed.

The Drying Loft: The Art of Winemaking

Next, you’ll visit the drying loft, where grapes like Corvina and Rondinella rest for months, drying in a controlled environment. This step is crucial for producing Amarone, the tour’s star. The loft is a labyrinth of grapes, and the experience of seeing them hang and dry is visually intriguing. The brief 15-minute visit here gives you insight into the unique appassimento process that defines Valpolicella wines.

As one reviewer notes, the visit to this loft “makes you appreciate the patience and skill needed” to craft such complex wines. It’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse that really elevates the tasting experience, making it more than just a sip of wine but a story of tradition and perseverance.

The Guided Tasting at Locanda Buglioni

After the winery, the journey continues to Locanda Buglioni, the winery’s restaurant. Here, you’ll settle into a cozy yet elegant setting for a 5-course meal, paired with five thoughtfully selected wines. The menu is designed not just to fill but to complement each wine, creating a symphony of flavors.

Expect to taste wines like the Il Vigliacco (Brut Rosé), the Rosacipolla (Rosé Trevenezie IGT), the Il Bugiardo (Ripasso Valpolicella), the Il Lussurioso (Amarone della Valpolicella), and the Il Narcisista (Recioto della Valpolicella). The pairing of these wines with dishes elevates the food — not just a typical tourist meal but a carefully curated experience. Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the food and the attentiveness of staff, with one saying, “The food and wines were great,” and praising the “amazing location.”

One of the highlights: instead of a dull lecture on wine production, the focus is on enjoying the moment—good company, great wines, and delicious food. Many travelers have described this as “a fabulous experience,” noting the warmth of the staff and the quality of the dishes.

The Extra Bonus: The Verona Wine Voucher

After the meal, you receive a voucher for a glass of wine at Piscaria, an Osteria in Verona’s historic center. This is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to extend your wine experience beyond the tour. It’s a flexible option to revisit the region’s wines in a different setting, often appreciated by visitors who want to keep the good times going.

Practicalities and Value

The tour costs about $110 per person, which includes the winery visits, the tasting, the meal, and the additional voucher. Considering the quality, depth, and overall experience, many reviewers see this as excellent value. The tasting alone—five wines paired with a full meal—is a satisfying and immersive experience that would cost quite a bit more if done independently.

The duration of around 3 hours and 45 minutes is enough to savor everything without feeling rushed, and the small group size (max 40 travelers) ensures a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Since transportation isn’t included, plan to organize your own transfer to the winery, which isn’t difficult given its location in Corrubbio, near Verona.

Authentic, Friendly, and Informative Guides

Guides like Fabio receive high praise, not just for their knowledge but also for their ability to make guests feel welcome. Testimonials describe Fabio as “fantastic,” “kind,” and “professional,” sharing stories that bring the wines’ history and production to life. This personal approach is what many travelers find most memorable.

The Overall Experience: Who Will Love It?

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts eager to learn in a relaxed setting or visitors who want to combine tasting with cultural insights. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, genuine experience rather than a commercialized tour, you’ll find this highly satisfying. It also suits those interested in pairing wines with authentic local dishes and discovering the craftsmanship behind Valpolicella’s most famous wines.

Final Thoughts

This Valpolicella wine and food tour offers a beautiful blend of education, tasting, and authentic local flavor. The winery visits, guided by passionate staff like Fabio, provide insight into traditional methods and unique processes like drying grapes for Amarone. The accompanying meal elevates the experience beyond mere tasting, making it a full sensory journey.

The added benefit of a voucher for a Verona Osteria encourages you to explore more of the region’s culinary scene, all while enjoying the warmth of a family-run operation. The moderate price makes this a good value, especially given the quality of wines and food.

Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or a casual traveler seeking a taste of Italy’s wine culture, this experience delivers in spades—authentic, friendly, and truly memorable.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t provided, so you’ll need to organize your own transfer to and from the winery.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, giving ample time for winery visits, tasting, and dining.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers winery visits, a 5-course meal, five wine tastings, all fees and taxes, and a voucher for a Verona Osteria.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The experience is friendly and informal, with guides who make complex topics understandable and enjoyable.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Most dietary needs can be accommodated, especially gluten-free options, as noted in some reviews.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample five wines: a sparkling rosé, a rosé, a Ripasso, an Amarone, and a Recioto.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Most travelers suggest it’s suitable for adults, especially those interested in wine and food.

What is the dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a winery visit and a restaurant setting.

Can I revisit the winery afterward?
Yes, you can return within 365 days using your voucher for further tastings at Locanda Buglioni.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Verona or seeking a memorable way to experience Italy’s wine culture, this tour combines the best of both worlds: authentic craftsmanship, warm hospitality, and a delicious meal—all designed to leave you with lasting memories of Valpolicella.