Valpolicella Winery Tour and Tasting – Veneto

The Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy, is a renowned wine country that beckons oenophiles and adventure-seekers alike. In 2024, visitors can enjoy the enchanting world of Valpolicella, exploring a family-owned organic winery and discovering the unique flavors that define this iconic terroir. From a guided vineyard walk to a tasting of the region’s celebrated Amarone and Ripasso wines, this curated experience promises to ignite the senses and leave a lasting impression. But the true allure of this tour lies in the opportunity to…

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Tours In Veneto.

Good To Know

• Explore the renowned Valpolicella wine region with a guided tour and tasting at the organic Massimago winery, featuring iconic wines like Amarone and Ripasso.
• Enjoy a scenic vineyard walk and sparkling rosé tasting, followed by a barrel room sampling of the winery’s signature varietals.
• Savor a culinary experience showcasing local traditions and seasonal ingredients, complemented by the breathtaking views of the Mezzane Valley.
• Learn about the winemaking history, techniques, and organic farming practices that contribute to the unique terroir and character of the Valpolicella wines.
• The tour starts at the Massimago – Cantina e Wine Relais in Mezzane di Sotto, with a maximum group size of 20 for a personalized experience.

Overview of Valpolicella Wine Country

Nestled north of the historic city of Verona, the Valpolicella wine region boasts a rich winemaking tradition that dates back centuries.

This scenic landscape, marked by rolling hills and picturesque valleys, is renowned for its production of renowned red wines like Amarone, Ripasso, and Valpolicella Classico.

The tour includes a visit to an organic wine estate, where visitors can indulge in a guided vineyard walk and a sparkling rosé tasting, offering a glimpse into the region’s sustainable practices and the nuances of its terroir.

The experience is further enhanced by a barrel room sampling of three additional wines, providing a comprehensive understanding of Valpolicella’s winemaking heritage.

Organic Wine Estate and Mezzane Valley

The tour begins at the Massimago – Cantina e Wine Relais, an organic wine estate nestled in the picturesque Mezzane Valley.

Guests embark on a guided vineyard walk, where they’ll be treated to a tasting of the estate’s sparkling rosé.

The tour then moves to the barrel room, where visitors can sample three additional wines, including the renowned Magò, Ripasso della Valpolicella, and Profasio.

The experience offers:

1. Breathtaking views of the Mezzane Valley.
2. Insights into organic wine production.
3. Opportunities to savor the region’s signature varietals.
4. An immersive exploration of Valpolicella’s rich winemaking heritage.

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Tasting Experience and Local Cuisine

Guided Vineyard Walk and Sparkling Rosé Tasting

Guests embark on a guided stroll through the estate’s verdant vineyards, where they’ll savor the crisp, effervescent notes of the winery’s sparkling rosé.

As they meander along the rows of grapevines, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the unique terroir and sustainable farming practices that imbue the wines with their distinctive character.

The sparkling rosé tasting allows visitors to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in crafting these delicate, refreshing wines.

This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the Valpolicella region’s winemaking traditions and the dedication of the estate’s vintners.

Barrel Room Sampling of Additional Wines

After the captivating sparkling rosé tasting, the group proceeds to the winery’s barrel room for a sampling of additional wines.

Here, they’re treated to three more exceptional offerings:

1. The robust Ripasso della Valpolicella, blending fresh and dried grapes for a complex, full-bodied experience.
2. The iconic Amarone, a powerful, velvety red renowned for its intense flavors.
3. The Profasio, a unique blend showcasing the region’s terroir.

Each wine is expertly presented, allowing guests to fully appreciate the nuances and craftsmanship that go into Valpolicella’s renowned vintages.

Sample Menu and Local Culinary Traditions

A starter course of bread and olive oil kicks off the culinary experience, leading into a featured tasting of the estate’s biological olive oil.

The menu emphasizes local traditions, pairing seasonal ingredients with the wines to enhance the tasting. Guests can expect a focus on the region’s culinary heritage, with the meal complementing the wines sampled throughout the tour.

While the specific dishes may vary based on availability, the overall experience showcases the integral connection between Valpolicella’s wine and cuisine.

Tasting Inclusions and Wine Highlights

The tasting portion of the tour begins with samples of three core Valpolicella wines: the bold Magò, the ripe and jammy Ripasso della Valpolicella, and the structured Profasio. Guests then move on to taste the estate’s sparkling rosé and the renowned Amarone.

The guided tasting offers educational insights into the region’s winemaking history and techniques, providing a comprehensive understanding of Valpolicella’s unique terroir and grape varieties.

The wine tasting experience is further enhanced by:

1. Exploring the winery’s barrel room to witness the aging process firsthand.
2. Learning about the organic and sustainable farming practices employed.
3. Appreciating the scenic Mezzane Valley views that surround the estate.
4. Savoring the flavors and aromas of each wine while discovering their perfect food pairings.

Meeting Point and Pickup Details

The meeting point for the Valpolicella Winery Tour and Tasting is at Massimago – Cantina e Wine Relais, located in Mezzane di Sotto, Italy.

The address is Via Giare, 11, 37030 Mezzane di Sotto VR.

The reception area at this organic wine estate serves as the starting point for the tour. Participants will return to the original meeting location at the end of the experience.

A Google Maps link is available to provide directions.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are provided.

Important Tour Information and Considerations

Confirmation is received upon booking the Valpolicella Winery Tour and Tasting.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available. Pregnant travelers are advised against participation.

The tour offers an intimate experience, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers. This ensures personalized attention and a deeper connection with the wine estate and its rich history.

Guests can expect:

1. Educational insights into the region’s winemaking traditions.
2. Access to the organic wine estate’s facilities.
3. Guided tours of the vineyards and barrel room.
4. Exceptional wine tasting experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tasting?

Guests are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks to the winery tour and tasting.

The experience is designed to showcase the estate’s organic wine production and local culinary traditions. Providing a sampling of the winery’s own bread, olive oil, and seasonal dishes is part of enhancing the tasting experience.

Bringing outside items could interfere with the intended pairing and flow of the tour.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students.

The pricing for the Valpolicella winery tour and tasting experience is set at a flat rate for all participants.

While there aren’t special discounts available, the tour provides excellent value with a guided vineyard walk, wine tastings, food pairings, and educational insights into the local wine production and history.

The intimate group size ensures a personalized experience for all visitors.

Can I Customize the Wine Selection for the Tasting?

While the standard wine tasting includes specific wines, the tour operator may be able to accommodate customized selections upon request.

Guests can inquire about modifying the tasting lineup to feature different varietals or personal preferences.

However, the tour’s structure and inclusions are typically set to provide a curated educational experience, so substantial changes may not always be possible.

It’s best to discuss any special requests when booking the tour.

What Is the Policy on Cancellations and Refunds?

The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy.

Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours prior to the tour start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, a 50% cancellation fee applies. No-shows forfeit the full tour cost.

The operator aims to accommodate guests’ needs, so they encourage contacting them directly if there are any issues with the booking or plans change.

Refunds are processed promptly once a cancellation is approved.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour and Tasting?

Guests are generally permitted to take photos during the Valpolicella winery tour and tasting experience.

The tour guides encourage capturing the scenic vineyards, historic barrel rooms, and intimate moments of the tastings.

However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the educational flow of the tour or infringing on the privacy of other participants.

Most wineries welcome photo opportunities that showcase their facilities and products, as long as they’re taken in a considerate manner.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the enchanting world of Valpolicella’s winemaking heritage. Indulge in a guided tour through the vineyards, sample organic wines, and savor the flavors of local cuisine. This captivating experience offers a glimpse into the sustainable practices that define this iconic Italian wine region, leaving you with unforgettable memories.