Valpolicella: Winery Tour, Blind Tasting & Light Lunch

Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Italy, the Valpolicella region is renowned for its captivating wines and rich winemaking heritage. An immersive tour through a local winery promises to unveil the secrets behind this renowned terroir. Guests can expect a guided journey through the vineyards, a chance to taste wines straight from the barrel, and a blind tasting that promises to sharpen the senses. But the experience doesn’t end there – a light lunch featuring regional specialties provides the perfect opportunity to savor the nuances of Valpolicella’s finest vintages. It’s an opportunity to explore the art of Italian winemaking that simply can’t be missed.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Verona.

Key Points

• A 3-hour guided tour of a Valpolicella winery, including exploration of the vineyards, barrel tasting, and a blind tasting experience.
• Visitors learn about the unique terroir and winemaking process, gaining an appreciation for the natural environment’s influence.
• The tour culminates in a light lunch featuring local products and regional culinary heritage, each course paired with a different Valpolicella wine.
• The barrel tasting allows visitors to explore wine maturation in oak, while the blind tasting challenges their senses and demonstrates the impact of terroir, fermentation, and aging.
• The guided tour is led by a knowledgeable Italian/English-speaking guide, providing insights into the winery’s history, winemaking techniques, and the Valpolicella region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Duration and Activities

The Valpolicella winery tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes a guided tour of the estate, a photo stop, a barrel tasting and blind tasting experience, as well as a light lunch paired with 5 wines.

The tour begins with a 45-minute guided exploration of the winery, where guests can learn about the terroir, vineyards, and even reach a nearby lake.

After the tour, there’s a 15-minute photo stop to capture the stunning scenery.

The highlight is the 1.5-hour lunch and wine tasting, where guests can savor a selection of the winery’s finest offerings paired with local products.

The tour wraps up with 15 minutes of shopping time before guests depart.

Guided Tour of the Winery

After the initial overview, the guided tour of the Roccolo Callisto winery begins with an in-depth exploration of the estate’s unique terroir and vineyards.

The knowledgeable Italian/English-speaking guide leads guests through the rows of vines, discussing the specifics of the local soil, climate, and grape varietals.

The tour then reaches a picturesque lake, where visitors can admire the stunning natural setting that influences the character of the wines.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insights into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to barrel aging.

Guests have the opportunity to engage in a barrel tasting, gaining a deeper appreciation for the evolution of the wines.

The guided experience culminates in a blind tasting, allowing visitors to put their senses to the test.

Exploring the Terroir and Vineyards

During the guided tour, visitors venture through the rows of vines, learning about the unique terroir that defines the character of Roccolo Callisto’s wines. The knowledgeable guide discusses the specifics of the local soil composition, the ideal climatic conditions, and the grape varietals cultivated on the estate. As the tour progresses, guests gain a deeper appreciation for how the natural environment shapes the winemaking process from start to finish.

The tour highlights three key aspects of the vineyard’s terroir:

1. The limestone-rich soils that lend structure and minerality to the wines.

2. The ideal microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, which allows for a slow, even ripening of the grapes.

3. The carefully selected Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grape varieties, each contributing unique flavors and characteristics.

Barrel Tasting and Blind Tasting

Next, visitors embark on an engaging barrel tasting, where they explore the nuanced flavors and aromas of the wines as they mature in oak. This hands-on experience allows them to appreciate the evolution of the wines throughout the winemaking process.

The guided blind tasting that follows challenges their senses, as they attempt to identify the varietals, vintages, and other characteristics of the wines without the aid of visual cues. This exercise sharpens their palates and demonstrates the profound impact that terroir, fermentation, and aging have on the final product.

Guests leave with a newfound respect for the artistry and dedication required to craft these exceptional Valpolicella wines.

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Light Lunch and Wine Pairing

Following the engaging barrel tasting and blind tasting experience, guests are now invited to savor a light lunch and sample a carefully curated selection of wines to complement the meal.

The light lunch features local products that showcase the region’s culinary heritage. Guests can expect:

• A selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
• Fresh seasonal salads and vegetables.
• Freshly baked breads and a sampling of the winery’s own olive oil.

Each course is paired with a different Valpolicella wine, allowing guests to explore the nuances of the region’s renowned vintages. This harmonious pairing of food and wine provides a memorable and immersive experience, perfectly capping off the winery tour.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The winery is located at the Azienda Agricola Roccolo Callisto, nestled in the woods.

Guests must follow the path through the woods to reach the cellar at the bottom of the hill, which serves as the meeting point for the tour.

Transportation to and from the meeting point isn’t included in the tour. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the Azienda Agricola Roccolo Callisto.

Once at the meeting point, the guided tour will begin, taking guests through the estate’s terroir, vineyards, and to a nearby lake.

The tour also includes a barrel tasting, blind tasting experience, and a light lunch paired with five wines from the winery.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a guided tour of the Roccolo Callisto estate, tasting of five wines, and a light lunch featuring local products. However, transportation to and from the meeting point isn’t covered in the tour price.

The tour includes the following highlights:

1. A guided tour of the winery and estate to explore the terroir, vineyards, and reach a scenic lake.
2. A barrel tasting and blind tasting experience to immerse visitors in the winemaking process.
3. A light lunch paired with the five wines to complement the tasting experience.

While the tour provides a comprehensive winery experience, guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point at the Azienda Agricola Roccolo Callisto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Vegetarian or Dietary Options Available?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and dietary options. The light lunch includes local products, so guests with special dietary needs can be accommodated. Guests should inform the guide of any requirements when booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?

No, guests are not permitted to bring their own wine to the tasting. The tour includes a tasting of the winery’s wines as part of the experience, so outside wines are not allowed. The winery provides the wine for the tasting.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking through the vineyards. Guests should dress for the weather and be prepared for some outdoor activities.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

Yes, reservations are recommended for this tour. Advance booking ensures availability and allows the tour organizers to plan accordingly. It’s best to make a reservation prior to your visit to secure your spot.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

There may be discounts or package deals available, but these are not explicitly mentioned in the tour details. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly to inquire about any special offers or bundled pricing options.

Recap

The Valpolicella winery tour, blind tasting, and light lunch offer an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions.

The tour’s engaging activities, from the guided vineyard exploration to the expertly paired lunch, provide a comprehensive understanding of the art of Italian winemaking, leaving participants with a heightened appreciation for the complexity and character of Valpolicella’s acclaimed wines.

You can check availability for your dates here: