Bardolino: Tasting of 6 Red Valpolicella and Garda Wines

Bardolino, a picturesque region nestled between the rolling hills of Valpolicella and the serene shores of Lake Garda, is renowned for its exquisite red wines. Set out on a journey to uncover the rich flavors and unique production methods of these Bardolino gems, as you savor a tasting of six exceptional wines from the area. From the classic Bardolino Classico to the bold Amarone, this experience promises to transport you to the heart of Italy’s wine heritage.

Contents show

Key Points

A 2-hour wine tasting session offering samples of six distinct red wines from the Garda and Valpolicella regions, priced at €49 per person.
Focused on the unique characteristics of Amarone and Ripasso wines, as well as a comparison of the production areas for Garda and Valpolicella red wines.
Hosted at a historic family winery in Bardolino, with a welcome glass of wine served on a panoramic terrace and a platter of local cured meats and cheeses.
Guests can discover the diverse red wine offerings from the regions and appreciate the complexity and depth of the wines.
Cellar tour available to learn about the production methods, with free parking and wheelchair accessibility provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The Bardolino Wine Tasting experience offers visitors a chance to explore six distinct red wines from the Garda and Valpolicella regions.

The 2-hour tasting session costs €49 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now, pay later option is available.

Guests will taste Bardolino Classico DOC, Bardolino Superiore Classico DOCG, Berengario Corvina Veronese IGT, Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC, and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG.

The tasting takes place at a historic family winery in Bardolino, where guests can enjoy a welcome glass of wine on a panoramic terrace.

Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Lake Garda

Wine Tasting Details

During the Bardolino Wine Tasting, visitors can sample six distinct types of red wines.

These include the Bardolino Classico DOC, Bardolino Superiore Classico DOCG, Berengario Corvina Veronese IGT, Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC, and the renowned Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG.

The tasting allows guests to explore the unique characteristics of Amarone and Ripasso wines while comparing the production areas for these red wines from the Garda and Valpolicella regions.

The tasting allows guests to discover the distinct qualities of Amarone and Ripasso wines and their respective production regions in Garda and Valpolicella.

With a focus on quality and tradition, the tasting provides an immersive experience into the rich wine heritage of this renowned Italian wine-making area.

Explore Amarone and Ripasso Wines

As part of the Bardolino Wine Tasting, guests have the opportunity to explore the unique characteristics of Amarone and Ripasso wines.

Amarone is a full-bodied, dry red wine made from partially dried grapes, resulting in a rich, intense flavor.

Ripasso, on the other hand, is produced by re-fermenting Valpolicella wine on the leftover Amarone grape skins, adding complexity and depth.

Tasting these two distinctive wines allows visitors to compare the production methods and how they influence the final taste profiles.

This provides a deeper understanding of the diverse red wine offerings from the Valpolicella and Garda regions.

Compare Production Areas for Red Wines

Alongside the exploration of Amarone and Ripasso wines, the Bardolino Wine Tasting provides an opportunity to compare the distinct production areas for the featured red wines.

The Bardolino Classico and Bardolino Superiore Classico hail from the Garda region, while the Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC, and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG originate from the Valpolicella area.

These geographical differences contribute to unique terroir and cultivation methods, leading to variations in flavor profiles. Guests can discern the nuances between the Garda and Valpolicella wines, enhancing their appreciation for the diverse red wine offerings of the region.

More Great Tours Nearby

Venue and Amenities

The historic family winery in Bardolino that hosts the wine tasting offers varied vineyard cultivation. Guests can enjoy a welcome glass of wine on the panoramic terrace, taking in the scenic lake views. The tasting room provides an intimate setting to explore the Amarone and Ripasso wines.

| Amenities | Details |

|———–|———|

| Welcome Glass of Wine | Served on panoramic terrace |

| Tasting Room | Offers lake views |

| Cellar Tour | Learn about production methods |

The winery provides free parking and is wheelchair accessible, though no pets are allowed. Guests should arrive 5 minutes early and communicate any dietary needs prior to the tasting.

Hungry for more Lake Garda flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

Food Pairing

The wine tasting is accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses. This food pairing allows guests to further explore the flavors of the wines.

The meats and cheeses complement the bold, full-bodied reds from the Valpolicella and Garda regions.

The bold, full-bodied reds from the Valpolicella and Garda regions are beautifully complemented by the selection of local meats and cheeses.

However, the experience isn’t suitable for those with dietary restrictions, such as vegans, those with gluten intolerance, or lactose intolerance. Guests with any food allergies or intolerances are advised to communicate this information prior to the tasting to ensure their needs can be accommodated.

The focus remains on savoring the exceptional wines in a scenic winery setting.

Accessibility

Is the wine tasting experience wheelchair accessible? Yes, the winery is wheelchair-friendly, allowing all guests to enjoy the tasting. Plus, free parking is available on-site for convenience. However, pets are not permitted.

| Accessibility Feature | Available | Not Available |

| — | — | — |

| Wheelchair access | ✓ | |

| Free parking | ✓ | |

| Pet-friendly | | ✓ |

| Intolerances accommodated | ✓ | |

| Early arrival recommended | ✓ | |

Guests with food intolerances are advised to communicate their needs in advance. Visitors under 18 will not be served wines. Arriving 5 minutes early is recommended to ensure a smooth experience.

Important Information

Although wines aren’t served to individuals under 18, the winery is wheelchair accessible and offers free parking for guests.

Visitors should arrive 5 minutes early and communicate any food intolerances before arrival, as the tasting isn’t suitable for vegans, those with gluten intolerance, or lactose intolerance.

No pets are allowed.

The winery offers a reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Grape Varieties Used in These Red Wines?

The red wines featured include Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes from the Valpolicella region, as well as Corvina Veronese grapes from the Bardolino area. These classic grape varieties are used to produce the different styles of red wines.

How Do the Flavors of Bardolino Differ From Valpolicella Wines?

Bardolino wines tend to be lighter and more fruit-forward with notes of red berries, while Valpolicella wines are fuller-bodied with complex flavors of black cherry, dried herbs, and spice. The two regions offer distinct but complementary red wine styles.

Can I Purchase Bottles of the Wines I Tasted to Take Home?

Yes, you can purchase bottles of the wines you tasted to take home. The winery typically offers the option to purchase the wines sampled during the tasting, allowing you to enjoy them further.

What Is the Optimal Temperature for Serving These Red Wines?

The optimal serving temperature for these red wines is typically between 60-68°F (15-20°C). This allows the flavors and aromas to fully develop and be enjoyed. Serving the wines at this range brings out the best in the tasting experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Length of the Tasting?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the length of the tasting. Customers can contact the winery directly to inquire about adding more time or wines to the experience. Additional fees may apply for extensions beyond the standard 2-hour tasting.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich wine heritage of Bardolino. Savor a tasting of six exquisite red wines from the Valpolicella and Garda regions, expertly guided by knowledgeable hosts. Discover the unique characteristics of Amarone and Ripasso, and indulge in a platter of local cured meats and cheeses. This unforgettable experience awaits in a historic family winery with stunning lake views.