Pagus Wine Tours® – Lake Garda and Amarone – Full Day Wine Tour

Pagus Wine Tours® offers an immersive, full-day exploration of Lake Garda and Valpolicella’s acclaimed winemaking regions. Guests embark on an unforgettable journey, visiting picturesque villages, indulging in guided tastings of renowned varietals like Amarone, and savoring a delightful Italian lunch. Led by an English-speaking sommelier in an air-conditioned minivan, this tour promises to transport participants into the heart of the area’s rich winemaking traditions and flavors. What awaits those who join this experience just might surprise even the most seasoned wine enthusiast.

Key Points

• Explore the picturesque lakeside villages of Bardolino or Lazise and taste local wines like Chiaretto and Pinot Grigio.
• Visit a classic Valpolicella winery to discover iconic wines like Amarone and Ripasso, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier.
• Enjoy an authentic Italian lunch paired with a selection of regional wines, immersing in the traditional cuisine and winemaking.
• Transportation provided by air-conditioned minivan, accommodating up to 8 travelers with infant seats available.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible with comfortable shoes recommended for vineyard visits.

Tour Overview

The Pagus Wine Tours® offers a full-day wine tour that explores the picturesque region of Lake Garda and Valpolicella.

With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the tour meets at Corso Castelvecchio, 3a, 37121 Verona, Italy at 9:00 am.

Guests will visit lakeside villages, taste local sparkling rosé Chiaretto and Pinot Grigio, and discover classic wineries in Valpolicella for DOCG and DOC wines, including Amarone and Ripasso.

An Italian lunch paired with regional wines is included.

The tour ends back at the meeting point and is led by an English-speaking sommelier in an air-conditioned minivan.

Highlights of the Day

Guests begin the day by exploring the picturesque lakeside villages of Bardolino or Lazise, soaking in the charming atmosphere and stunning views of Lake Garda. Next, they savor the region’s renowned wines, including the local sparkling rosé Chiaretto and crisp Pinot Grigio, during private tastings at two carefully selected wineries. The highlight is the visit to a classic Valpolicella winery, where they discover the complexity of DOCG and DOC wines like the iconic Amarone and Ripasso. The day culminates with an authentic Italian lunch, perfectly paired with the day’s wine discoveries.

Tour Highlights
Explore lakeside villages	Bardolino or Lazise
Wine tastings	Chiaretto, Pinot Grigio, Amarone, Ripasso
Visit classic Valpolicella winery	Discover DOCG and DOC wines
Enjoy an Italian lunch	Paired with regional wines

Winery Visits and Tastings

After exploring the picturesque lakeside villages, guests explore the world of Garda and Valpolicella’s renowned wines.

They visit a classic winery in Valpolicella, where they taste DOCG and DOC wines, including Amarone and Ripasso. The knowledgeable sommelier guides them through the tasting, sharing insights into the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions.

Guests also sample the local specialty, sparkling rosé Chiaretto, and crisp Pinot Grigio at a second winery.

Throughout the tastings, they learn about the distinct flavors and characteristics that make these wines so special.

Lunch and Regional Wines

Midway through the tour, guests enjoy an Italian lunch paired with a selection of regional wines.

The winery’s knowledgeable sommelier guides them through the flavors, aromas, and characteristics of the local varietals.

Savoring classic dishes like pasta, cured meats, and cheeses, travelers enjoy the traditional cuisine and winemaking of the Valpolicella region.

The pairing enhances the overall dining experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the nuances of the regional wines.

This leisurely lunch break provides a chance to relax, recharge, and prepare for the next winery visit.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the day.

The minivan can accommodate up to 8 travelers, with infant seats available for those bringing young children.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, allowing guests with limited mobility to participate.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the vineyard visits, as the terrain can be uneven.

The cellar temperature is a cool 15°C (59°F), so a sweater or jacket is recommended to stay comfortable during the tastings.

What to Expect and Prepare

Though the tour starts at a convenient 9:00 am, guests are advised to arrive at the Pagus Wine Tours meeting point in Verona’s Corso Castelvecchio a few minutes early.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted. Guests should inform the tour operator of any limited mobility or food/wine allergies.

To ensure comfort, it’s recommended to wear a sweater or jacket, as the winery cellars are kept at a cool 59°F (15°C). Plus, comfortable shoes are advised for the vineyard visits.

• Not wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible
• Inform tour operator of limited mobility or allergies
• Wear a sweater/jacket and comfortable shoes

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

What do travelers have to say about the Pagus Wine Tours experience? Overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.9-star average rating from 17 reviews.

Guests praise the personalized, knowledgeable tours led by expert sommeliers. They highlight the relaxed atmosphere, great wines, and scenic views.

One reviewer notes the lack of air conditioning on a hot day, but most focus on the tour’s highlights – exploring local villages, tasting regional specialties like Amarone, and enjoying a delicious wine-paired lunch.

Travelers consistently recommend the Pagus experience, which has earned the company a Badge of Excellence.

Common Questions

Is There a Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a cancellation policy that allows full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours may not be eligible for a refund.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Winery?

The tour spends an hour at each winery, allowing guests to explore the facilities, learn about the wine-making process, and sample the local varieties. This provides a well-rounded experience while keeping the pace of the day engaging.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Requests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate special requests. Travelers can inform the tour leader about any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs, and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly within the tour’s overall framework.

What Is the Payment Method Accepted for the Tour?

The tour payment method accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Customers can conveniently pay for the full-day wine tour through various cashless and cash options at the meeting point before the tour begins.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It accommodates up to 8 travelers per tour, allowing for a personalized experience. This small-group size ensures an intimate and flexible excursion tailored to the group’s needs.

The Sum Up

Pagus Wine Tours® offers an exceptional day-long immersion into the renowned wines and picturesque landscapes of Italy’s Lake Garda and Valpolicella regions. Knowledgeable guides, tastings of acclaimed varietals, and a delightful Italian lunch make this tour an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. With convenient transportation and accessibility, travelers can effortlessly indulge in the rich winemaking traditions of this beautiful area.