The grand tour of Amarone: 2 wineries, lunch & Amarone focus

If you’re craving a genuine taste of Italy’s celebrated wine region, this Valpolicella tour offers a rich blend of tradition, flavor, and scenic beauty. With visits to two carefully selected wineries, a focus on Amarone wines, and a delightful Italian lunch, this experience promises a well-rounded day for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

What makes this tour stand out? First, its personalized approach—meeting the winemakers face-to-face adds a special connection to each sip. Second, the opportunity to taste vintages and limited-edition wines that aren’t always available elsewhere. Third, the stunning views and cultural insights woven into the itinerary make it more than just a tasting session.

One potential snag? The tour’s duration of about five hours may feel quick if you’re eager to linger over every glass. Still, it’s a thoughtfully paced experience that balances visits, tastings, and local flavor without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for small groups wanting an authentic, immersive experience that elevates their understanding of Amarone and Valpolicella wines.

This tour suits wine aficionados, history buffs, food lovers, and anyone looking for a memorable day just outside Verona. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, you’ll walk away with new favorites and a deeper appreciation for Italy’s winemaking craft.

Key Points

• Personalized Visits: Meet the winemakers and learn their stories firsthand.
• Amarone Focus: Taste multiple vintages, including rare Riserva and limited editions.
• Authentic Experience: Inside access to traditional cellars and vineyards.
• Culinary Pairings: Enjoy a tasty Italian lunch matched with regional wines.
• Exclusive Offerings: Olive oil tasting and special IGT wines.
• Door-to-Door Shipping: Option for worldwide wine delivery, making souvenirs easy to send home.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

From Verona to Valpolicella: The Scenic Drive

Just about 20 minutes from Verona, the journey to Valpolicella itself hints at the charm ahead. As you leave behind the bustling city streets, the landscape shifts to rolling hills dotted with vineyards and charming villages. The tour begins at Piazza Bra, a lively square with the iconic Verona Arena nearby, setting a relaxed, Italian mood.

A private, comfortable vehicle shuttles you to the region, driven by a knowledgeable local who often speaks multiple languages—English, German, Italian, Spanish—ensuring clear communication and local insights. This smooth start helps build anticipation for the day ahead.

First Winery: A Personal Touch

The first stop takes you to one of the region’s outstanding boutique wineries. Based on reviews, visitors like Gudni Fridrik appreciated the small, family-run wineries for their intimate atmosphere and personal interaction. Here, the focus is on meeting the producers—not just tasting their wines but understanding their passion and techniques.

Prepare for a guided tour that covers the entire winemaking process, from grape harvest to fermentation, and right through to bottling. The guides are typically enthusiastic and eager to share insider secrets—one reviewer praised Jacobo for his energy and genuine care for guests’ experience.

Expect to sample a broad range of Amarone vintages, including older Riserva wines that showcase the aging potential of Valpolicella’s signature red. The tasting is often accompanied by explanations about the appassimento method—the drying process that concentrates flavors, giving Amarone its bold, complex character.

Olive Oil Tasting Bonus

One producer even offers a delicious extra virgin olive oil tasting, adding an extra layer of regional authenticity. It’s a chance to sample a product that often gets overshadowed by wine but is equally important in local cuisine.

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The Vineyards Walk & Second Winery Visit

Next, you’ll take a stroll through the vineyards, where the guide points out indigenous grape varieties unique to Valpolicella. This walk is not just scenic but educational, offering insight into how different grapes contribute to each wine’s profile.

At the second winery, the experience often feels slightly more expansive. Visitors like Arild appreciated the friendly hosts and the explanation of wine-making techniques, which helped demystify some of the process. Here, you’ll enjoy an authentic Italian lunch—a selection of appetizers, bruschettas, and sweets—paired perfectly with regional wines.

Focused Tasting & Local Specialties

The tasting session in this part of the tour includes limited edition IGT wines and some of the region’s best DOCG offerings. Many reviews mention the excellent quality of the wines, especially the Amarone vintages, which tend to be rich, full-bodied, and layered with flavor.

A unique feature is the chocolate and Amarone pairing, which elevates the tasting to a new level of indulgence. These pairings are carefully curated to highlight the wine’s richness and complex aromas.

Final Cheers & Souvenir Options

As the tour wraps up, a grappa toast is customary—another regional specialty that offers a strong, aromatic finish. If you wish, you can take advantage of the wine shipping service offered, allowing you to send bottles home safely to share or enjoy later.

The entire experience is designed to be informative yet relaxed—small group sizes mean more personalized attention and chances to ask questions, making it suitable for both connoisseurs and those new to wine.

Practical Details & Value

The five-hour tour includes all transfers, visits, tastings, and lunch, making it a convenient package. The private transport and local driver ensure a hassle-free day with no worries about navigating or parking. Since vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request, it’s accommodating for dietary restrictions.

While there’s no guide included, reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides who offer enthusiastic, clear explanations. The small group size (often just a few guests) cultivates an intimate environment, perfect for engaging with the hosts and learning more about Valpolicella’s wines.

The cost, which includes multiple tastings, a full lunch, and experiences at two wineries, offers excellent value—especially considering the access to rare vintages and behind-the-scenes insights. Plus, the added bonus of worldwide wine shipping appeals to those wanting a tangible piece of Italy to bring home.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge of Amarone and Valpolicella wines. Food lovers will appreciate the authentic Italian lunch and regional specialties. Those wanting a personalized, small-group experience will find the tour’s intimate nature appealing.

It’s also suitable for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of the region’s wine-making process, and for seasoned connoisseurs seeking access to rare vintages and insider secrets. The tour’s flexible approach means it’s accessible for families, couples, or small groups looking for a memorable day outside Verona.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers private transport, visits to two boutique wineries, guided tastings of Amarone and limited edition wines, an Italian lunch, olive oil tasting, and the option to ship wines home.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately five hours, including travel, visits, tastings, and lunch.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.

Do I meet the winemakers personally?
Absolutely. The tours emphasize meeting the producers and family members, offering a personal connection to the wines.

What kinds of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample Amarone vintages, including older Riserva wines, as well as limited edition IGT wines. Expect to taste some sweet Recioto and Ripasso too.

Can I buy wines during the tour?
Yes, wine tastings often include opportunities to purchase bottles, and the tour offers a door-to-door shipping service for worldwide delivery.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation with a local driver is part of the package, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed experience.

Are guides present during the tour?
While not explicitly included, guides are typically very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing explanations and answering questions throughout.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour runs seasonally, the description implies it operates year-round, with possible seasonal stops like panoramic views. Check availability for specific dates.

Final Thoughts

This Grand Tour of Amarone offers a compelling blend of intimate winery visits, expert tastings, and regional culinary delights—all within a manageable five-hour window. Its focus on meeting the producers and tasting vintage and limited-edition wines makes it ideal for anyone serious about wine or simply eager to learn more about Italy’s famous Valpolicella region.

The personalized, small-group setting ensures you’ll receive plenty of attention and insights, making the experience genuinely enriching. The inclusion of a delicious Italian lunch and optional wine shipping adds significant value, rounding out a full day of sensory and cultural enjoyment.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and engaging wine tour that balances education with leisure, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate quality over quantity and want a taste of Italy’s winemaking artistry—directly from the people behind it.

Note: For those wanting a more extensive or specific experience, there are other wine tours in Verona, but this one’s personalized touch and Amarone focus make it a particularly memorable choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: