Valpolicella is one of the loveliest wine regions in Italy and home to the famed Amarone wines. Located just northwest (Valpolicella Classica and Valpantena) and northeast (Valpolicella) of the historic city of Verona and east of Lake Garda, Valpolicella is surprisingly untouched by tourists and offers a treasure trove of wine hamlets and architectural gems for foodies and culture vultures. Apart from expansive vineyards, the region is home to acres and acres of cherry trees, peaches, and apricots, and in season the scenery is delightful. Fine wine has been produced here since Roman times (Verona was a major hub in Ancient Roman civilization, home to a spectacular amphitheater that has survived millennia), and indeed the name is of ancient origin- Valpolicella comes from “Vallis Polis Cellae,” which means “valley of many cellars.”
This one-day Wine Tour of the Valpolicella vineyards can begin in Verona or Lake Garda, or even Venice (although the tour would not focus on Valpolicella Classica and Valpantena in eastern Valpolicella). The tour is with your own private chauffeur. It takes in two contrasting wineries, which could include Bertani, Tenute Ugolini, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Massimago, Serego Alighieri, Masi, Corte Sant’Alda, Tommasi, Quintarelli, among many other high-end estates. You will visit the cellars and vineyards and learn about the fascinating heavy work-intensive production of the Amarone wines and the sweeter Reciotos. Indulge in a leisurely four-course Italian lunch paired with various local wines, and in the afternoon, on the way back to Verona, stop to stretch your legs in a picturesque hamlet. This is a fantastic full-day wine tour for guests looking for special VIP treatment and introducing some of the best Amarone wines in the Valpolicella.
Signature journey
Highlights include private luxury chauffeured valpolicella wine tour, excursion from verona or lake garda or venice, and amarone wine tastings.
Day 1Valpolicella
Serego Alighieri winey
Your own private chauffeured Mercedes will collect you from your Verona hotel and sweep you away to the lovely Valpolicella wine country in the morning.
The first stop is to a top wine producer such as Bertani in Grezzana. Enjoy a VIP visit and tasting of their superb wines, including different vintages of Amarone Classico.
Lunch will follow and is an authentic and charming affair, with typical dishes such as “Sformatino di Formaggio Monte Veronese con Funghi e speck d’anatra” (Cheese savory pie with mushrooms and cured smoked duck), Risotto all’Amarone, Brasato di Manzo all’Amarone con polenta (beef slow cooked in Amarone wine, served over polenta), all paired with Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Amarone of course and Recioto Della Valpolicella. Stunning regional cuisine!
After lunch, visit a boutique estate such as Serego Alighieri (part of Masi estates) in Gargagnago, famous for being the home of Dante Alighieri, Italy’s most renowned poet and playwright. The property houses a small winery with a charming garden and a pretty tasting room in the house. In this very cozy atmosphere, you will taste signature wines like the Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Vaio Armaron Amarone, Recioto, Riserva di Costasera Amarone, all served with some local cheeses.
On the way back to Verona, depending on your interests, we can arrange a nice place to stop off and take a walk and take some photos.
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
John Holloway, Philadelphia
The tour was very well organized and went off without any problems
It was very smooth and professional. Both wineries were beautiful and interesting and different. I’m glad we only did two and had a driver – the amount of wine given was quite generous, and it would have been hard to drink much more wine! I would recommend this tour.
