Valpolicella: Family Winery Tour & Amarone Tasting with Winemaker

Summary

Family-run Valpolicella winery tour tasting Amarone and Ripasso

You’ll walk vineyard paths with a local winemaker in Valpolicella, step inside a centuries-old cellar to see how Amarone is made, then taste three signature wines paired with cheeses and salami on a terrace overlooking the hills. Expect laughter, honest stories, and flavors you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget stepping out of the car in Marano di Valpolicella — the air actually smelled like grapes and wet earth, which sounds cliché but it’s true. Our guide, Luca (he’s part of the family), waved us over with one of those easy Italian smiles. Right away he started telling stories about his grandfather planting these same vines. You could hear birds in the olive trees, and I kept getting distracted by how green everything looked after last night’s rain.

We wandered through rows of vines while Luca explained why Valpolicella wines are so different — something about the wind from Lake Garda and these old stone terraces. The highlight for me was ducking into their 17th-century cellar. It was cool and smelled like wood and something sweet-fermented; apparently that’s where they dry grapes for Amarone (the process is called Appassimento — I probably pronounced it wrong). There were barrels everywhere, some older than me by decades.

The tasting itself was on their terrace, which honestly has this view that just makes you stop talking for a second. We tried Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, and then finally Amarone — each one stronger, deeper. They brought out Monte Veronese cheese and Soppressa salami; I still think about that cherry chutney they make themselves. Luca laughed when I tried to guess what flavors I tasted in the Amarone (I said “old library books,” which maybe wasn’t poetic). We lingered way longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave yet — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valpolicella vineyard tour and tasting

• Walk in vineyard with family history
• Visit 17th century cellar
• See traditional grape drying room
• Learn wine process and refinement
• Taste Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone wines
• Enjoy local cheeses and salami
• Sample organic extra virgin olive oil
• Relax on terrace with vineyard views

Top questions

Is this Valpolicella wine tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can join in a pram or stroller.

What wines do we taste during the tour?

You’ll try DOC Valpolicella wines: Classico, Ripasso, and Amarone.

Is food included in this wine tasting experience?

Yes, local cheeses (Monte Veronese), Soppressa salami from Valpolicella, cherry chutney, and organic extra virgin olive oil are served.

Where does the tour take place?

At a family-run winery in Marano di Valpolicella in the heart of the region.

How long does the wine tasting last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect enough time for walking vineyards, cellar visit, and relaxed tasting on the terrace.

Do we meet the winemaker personally?

Yes, your guide is part of the family and involved in making the wines you taste.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the winery.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through vineyard rows in Marano di Valpolicella with a family member as your host, an intimate visit to their 17th-century cellar and grape drying room for Amarone production insight, followed by a relaxed wine tasting of Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, and Amarone on their panoramic terrace. You’ll also enjoy plates of Monte Veronese cheese, Soppressa salami from Valpolicella, homemade cherry chutney, and organic extra virgin olive oil before heading home whenever you’re ready.