Verona to Valpolicella: Amarone Wine Tour & Tastings

Summary

Rolling hills, Amarone pours, and laughter in Valpolicella

You’ll leave Verona for an afternoon among Valpolicella’s vineyards, tasting Amarone and other local wines where they’re actually made. With a guide who knows everyone by name, you’ll sample six wines paired with cheese and salumi, hear stories from winemakers themselves, and maybe find yourself quietly smiling at the view between sips.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valpolicella Wine Tasting from Verona

• Depart from Verona
• Visit first authentic winery
• Enjoy guided tasting of Amarone wine
• Taste Valpolicella Classico and Ripasso wines
• Sample local salumi and cheeses
• Travel through scenic vineyards and hills
• Visit second winery for tasting
• Learn about Valpolicella wine traditions
• Return to Verona

Top questions

How long does the Valpolicella & Amarone wine tour take?

This is a half-day tour from Verona to Valpolicella.

Are food pairings included during wine tastings?

Yes, traditional local salumi and cheeses are served with the wine tastings.

How many wineries do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit two authentic wineries in Valpolicella during the tour.

Is transportation from Verona included?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport is included for pickup and drop-off.

Which wines will I taste on this tour?

You’ll try six wines including Amarone, Valpolicella Classico, and Ripasso.

Is this wine tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all levels—even if you’re new to wine tasting.

Can children join this day trip from Verona?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in a stroller or pram.

Are guides fluent in English or Spanish?

Your licensed tour leader speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup in Verona by air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits at two family-run wineries in Valpolicella, tastings of six regional wines (including Amarone), generous pairings of local salumi and cheeses with every pour, plus stories shared by your local guide before returning to Verona later that day.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if wine really tastes different when you’re standing right where the grapes grew? That’s what I kept thinking as we left Verona behind—those old stone streets fading out the window, replaced by these green folds of Valpolicella. Our guide, Sara, chatted about the region’s history as the van wound through vineyards. She waved at a farmer on a tractor; they actually knew each other. It felt like everyone here was somehow connected by wine or family or both.

The first winery was smaller than I expected—more like someone’s home than a business. The air inside smelled faintly of fermenting grapes and something earthy I still can’t name. We tried Valpolicella Classico first (lighter than I thought), then Ripasso (a bit richer), and finally Amarone. That one surprised me—deep but not heavy, almost like dried cherries with a little spice. The owner poured it himself and told us about drying the grapes on bamboo racks all winter. He had this way of gesturing with his hands that made everything sound important.

Between tastings there was cheese and thin slices of salumi—honestly, I could’ve just eaten those all afternoon. Someone asked how to pronounce “Amarone” properly; Sara laughed and made us repeat it until we got close enough. Outside, the hills looked almost painted in late afternoon light. There was this moment when nobody spoke—we just stood there with our glasses, listening to cicadas somewhere in the vines. I didn’t expect to feel so…quietly happy about it all.