Exploring Valpolicella: A Wine Lover’s Paradise in Veneto, Italy
Nestled in the heart of Veneto, Valpolicella is a wine region renowned for its rich reds and ancient winemaking traditions. This picturesque area offers visitors a blend of stunning landscapes, historic villages, and world-class wines.
Towns and Villages
Valpolicella’s charming towns and villages are steeped in history and wine culture:
- Negrar: The heart of Valpolicella, known for its wine production and the annual Palio del Recioto festival.
- San Pietro in Cariano: Home to numerous wineries and the 16th-century Villa Serego Alighieri.
- Fumane: Boasts prehistoric caves and the beautiful Romanesque church of San Floriano.
- Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella: Features the impressive Pieve di San Giorgio with its 12th-century frescoes.
Wine Producers
Valpolicella boasts numerous esteemed wineries offering tours and tastings:
- Allegrini: A family-run estate known for its innovative winemaking techniques.
- Masi: Pioneers in the production of Amarone, offering guided tours of their historic cellars.
- Tommasi: A century-old winery with a beautiful tasting room overlooking the vineyards.
- Zymè: An architecturally striking winery focusing on experimental winemaking.
Accommodations
Stay among the vineyards for an authentic Valpolicella experience:
- Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà: A luxurious 5-star hotel housed in a 15th-century villa, surrounded by vineyards.
- Agriturismo Corte San Mattia: A rustic farmhouse offering panoramic views of Verona and homemade wines.
- Hotel Villa Quaranta: A 4-star spa resort with its own winery and thermal baths.
- Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde: An elegant wine resort offering apartment-style accommodations amidst vineyards.
Dining
Savor local cuisine paired with Valpolicella wines at these recommended restaurants:
- Enoteca della Valpolicella: A cozy wine bar serving traditional dishes and an extensive wine list.
- Ristorante Dalla Rosa Alda: Known for its homemade pasta and regional specialties.
- Groto de Corgnan: A family-run trattoria offering authentic Veronese cuisine in a rustic setting.
- La Divina: An upscale dining experience with innovative takes on local ingredients.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Valpolicella’s wine culture beyond the vineyards:
- Enoteca La Valpolicella: A well-stocked wine shop in Fumane offering tastings and local specialties.
- Osteria del Bugiardo: A rustic wine bar in San Pietro in Cariano with an extensive selection of regional wines.
- Vinoteca Verona: Located in nearby Verona, this shop offers a wide range of Valpolicella wines and guided tastings.
- Antica Bottega del Vino: A historic wine bar in Verona with an impressive cellar of local and international wines.
Other Shops
Discover local products and souvenirs:
- Acetaia Villa San Matteo: A family-run producer of traditional balsamic vinegar in Negrar.
- Frantoio Bonamini: An olive oil mill in San Giovanni Ilarione offering tastings and tours.
- La Bottega della Valpolicella: A gourmet shop in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella selling local wines, cheeses, and cured meats.
- Corte Borghetti: A farm shop in Fumane selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, and homemade preserves.
Attractions
Explore the region’s cultural and natural highlights:
- Villa della Torre: A 16th-century Renaissance villa in Fumane, now home to Allegrini winery.
- Parco delle Cascate di Molina: A nature park featuring stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Ponte di Veja: A natural stone bridge and archaeological site near Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo.
- Museo del Vino: A wine museum in Verona showcasing the history of winemaking in the region.
Events
Time your visit to coincide with these wine-centric events:
- Palio del Recioto: An Easter festival in Negrar celebrating Recioto wine with tastings and competitions.
- Amarone Anteprima: An annual event in Verona showcasing new Amarone vintages (usually in January).
- Magnalonga: A food and wine walk through the Valpolicella countryside held in August.
- Festa dell’Uva: Grape harvest festivals held in various towns throughout September and October.
Appellations
Understand the region’s wine classifications:
- Valpolicella DOC: The base appellation for red wines from the region.
- Valpolicella Ripasso DOC: A fuller-bodied wine made by refermenting Valpolicella on Amarone grape skins.
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG: The region’s flagship wine, made from dried grapes.
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG: A sweet red wine also made from dried grapes.
Grape Varieties
Valpolicella’s wines primarily feature indigenous red grape varieties. The main grapes include:
- Corvina: The backbone of Valpolicella wines, known for its sour cherry and almond notes
- Rondinella: Adds floral aromas and softens the wine’s structure
- Molinara: Contributes acidity and lightens the color
- Corvinone: Often used as a complement to Corvina, adding depth and tannins
Some producers also incorporate small amounts of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Main Wine Styles
Valpolicella offers a diverse range of wine styles:
- Valpolicella DOC: Light, fresh red wines with cherry flavors
- Valpolicella Ripasso DOC: Fuller-bodied wines made by refermenting Valpolicella on Amarone grape skins
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG: Rich, powerful wines made from dried grapes
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG: Sweet red wine made from dried grapes
Each style showcases different aspects of the region’s terroir and winemaking traditions.
Food Specialties
Valpolicella’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Risotto all’Amarone: Creamy risotto cooked with Amarone wine
- Polenta e sopressa: Cornmeal polenta served with local salami
- Pastissada de caval: Horse meat stew, traditionally paired with Amarone
- Monte Veronese cheese: A local DOP cheese, excellent with Valpolicella wines
Many restaurants in the region offer wine pairing menus to showcase these local flavors.
Drives & Walks
Explore Valpolicella’s scenic landscape through these routes:
- Valpolicella Wine Route: A 50km drive through vineyards and historic villages
- Torbe to Negrar hike: A 7km trail offering panoramic views of the valley
- Fumane Valley walk: Easy 5km path passing ancient churches and wineries
Always check with local tourist offices for updated trail conditions and maps.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
Day 1: Visit Allegrini and Tommasi wineries, explore Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella.
Day 2: Tour Masi and Zenato estates, lunch in Negrar, evening wine tasting in Verona.
Day 3: Explore Soave region, visit Villa della Torre, farewell dinner with Amarone pairing.
5-Day Valpolicella Experience
Extend your stay to include cooking classes, truffle hunting (seasonal), and day trips to Lake Garda or Venice.
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Verona Villafranca Airport, about 20 km from Valpolicella. From there:
- Car rental: Recommended for exploring wineries and villages
- Bus: ATV operates routes to major towns in Valpolicella
- Taxi: Available but expensive for longer trips
Within Valpolicella, consider renting bicycles for short trips between wineries.
Best Time to Visit
Valpolicella offers year-round appeal, but certain seasons stand out:
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, beautiful vineyard views
- Autumn (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals, perfect for winery tours
- Winter (December-February): Ideal for Amarone tasting, cozy fireside experiences
Summer can be hot and crowded, but excellent for outdoor dining and events.
Sustainability Efforts
Valpolicella is embracing sustainable viticulture:
- Organic farming: Many wineries are transitioning to organic practices
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems reduce water usage
- Biodiversity: Planting cover crops and maintaining wildlife corridors
Look for wineries certified by Equalitas or VIVA for sustainable wine tourism experiences.
Language Tips
While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases enhances your experience:
- Salute! – Cheers!
- Cantina – Winery
- Degustazione – Wine tasting
- Rosso – Red wine
Download a translation app for on-the-go assistance in smaller villages.
Further Resources
Expand your Valpolicella knowledge with these resources:
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella: Official website for wine information
- Strada del Vino Valpolicella: Details on the wine route and local producers
- Visit Valpolicella: Comprehensive tourism portal for the region
Consider purchasing a detailed wine map of Valpolicella for in-depth exploration.
