Thinking about a wine experience in Italy? This Valpolicella tasting tour with Buglioni offers a good mix of education and indulgence, all set in the beautiful Aosta Valley region. While the region itself might not be as internationally famous as Tuscany or Piedmont, the chance to explore a family-run winery, learn about traditional wine-making, and sample some of Italy’s signature reds makes it a rewarding option.
We really like how this tour combines a relaxed, scenic walk through vineyards and cellars with the chance to savor well-chosen food and wines. Plus, it’s accessible for most travelers — the tour is wheelchair friendly and in English, which is not always the case with wine experiences.
That said, it’s worth noting that the experience lasts about 3.5 hours, so it’s a good fit if you enjoy immersive tastings but may be a bit long for those with tight schedules or limited stamina. And, if you’re traveling with children or teenagers, remember that while they can join the tour for free, any extra tastings would be charged separately.
This tour is best suited for those who appreciate good wines and local traditions and are looking for an authentic tasting experience in a picturesque setting.
Key Points
- Duration: About 3.5 hours, combining a vineyard tour and food/wine tasting
- Highlights: Sampling five wines including Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto della Valpolicella
- Setting: Organic vineyards, cellar tour, and drying loft
- Food: A seasonal, five-course menu paired with wines at Locanda Buglioni
- Accessibility: Wheelchair friendly and guided in English
- Cost: Reserve now, pay later; free for children under 18 (other costs for extra drinks)
A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
Starting in the Vineyards
From the moment you arrive at Cantina Buglioni, you’ll notice the inviting atmosphere. The location is marked clearly with the yellow turrets and house, making it easy to find. The experience kicks off outside, in the open air among organic vineyards, which immediately sets a calming, rustic tone. Walking through these lush vines, you’ll get a chance to see where the grapes grow and hear about their organic practices, which add a layer of authenticity and care to the wines you’ll taste later.
Guided Tour of the Cellar and Drying Loft
Next, the tour shifts to the cellar, where you’ll learn about the wine’s journey from grape to glass. The cellar’s cool, dark environment is typical of traditional wine storage, and here you’ll grasp how the different aging processes affect the flavor profile of each wine. Then, moving to the drying loft, you’ll see the space dedicated to drying grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta — the varieties that define Valpolicella wines.
This part of the experience is both educational and visually interesting. The drying process, critical for producing Amarone and Recioto, involves hanging grapes for months, concentrating their sugars and flavors. Hearing about these traditional methods from Fabio adds a personal touch and brings the process to life.
The Food and Wine Pairing
After the cellar visit, you’ll head to Locanda Buglioni, the winery’s dedicated restaurant. Here, the tasting menu is carefully crafted to match the five wines you’ll sample. The menu varies with the seasons, ensuring fresh, local ingredients shine through.
The five wines you’ll try include some of Italy’s most beloved red varieties:
– Il Disperato (Bianco Trevenezie IGT) — a crisp, refreshing white to start.
– Molì (Unfiltered Classic Method, Zero Dosage) — a sparkling wine, offering bubbles and complexity.
– Il Bugiardo (Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC BIO) — a richer, slightly fuller red with depth.
– Il Lussurioso (Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG) — the star, with intense flavors and a velvety finish.
– Il Narcisista (Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO) — a sweet, dessert-style wine.
Each pairing is designed to enhance the flavors of both the food and the wines, and Fabio’s commentary helps you appreciate what makes each one unique. The attention to seasonality keeps the experience fresh and relevant, emphasizing the winery’s dedication to quality.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Love This Tour?
It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning about wine production in an intimate, friendly environment. If you’re curious about how grapes turn into great wines like Amarone and Recioto, or if you simply want a relaxed afternoon of tasting in a scenic setting, this will suit you well.
Travelers who like combining tasting with a cultural experience will find the vineyard tour particularly rewarding. Plus, the fact that it’s wheelchair accessible and offered in English broadens its appeal.
The Review from Guests
One guest, Luca from Italy, gave the experience a full five stars, praising Fabio’s “professionalism, competence, and friendliness.” This warm feedback hints that the guides are passionate and eager to share their knowledge, which can really elevate the experience.
Practical Considerations
The tour is easy to book with flexible cancellation policies, and you can reserve with the option to pay later — a good option if your plans are still taking shape. Because children under 18 are free to join, families might find this a nice day out, though note that additional tastings or drinks for kids would be extra.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?
If you’re a wine lover wanting an authentic taste of Valpolicella, this tour hits many marks. The combination of vineyard walks, cellar insights, and a carefully curated wine and food pairing provides a well-rounded experience. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate local traditions and organic farming, as the vineyards here are organic.
For those seeking a relaxed, educational outing that feels personal and intimate, this tour offers a quiet, memorable taste of Italy’s wine culture. It might not be the best choice if you’re after a high-energy, large-group event or if you’re on a tight schedule, but if you enjoy deliberate, flavorful experiences with a focus on quality, this should be on your list.
Valpolicella: Lunch or Dinner tasting with Amarone
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 can join the tour for free, but any additional drinks or tastings would need to be paid for separately. It’s ideal for families with kids who want to experience the setting, but be mindful of the wine tastings.
How long does the experience last?
The entire tour and tasting take approximately 3.5 hours, making it a fairly substantial activity that allows plenty of time to enjoy, learn, and savor.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, so most visitors who need assistance should be able to participate comfortably.
What wines will I taste?
You will sample five wines, including a white, a sparkling, a Ripasso, an Amarone, and a Recioto — offering a comprehensive look at Valpolicella’s range.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your schedule shifts.
Is the menu at Locanda Buglioni seasonal?
Yes, the five-course menu varies depending on the season, ensuring fresh, local ingredients are featured.
Do I need to know Italian to enjoy this?
No, the experience is guided in English, making it accessible for most international visitors.
All in all, this Valpolicella tasting tour balances education with indulgence, set in a tranquil, scenic environment. If you’re curious about Italy’s iconic wines and enjoy pairing them with thoughtfully prepared dishes, it’s definitely worth considering for your trip.
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