Valpolicella is a region that practically screams “wine lover’s paradise.” With its rolling vineyards, historic cellars, and renowned wines like Amarone and Ripasso, it’s a place where you can truly taste centuries of tradition. What makes Valpolicella stand out for tours is its ability to blend authentic wine craftsmanship with engaging experiences—without the crowds and over-the-top tourist traps. We especially like the Valpolicella: Discovering Amarone Capitel della Crosara because it offers a deep dive into the nuances of Amarone through four different vintages, all paired with local meats and cheeses. Plus, the chance to visit the fascinating wine museum adds an educational touch that appeals to curious travelers.
If you’re after a variety of experiences, this list covers everything from intimate tastings to full winery tours, giving you a taste of the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Whether you’re after a quick, informative session or a more immersive visit, these tours provide genuine insight into Valpolicella’s wines and the passionate people behind them. Now, let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Valpolicella: Discovering Amarone Capitel della Crosara
This tour offers an intimate 1.5-hour experience centered on the iconic Amarone wine. It’s perfect for those eager to understand what makes Amarone so special—its rich, complex flavor coming from a traditional drying process. You’ll sample 4 vintages of Amarone Classico DOCG from the last 20 years, gaining insight into how the wine evolves over time.
What sets this tour apart is the pairing with local meats and cheeses, elevating the tasting and giving you a true taste of Verona’s culinary culture. You’ll visit the cellar and explore the wine museum, which showcases the history and craft of winemaking in Valpolicella. The host shares detailed stories about the winemaking process, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts wanting a deep, authentic experience.
Rated 5/5 by four reviewers, this tour offers excellent value with its personal approach and focus on Amarone. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a short, educational, and delicious introduction to Valpolicella wines.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for wine lovers wanting a focused, high-quality tasting combined with cultural insights.
2. Valpolicella: Wine experience Valpolicella in a glass
This 1.5-hour tour has a slightly broader scope, combining a guided winery visit with a regional wine tasting experience. Starting from Via Ca’ di Cozzi, the tour includes a Verona guided tour (about 40 minutes), giving you a quick cultural context before diving into winemaking.
The highlight is the wine tasting of regional wines, including Amarone, paired with local regional foods. The host explains the winemaking process, helping you understand the craftsmanship behind Valpolicella’s signature wines. The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.
With a rating of 4.3/5 from three reviews, this experience is praised for its informative nature and friendly atmosphere. While the price (~$45.55 per person) offers good value for the rundown, the actual experience depends on the availability of starting times.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a mix of cultural sightseeing and a well-rounded wine tasting in a short timeframe.
3. Valpolicella: Winery Tour with Red Wine&Cicchetti tasting
This 2.5-hour experience combines a visit to the Cantine Buglioni cellar and vineyards with a tasting of four wines, including Amarone and Ripasso della Valpolicella, paired with finger foods or cicchetti. It’s a more immersive experience for those eager to learn the secrets behind Valpolicella’s most famous wines.
You’ll walk through the vineyards, see the cellar, and hear about the winemaking process directly from the experts. The tasting offers a chance to savor the complexity of Amarone and Ripasso while enjoying delicious accompaniments, making it ideal for those who appreciate food and wine pairings.
While reviews are not available, the tour’s length and scope make it a good option for wine enthusiasts wanting a deeper dive. The inclusion of multiple styles of wine and finger foods provides excellent value for a 2.5-hour tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive, relaxed winery experience with food pairing in Valpolicella.
How to Choose
When selecting a wine tour in Valpolicella, consider your budget, interests, and how deep you want to go into wine education. If you’re pressed for time but want a quality insight into Amarone, the Discovering Amarone Capitel della Crosara offers an intimate tasting with a focus on history and tradition. Those wanting a broader experience—combining sightseeing and tasting—might prefer the Wine experience Valpolicella in a glass, especially if you appreciate guided explanations. For a more immersive vineyard visit with food pairing, the Winery Tour with Red Wine&Cicchetti tasting is your best bet.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, since these tours fill up quickly. Be sure to check availability and start times, especially for the shorter experiences.
Final Thoughts
Valpolicella offers a range of excellent wine tours suited to different interests and schedules. For a short, focused deep dive into Amarone, the Capitel della Crosara tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a broader overview that mixes sightseeing and tasting, the Valpolicella in a glass offers great value. For those who want a full winery experience with food pairing, the Winery Tour with cicchetti provides an immersive, delicious experience.
No matter which you choose, you’ll leave Valpolicella with a deeper appreciation of its wines—and plenty of stories to tell back home. Remember to book early, especially during busy months, and enjoy your time exploring this vibrant wine region.
