Valpolicella Lunch or Dinner Wine & Food tasting with Amarone

If you’re eyeing a visit to the Veneto region near Verona, this Valpolicella Lunch or Dinner Wine & Food Tasting with Amarone offers a chance to enjoy some of Italy’s most renowned wines paired with a hearty meal. This experience has built quite a reputation, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 28 reviews, and it seems to hit the right notes for anyone curious about how this famous wine region operates—and what it tastes like.

What we love about this tour is its relaxed vibe; it’s not a stuffy wine lesson but rather a chance to live the experience. Touching barrels, exploring grape drying lofts, and then sitting down for a multi-course meal paired with five carefully selected wines? Yes, that’s the kind of authentic, immersive tasting that makes you feel like you’re part of the family, not just a visitor. Plus, the fact that the tour includes a visit to a historic winery with a charming setting gives it a special touch.

One small consideration: the tour is quite detailed and involves multiple stops, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and are truly interested in wine, food, and local culture. It might not be ideal if you’re short on time or prefer quick tasting sessions. But if you’re looking for an authentic, in-depth experience that combines learning, tasting, and delicious food, this could be just what you need.

This tour works well for anyone who appreciates quality wines, good conversation, and beautiful settings—wine lovers, foodies, or anyone wanting a taste of Italy’s famous Valpolicella region.

Key Points

• Authentic Wine and Food Experience: No dull lessons here—just a relaxed, enjoyable way to taste wine and eat well.
• In-depth Winery Visit: Touch barrels, explore the grape drying loft, and see the production process firsthand.
• Beautiful Setting: The tour takes place in a historic winery with stunning views and a cozy atmosphere.
• Expert Guide: Fabio or other staff are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion.
• Generous Tasting: Five different wines are served alongside a five-course meal, offering great value.
• Flexible and Convenient: Includes a voucher for a glass of wine in Verona’s historic center, with no extra cost.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at Cantina Buglioni, where you’ll be greeted outdoors amid lush, organic vineyards. Here, you’re invited to soak in the scenery and get a sense of the winery’s natural setting. The walk through the vineyards is a gentle start that sets the tone for the authentic experience ahead.

Next, you’ll step into the cellar—the heart of the operation—where the real magic happens. You’ll see barrels filled with aging reds, and amphorae (the traditional clay containers) housing Amarone Riserva. The staff, often praised for their warmth and knowledge, will likely share stories about the history and methods behind their craft. One reviewer highlights Fabio’s ability to communicate the family’s passion with professionalism and friendliness, making the tour both educational and personal.

The tour continues with a visit to the grape drying loft, a fascinating area where grapes like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta spend months drying before becoming Amarone. You’ll see this crucial step in the process—something that truly sets Valpolicella wines apart—up close. This step is often mentioned as a highlight, with reviews noting the visit as “beautiful” and full of interesting details.

What’s in the Tasting and Meal?

After the cellar visits, the group is taken to Locanda Buglioni, a cozy wine restaurant just a short drive away. Here, the focus shifts from the technical to the sensory. You’ll sit down for a five-course meal paired with five wines, meticulously selected to match each dish. The food is described as excellent, with reviews praising the high quality of the dishes, which include local specialties.

The wines include choices like Il Vigliacco (Brut Rosè), Rosacipolla (Rosè Trevenezie IGT), Il Bugiardo (Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC), Il Lussurioso (Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG), and Il Narcisista (Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG). This lineup offers a good mix of styles, giving you a well-rounded taste of what Valpolicella has to offer. Several reviews emphasize how delicious and well-paired the wines and dishes are, making this a true gastronomic experience rather than just a tasting.

The Value of the Experience

At $109.86 per person, this tour offers quite a lot. You get two guided visits—one to the vineyards and one to the drying loft—as well as a full meal with wine pairings, plus a voucher for an additional glass of wine in Verona’s historic center. Many reviewers agree the experience is worth the price, especially considering the quality of wines, food, and local insight offered.

The Atmosphere and Service

Guests consistently mention Fabio, or other staff members, as being friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate—traits that make the experience relaxing and engaging. The setting of the winery and restaurant is described as beautiful, elegant but also warm and welcoming. The location, surrounded by scenic countryside, adds a peaceful, almost poetic backdrop to your afternoon or evening.

Who’s It For?

This experience suits those who want more than just a quick sip of wine; it’s perfect for anyone interested in the story of Valpolicella wines, their production, and their pairing with hearty Italian dishes. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate a personal touch and enjoy learning about regional traditions in a relaxed setting.

While it’s mostly suited to adults, the tour’s slow pace and focus on tasting make it generally suitable for most travelers, including those who might be traveling with friends or partners. If you’re a family with children, keep in mind it’s primarily an adult-focused experience, but nothing explicitly forbids younger guests—just be prepared for a wine-heavy day.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Book This?

If you love discovering real local flavors, enjoy tasting a range of wines with delicious food, and want to learn a little about the process behind Italy’s celebrated wines, this tour is a gem. The combination of scenic vineyard visits, engaging guides, and a proper sit-down meal makes it stand out from more generic tastings.

It’s an experience designed for those who want to relax, learn, and indulge—and come away with a genuine sense of what makes Valpolicella wines special. If you’re after a fun, authentic, and beautifully paced day or evening in Verona’s wine country, this tour won’t disappoint.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation is not provided. The tour starts at the winery in Corrubbio and ends at a restaurant in San Pietro in Cariano, so plan to travel between sites independently.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including visits, tasting, and meal. The meal alone lasts around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the experience. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
While the reviews praise the food quality, it’s best to contact the provider directly if you have specific dietary needs, as the menu is not detailed here.

What’s the best way to prepare for the tour?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring wine cellars and vineyards. Bring an interest in wine and food, and be ready to enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Can I visit the winery or restaurant again after the tour?
Yes, you’ll receive a voucher for a glass of wine that can be used within 365 days at Piscaria, the Osteria di Mare in Verona’s historic center.

Final Thoughts

This Valpolicella wine and food experience offers an authentic taste of Italy’s celebrated wine region, paired with excellent food and guided by passionate locals. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a genuine, immersive experience that goes beyond tasting to include understanding and appreciation of the region’s traditions.

The combination of scenic vineyard visits, a lively cellar tour, and a well-curated meal makes it a memorable outing. If you’re after a day that balances education, relaxation, and flavor, this is a solid choice—and one that many reviewers say they would repeat. It’s best suited for wine lovers, foodies, or anyone wanting to enjoy the serenity and flavors of Valpolicella in a friendly, welcoming setting.