Marano di Valpolicella is a gem for wine lovers. This charming town in Veneto, Italy, offers a variety of wine tours that showcase the region’s famed Valpolicella wines, especially the legendary Amarone. What makes these tours appealing isn’t just the wine—it’s the rich history, the scenic vineyards, and the chance to see traditional winemaking up close. We particularly like the Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Wine Tasting for its comprehensive look at historic techniques and its elegant setting, making it a standout if you want a deep dive into Valpolicella’s wine heritage.
In this list, we’ve gathered the best options for different tastes and interests. Whether you’re after an in-depth tour of a renowned winery, a fun and interactive wine activity, or a straightforward tasting experience, there’s something here that will suit your style. All of these tours are located in Veneto and offer a chance to taste some of Italy’s most celebrated wines.
Below are the top three wine experiences in Marano di Valpolicella, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you prefer learning about traditional winemaking techniques, trying a playful wine activity, or sampling a broad range of regional wines, this guide will help you choose the perfect trip for your trip.
1. Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Wine Tasting
At number one, we highlight the Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Wine Tasting, which scores an impressive 4.4 out of 5 from over 100 reviews. For $39 per person, you get a 1.5-hour in-depth exploration of a renowned winery owned by the Bertani family. This tour is perfect if you want to understand the traditional techniques behind Amarone and Ripasso wines.
Your experience begins with a guided tour of the elegant 18th-century villa, complete with ornate frescoed rooms and romantic gardens. From there, you’ll explore the 16th-century walled vineyards and underground cellars, where the secrets of Appassimento and Ripasso techniques are unveiled. The guide, an expert sommelier, will walk you through the process of producing these world-famous wines that have been crafted here for centuries. The tasting includes a selection of their most refined wines, offering a taste of Valpolicella’s heritage.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on history and craftsmanship—visiting a historic estate with a long-standing reputation creates a memorable experience. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the elegant setting, making this a top choice for wine enthusiasts who appreciate depth and tradition. The price reflects good value for a comprehensive experience with quality wines.
Bottom Line: If you want an immersive, history-rich visit that combines art, tradition, and excellent wines, this guided tour delivers. Perfect for those who want a meaningful understanding of Valpolicella’s winemaking.
2. Playing with wine
Coming in at number two is Playing with wine, which offers a fun, hands-on approach to wine tasting. This 2-hour experience costs $53 per person and is ideal if you’re looking for something lighthearted and interactive.
This tour is less about formal tasting and more about learning through play. The experience involves discovering how to pick out different fruits or flavors in a glass of wine, making it perfect for those who want to understand wine in a relaxed, humorous way. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy trying something different and want a memorable, entertaining session that gets you thinking about wine’s flavors and aromas.
The highlight here is the playful atmosphere—participants are encouraged to experiment, laugh, and learn in a casual setting. The guide offers tips to sharpen your senses and interpret what you taste. Though there are no reviews listed, the format suggests an engaging activity that appeals to a broad audience, from casual wine drinkers to curious travelers.
Bottom Line: This experience is best suited for those who want to break the ice with wine, enjoy a few laughs, and learn some useful tasting tips without the formality of traditional wine tours.
3. Valpolicella in the round: tasting of typical Valpolicella wines
Topping our list with a perfect rating of 5/5 is Valpolicella in the round. For only $28, this 1.5-hour tasting offers a rundown of six key Valpolicella wines, from fresh Valpolicella to the rich Amarone. This tour is a fantastic value for those who want to sample the region’s most representative styles.
The experience begins at an historic wine cellar, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how wines are made. The guide takes you through the processing area and shows you the withering fruit orchard and vineyards, giving a real sense of the local terroir. During the tasting, you’ll sample a variety of typical wines that showcase the diversity of Valpolicella, with an emphasis on their particularities.
One of the reviewers, Silvia, praised the guide and the location, calling it “such a lovely place” and highly recommending the experience. The tour offers a good balance of education and tasting, making it suitable for those who want to understand regional differences without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an affordable, insightful introduction to Valpolicella wines in a friendly, authentic setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour
When deciding which of these tours suits you best, consider your interests and trip style. If you love history and want a luxurious experience, the Valpolicella Amarone Chateau Guided Tour offers a detailed look at traditional winemaking. For something more casual and playful, the Playing with wine session provides a fun way to explore flavors. If you’re after a broad, affordable overview of typical Valpolicella wines, the Valpolicella in the round is an excellent choice.
Also think about your budget, time constraints, and interest in history versus interactive fun. Book early, especially for popular tours, and check availability ahead of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Marano di Valpolicella offers a wonderful range of wine experiences, whether you’re after a deep dive into Amarone, a lively tasting adventure, or a broad overview of regional wines. The guided winery tour is ideal for those who appreciate tradition and craftsmanship. The playful wine experience is perfect if you want to add some fun to your trip. And the comprehensive tasting offers great value for a quick, enriching wine overview.
No matter which you choose, each tour provides a chance to see why Valpolicella’s wines are celebrated worldwide. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking your preferred experience well in advance. Cheers to discovering Italy’s wine magic in Marano di Valpolicella!
