If you’re looking for a wine activity that’s a little different from the usual vineyard tour, Playing with Wine offers a playful twist. Set in the beautiful Veneto region, this experience is designed not just to taste wine but to actually learn how to recognize aromas and properties — all while having a good time. It’s perfect for those curious about wine, or anyone who enjoys a light-hearted, interactive session that combines tasting, education, and a touch of entertainment.
What really stands out about this tour is how approachable it is — you don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, making complex wine concepts easy to grasp. Plus, the chance to sample some classic Valpolicella wines alongside local food makes it a full, wholesome experience. On the flip side, it’s only two hours long, so if you’re after a deep dive into wine production or extensive tastings, this might feel a bit on the light side.
This experience suits travelers who want a fun, interactive way to learn about wine, enjoy some good food, and have a memorable time. It’s especially friendly for those who like a relaxed, social vibe — and it’s accessible for most, including wheelchair users and speakers of Italian and Russian.
Key Points
- Engaging and playful way to learn about wine aromas and properties
- Includes a guided cellar tour and tasting of four wines paired with local food
- Great for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike, thanks to friendly guidance
- Affordable at $53, offering good value for the combination of education and tasting
- Accessible for wheelchair users and available in multiple languages
- Fun activity where guessing the wine adds a lively, interactive element
What is the “Playing with Wine” Experience?
This tour is more than just a tasting — it’s a hands-on, playful approach to understanding wine. Hosted at Corte Badin, nestled in the Valpolicella region, the experience is designed to get you involved. Instead of just sipping, you’ll learn how to spot different aromas and properties of wine, approaching it like a sommelier. The idea is to find fruits in your wine glass, which sounds quirky but is surprisingly effective in sharpening your senses.
The experience lasts around 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity to break up a day of sightseeing. At a reasonable $53 per person, it offers a good balance of fun, education, and tasting — especially considering the inclusion of four wines and local food.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point at Villa Badin, things kick off with a friendly introduction. The guides, available in Italian and Russian, set a relaxed tone that encourages questions and interaction.
Guided Cellar Tour
You’ll start with a guided walk through the cellar, which is often described as beautiful, old, and full of character. This part gives you context about the winery’s history — produced by a firm with three or more generations of winemakers — and offers insights into traditional wine-making methods. While we don’t get into detailed production techniques, the tour’s charm lies in its personal and authentic atmosphere.
Tasting and Learning
Next, the real fun begins. You’ll taste four different wines, all from the Valpolicella region, including the famous Amarone. The winemakers’ wife introduces some of the surprises, often presenting wines that are not just the usual suspects. This keeps the tasting exciting, with occasional unexpected wines that challenge your palate and perceptions.
The guides walk you through aromas and properties, helping you identify different fruits and other notes. The idea is to approach wine more like a sommelier — focusing on scent, taste, and texture. The experience emphasizes learning in a fun way, with lots of opportunities to guess the wines, making it lively and engaging.
More Great Tours NearbyLocal Food Pairings
Partnered with the wines, you’ll enjoy typical local food, which adds a layer of authenticity. The food is described as delicious and well-paired, complementing the wines perfectly. Vegetarian options are available upon request, making it accessible for different dietary needs.
The Wine and Food
Expect to sample classic Valpolicella wines, but with some surprise finds from the winemakers’ personal collection. Guests have noted that “the wines were excellent, and the guides were very knowledgeable.” The food, often described as delicious tapas-style bites, helps to balance the wines and enhance the tasting experience.
The Guides and Atmosphere
Many reviews praise the guides for being knowledgeable and friendly. One says, “Great fun guaranteed,” capturing the overall tone of the experience. The hosts are fluent in Italian and Russian, making it accessible for a wider audience.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, ideal for those who prefer a social, no-pressure environment. The small group size (implied by the personal tour style) makes it easy to ask questions and get individualized attention.
Accessibility and Practicalities
The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility concerns. Parking is available at Villa Badin, simplifying the logistics of meeting up. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, fitting well into flexible travel plans.
The Value Proposition
At $53 per person, the tour offers a good balance of education, tasting, and local ambiance. Compared to other wine experiences that often focus on large-scale tastings or tours, this one emphasizes interactive learning and personal connection. The inclusion of local food and the guided cellar tour make it a well-rounded package without feeling overly commercial.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This would be an ideal activity for beginners or anyone curious about wine but unsure where to start. It’s not overly technical, so you won’t need prior knowledge. It’s also great for travelers who enjoy a social, fun environment and like a little unpredictability — guessing wines is part of the charm.
If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even on your own, this experience provides a relaxed setting to connect over wine and learn. It’s particularly suited to those interested in Valpolicella wines, local food, and a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Playing with Wine in Veneto delivers a lighthearted yet educational taste of wine appreciation. The blend of a guided cellar visit, wine tasting, and interactive guessing games makes it stand out from more traditional wine tours. You’ll leave with new insights into wine aromas, some tasty local bites, and probably a few fun stories.
While it’s not a deep dive into winemaking techniques or extensive tastings, it hits the sweet spot for travelers wanting a memorable, relaxed experience that combines learning and fun. And at a reasonable price, it offers good value, especially if you’re intrigued by the idea of approaching wine more like a pro — with a smile on your face.
Playing with wine
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to be approachable for all levels. Guides explain things simply, and the focus is on having fun while learning about wine.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian proposals are available upon request, so you can enjoy the local food paired with your wines.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity that fits easily into a day of sightseeing.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, allowing more travelers to participate comfortably.
What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample four wines, mainly from the Valpolicella region, including the famous Amarone, with some surprises from the producer’s collection.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and relaxed way to enjoy Veneto’s wines, Playing with Wine offers a memorable introduction — one that’s as much about the experience and laughs as it is about the wine.
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