The history of Amarone: tour and vertical tasting of 3 decades

If you’re passionate about wine, especially the kind that ages gracefully and tells a story with every sip, then a tour of Amarone at Cantine Lenotti could be just what you’re looking for. This experience promises to take you through the history and development of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico, one of Italy’s most admired wines, by tasting three different vintages spanning 20 years, plus a taste of a young wine directly from the barrique. It’s a journey into wine’s aging process, climate influences, and winemaking techniques — all set in the beautiful surroundings of Verona.

What makes this tour stand out are two key things. First, the chance to taste vintages from 1998, 2008, and 2018 offers an authentic look at how Amarone evolves over decades. Second, the guided tour parts — walking through vineyards, fermentation, and cellar areas — add a layer of engagement that makes the tasting more meaningful. However, a potential consideration is the price, which is around $894 for a group of up to six people. While not cheap, this is a tailored, private experience that provides a level of intimacy and focus that many wine lovers crave. It’s best suited for those who are genuinely interested in understanding the aging process of Amarone and don’t mind spending a little extra to do so.

Key Points

Expert-led experience with knowledgeable guides
Vertical tasting of three decades— 1998, 2008, 2018 — revealing how Amarone ages
Includes a cellar visit to see the production process firsthand
Opportunity to taste a young Amarone straight from the barrique
Private tour with only your group, ensuring personalized attention
Cost reflects a premium, in-depth experience

A Closer Look at the Tour

When you sign up for this experience at Cantine Lenotti in Verona, you’re signing up for more than just a tasting — it’s a structured, educational journey through the world of Amarone. The tour lasts about two hours, and for that time, you’ll get to explore the entire process from vineyard to bottle. The starting point is behind the winery at the Vigneto Santa Cristina, a small vineyard close to Lake Garda, giving you a lovely scenic backdrop. From there, the guide will lead you through the grape reception area, fermentation cellar, underground barrel cellar, and bottling rooms — each step revealing a piece of the wine’s story.

What’s special about this experience is how it moves beyond just sipping wine. It’s about understanding what factors influence the aging of Amarone, such as climate, land, and winemaking choices. Walking through the cellars, you’ll see where the wine matures in barrels, which is a crucial part of its development. The guide’s expertise really shines here, answering questions and sharing insights that turn what might seem like a simple tasting into a meaningful educational moment.

At the end of the tour, the real highlight begins. You’ll settle into a dedicated space for the vertical tasting. Here, you’ll sip the three vintages from 1998, 2008, and 2018. The 1998 is described as warm and mature, with soft tannins and a harmonious structure. It’s the kind of wine that’s mellow with age, perfect for fans of complex, balanced reds. The 2008 is characterized as fresh and lively, with significant red fruit flavors and a bright acidity that makes it more approachable now but with potential for further aging. The youngest, 2018, is described as elegant and refined, displaying finesse and promising a long future ahead.

In addition, you’ll get to taste a young Amarone straight from the barrique — a rare treat that offers a glimpse into the wine’s future. To complement the wines, a platter with cold cuts, cheeses, and local products is included, making this a well-rounded tasting experience.

What You Can Expect at Each Stage

Vineyard Visit: The tour begins in the vineyard, the source of the grapes that produce Amarone. The proximity to Lake Garda might interest you, providing a unique microclimate that influences the grapes’ ripening. Walking here, you’ll see the grapes up close and get an idea of the land that produces such storied wines.

Reception Area & Fermentation Cellar: Moving inside, you’ll learn about the initial steps of winemaking — from grape reception to fermentation. This insight helps you appreciate how the flavors are developed during the early stages.

Underground Barrel Cellar: Here, the wine ages in barrels, and the atmosphere gives a tangible sense of tradition and patience. This part of the tour often leaves a lasting impression, as you understand how aging influences the wine’s complexity.

Bottling Room & Warehouses: The journey continues through the bottling process, seeing the care with which each bottle is prepared. This glimpse underscores the craftsmanship behind each bottle of Amarone.

Vertical Tasting: Finally, the tasting takes center stage. The three vintages reveal different shades of Amarone over the years, showcasing how climate variations and winemaking choices shape the final product. The 1998, with its mature profile, contrasts nicely with the fresher, more vibrant 2008 and the elegant 2018. Tasting the young Amarone from the barrique adds an exclusive element, allowing you to see how the wine is still evolving.

Authenticity and Guides

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides as a major plus. One reviewer shared that it was a “simply wonderful and unforgettable experience,” emphasizing the kindness they received and the feeling of being transported “to another world.” This points to the warm atmosphere and expert guidance, which can make all the difference in a wine tasting.

Pricing and Value

At almost $900 for a private group, this experience is on the higher end. However, considering you get a personalized tour, a tasting of four vintages (including a young wine from the barrel), and an intimate setting, the price reflects the level of detail and exclusivity. If you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast, especially with an interest in Amarone’s aging potential, this can be a worthwhile investment.

Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is best suited for those who are genuinely interested in the story behind wines, wine aging, and quality craftsmanship. It’s ideal for connoisseurs or curious travelers wanting a deeper understanding of Amarone beyond just tasting. If you’re traveling with others who share your passion for wine, it’s a perfect way to learn and taste together.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
While the tour is educational, it’s designed for those interested in wine, but beginners can still enjoy the experience — especially if they’re eager to learn about Amarone.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, including the vineyard walk, cellar visits, and tasting.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste three different vintages of Amarone (1998, 2008, 2018), plus a young Amarone from the barrel, accompanied by a platter of local cold cuts, cheeses, and other products.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, making it flexible to plan.

What is the group size?
This is a private experience for your group, with up to six people, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lenotti Cellars in Bardolino and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this experience family-friendly?
It’s a wine-focused tour, so it’s better suited for adults interested in wine than children.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who appreciates the nuances of wine aging and wants to see how Amarone develops over time, this tour offers a rare, hands-on look at the process. It’s not just about tasting; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship, the climate, and the patience behind each bottle. The knowledgeable guides make a big difference, turning a simple tasting into an educational and memorable experience.

This tour is particularly suited for serious wine lovers, those interested in Italian wines, or travelers keen on exploring Verona’s wine scene in a more intimate setting. The price might be a barrier for some, but for those who want a comprehensive, guided look into Amarone’s evolution, it’s a solid investment.

For anyone passionate about wine or curious about Italy’s most celebrated vintages, this experience is more than worth considering. It’s a chance to connect with the land, the tradition, and the aging process of one of Italy’s most iconic wines — all with the guidance of true experts.

Note: If you’re after a casual wine tasting or a more budget-friendly option, there are other tours available in Verona, but if you’re looking for depth and exclusivity, this one hits the mark.