If you’re planning a trip to Italy’s Veneto region and have a soft spot for wine, this Valpolicella in the round tour offers a thoughtful peek into one of Italy’s most renowned wine regions. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews and details paint a picture of a well-rounded, approachable experience that’s especially good for those curious about the local varieties and winemaking process.
What we really like about this tasting is its combination of history and hands-on insight—visiting an ancient cellar and seeing behind the scenes of wine processing. Plus, the chance to sip six varied wines, from fresh Valpolicella to the celebrated Amarone, makes it an appealing value at just $28. One potential consideration? The tour’s duration is relatively short—1.5 hours—so if you’re after a more extensive exploration, you might want to complement this experience with other activities.
This tour is well-suited for curious travelers, wine enthusiasts, or those interested in understanding what makes Valpolicella special. It’s also friendly enough for first-time visitors to wine regions but detailed enough to satisfy those with some wine background.
Key Points
- Short but comprehensive: A 1.5-hour experience that covers vineyards, cellars, and tasting.
- Behind-the-scenes access: Visit an ancient cellar and processing areas, including a fruit drying room.
- Diverse wine tasting: Six wines including Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone, and Oseleta, offering a spectrum of flavors.
- Expert-guided: Led by knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendliness and expertise.
- Beautiful setting: Located in the scenic Marano di Valpolicella, with vineyard views and historic cellars.
- Great value: For $28, you get a solid introduction to local wines, accompanied by dry baked goods.
Starting Point and First Impressions
Your journey begins in the courtyard of the winery, where the guide will gather your group—limited to just 8 participants, so expect a more intimate, friendly atmosphere. From there, the tour moves into the historic cellar, which is quite an eye-opener. The wooden barrels dominate the space, and seeing them up close gives you a tangible sense of tradition. It’s a reminder of how much craftsmanship goes into each bottle, and it’s often a highlight for visitors who appreciate the artisanal side of wine.
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Visiting the Cellar and Processing Area
One feature that truly stands out is the visit to the cellar, where you can observe the aging process firsthand. The guide will likely point out the different types of barrels and explain how they influence the wine’s character. The ability to see “behind the scenes” parts of the production area adds a layer of understanding that you don’t always get on standard tastings.
A significant part of the process involves the fruttaio, or fruit drying area. Here, grapes are naturally dried—sometimes for months—to create Amarone and Recioto wines. Watching the withering fruit orchard gives you insight into this slow, meticulous process that differentiates Valpolicella wines from others.
Walking Through the Vineyard
After exploring the processing spaces, you’ll venture through four steps in the vineyard. This part of the tour is particularly valuable, offering a close-up look at the vines and the unique terrain that influences the wines’ flavors. Expect to see the typical grape varieties like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and perhaps Oseleta—the latter mentioned as one of the key grapes in the tasting.
Walking through the vineyard gives an authentic sense of place—how the landscape and climate shape the flavors you’ll taste later. The guide will probably point out the specific characteristics of the terroir, explaining how it impacts the grapes’ growth and, ultimately, the wine’s profile.
Tasting the Range of Valpolicella Wines
The tasting session is the core of the experience—and it’s where you really get to appreciate the region’s diversity. You’ll sample six wines, starting from the fresh and elegant Valpolicella to the richer, more concentrated Amarone. The lineup includes:
- Valpolicella Classico DOC “Gli Archi” – a lively, approachable wine, perfect for beginners.
- Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC “Gli Archi” – a slightly more refined version with added complexity.
- Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC “Gli Archi” – richer and more textured, made using the ripasso method.
- Rosso Verona IGT “Oseleta” – a distinctive red that highlights the Oseleta grape.
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG “Gli Archi” – the star of the region, with deep, concentrated flavors.
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico IGT – another expression of Amarone, often praised for its complexity.
Expect the guide to explain each wine’s character, highlighting the peculiarities of the grape varieties like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta. The tasting is accompanied by dry baked goods, which help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors.
More Great Tours NearbyAuthenticity and Authentic Experience
Guests have called this tour “such a lovely place,” praising the friendly, knowledgeable guides—like Silvia—who help make the experience engaging and informative. One reviewer noted how easy it was to find the location, and many mention how the guides helped demystify the wine-making process without overwhelming beginners.
The small group size adds to the intimate feel, allowing for questions and personal attention. The tasting itself is praised for being well-curated, offering a good balance of variety and depth—from light, fresh wines to those with intense, concentrated profiles.
Practical Details and Value
The tour is priced at $28 per person, which is quite reasonable considering you get six different wines, a tour of the winery, cellar, and vineyard, plus baked goods. For many, it offers a solid introduction to Valpolicella’s wines without the hefty price tag of more extensive tours.
It lasts around 1.5 hours, so it’s a manageable experience, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. The activity includes free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, giving you flexibility, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy when planning trips.
Valpolicella in the round: tasting of typical Valpolicella wines
“Such a lovely place! Silvia was a great guide as we toured the work area and tasted the wines. Easy to find and a great location. Highly recommended.”
What Could Be Better?
While the tour is comprehensive, some might find 1.5 hours a bit brief if you want a more in-depth look at winemaking or vineyard practices. Also, the tour does not include options for charcuterie or cheese pairing, which could elevate the tasting but come at an extra cost.
This experience is ideal for beginners or casual wine lovers wanting a fun, educational glimpse into Valpolicella’s unique wines. It’s suitable for those who appreciate small, intimate tours and are interested in traditional wine-making processes. If you’re after a short, value-packed visit with plenty of tasting, this ticks all the boxes.
Travelers with a keen interest in Amarone and Ripasso wines will benefit from the variety and explanations. It’s also a good choice for those looking to combine history, scenery, and wine in a single, manageable outing.
If you’re visiting Veneto and want to dip your toes into Valpolicella’s wine world without committing to a full-day tour, this “Valpolicella in the round” experience offers a well-balanced introduction. You’ll appreciate the friendly guides, the insider access to cellars and vineyards, and the chance to taste a well-curated selection of local wines.
While it’s not a deep dive into every aspect of winemaking, it hits the sweet spot for most travelers looking for approachable, authentic, and affordable wine tasting. It’s especially suited to small groups, making it more personal and engaging compared to larger, busier tours.
If you’re curious about Valpolicella wines or want a charming, educational break during your Italian travels, this experience is worth considering. It offers a genuine taste of the region’s dedication to tradition and quality—plus, it makes for a lovely memory of your trip.
Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot ahead of time, and there’s the option to pay later, which adds flexibility to your planning.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains everything clearly, and the tasting includes a variety of wines to suit all levels of experience.
What is included in the price?
You get six local wines, dry baked goods, a tour of the winery, cellar, and vineyard, all within a small group setting.
Are there any additional costs?
Charcuterie and cheese are not included but can be ordered separately and paid for at your discretion.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1.5 hours, making it perfect for a brief, yet comprehensive, tasting experience.
Can I see the vineyard during the tour?
Yes, you’ll walk through four steps of the vineyard, where you’ll get a close look at the vines and learn how the terroir influences the wines.
Is transportation provided?
The tour starts and ends at the same location, in the courtyard of the cellar. Transportation to the site is not included, so plan accordingly.
In all, this tour makes for an enjoyable, educational, and delicious way to understand Valpolicella wines—especially if you’re short on time but want a genuine taste of the region’s best.
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