6 Wine Tasting in Valpolicella Classica: the Cradle of Amarone

For wine enthusiasts seeking an immersive exploration of the renowned Valpolicella Classica region, this highly-rated wine tasting tour promises a comprehensive introduction to the bold flavors and winemaking traditions that have made the area famous. Guided by a local expert, visitors will have the opportunity to sample six distinct wines, including the iconic Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, while gaining insights into the unique terroir that shapes their character. With visits to vineyards, aging rooms, and barrel cellars complementing the tasting experience, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the Valpolicella Classica – a region that has long been celebrated as the cradle of Amarone.

Key Points

• Comprehensive wine tasting experience in the Valpolicella Classica region, featuring 6 distinct wines, including the renowned Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico.
• Guided tour of the vineyards, providing insights into the unique terroir and traditional grape-growing techniques that shape the character of the Valpolicella wines.
• Exploration of the aging room and barrel cellar, where visitors learn about the intricate aging process and its role in the complexity of the wines.
• Option to enhance the tasting experience with a charcuterie board, featuring cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and pickled vegetables to complement the robust Valpolicella and Amarone flavors.
• Highly-rated tour with a Badge of Excellence, offering a well-rounded introduction to the winemaking traditions and terroir of the Valpolicella Classica region.

Overview and Highlights

This highly-rated wine tasting experience in the Valpolicella Classica region offers visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the local winemaking traditions.

With a Badge of Excellence and 76 glowing reviews, the tour covers the key highlights of the region, including guided visits to vineyards, aging rooms, and barrel cellars.

You’ll learn from a local winemaker as you sample 6 different wines – Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Superiore, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, and Amarone Riserva.

Snacks and the option to purchase a charcuterie board will round out the experience.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the renowned Amarone, this tour provides an immersive and educational journey through the heart of Valpolicella.

Winemaker and Wine Tasting

A local winemaker guides visitors through the tasting of six distinct wines from the Valpolicella Classica region, including the renowned Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Superiore, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, and Amarone Riserva.

Guests have the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the unique terroir that gives these wines their distinctive character.

The tasting is complemented by breadsticks and snacks, and guests can opt to add a charcuterie board for an additional fee.

The intimate setting allows for a personalized experience, where visitors can engage with the winemaker and deepen their understanding of the region’s winemaking traditions.

Guided Tour of Vineyards

After the wine tasting, the local winemaker takes visitors on a guided tour of the vineyards, providing insights into the unique terroir that shapes the character of the Valpolicella Classica wines.

Visitors will stroll through the vineyards, learning about the hillside slopes, calcareous soil, and microclimate that give the Valpolicella Classico and Amarone their bold flavors and complex structure. The winemaker explains the traditional grape-growing techniques, like hand-harvesting, that have been passed down for generations.

Guests marvel at the stunning views overlooking the rolling hills and distant mountains, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

The tour culminates in the barrel cellar, where the aging process is demystified, leaving visitors eager to further explore the world of Valpolicella wines.

Aging Room and Barrel Cellar

Upon entering the aging room, the visitors are greeted by the warm, earthy scent of oak barrels that line the dimly lit space, where the Valpolicella wines slowly mature. The local winemaker guides the group through the cavernous barrel cellar, explaining the intricate process of aging that gives the region’s renowned Amarone its complexity and depth of flavor. Visitors have the opportunity to peek inside the massive oak casks, tracing the journey of the wine as it gradually transforms over the course of several years.

Aging Process	Duration
Valpolicella Classico	12-18 months
Valpolicella Superiore	24-36 months
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	36-60 months

Valpolicella Classico and Amarone

The tasting begins with the renowned Valpolicella Classico, a medium-bodied red wine that showcases the region’s signature blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes.

Guests then sample the iconic Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a full-bodied, intensely concentrated wine made from partially dried grapes, which undergoes a lengthy aging process that imparts its signature depth and complexity.

The Valpolicella Classico offers a delicate balance of cherry, spice, and floral notes, while the Amarone’s bold flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and mocha captivate the palate.

These wines provide a comprehensive introduction to the winemaking traditions and terroir of the Valpolicella Classica region, offering a memorable tasting experience for all participants.

Snacks and Charcuterie Board

To complement the wine tasting, the tour also includes breadsticks and snacks.

Visitors can also opt to add a charcuterie board for an additional 5 euros per person. This charcuterie board typically features a selection of:

• Cured meats such as prosciutto and salami
• Artisanal cheeses sourced from the local region
• Marinated olives and pickled vegetables

The charcuterie board provides a delightful pairing to the robust Valpolicella and Amarone wines, allowing guests to further explore the flavors and textures of the local gastronomic offerings.

This additional option enhances the overall tasting experience and gives visitors a more well-rounded understanding of the Valpolicella terroir.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Situated in the picturesque Località Forlago of Negrar di Valpolicella, the meeting point for the wine tasting tour is Franchini Agricola, a local winery.

From the city of Verona, visitors can either take a taxi, which takes around 20 minutes, or request their hotel to organize a transfer to the winery.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The group size is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Whether you’re arriving by your own means or through a hotel-arranged transfer, Franchini Agricola’s location makes it an easily accessible destination for the wine tasting adventure in the heart of Valpolicella Classica.

Cancellation and Additional Details

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their wine tasting tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

While no serious medical conditions are required to participate, those with heart problems should consult their physician beforehand. Plus, Spanish and French language options are available upon request, and kids aged 0-17 as well as non-drinkers pay only for the provided food.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

The maximum group size is 14 travelers.

Breadsticks and snacks are included, with an optional charcuterie board available for an additional 5 EUR per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Booked for Private Groups?

Yes, the wine tasting tour can be booked for private groups. The tour accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers, making it suitable for intimate gatherings. Private bookings provide a personalized experience for guests.

Do the Wines Have Any Special Certifications or Awards?

The wines featured in the tour have a Badge of Excellence, indicating their high quality. They include Valpolicella Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, and other prestigious DOC/DOCG certified wines from the renowned Valpolicella region.

Is There an Option to Include a Picnic Lunch?

No, there’s no option to include a picnic lunch on this wine tasting tour. The tour provides breadsticks and snacks, and offers an optional charcuterie board for an additional fee. The focus is on guided tastings of the local Valpolicella and Amarone wines.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Wines?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific wines. Customers can request to taste more or less of certain Valpolicella wines like Classico, Superiore, Amarone, and Recioto. The winery is flexible in tailoring the tasting to individual preferences.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly offer discounts for students or seniors. However, kids 0-17 and non-drinkers only pay for the food portion of the experience, which may provide some savings. The tour pricing appears to be fixed for all adult participants.

Recap

This immersive wine tasting experience in Valpolicella Classica offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the region’s winemaking traditions.

Guided by a local winemaker, the tour showcases the renowned Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, complemented by snacks and an optional charcuterie board.

Visitors can explore the vineyards, aging rooms, and barrel cellars, gaining insights into the unique terroir that shapes the bold flavors of these renowned wines.