Discover Valpolicella Vineyards and Wine Tasting Experience

Discover the renowned Valpolicella wine region and immerse in a family-owned winery’s centuries-old traditions. Tour the estate’s vineyards, 17th-century cellar, and scenic terrace offering panoramic views. Taste the winery’s acclaimed Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines under the guidance of the winemaker, learning about the unique terroir and traditional production methods. Pair the wines with artisanal local delicacies like olive oil, cheese, and salami. This comprehensive winery experience provides an in-depth exploration of the Valpolicella region’s winemaking heritage and its distinctive wine expressions. More details await those who venture further.

Key Points

• Explore the renowned Valpolicella wine region with its rich winemaking tradition, unique terroir, and signature grape varietals like Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara.
• Immerse in the history and family legacy of the Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde winery, dating back to the 1700s, known for its award-winning wines.
• Discover the distinct expressions of Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines, each showcasing the region’s terroir through traditional vinification methods.
• Engage in a guided wine tasting experience, learning about the complexities and nuances of the estate’s offerings paired with artisanal local delicacies.
• Set out on a scenic vineyard and cellar tour, observing the meticulous cultivation of Valpolicella grapes and the time-honored winemaking process in the 17th-century cellar.

Overview of Valpolicella Wine Region

Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most renowned and prestigious wine regions, renowned for its production of high-quality red wines that have captivated oenophiles worldwide.

Nestled in the heart of the Veneto region, this picturesque area boasts a rich winemaking tradition dating back centuries.

The Valpolicella wine district is known for its unique terroir, marked by the interplay of the Mediterranean climate, the calcareous-clay soils, and the gentle slopes of the Dolomite foothills.

This harmonious blend of natural factors contributes to the development of the region’s signature grape varietals, including Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, which are masterfully crafted into the renowned Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines.

Family-Run Winery Tour and History

Visitors to this family-run winery in Marano di Valpolicella will discover the rich history and tradition behind its acclaimed wines. The estate has been passed down through generations, with the current owners proudly continuing their ancestors’ commitment to sustainable, high-quality viticulture. As guests tour the 17th-century cellar and scenic terrace, they’ll gain insight into the winery’s evolution and the family’s unwavering dedication to the art of winemaking.

Winery Highlights	Established	Hectares	Grape Varieties
Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde	1700s	15	Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella

The family’s passion for their craft is evident in every aspect of the experience, from the meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards to the thoughtful pairings of their award-winning wines.

Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone Wines

The centerpiece of this winery’s tasting experience is a carefully curated selection of its acclaimed Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines, each showcasing the region’s renowned grape varieties and winemaking traditions.

The Valpolicella, a lighter, more approachable red, highlights the bright acidity and red fruit flavors of the Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes.

The Ripasso, a richer, more structured wine, undergoes a second fermentation with the skins of Amarone, lending depth and complexity.

The Amarone, the jewel in the crown, is a full-bodied, intensely flavored wine made from partially dried grapes, resulting in a unique, velvety texture and concentrated flavors.

These wines offer a delightful and comprehensive introduction to the renowned Valpolicella terroir.

Guided Wine Tasting Experience

A guided wine tasting invites guests to explore the estate’s acclaimed Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines, each offering a unique expression of the region’s renowned grape varieties and winemaking traditions. Under the watchful eye of the winemaker, visitors will explore the complexities and nuances of these celebrated wines, learning about the traditional vinification methods and the role of aging in shaping their distinct flavors. As they sip and savor, guests will also have the opportunity to pair the wines with artisanal local delicacies, further enhancing the tasting experience.

Wine	Grape Varieties	Tasting Notes
Valpolicella	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Light-bodied, red berry, and cherry flavors
Ripasso	Valpolicella blended with Amarone pomace	Medium-bodied, richer, with dried fruit and spice notes
Amarone	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Full-bodied, intense, with concentrated dried fruit and chocolate aromas

Scenic Vineyard and Cellar Tour

Guided by the estate’s knowledgeable staff, guests embark on a captivating tour through the vineyards, where they witness the meticulous cultivation of the Valpolicella grape varieties that form the foundation of the region’s acclaimed wines.

The journey continues into the 17th-century cellar, where the winemaking process unfolds before their eyes. Visitors explore the barrel room, learning about the intricate methods used to create the renowned Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines.

The tour culminates on the scenic terrace, offering panoramic vistas of the rolling Valpolicella hills. Here, guests savor tastings of the estate’s finest offerings, complemented by locally sourced cheeses, salami, and chutney, providing a holistic understanding of the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Pairing With Olive Oil, Cheese, and Salami

After exploring the winery’s vineyards and historic cellar, guests gather on the scenic terrace to savor the estate’s carefully curated wine selections, which pair seamlessly with the region’s renowned extra-virgin olive oil, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats.

As the winemaker guides attendees through each wine, they’ll discover how the complex flavors complement the rich, fragrant olive oil, the creamy textures of the local cheeses, and the savory notes of the traditional salami.

This dynamic tasting experience allows guests to fully enjoy the culinary traditions of Valpolicella, revealing the harmonious relationship between the region’s acclaimed wines and its other celebrated gastronomic specialties.

Meeting Point and Transportation Details

Located in Marano di Valpolicella, the meeting point for this experience is at Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde, where round-trip transportation from Verona is provided. Guests should check their email for updated bus schedules or shared shuttle instructions prior to the event.

The tour includes a visit to the family’s 17th-century cellar and private rural house, as well as a scenic view of the Valpolicella hills from the terrace.

The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for visitors to arrive and depart.

With a maximum of 18 travelers, guests can expect a personalized and intimate wine tasting experience.

Additional Experience Information

Confirming the booking at the time of reservation, guests are guaranteed a personalized and intimate wine tasting experience, with a maximum of 18 travelers on each tour. This small group size ensures visitors receive attentive service and ample opportunities to interact with the winemaker.

The experience is also accessible, with the vineyard and cellar being wheelchair and stroller friendly. For those relying on public transportation, the location is conveniently situated near public transit options.

Travelers can bring their service animals along, making the Valpolicella wine tasting a truly inclusive and accommodating outing. With all these thoughtful details, this tour provides an exceptional and memorable exploration of the Valpolicella region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Experience?

Yes, visitors can typically purchase the wines tasted during the experience. The winery often offers the option to buy the Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines sampled during the guided tasting and tour.

Is There Any Dress Code Required for the Tour and Tasting?

There is no formal dress code for this winery tour and tasting experience. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking through vineyards and exploring the winery’s facilities. Dressing in layers is recommended to account for changes in temperature.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated During the Experience?

Yes, the winery accommodates dietary restrictions during the experience. They provide a selection of local cheeses, salami, and cherry chutney that can suit various dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, upon request.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour and Tasting?

Guests are generally permitted to take photos and videos during the tour and tasting, though they may be asked to refrain in certain areas like the cellar. It’s best to check with the winery staff upon arrival.

Is There Any Additional Cost for the Transportation to the Winery?

The transportation to the winery is included in the tour price. Visitors do not have to pay any additional fees for the round-trip transportation from Verona to the Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde winery.

Recap

This immersive Valpolicella wine experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich winemaking legacy.

Visitors will tour a family-run winery, explore the vineyards and cellars, and indulge in a tasting of the renowned Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines paired with local delicacies.

It’s a chance to uncover the essence of Italian viticulture and leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking in this captivating corner of Italy.