Pagus Wine Tours® – Lake Garda and Amarone – Full Day Wine Tour

Pagus Wine Tours® offers a captivating journey through the picturesque Lake Garda and Valpolicella regions. Led by an expert sommelier, this full-day tour showcases the area’s renowned wines, from sparkling rosé Chiaretto to the bold Amarone. Guests embark on a personalized experience, exploring charming villages and indulging in a delectable Italian lunch. Whether a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this tour promises to delight the senses and leave you eager to uncover more about the rich winemaking traditions of this captivating corner of Italy.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Full-Day Tours In Verona.

Key Points

• A full-day wine tour in the Lake Garda and Valpolicella regions, featuring sparkling rosé Chiaretto, Pinot Grigio, Amarone, and Ripasso wines.
• Visits charming villages of Bardolino and Lazise with an Italian lunch included, led by an expert sommelier.
• Personalized experience with a maximum group size of 8, transported by air-conditioned minivan with hotel pick-up.
• Highlights include in-depth viticulture insights, stunning Lake Garda views, and a memorable Italian dining experience.
• Pagus Wine Tours holds a 5.0 overall rating from 17 customers, praised for personalized experiences and knowledgeable guides.

Tour Overview

This full-day wine tour immerses guests in the scenic landscapes of Lake Garda and Valpolicella, Verona. It showcases the region’s renowned sparkling rosé Chiaretto, Pinot Grigio, and prized DOCG and DOC wines, including the celebrated Amarone and Ripasso.

Travelers will explore the charming lakeside villages of Bardolino and Lazise, enjoying a delicious Italian lunch and wine tastings at two local wineries. Led by an expert sommelier, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of the area’s viticulture and winemaking traditions.

With transport by air-conditioned minivan and a maximum of 8 guests, this personalized experience offers a relaxing and informative day discovering the flavors and beauty of this renowned wine-producing region.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan, led by a local English-speaking tour leader and sommelier.

Travelers will visit and enjoy wine tastings at two wineries, with a delicious Italian lunch and alcoholic beverages included. Hotel pick-up is provided, catering to a maximum of 8 guests per tour.

The logistics are designed for a comfortable and immersive experience.

The small group size ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, who’ll share insights into the local winemaking traditions.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply appreciate the finer things in life, this tour offers a seamless and enjoyable way to explore the renowned wine regions of Lake Garda and Valpolicella.

Meeting Point and Schedule

Commencing at Pagus Wine Tours‘ office located on Corso Castelvecchio, 3a, 37121 Verona VR, Italy, the tour departs promptly at 9:00 AM.

Guests are advised to arrive on time as the itinerary is tightly scheduled. The tour concludes back at the meeting point in Verona, allowing for easy access to other destinations.

Travelers can conveniently arrange hotel pick-up service to start their day. Flexibility is offered with a 24-hour cancellation policy, should plans change unexpectedly.

Whether you’re exploring the picturesque Lake Garda region or sampling the renowned Amarone wines, this tour is designed to provide a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish.

Tour Conditions and Recommendations

Travellers with limited mobility won’t be able to access the tour as it’s not wheelchair-friendly, though strollers are allowed.

Those with food or wine allergies, or appointments following the tour, should inform the organizers ahead of time.

The weather in the region can be cool, so a sweater or jacket is recommended for the cellar visits which maintain a temperature of 15°C (59°F).

Comfortable shoes are a must for the vineyard walks.

Infants are welcome but must sit on their parents’ laps, with infant seats available.

Customer Reviews

According to the reviews, Pagus Wine Tours has an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 17 customers. Highlighting the personalized experiences, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful scenery, the feedback speaks to the tour’s excellence.

Reviewers particularly enjoyed the excellent winery selections, relaxing atmosphere, and delightful lunches, though a few mentioned minor issues like lack of air conditioning in the minivan on hot days.

The top highlights mentioned by customers include:

1. Excellent winery selections and tastings

2. Relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the tour

3. Delicious and memorable Italian lunches

Exploring Bardolino and Lazise

The tour begins with an exploration of the picturesque lakeside villages of Bardolino and Lazise, nestled along the shores of the captivating Lake Garda.

Bardolino is known for its charming promenade, lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll along the harbor and take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding vineyards.

In Lazise, the group will wander through the medieval town center, admiring the well-preserved castle walls and the Scaliger Castle.

The group will have the opportunity to sample the local Chiaretto, a refreshing sparkling rosé wine, as they soak in the relaxed atmosphere of these picturesque lakeside communities.

Tasting Local Wines

After exploring the charming lakeside villages, the tour moves on to the main highlight: tasting an array of exquisite local wines.

Visitors can indulge in the region’s renowned DOCG and DOC wines, including the iconic Amarone and Ripasso, as well as the refreshing Pinot Grigio and sparkling Chiaretto.

The knowledgeable sommelier guides the group through a tasting of these distinctive vintages, highlighting their unique characteristics and production methods.

Guests have the opportunity to:

1. Sample the bold, full-bodied Amarone, known for its complex flavors of dried fruit and spices.

2. Explore the nuanced Ripasso, a wine that undergoes a secondary fermentation to achieve its rich, velvety texture.

3. Delight in the crisp, citrusy notes of the Pinot Grigio and the delicate, floral aromas of the Chiaretto.

Enjoying Italian Lunch

Following the wine tasting, guests indulge in a delicious Italian lunch at a local restaurant, where they can savor the flavors of the region. The meal features a carefully curated selection of authentic local dishes, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Lake Garda and Valpolicella areas. Guests can look forward to a truly immersive dining experience, complete with regional specialties and pairings with the wines they sampled earlier.

Appetizer	Main Course	Side Dish	Dessert	Beverage
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil	Risotto with Amarone Wine	Roasted Vegetables	Tiramisu	Local Red Wine

The lunch is a highlight of the tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the local culinary culture and savor the flavors that complement the exceptional wines they have discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use the Restroom During the Tour?

Yes, restroom breaks are typically provided during the tour. Participants can use the facilities at the wineries and restaurants visited. The tour leader ensures there are sufficient breaks to accommodate any personal needs.

What if I Need to Leave the Tour Early?

If a traveler needs to leave the tour early, they should inform the tour leader as soon as possible. Tour leaders are generally accommodating and can arrange for the traveler to be dropped off at a convenient location.

How Long Is the Drive Between Each Winery?

The drive between each winery is typically 30-45 minutes. The tour maximizes wine tastings and exploration while minimizing time spent traveling, allowing participants to fully experience the local vineyards and scenic lakeside villages.

Are Photos Allowed at the Wineries?

Generally, wineries allow photos during tastings, though visitors should check with staff first. Some may have restrictions to prevent disrupting the winery’s operations or to protect the privacy of other guests.

Can I Purchase Wines Directly From the Wineries?

Yes, guests can typically purchase wines directly from the wineries visited during the tour. Many wineries welcome customers to browse their selection and make purchases to take home as souvenirs of the experience.

Recap

Pagus Wine Tours’ full-day wine tour in the Lake Garda and Valpolicella regions offers an exceptional experience.

Guests explore charming villages, savor delectable Italian cuisine, and explore the nuances of renowned local wines like Amarone and Chiaretto, guided by an expert sommelier.

Whether a wine connoisseur or casual enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and flavors of northern Italy.