Verona, the historic city in northern Italy, offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Venture into the countryside with an expert truffle hunter and uncover the secrets of the scorzone truffle, a prized delicacy. After the hunt, savor the flavors of Valpolicella’s renowned Amarone wine and local delicacies. This captivating experience promises to transport you to the heart of the Verona region, where the land and its bounty intertwine to create an unforgettable culinary journey.
Key Points
- A unique truffle hunting and Amarone wine tasting experience in the Verona region, limited to 8 participants and available in English and Italian.
- Guided by an expert Tartufaro in the surrounding woods to search for seasonal truffles, with a focus on the local ecosystem and hunting tradition.
- A selection of Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines paired with local delicacies, highlighting the flavors and aromas of the Valpolicella region.
- Transportation options include own car, public transit, or private transfer, with a meeting point at Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde in Marano di Valpolicella.
- Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or heart conditions, and recommended gear includes comfortable shoes and trekking gear for the truffle hunting portion.
Experience Overview
The activity offers visitors a unique opportunity to participate in a truffle hunting experience and an Amarone wine tasting in the picturesque Verona region.
The 2-hour experience is limited to 8 participants and is available in both English and Italian. Priced from Kč 3,505 per person, the tour provides the chance to search for scorzone truffles with an expert guide, followed by a tasting of the renowned Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines, paired with local cheeses, salami, and olive oils.
Pickup options include own transportation, public transit, or a private transfer for an additional fee.
Advance booking is recommended, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Taste buds happy? More delicious discoveries we love in Marano Di Valpolicella
Truffle Hunting Details
An expert Tartufaro, or truffle hunter, guides participants through the surrounding woods in search of scorzone (black summer) truffles.
The seasonal truffle hunting activity is replaced with a vineyard tour and cellar visit during the winter months. Children must be at least 5 years old to join the experience.
The truffle hunting experience offers the following:
-
An immersive journey into the local ecosystem, where participants learn about the intricate relationship between truffles and the environment.
-
A hands-on opportunity to uncover the elusive and highly prized black summer truffles, a culinary treasure of the region.
-
Insights into the art and tradition of truffle hunting, passed down through generations of Tartufari.
Wine and Food Tasting
Following the wine and food tasting, participants enjoy a selection of Valpolicella, Ripasso, and the renowned Amarone wines. These regional offerings are paired with local delicacies, including cheeses, salami, chutney, and organic extra virgin olive oils. The experience offers a chance to learn about the flavors and aromas of the Valpolicella region, as well as the proper pairing of Amarone wine with truffles in an old winery setting.
| Wine Tasting Offerings | Food Tasting Offerings |
|---|---|
| Valpolicella | Cheeses |
| Ripasso | Salami |
| Amarone | Chutney |
| Olive oils | |
| Truffles |
Meeting Point and Transportation
Participants can reach the meeting point, Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde in Località Gazzo, 37020 Marano di Valpolicella VR, Italy, by various means.
These include:
- Driving their own car, with the meeting time set for 10:30 AM.
- Taking public transportation, such as the bus from Verona center or the train station, with the bus departing at 10 AM.
- Opting for a private transfer, which costs €10 per person.
Regardless of the transportation method chosen, participants are advised to arrive on time to ensure they don’t miss the start of this immersive truffle hunting and Amarone tasting experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySuitability and Recommendations
The experience isn’t suitable for certain individuals, such as pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility impairments, heart conditions, or wheelchair users.
Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen, as the truffle hunting takes place in the surrounding woods. Trekking gear is also recommended.
The experience has received positive reviews, with guests praising the memorable activities and friendly hosts.
However, those with specific health or mobility concerns may want to consider the suitability of this tour before booking.
Highlights From Customer Feedback
Customers rave about the memorable experiences offered by this unique truffle hunting and wine tasting tour in Verona. Reviewers highlight several key aspects that make this adventure so special:
-
The knowledgeable and friendly hosts who provide fascinating insights into the local culture and traditions.
-
The opportunity to partake in the time-honored tradition of truffle hunting, led by an expert Tartufaro.
-
The exquisite pairing of the renowned Amarone wine with the earthy flavors of freshly harvested truffles, savored in an authentic winery setting.
These elements come together to create an immersive and unforgettable journey that allows guests to deeply connect with the rich gastronomic heritage of the Valpolicella region.
Seasonal Truffle Hunting Variation
The seasonal nature of truffle hunting means that the experience varies throughout the year.
During the summer months, participants can forage for scorzone or black summer truffles in the surrounding woodlands.
However, in the winter season, the truffle hunting is replaced with a tour of the nearby vineyards and a visit to the wine cellar. This allows guests to learn about the renowned Valpolicella winemaking region and sample its signature Amarone wines.
Regardless of the season, the expert Tartufaro guide ensures an engaging and educational experience for all participants.
Exploring Valpolicella Region Flavors
What better way to take in the flavors of the renowned Valpolicella region than through a wine and food tasting experience?
The truffle hunting excursion concludes with a pairing of the area’s signature Amarone wine and the freshly foraged truffles. Guests will learn about the complex aromas and flavors that define this unique terroir:
-
The Valpolicella wines, including Valpolicella, Ripasso, and the iconic Amarone, offer a captivating journey through the region’s winemaking heritage.
-
Locally produced cheeses, salami, and organic extra virgin olive oils complement the robust flavors of the wines.
-
An expert guide provides insightful commentary on the harmonious pairings and the distinct characteristics of each Valpolicella specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet Along on the Experience?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this experience. The tour is not suitable for animals as the hunting and tasting activities take place in sensitive environments. Guests must leave their pets at home for the duration of the 2-hour event.
Do the Group Sizes Ever Exceed 8 Participants?
The group size for the truffle hunting experience is limited to 8 participants. The information provided doesn’t indicate if the group size ever exceeds this limit. It’s best to check with the organizers for the latest details.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?
The experience has a fixed duration of 2 hours, and there’s no option to extend it. The group size is limited to 8 participants, and it doesn’t seem to exceed that. The experience is designed to be a compact, immersive truffle hunting and wine tasting adventure.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Food Tasting?
Yes, participants can request a vegetarian or gluten-free food tasting. The tour provider accommodates dietary needs and restrictions upon request to ensure all guests have an enjoyable experience.
Is It Possible to Visit Other Wineries in the Valpolicella Region?
Visitors can explore other wineries in the Valpolicella region during their free time. The tour focuses on the truffle hunting experience and tasting at the Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde winery, but guests are welcome to visit additional wineries on their own.
Recap
This unique Verona experience offers a captivating journey into the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Guests can enjoy the art of truffle hunting, guided by an expert Tartufaro, and then indulge in a tasting of renowned Valpolicella wines, including the acclaimed Amarone. Paired with local delicacies, this activity provides an unforgettable opportunity to savor the flavors that define the enchanting Verona countryside.
You can check if your dates are available here: