Amarone wine tour experiences offer one of the most captivating ways to explore northern Italy’s celebrated Valpolicella wine area, in Veneto region. Just minutes from the historic city of Verona, Valpolicella is a picturesque landscape of gently rolling hills, sun-soaked vineyards, and family-run wineries where generations have perfected the art of Amarone winemaking.
Recognized globally for its powerful, elegant red wines, Valpolicella is home to Amarone della Valpolicella, one of Italy’s most prestigious labels. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler seeking an authentic taste of the Veneto region, an Amarone wine tour provides an unforgettable journey through flavor, culture, and tradition.
A wine tour is not just for wine lovers—it’s a window into local life, offering the chance to step beyond the city and immerse yourself in a landscape of rolling vineyards, stone farmhouses, and centuries-old traditions. Exploring only the historic center of Verona without venturing into its countryside is like experiencing just half the story. The Valpolicella region invites you to slow down, savor, and connect with the roots of one of Italy’s most iconic wine cultures.
What is Amarone Wine?
Amarone della Valpolicella is a dry red wine made primarily from local grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and sometimes Molinara. What distinguishes Amarone is the use of the appassimento method, in which harvested grapes are carefully dried for three to four months before fermentation.
This drying process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, producing a full-bodied wine with complex aromas of ripe cherries, dried figs, chocolate, tobacco, and spices. Aged for several years in oak barrels, Amarone typically contains 15–16% alcohol and is celebrated for its depth, structure, and smooth finish.
Often paired with robust dishes like stews, aged cheeses, or risotto all’Amarone, this wine is both luxurious and versatile, representing the pinnacle of Valpolicella’s winemaking tradition.
The Valpolicella Wine Region: Where Amarone is Born
Located in the province of Verona, the Valpolicella region stretches between Lake Garda and the Lessini Mountains. It comprises several key subzones:
- Valpolicella Classica: The historical core, encompassing the villages of Negrar, Marano, Fumane, San Pietro in Cariano, and Sant’Ambrogio. This is where many of the most prestigious Amarone producers are located.
- Valpantena: Northeast of Verona, this area combines tradition with innovation and is increasingly recognized for producing high-quality wines.
- Valpolicella Orientale: Eastern Valpolicella is a growing hub of modern wineries and experimental viticulture.
Each area has its own microclimate and soil composition, influencing the style and profile of the Amarone wines produced there. The limestone-rich hills, combined with excellent sun exposure and cooling breezes from Lake Garda, create ideal conditions for grape cultivation.
Amarone: More Than Just a Wine
Amarone della Valpolicella is among Italy’s most prestigious red wines, made using the traditional “appassimento” method, where grapes are dried for months before fermentation. The result is a bold, velvety wine with rich notes of cherry, chocolate, and spice. Produced primarily from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, Amarone is a symbol of dedication, time, and craft.
While wine enthusiasts will appreciate its complexity, Amarone also tells a broader story. It represents the connection between people and the land, the traditions of local families, and a lifestyle rooted in care and patience. Visiting the vineyards where it’s made allows travelers to discover this deeper context.
Amarone Wine Tour Experiences
Discover the Countryside by E-Bike
If you’re looking for an active yet effortless way to experience the lush hills outside Verona, the Amarone Countryside E-Bike Tour by WaysTours is the perfect choice. This half-day adventure begins in the city center, where guests receive e-bikes and helmets before heading out into the heart of Valpolicella. The ride winds through olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hamlets, offering panoramic views and countless photo opportunities.
The use of electric bikes makes this tour accessible to most fitness levels, and the pace allows time to enjoy the scenery. Along the way, a local guide shares insights into the land and its wine-making history, leading the group to a traditional family-run winery. Here, visitors explore the vineyard, fermentation rooms, and aging cellars before enjoying a tasting of four wines—including Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, Amarone, and Recioto—paired with regional snacks.
It’s a sustainable, slow-travel experience that blends education, flavor, and nature.
Visit Two Contrasting Wineries in One Day
For those seeking to understand the range of wine production in Valpolicella, the Amarone Classico Wine Tour from Verona offers a deep dive into tradition and innovation. This guided tour includes visits to two different wineries: one traditional, family-operated estate where generations have worked the land; and one modern, design-driven facility that represents the region’s evolution.
This contrast provides a fuller picture of how Amarone is made and how different philosophies and techniques influence the final product. Guests learn about vineyard management, the aging process, and the characteristics that define a premium Amarone. Each visit includes a guided tasting, allowing for comparison between wines, winemakers, and production styles.
This tour is perfect for those who want to engage more deeply with the region’s diversity and craftsmanship.
A Deeper Dive: Amarone Wine Experience at Montresor Winery
For travelers eager to focus exclusively on Amarone, the Amarone Wine Experience at Montresor Winery is a must. This experience takes place within a historic estate that houses both a working winery and an interactive museum dedicated to the art of winemaking.
After a guided tour through the cellar and museum—complete with multimedia installations and educational exhibits—guests enjoy a curated tasting of different Amarone expressions. One highlight is the vertical tasting, which explores multiple vintages of Amarone to showcase how the wine evolves over time.
This experience is ideal for wine lovers who want to understand the depth and aging potential of Amarone, while also exploring a unique cultural setting.
Private and Personalized: The Full-Day Amarone Tour
For those looking for a high-end, private experience, the Amarone Wine Tour is a full-day, fully customizable journey through the heart of Valpolicella. This tour is designed for small groups or couples who want a deeper, more intimate experience, with flexibility to choose stops, tasting types, and even lunch options.
The day includes visits to two carefully selected wineries, each offering a unique expression of Amarone. Guests enjoy private tours, extensive tastings, and a traditional lunch featuring local ingredients. Along the way, scenic stops provide opportunities for photos and moments of quiet reflection.
A dedicated local guide accompanies the group throughout, providing insights and personalizing the experience based on guests’ interests. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, this premium tour ensures a rich and memorable encounter with Valpolicella.
Sustainability and Authenticity with WaysTours
WaysTours isn’t just about showing visitors the sights—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that respect the land and support the community. As a certified B Corporation since 2022 and fully aligned with GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) criteria, WaysTours is committed to sustainability, quality, and local engagement.
Each wine tour is designed with a focus on reducing environmental impact, from using e-bikes to partnering with small, responsible producers. Groups are intentionally kept small to maintain a personal atmosphere and avoid overtourism, ensuring guests feel like travelers rather than tourists.
By choosing a wine tour with WaysTours, you’re not only tasting some of Italy’s finest wines but also contributing to the preservation of its landscapes, traditions, and rural economies.
When to Go and What to Expect
The Amarone wine tours run from April through October, when the weather is ideal for cycling, walking, and vineyard visits. Autumn is particularly enchanting, as it coincides with the grape harvest and the beginning of the appassimento process. However, spring and summer offer vibrant vineyard views and warm hospitality, making any time within this range perfect for a visit.
Tours typically depart from Verona city center and include all essentials: transportation, tastings, expert guides, and in some cases, meals. Advance booking is recommended, especially for private experiences and during peak travel periods.
Final Toast: Why Amarone is Worth the Journey
An Amarone wine tour offers far more than just a tasting session. It’s a journey into the cultural soul of the Veneto region, a celebration of tradition and terroir, and a moment to connect with nature, history, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re pedaling through sun-drenched hills or raising a glass in a centuries-old cellar, you’re part of a story that continues to unfold with each vintage.
By choosing a curated experience with WaysTours, you ensure that your adventure is not only unforgettable but also responsible and enriching—for you and for the land that welcomes you.
So come raise a glass in Valpolicella: where every sip of Amarone is a taste of Italy at its most authentic.
Keep reading: Discover the Magic of Verona with Waystours: your Gateway to Authentic Italian Experiences
