Wineries and wine tasting in Valpolicella
If you adore Italy and a good glass of wine, then the hills around Verona will steal your heart. Just a short drive north of the city lies Valpolicella, a landscape of rolling vineyards, charming villages, and sunlit terraces where time seems to slow down.
Valpolicella is the perfect place to pause and savour life - whether you’re exploring from nearby Lake Garda, wandering through romantic Verona, or simply stopping on your way between Northern Europe and Tuscany, Venice, or the southern coast.
The name Valpolicella comes from “val-polis-cellae”, meaning “the valley of many cellars” — and it truly lives up to its name. Stretching roughly 25 km across and 12 km high, the region is embraced by the Adige River to the west and south, and is home to three distinct wine areas:
- Valpolicella Classico, the historic heart with its picturesque villages like Fumane, Marano, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano, and Sant’Ambrogio.
- Valpantena, a lush green valley known for its elegant, balanced wines.
- Valpolicella Allargata, the eastern stretch that borders the famous Soave vineyards.
The climate here is a winemaker’s dream. Thanks to the nearby Lake Garda, winters are gentler and summers warm, creating perfect conditions for the vines. The soils tell their own story - limestone in the west, volcanic rock in the east - adding depth and character to every bottle.
So come along and let’s wander through the vineyards, taste the region’s legendary wines, and discover the quiet beauty of Valpolicella, a little slice of heaven just north of Verona.
Published: October 2025 - by Dennis Woudt
Valpolicella wineries
Valpolicella is one of our absolute favorite wine regions in all of Italy. There’s just something magical about the mix of velvety Valpolicella wines, the deep, rich Amarones, and the gentle beauty of the rolling hills that surround them. Add to that the nearby treasures of Verona, Lake Garda, and Soave. Whenever our route takes us anywhere near Verona (whether we’re heading south on holiday or making our way home) we can’t resist stopping for a few days.
With more than 400 wineries among the hills and valleys, Valpolicella invites you to slow down, taste, and discover. Below, you’ll find just a few of the wineries we’ve personally visited and loved. But honestly, whichever door you choose to knock on, you’ll be greeted with warmth, passion, and a glass of something unforgettable.
Villa Canestrari
Just east of the Valpolicella Classico hills lies the charming little village of Cazzano di Tramigna. From here, a winding road leads you through rolling green hills and endless rows of vines, until you reach Villa Canestrari. A winery perfectly nestled between the Illasi and Mezzane valleys. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every glass tells a story.
The land here is blessed with chalky soils and cool mountain breezes, creating the perfect balance for wines that are both elegant and full of character. And behind these wines stands a remarkable family story: the Bonuzzi and Franchi families, who have been lovingly tending the vines and crafting wines here for over 130 years. Today, the fourth generation continues the legacy and honoring nature and tradition while embracing the best of modern winemaking.
At Villa Canestrari, you’ll find a beautiful range of wines that capture the spirit of Verona’s hills — from a bright, mineral Soave Classico to a deep, velvety Amarone della Valpolicella. But the experience doesn’t end with the tasting room. The winery also houses a fascinating wine museum, where old tools, stories, and memories bring to life the history of winemaking in this region.
A visit to Villa Canestrari isn’t just about wine. It’s a journey through time, tradition, and the heart of Valpolicella. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with Italy in the first place.
Visit the website.
Visit the wine museum.
Stefano Accordini
From
Fumane, nestled in the center of the
Valpolicella Classico hills, a winding road climbs through the vineyards. At Turn 10, you’ll find the turnoff to the
highest winery in the area, perched above the surrounding valleys. The views here are unforgettable. On a clear day, both Verona and Lake Garda appear like sparkling gems beyond the rolling vines.
This is Accordini, a family-run winery now led by the fourth generation: Giacomo, Paolo, and Marco. Their winemaking follows a sustainable and organic philosophy, honoring the land and the traditions passed down through generations.
For those who wish to linger, the winery also offers stays at Agriturismo Acinatico, a charming retreat where you can wake to the gentle rhythms of vineyard life and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
The winery produces a broad range of Valpolicella wines, from a fresh and approachable Valpolicella to a rich Ripasso, a structured Superiore, a full-bodied Amarone, and a sweet Recioto. A few special wines have also been created in response to visitors’ requests - like the Paxx, which has quickly become a favorite for its distinctive character.
Visit the
website.
Agriturismo
Acinatico.
Wine tours and tastings
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Massimago
On a beautiful hillside in the Valle di Mezzane valley, nestled in the green heart of the Valpolicella region, lies the Massimago winery. From the quiet driveway, you overlook the vineyards. It's a bit of a drive once you've left the highway, but it's more than worth it. A place where you can forget about time, immersed in nature and surrounded by vineyards.
Since 2003, Camilla Rossi Chauvenet has transformed the family business into a modern winery. Here, guests can not only enjoy delicious Valpolicella wines but also enjoy private accommodations with everything you need. After your tasting, you don't have to drive back to your hotel or accommodation. Instead, you can drift off to sleep peacefully in your own room in this beautiful hotel after a delicious dinner in the superb restaurant.
At Massimago, everything revolves around respect for nature and its guests. The property has its own swimming pool and offers ample opportunities for walking in beautiful surroundings among the grapevines. Massimago offers a variety of wine tasting options. From a simple tasting to a wonderful picnic in the vineyard or dinner at the on-site restaurant. It's located in one of the most beautiful locations in the Valpolicella wine region.
Visit the
website.
Massimago
wine relais
Tommasi
Tucked into the gentle
hills of Pedemonte, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, lies
Tommasi Viticoltori, one of the region’s most celebrated wineries. As you arrive, the sight of ancient vineyards stretching across the landscape, framed by the Lessini Mountains, instantly makes you feel at home.
The Tommasi story began in 1902, when Giacomo Tommasi planted his first vineyard. Over a century later, the fourth generation continues the family tradition with the same passion and love for the land. From those humble beginnings with just a few rows of grapes, Tommasi has grown into a name synonymous with the best of Valpolicella.
Every wine here has a story to tell. From the bright, lively Valpolicella Classico to the smooth and refined Ripasso, and the rich, elegant Amarone, each bottle reflects the unique character of the vineyard it comes from. Many of the grapes are sourced from Tommasi’s own plots, including some of the region’s most prized crus, such as La Groletta, Conca d’Oro, and Ca’ Florian.
Visiting Tommasi is about far more than tasting wine. It’s about stepping into a family’s world. Wander through the vineyards, enjoy a tasting in the charming cellar, and soak in the stories behind each bottle. Here, you don’t just taste wine but you experience the spirit of Valpolicella and the timeless beauty of the hills above Verona.
Visit the website.
Valpolicella wines
Valpolicella is also home to four celebrated red wines, all rated within the highest levels of Italy’s wine-quality system (DOC and DOCG). These are:
- Valpolicella DOC (including the Classico and Valpantena subzones)
- Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG, a beautifully sweet dessert wine
The region’s wines are crafted mainly from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, with small touches of Molinara, Oseleta, Croatina, Dindarella, and Spigamonti. Each adding its own nuance and depth.
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Among them, Amarone della Valpolicella stands out as one of Italy’s true masterpieces. Its secret lies in the appassimento method — a traditional process where the grapes are carefully dried for about 120 days in airy lofts called fruttaios. During this time, the grapes lose water and their sugars and flavors concentrate, creating a wine that’s full-bodied, elegant, and intensely expressive.
Every year, around 15 million bottles of Amarone (from a total of 64 million Valpolicella wines) are produced and shared with wine lovers around the world. It’s no wonder that Amarone has captured so many hearts. Especially across the Atlantic, where its bold yet balanced character has found devoted fans in the United States.
Strada del Vino Valpolicella
In many of Italy’s wine regions, wineries come together in collectives to protect and promote their wines, both at home and abroad. In Valpolicella, around 400 wineries are part of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella. One of their main goals is to showcase the wines and the region itself, making it easier for visitors to discover everything Valpolicella has to offer.
Many consortia have an official wine route to guide travelers. This doesn’t always mean a single road to drive. Often, it includes several scenic routes through vineyards, charming villages, and rolling hills, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll find not only wineries for tastings of world-class wines, but also restaurants, cultural spots, and other attractions, creating a complete experience for wine lovers and travelers alike.
In Valpolicella, the Strada del Vino Valpolicella brings all these elements together, offering a curated journey through the region’s beauty, flavors, and history. The accompanying Valpolicella Visitors Guide is a helpful tool to plan your visit, with tips on wineries, restaurants, and scenic stops along the way. Perfect for designing a route that suits your own pace and interests.
Valpolicella wine tasting tours
The best way to experience Valpolicella wines is to explore the region yourself. Sure, you could order a few bottles and taste them at home—but there’s nothing quite like setting aside a day during your holiday to immerse yourself in the vineyards, especially if you’re staying near Lake Garda or Verona.
With around 400 wineries in the Consorzio del Valpolicella, there’s plenty to choose from. You can simply visit a winery on your own, or make it a fun, guided experience. Most wineries offer tours through the vineyards and cellars, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process before enjoying a tasting of Amarone della Valpolicella and other local specialties.
It’s more than just wine. It’s a day to savor the scenery, the history, and the heart of Valpolicella. A truly unforgettable experience for anyone who loves wine and beautiful landscapes.
Pagus Wine Tours
As a specialized wine travel agency, Pagus offers a wide range of
wine tours and tastings. From a half-day Amarone tour to a combination of Amarone and Soave, or a boat trip on Lake Garda with a wine tasting. Or would you prefer to book a fully catered
wine weekend in Verona or Valpolicella?
Visit the
website
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Insta
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Facebook
Itinera wine & bike
Verona-based Itinera Bike & Travel offers various cycling tours. In addition to bike rentals and day trips in the surrounding area, they also offer multi-day cycling trips. Discover Verona and the Valpolicella wine region by bike. They offer a great selection, such as
discovering Valpolicella wines by e-bike.
Visit the
website
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Facebook
Taste Verona
Taste Verona offers a varied program for exploring and tasting Verona and the Valpolicella wine region. From
wine tours to Valpolicella, Soave, or Bardolino to a unique day out on a bike or quad bike.
Several of these are organized with Valpolicella Adventure Travel.
Motoragazzi
Motoragazzi is the specialist in e-bike, Vespa, and motorcycle rentals. Discover the region around Lake Garda, Verona, and the Valpolicella wine region for yourself. Around
50 routes have been compiled (via the app). Enjoy the beautiful Italian life around Verona and taste the region's finest wines.
Valpolicella wine travel guide
To help you get started, I’ve put together some useful tips and websites. A perfect starting point for planning your adventure through Valpolicella. Your journey through vineyards, charming villages, and world-class wines can begin right now. The fun starts today!
Nearby
The Valpolicella region is a relatively unknown wine region. And yet, millions of tourists flock to Lake Garda or visit Verona every year. And then there are the many tourists who drive past this beautiful wine region. Over the Brenner Pass (A22) from the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria towards the more central part of Italy. Time for a stopover. And the possibilities Valpolicella offers for one or more days of wine enjoyment. If you're looking to stay nearby, the handy page on the Strada del Vino Valpolicella website with accommodations is a great starting point. Plenty of choice.
Verona
A wonderful city where you can easily spend a few days. Visit Romeo and Juliet's balcony. Take a beautiful bike ride or walking tour with a guide. Or visit the ancient Roman Arena (especially recommended in the summer for attending one of the operas). You won't regret it.
Lake Garda
One of the many tourist summer destinations is undoubtedly Lake Garda. Towns like Bardolino are bustling in the summer. Not only can you enjoy a refreshing dip (or a fun boat trip), but the many shops and restaurants create a cozy atmosphere. And we haven't even mentioned the wines from this region yet. Be sure to try the rosé (Chiaretto di Bardolino).
Soave
A wonderful town where you can easily spend a few days. Visit Romeo and Juliet's balcony. Take a beautiful bike ride or walking tour with a guide. Or visit the ancient Roman Arena (especially recommended in the summer for attending one of the operas). You won't regret it.
Visit the Soave Wine Consortium website.
Wine and food festivals
Wine festivals are often tied to the start of the season or the end of the grape harvest, but there are plenty of events throughout the year where you can taste local wines and enjoy regional dishes. Here are a few highlights.
Verona
Vinitaly takes place every year in early April and is one of the most famous wine events in the world. While it’s primarily focused on B2B, bringing wineries and trade professionals together, wine lovers can still join the Vinitaly in the City festival to enjoy tastings and discover new favorites.
Bardolino
Around Lake Garda, the Chiaretto di Bardolino rosé is a local favorite. You can explore all its delicious variations during the Palio del Chiaretto (late May to early June). Another great opportunity is the Bardolino Wine Festival in early October, celebrating the wines and flavors of this sun-drenched region.
Soave
Just a short drive from Verona and next to Valpolicella, the charming town of Soave is famous for its crisp, aromatic white wines. The Festa dell’Uva a Soave (mid to late September) is the perfect occasion to taste these wines and soak up the town’s lively, festive atmosphere.
About the author
Dennis Woudt - Wine Travel Enthusiast (... since 2011)
What started as a fun (and seriously tasty) activity along the way on one of our trips to Italy has turned into a full-on passion. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve dived deep into the world of guided winery tours, wine tastings, and vineyard visits across France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, South Africa—and, of course, our favorite, Italy.
