Discovering Valpolicella and Lessinia, an emotional and enjoyable experience

First day: Discovering "green gold" and Durello

The day begins just a few kilometres north of Verona, immersing tourists in the hilly scenery of the Valpolicella and Lessini Durello denominations, a territory rich in excellent food and wine, with its strong historical, cultural and naturalistic values. Our route takes us to a winery producing Lessini Durello and Monti Lessini, with tasting and a chance to buy products on the estate, followed by a visit to the Wine Museum, with exhibits showing how vineyards were tended and wine was produced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Afterwards, lunch in a typical restaurant in the area of Colognola ai Colli, where the hilly territory, still largely untouched, offers unique views. The afternoon is devoted to discovering "green gold", namely the DOP Veneto Valpolicella variety of extra virgin olive oil, with a visit to an oil press to learn about the techniques of production and processing. At the end of the visit, guests have the chance to buy produce inside the point of sale/estate outlet. The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant serving dishes typical of Verona and its culture. To conclude on a high note, an overnight stay in one of the splendid facilities nestling in the picturesque hills of Val d'Illasi, with the accent on relaxation and wellness.

Second day: Verona, UNESCO World Heritage Site and surroundings hills

On the second day our tour continues, from the eastern part of the Valpolicella denomination, leaving the hills of Cazzano di Tramigna, Illasi, Colognola ai Colli and the entire Valpatena, crossing San Martino Buon Albergo, heading for the wonderful city of art and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Verona. A walk to discover the historical city centre, known all over the world thanks to the Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, and the majestic Arena. Our tour includes the points of greatest historical, artistic and cultural interest in the city. For lunch, we move on to the beautiful hills of Valpolicella to approach one of the "Most beautiful villages in Italy": San Giorgio di Valpolicella. After lunch, our tour takes us to the old village centre, where you can visit the Pieve and the Antiquarium, where its archeological finds bear witness to the ancient history of this area. Dinner is left free, giving visitors the option to stay in the Valpolicella hills or return to the city with its vibrant atmosphere. Our overnight stay is in one of the facilities on the hills of Verona. 

Third day: Amarone: special grape drying and the much appreciated Ripasso

In the morning we leave the city en route for the Classical and Historical area of Valpolicella, heading north-west, where we reach the five municipalities which together form the Valpolicella or Val Polis Cellae: valley of the many cellars. Here Fumane, Marano di Valpolicella, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano and Sant' Ambrogio di Valpolicella together constitute the Classical area, where the morning includes a visit to a winery to discover -as the growers so passionately explain- the production techniques of Amarone with its special "appassimento" or a grape dying process, and also the way in wich Valpolicella Classico and Valpolicella Ripasso are produced, to appreciate their distinct characters in a series of guided testings. After testing, visitors have the chance to buy produce at the point of sale/estate outlet. Lunch is provided in a typical local restaurant, featuring typical dishes of the area, in combination with Valpolicella wines. In the afternoon, you can take a walk among the vineyards, sorrounded by nature, visit an organic winery, and learn about the most natural production technique for Valpolicella wines. Tasting follows, with the chance to buy produce on the estate. The day ends with dinner at a restaurant or "osteria" serving typical dishes, including some of the oldest traditional recipes from this area. To conclude, on a high note, your overnight stay is in one of the splendid facilities nestling in the Valpolicella hills.

Fourth day: From the sweet Recioto della Valpolicella to the freshness of Molina

Our last day includes a visit to a wine cellar which makes the most traditional and unique Valpolicella wine: Recioto. A wine produced even in Roman times, little known but capable of leaving unique and unforgettable sensations in the memory of all who taste it. The production method, similar to Amarone, makes it special in the eyes of those who are fortunate enough to discover it. Our visit to the winery, with tasting, concludes with the chance to buy produce at the point of sale/estate outlet. After lunch in a typical local restaurant, our route climbs up from the valley, into an increasingly mountainous territory, with breathtaking views of the valley, to end the afternoon at the waterfalls of Molina. Our food and wine tour concludes with a trip into nature, as we prepare to leave, taking home the sweet flavour of a unique territory, rich in excellence which deserves to be discovered and tasted.

Initiative sponsored by the Rural Development Programme 2007-2016 for the Veneto region, Axis 4 - Leader.
Responsible Organism of information: Valpolicella Wine Route
Managin authority: Veneto Region Management Plans and Programmes of the Primary Sector.

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE: depliant-ita-web

WATCH THE VIDEO