Itinerary: Fumane, Marano di Valpolicella, Mazzurega, Negrar, San Floriano, Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella
Valpolicella Valley where the famous Amarone wine comes from
Valpolicella is a hilly area between the city of Verona and Lake Garda. In this region, wine production has ancient traditions that date back to Roman times, if not even further. The name Valpolicella comes from the Latin word "vallis cellae polis", which means "valley with many cellars".
Once here, you can combine the best of what this region has to offer: spectacular views, excellent wine and food, and historic architecture. In fact, this area is rich in history, from the remains of "pagus Arusnati", the villages of the ancient indigenous peoples, to the remains of Roman villas and temples, to the Romanesque churches and the many aristocratic villas.
Anyway, what makes Valpolicella famous all over the world is definitely "Amarone", the king of the Veronese wines and one of the best-known Italian wines.
Amarone is a unique wine, produced with a complex and particular method according to which the grapes of Valpolicella (Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara) are carefully selected by skilled people during the grape harvest, and then left to dry on racks for at least four months. By this time, the grapes lose some water while retaining the sugars and the flavorings. The subsequent fermentation of Amarone leads to a unique, dry, full-bodied wine rich in alcohol and aromas, which are refined thanks to aging in barrels at least for two years.
There are many wineries and wine cellars in the Valpolicella region, ranging from large companies to small family-run businesses but all of them carefully respect the old traditions.
Many wineries are open to visitors and are always happy to show you the vineyards, the cellars, and the production techniques of the Amarone wine. The visit is ending with a tasting of the Valpolicella wines such as the Valpolicella red wines, the Valpolicella Recioto, the sweet wine produced with dried grapes, and, of course, the Amarone wine.
Starting and ending points: Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella
Length: Km 42
Places of interest to visit during this tour:
Vineyards in Valpollicina (pic n°1); In Fumane: The wonderful Villa della Torre (pic n°2); In Funame: The Shrine of Saleto (pic n°4); In Negrar: The beautiful Villa Rizzardi (pic n°5); In Marano of Valpolicella: the ancient Church of Santa Maria of Valverde (pic n°6);