The Valpolicella food & wine driving tour: cheese factory+ winery

This Valpolicella food & wine driving tour offers a compelling way to explore Italy’s celebrated gastronomic landscape without leaving Verona. Priced at $202.38 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, this tour combines scenic drives, intimate visits to a cheese and salami factory, and a guided Valpolicella wine tasting. Led by Romeo and Juliet Guide Travel Agency, the experience is designed for those eager to meet local producers and sample authentic flavors.

The tour departs from P.za Brà in Verona at 2:30 pm, with a maximum of eight travelers, ensuring a relaxed and personal atmosphere. The highlight is the chance to learn about Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto wines, and to enjoy a full lunch based on Veronese cuisine in a private wine cellar. While the focus is on high-quality tastings and regional stories, this experience appeals most to those who appreciate good food, wine, and authentic producer encounters.

Key Points

• Includes a full vertical tasting of 5 Amarone vintages plus a Corvina wine and Recioto DOCG wine
• Visits a unique cheese and salami factory with tastings of DOP products from the Lessinia mountains
• Transport is private, ensuring comfort and flexibility during the scenic drive
• A full lunch features traditional Veronese cuisine in a private wine cellar setting
• The tour is delivered by knowledgeable guides such as Virginia, praised for her expertise and friendly approach
• Maximum of 8 participants keeps the experience intimate and engaging

From Verona to the Valpolicella Hills

The tour begins in Verona’s Piazza Bra, where a private transportation vehicle awaits. The scenic drive to Valpolicella takes about 40 minutes, winding through the hills near the Lessinia mountains, which are the pre-Dolomite backdrop for this trip. This route offers impressive views that set the tone for the day ahead.

Traveling in this small-group setting ensures a relaxed pace and personalized attention. The journey itself feels like a gentle exploration of the region’s landscape and a taste of what’s to come at each stop.

Visiting the Cheese Factory on the Hills of Lessinia

The first stop is a cheese and salami factory located just at the feet of the Lessinia mountains. This is a rare opportunity to meet the producer behind some of the area’s finest DOP cheeses and salami. Visitors get to visit the production areas, smell the ingredients, and taste a selection of the best products.

The guide explains the production techniques, emphasizing the quality and tradition behind these regional specialties. After the visit, guests enjoy a tasting of the factory’s top products, which often include cheeses and salamis that showcase the unique flavors of the Lessinia mountains.

The Scenic Drive Through Valpolicella’s Hills

Post-visit, the tour continues with a drive up and down the rolling hills of Valpolicella. This part of the journey emphasizes the landscape’s charm—vineyards, terraced slopes, and panoramic views that capture the essence of this renowned wine region.

The drive offers photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the countryside’s natural beauty. The guides provide insights into the area’s geography and why it’s ideal for wine production, especially the famous Amarone.

Learning About Amarone and Valpolicella Wines

The second major stop is at a local winery, where the focus is on Valpolicella wine production. The guide explains the appassimento process, a technique where grapes are partially dried to concentrate flavors for Amarone. Visitors get to see the wine cellars and learn about the production methods that make Amarone unique.

The highlight here is a guided wine tasting, featuring a full vertical tasting of 5 different Amarone vintages. Guests also sample a Corvina wine and the DOCG Recioto, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s complex wine styles. The tasting experience is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, with ample time to savor each glass.

Veronese Lunch in a Private Wine Cellar

A traditional Veronese lunch rounds out the experience. Hosted in a private wine cellar, the meal showcases local cuisine that pairs beautifully with Valpolicella wines. The lunch is substantial and thoughtfully prepared, emphasizing regional ingredients and flavors.

This sit-down meal offers a chance to relax, chat, and reflect on the day’s discoveries while enjoying authentic dishes that highlight the local culinary heritage.

The Top Hilly Location & Scenic Views

Throughout the day, the tour’s scenic route provides sweeping views of Valpolicella’s hills and vineyards. These landscapes are integral to understanding the region’s wine identity and provide memorable backdrops for photos and peaceful moments.

The guide manages the pacing to ensure travelers have time to take in the vistas and ask questions, making the experience both scenic and educational.

The Expertise of the Guides and Personal Touch

The guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. Virginia, one of the most noted guides, is celebrated for her history of the wines and the owners, adding a personal dimension to the visit. Her approachable style enhances the experience, making the stories behind the products more meaningful.

Unlike larger tours, this experience’s small size fosters a personal connection with the producers and deeper engagement with the region’s culture.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour starts at 2:30 pm and includes private transportation, providing comfort and convenience. The full lunch, tastings, and visits are all included in the $202.38 price, offering good value given the quality and depth of the experience.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, and the activity ends back at the original meeting point. The small group size maximizes interaction and ensures that each participant receives personal attention.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food and wine enthusiasts who want to meet local producers, learn about winemaking, and taste authentic regional flavors. It suits those who appreciate scenic drives, cultural stories, and culinary traditions. The tour’s focus on small-group intimacy and expert guides makes it suitable for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed day outside Verona.

Limitations and Considerations

While the experience covers a lot in 5.5 hours, participants should be comfortable with small vehicle travel and walking during visits. The tour does not include a personal guide with the group, so travelers should enjoy self-directed conversations with guides and producers. It’s best suited for those with moderate mobility and an interest in regional gastronomy.

The Valpolicella Food & Wine Driving Tour: A Delicious Escape from Verona

This tour offers a balanced combination of scenic drives, producer visits, tastings, and authentic regional cuisine. The focus on meeting producers in person and tasting multiple vintages of Amarone makes it a comprehensive introduction to Valpolicella’s famed products. The small group size ensures a personal and engaging experience, while the expert guides enrich the journey with stories and insights.

For those eager to explore Veronese culinary traditions and sample top-quality wines and cheeses, this tour provides a genuine taste of the region’s best. The inclusion of lunch in a private cellar and visits to a local cheese factory add depth and variety to the experience, making it a satisfying day out for lovers of Italy’s food and wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, including travel, visits, tastings, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, a full Veronese lunch, wine tastings (including five Amarone vintages), visits to a cheese factory, and guided tours with wine makers and producers.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at P.za Brà, 28 in Verona at 2:30 pm and returns to the same meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While the experience is primarily geared toward adult guests interested in food and wine, children with an interest in the region’s culinary culture may enjoy the visits, but the focus is on tasting experiences.

Can the tour be canceled if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

What guides lead the experience?
The tour is delivered by Romeo and Juliet Guide SNC, with guides like Virginia praised for their expertise and friendly approach.

Is the tour accessible for those with limited mobility?
Participants should be comfortable with walking and vehicle travel, as visits involve some walking and scenic drives.

Are the tastings suitable for all?
Yes, the wine tastings include a variety of wines and are designed to be enjoyable for visitors of legal drinking age, with a focus on educational insights.

What makes this tour stand out from others in Valpolicella?
The personal encounters with producers, comprehensive tasting of five Amarone vintages, and lunch in a private cellar set this experience apart, making it ideal for travelers seeking depth and authenticity.