Valpolicella Lunch or Dinner Wine & Food tasting with Amarone

When it comes to wine tours in Italy, few places can match the charm and craftsmanship of a visit to a Valpolicella winery. This particular experience offers more than just a tasting—it’s a journey through the heart of one of Italy’s most beloved wine regions, combined with a delicious multi-course meal and a chance to touch vines, barrels, and even amphorae.

What really makes this tour stand out is its relaxed approach. There’s no boring lecture here—just good food, excellent wines, and engaging stories from passionate guides. For those who love wine and want to savor it in a setting that feels like visiting family, this experience hits the right notes.

A possible consideration? The tour is self-transferred, so it’s best suited to travelers comfortable navigating a bit on their own or who enjoy independent exploration. And at around $109.86 per person for nearly four hours, the price offers a pretty good value for a comprehensive tasting paired with a full meal.

This tour suits wine lovers, foodies, and anyone eager to see the behind-the-scenes of winemaking in a family-run winery. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic experiences, beautiful scenery, and good company.

Key Points

• Authentic winery visit: Touch barrels, amphorae, and vines, gaining insight into traditional winemaking methods.
• Tasting five wines: From sparkling rosé to the rich Amarone, each glass tells a story.
• Delicious multi-course meal: Paired perfectly with each wine, focusing on quality and flavor.
• Beautiful setting: The winery and surrounding vineyards offer a scenic, peaceful backdrop.
• Informal, engaging guide: Fabio’s storytelling and passion elevate the experience.
• Flexible voucher: A chance to visit a local Osteria in Verona for a glass of wine within a year.

The Winery Tour: Touching the Heart of Valpolicella

The journey begins at Cantina Buglioni, situated amidst organic vineyards—immediately setting a tone of natural beauty and care. You’ll meet your guide, Fabio, whose reputation for knowledgeable, friendly storytelling is a highlight of the experience.

First, you’ll be welcomed outdoors, with sweeping views of the vines that supply the winery’s grapes. Walking through the vineyard, you’ll get an appreciation of the environment that nurtures these grapes—an essential part of understanding quality wine. Then, you’ll move inside the cellar, where barrels and amphorae hold the secret of Buglioni’s reds and Amarone Riserva. One reviewer noted, “Fabio was able to transmit all the care and passion that the company employs in the production of their wines.”

The cellar visit lasts about an hour and is surprisingly tactile—touching the barrels, feeling the rough oak, and even exploring the amphorae that are part of the winery’s unique production process. This hands-on approach offers a rare glimpse into winemaking beyond just tasting, revealing the craftsmanship and dedication involved.

The Drying Loft: Discovering the Grape’s Journey

Next, you’ll explore the drying loft—an atmospheric maze where grapes like Corvina and Rondinella rest for months to develop their concentrated flavors. This part is often overlooked in standard tastings, yet it’s fascinating because it shows the meticulous process behind Amarone and its siblings.

A review described this visit as “a visit to the place that hosts the grapes for a few months, for the time it takes them to dry,” which provides real insight into the production process. Seeing the grapes in the loft allows you to appreciate the patience and time required to craft these exceptional wines.

The Tasting & Meal: Savoring the Flavors

After the cellar tour, it’s time for the culinary highlight—your 5-course meal at Locanda Buglioni, the winery’s own restaurant. The meal is thoughtfully curated to complement each wine, creating a seamless tasting journey. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “exquisite” and “high-quality,” with attentive service.

During this part, you’ll taste five wines:

• Il Vigliacco: A sparkling Brut Rosé that kickstarts the experience with freshness.
• Rosacipolla: A delightful Rosé Trevenezie IGT, light and perfect for pairing with starters.
• Il Bugiardo: A Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC, offering complexity and depth.
• Il Lussurioso: An Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG—rich, full-bodied, and luxurious.
• Il Narcisista: A Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, sweet and perfect as a dessert wine.

A reviewer noted, “The wine and food pairing was superb—each sip and bite elevated the other,” emphasizing how well the wines were paired with the courses.

The Bonus: Verona’s Osteria and the Wine Voucher

Once your meal concludes, you’ll receive a voucher for a glass of wine at Piscaria, the Osteria di Mare in Verona’s historic center. This is a lovely bonus, allowing you to revisit the region’s wine culture in a more casual setting at your convenience—valid for a year.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, including the visits, tasting, and meal. While transportation isn’t included, the meeting point is straightforward in Corrubbio, and the self-transfer offers flexibility—though some travelers might prefer to arrange private transport or a taxi.

Group size is capped at 40, but based on reviews, it often feels more intimate, especially with guides like Fabio who are praised for their storytelling and attentiveness.

Pricing at $109.86 per person reflects good value considering the comprehensive nature of the experience—visiting vineyards, a cellar, the drying loft, plus a full meal and wine tastings. The all-in fee covers taxes and all fees, making it transparent and hassle-free.

This experience is ideal for those craving an authentic taste of Valpolicella, especially if you prefer learning from passionate guides rather than impersonal tours. It’s suitable for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone interested in Italy’s winemaking process. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere ensures you can enjoy the moment without feeling rushed.

However, keep in mind that self-transfers are necessary, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable navigating local transport or happy to arrange their own. Also, if you’re after a quick, superficial tasting, this might be more detailed than you need.

The multiple rave reviews highlight Fabio’s personal touch, with descriptions like “Fabio was fantastic, very kind, and knowledgeable,” which significantly enhances the experience. The scenic setting, combined with top-notch wines and delicious food, makes it a memorable outing that can easily be the highlight of your Verona trip.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, authentic, and enjoyable wine experience in Valpolicella, this tour hits the spot. It offers the chance to learn about traditional winemaking, taste a curated selection of wines, and indulge in a delicious multi-course meal—all in a scenic, welcoming environment.

It’s especially suitable for those who value personal stories and connections over generic tastings. The combination of scenic vineyards, tactile cellar visits, and an engaging guide like Fabio creates a warm, genuine atmosphere that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Valpolicella wines.

For travelers who want to blend wine, food, and culture in a single outing without the fuss, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or anyone keen to experience Italy’s wine country with a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Is transportation included? No, the tour starts at Cantina Buglioni, and self-transfer is required. You might consider arranging your own transport to ensure smooth arrival.

How long does the tour last? Expect about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including visits, tastings, and the meal.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Italian? Yes, guides like Fabio are praised for their engaging storytelling, which often transcends language barriers.

What wines will I taste? You’ll sample five wines, from a sparkling rosé to Amarone and Recioto, each paired with a course.

Is the experience suitable for food allergies or intolerances? The reviews mention that the winery and restaurant are attentive to dietary needs, including gluten-free options.

Can I visit the winery more than once? The voucher for a glass at Piscaria is valid for 365 days, so you can return for more wine at your leisure.

What is the price? At $109.86 per person, it’s a good value for a full wine and food experience, including cellar visits and scenic vineyard views.

Is this experience family-friendly? Most travelers find it suitable, especially since it’s informal and engaging, but check for any specific age restrictions if traveling with children.

This Valpolicella tour combines the pleasures of wine, food, and storytelling in a way that feels authentic and personal. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just someone looking to enjoy Italy’s wine culture in a relaxed setting, it’s an experience worth considering.