AMARONE: VERTICAL TASTING OF HISTORIC VINTAGES

Experiencing Amarone della Valpolicella through a vertical tasting offers a fascinating glimpse into its evolution over the years. This tour, based in Veneto, Italy, is a well-crafted journey that marries history, technique, and the land’s unique terroir into one immersive experience. With a focus on four historic vintages along with a sweet Recioto, it promises both education and sensory delight.

One of our favorite aspects of this experience is the chance to compare vintages side-by-side — a rare opportunity to truly understand how climate, aging, and winemaking choices shape the final product. The intimate setting at La Dama S.S.A. also adds to the charm, making it feel less like a commercial tasting and more like a private lesson from passionate vintners. However, a potential consideration might be the lack of included transportation, so plan accordingly if you’re not staying nearby.

This tour is perfect for lovers of fine wine, curious travelers eager to grasp Italian winemaking nuances, or those simply wanting to deepen their appreciation of Amarone. Expect to enjoy a blend of education, authentic regional flavors, and a touch of Veneto’s storied winemaking tradition.

Key Points

• Educational Focus: Learn about Amarone’s history, techniques, and terroir in a detailed, engaging manner.
• Vintages Comparison: Taste four different vintages to see how Amarone evolves over time.
• Food Pairings: High-quality organic olive oil, local cold cuts, cheeses, and dessert elevate the tasting.
• Authentic Setting: The visit to Ca’ Besi vineyard offers a genuine, family-run atmosphere.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable staff, including a sommelier, enhance the experience with insights and context.
• Affordable Value: At $65, this tasting provides access to historic wines and expert commentary, making it a great value.

When considering a wine tour in the Veneto region, the Amarone vertical tasting at La Dama S.S.A. stands out as a well-rounded, authentic experience. It’s not just about sipping wine; it’s about understanding what makes Amarone a world-renowned DOCG, appreciating how it ages, and discovering the land’s secrets through both sight and taste.

The Itinerary: A Journey Through Time and Technique

The tour begins at the Ca’ Besi vineyard, where visitors are welcomed with open arms into a family-run setting. Here, the focus is on sharing the land’s story—how the grapes are cultivated, harvested, and transformed into Amarone. The visit to the winery, specifically the vinification and aging areas, is where you get a behind-the-scenes look at the process that produces this iconic wine.

Once in the tasting rooms, the real magic begins. This isn’t your average tasting: you’ll sample four carefully selected vintages—2010, 2015, 2018, and 2019—each representing different climatic conditions, aging potentials, and stylistic nuances. The 2010 vintage, for example, might showcase the mature, complex side of Amarone, while the 2019 could highlight youthful fruitiness and vibrancy.

The tasting is complemented by food pairings carefully chosen to enhance each wine. Expect fresh bread, homemade organic extra virgin olive oil, and an assortment of cold cuts and cheeses. The sommelier ensures each pairing brings out the best in the wines, making the experience both educational and delicious.

Finally, the tour concludes with a glass of Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet, velvety wine made from the same grapes, offering a perfect endnote. The dessert pairing with Recioto adds a lovely contrast, highlighting the versatility of the land’s produce.

What Makes This Tasting Special?

The highlight is undoubtedly the comparison of vintages. As one reviewer pointed out, “We loved how Amarone evolves over the years”—a clear benefit of this vertical approach. You get to see firsthand how climate variations and aging influence aroma, flavor, and structure. This ability to compare side-by-side deepens your understanding and appreciation for Amarone’s complexity.

Another unique element is the focus on tradition and land. The guides are knowledgeable and will share secrets about regional techniques, such as how the grapes are dried and the aging process that gives Amarone its signature richness.

The family-run atmosphere at La Dama S.S.A. also makes the experience feel personal. Reviewers like Andre from the Netherlands praised the “bijzonder familie wijnhuis” (special family winery) and the “heerlijke biologische wijnen” (delicious organic wines), which adds authenticity to your visit.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This 3-hour experience is priced at $65 per person, which strikes us as excellent value given the quality and depth of the tasting. It includes:

• An initial visit to the vineyards to see where the grapes grow
• A tour of the winery, focusing on vinification and aging
• A vertical tasting of four historic Amarone vintages
• A glass of Recioto paired with dessert
• Food pairings of bread, organic olive oil, cheeses, and cold cuts

It’s important to note that transportation isn’t included, so it’s best suited for those staying nearby or arranging their own transfer. The tour is available in English and Italian, with other languages possibly on request—check availability if you prefer German or Spanish.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens the potential audience, and booking requires at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellation, with full refunds offered if canceled in time.

Authenticity and Review Insights

The small, family-oriented vibe was highlighted by Andre, who called the winery “goed verzorgde hapjes bij de wijn proeverij” (well-organized snacks with the wine tasting). His comment points to the care taken in pairing wines with local, high-quality food.

Jonas from Sweden appreciated the service and knowledge of the staff, emphasizing that the guide’s expertise enhances the experience. These personal touches, combined with the opportunity to taste historic vintages, create a memorable experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.

Why This Tour Works

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to understand the aging potential of Amarone, this tasting delivers. The comparison of vintages over a decade reveals the subtle shifts in flavor profiles, helping you grasp what makes each year special. If you’re interested in regional traditions and want to explore a family-run winery beyond the tourist trail, this tour provides a genuine taste of Veneto’s winemaking spirit.

On top of that, it’s perfect if you prefer a relaxed, intimate setting over large group tours. The focus on high-quality food pairings and expert guidance makes this more than just a tasting; it’s an educational experience on how land, climate, and technique shape one of Italy’s most celebrated wines.

This vertical tasting of Amarone at La Dama S.S.A. is a treasure for anyone curious about Italian wine, especially those wanting to see how vintages evolve over time. The combination of authentic regional hospitality, detailed insights into winemaking, and thoughtfully curated tastings offers tremendous value for the price. It’s particularly suitable for wine lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking a genuine, memorable experience in Veneto.

Overall, it’s a tour that marries education with pleasure—an enriching event that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Amarone’s complexity. If you’re in Veneto and love wine or are simply eager to learn about Italy’s revered DOCGs, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation is not included. It’s best to arrange your own transfer or stay nearby to make the most of the experience.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in English and Italian, with other languages possibly on request. Check availability if you prefer German or Spanish.

How long does the experience last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable yet in-depth taste of Amarone’s history and flavors.

What is included in the price?
For $65, you get a visit to the vineyards and winery, tastings of four historic vintages, a glass of Recioto, and high-quality food pairings.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should specify?
Yes, inform the winery of any allergies or intolerances (gluten, lactose, etc.) and any special requirements like vegetarian or vegan preferences so they can accommodate.

Is the winery wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchairs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this experience unique?
The ability to compare vintages side-by-side and the focus on traditional techniques within a family-run setting make this a truly authentic and educational wine experience.

Would this be suitable for someone new to wine tasting?
Absolutely. The knowledgeable guides and food pairings make it accessible for beginners while still offering depth for connoisseurs.