The history of Amarone: tour and vertical tasting of 3 decades

The history of Amarone: tour and vertical tasting of 3 decades offers a rare chance to explore one of Italy’s most treasured wines in a setting that combines education with authentic flavor. Hosted by Cantine Lenotti in Verona, this two-hour experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to understand the subtle differences that time, climate, and land imprint on Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on vertical tastings—sampling wines from 1998, 2008, and 2018—plus a sneak peek at a barrique-aged Amarone still in the making.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances educational content with the sheer pleasure of tasting. We loved the in-depth tour that traces the grapes’ journey from vineyard to bottle, offering insights into the winemaking process that even seasoned connoisseurs will find illuminating. The opportunity to taste a young Amarone straight from the barrel adds a unique dimension—seeing how flavors develop over decades. But, a possible consideration is the price: at $894.38 for a group of up to six, it’s an investment, but one that’s justified by the depth and exclusivity of the experience.

This tour suits those who are serious about wine, especially fans of Amarone or Italian reds, looking for a meaningful, behind-the-scenes look at winemaking. It’s also ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to add a memorable, educational twist to their Verona visit.

Key Points

• Focused on Amarone’s evolution: The vertical tastings span three decades, showing how aging influences flavor.
• Expert-guided tour: Knowledgeable guides walk you through every stage, from vineyard to bottle.
• Exclusive tasting from the barrel: A rare opportunity to taste a young Amarone directly from the barrique.
• Authentic setting: The visit takes place at Cantine Lenotti, a family-run winery with a welcoming atmosphere.
• Educational yet enjoyable: Perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to deepen their understanding of Amarone’s longevity.
• Value for connoisseurs: The price reflects the comprehensive, premium experience, especially with the intimate group size.

Exploring the Itinerary: A Deep Dive into Every Step

The vineyard behind the winery, Vigneto Santa Cristina, is the starting point of this immersive experience. Visitors get to walk among the vines just a few hundred meters from Lake Garda, an area known for its favourable microclimate that influences the grapes’ character. The guide explains how the land, climate, and vineyard practices contribute to the unique profile of Amarone, which is crucial for understanding why this wine ages so well.

Next, you’ll visit the harvesting and grape reception area, where you’ll learn about the careful selection process and how the grapes are processed. The tour continues through the fermentation cellar, a space that highlights the meticulous control needed to craft this bold wine. Following this, the underground barrel cellar is where the magic of aging unfolds, and where you’ll get to taste the young Amarone from the barrique. This unfiltered glimpse into the future of wine-making is a highlight, revealing how flavors will evolve over time.

Further, the visit takes you to the bottling room and storage warehouses, where each bottle is carefully handled and packaged, reflecting the pride and tradition behind the brand. This behind-the-scenes look offers a tangible sense of authenticity, showing how the winery preserves its identity through meticulous craftsmanship.

Finally, the starred event: the vertical tasting of three historic vintages. The 1998 Amarone is described as warm, mature, and harmonious, with soft tannins and a full-bodied profile. The 2008 is noted for being fresh and complex, with lively acidity and red fruit notes, making it a bright and lively choice. The 2018, still young, is praised for elegance, finesse, and potential for long aging. Tasting these side by side offers a fascinating perspective on how aging impacts taste and structure.

The Tasting Experience: Flavors Across Three Decades

What sets this tour apart is its focus on time as a flavor. The 1998 vintage feels velvety and well-rounded, perfect for those who enjoy a wine that’s mellowed beautifully over the years. The 2008’s lively acidity and red fruit notes demonstrate a more vibrant, youthful expression, showing how climate variations have impacted the vintage’s character. The 2018, being the most recent, offers a glimpse of what is to come—its finesse and potential for aging make it an exciting find for collectors.

Tasting directly from the barrique is a rare privilege. This young Amarone, not yet bottled, provides valuable insight into the winemaking process and how flavors are still developing. The accompanying plate of cold cuts, cheeses, and local products enhances the tasting, giving you a taste of regional specialties that pair beautifully with Amarone’s bold profile.

Participants have expressed how meaningful this tasting can be—one reviewer called it “an immersion in another world,” highlighting the emotional connection this kind of experience fosters. The guides’ knowledge was also frequently praised, adding to the overall value and authenticity.

The Price and Its Value

At $894.38 per group, the experience is certainly a premium investment. But when you analyze what’s included—an expert-guided tour of the entire winemaking process, tastings of three significant vintages, and a barrique sample—the value becomes clearer. It’s not just about tasting wine but understanding the story behind each bottle—a priceless addition for serious wine enthusiasts.

The small group size (up to six people) enhances the intimacy, allowing for more personalized attention and detailed explanations, which adds to the overall value.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour begins promptly at 3:00 pm from Lenotti Cellars, in Bardolino. Arriving on time ensures you don’t miss any part of the experience.
• The tour lasts approximately two hours, making it a compact yet comprehensive experience.
• Since the price is per group, it’s an excellent choice for couples or small groups wanting a private, tailored experience.
• The tour is private, so only your group participates—adding to the exclusive feel.
• Confirmations are sent within 48 hours, but it’s wise to book early, given limited availability.
• Service animals are allowed, which is considerate for travelers with pets.
• The experience ends back at the starting point, making it easy to incorporate into your existing Verona plans.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience offers an extraordinary look at Amarone’s aging potential and craftsmanship. It’s especially well-suited for those who have a genuine interest in wine, want to learn about the nuances of aging, and enjoy tasting wines from different eras. The guides’ knowledgeable approach ensures you gain insights that go beyond basic tasting notes, making it ideal for connoisseurs or serious enthusiasts.

While the cost is on the higher end, it reflects the personalized, comprehensive nature of the tour, including access to a historic winery, exclusive tastings, and detailed storytelling. If you’re after an authentic, educational peek into Verona’s winemaking heritage—paired with a memorable tasting—this tour delivers on all counts.

For travelers seeking a meaningful connection with Italian wine culture, this is a standout choice. It combines history, craftsmanship, and exquisite flavor in a setting that feels both authentic and intimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
While it’s designed with wine enthusiasts in mind, the guides’ detailed explanations can benefit newcomers. However, expect a focus on aging and vintage differences, which might be more appreciated by those with some wine knowledge.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, providing enough time to explore the winery and enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed.

What is included in the tasting?
You will taste three vintages of Amarone from 1998, 2008, and 2018, along with a young Amarone from the barrique. A platter of local products accompanies the tasting to enhance flavors.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour includes cold cuts, cheeses, and local products, so it’s best to inform the staff of any dietary restrictions when booking. They might accommodate special needs or suggest alternatives.

Is transportation arranged?
The tour starts at Lenotti Cellars in Bardolino, and participants need to arrive there. No transportation is provided, so plan your arrival accordingly.

What is the group size?
It’s a private tour for up to six people, fostering a personalized experience and direct interaction with your guides.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute changes are not refundable.

What makes this tour different from others?
The focus on a vertical tasting spanning three decades combined with the opportunity to taste wine directly from the barrique makes it a unique and educational experience. The guides’ knowledge and warm approach also elevate the quality.

Is this experience suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults interested in wine education; children are generally not included, but service animals are allowed.

This detailed exploration of the Amarone tour at Cantine Lenotti highlights its unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and flavor—perfect for those eager to taste Italy’s best and understand its aging magic in a relaxed, intimate setting.