Valpolicella
Valpolicella is a wine region in the hills just north of Verona, best known for producing Amarone, a rich, intensely flavored red wine made using an appassimento process where grapes are partially dried before fermentation, concentrating their sugars and flavor. The same grapes and region also produce lighter Valpolicella and Ripasso wines at various points along that spectrum.
The landscape is a mix of vineyards, cherry orchards, and small stone-walled villages, considerably less touristed than Tuscany's wine regions despite its proximity to Verona, a major tourist destination in its own right.
Given its closeness to Verona, it's an easy half-day or full-day trip, and many wineries offer both tastings and cellar tours, generally by appointment, making advance booking worthwhile before setting out.
Valpolicella FAQs
Amarone, a rich red wine made using a grape-drying process called appassimento; the region also produces lighter Valpolicella and Ripasso wines.
About 20-30 minutes by car to the nearest wineries and villages.
Yes, most wineries require reservations for tastings and tours rather than accepting walk-ins.
Recommended, though limited local bus service does reach some towns in the region.
Yes, it's generally considered less touristed than areas like Chianti, despite being close to the popular destination of Verona.
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