Just north of Verona, between Lake Garda and the Lessini mountains, the hills of Valpolicella produce one of the most unique red wines in the world: Amarone della Valpolicella. Visiting an Amarone winery means discovering an ancient technique, grapes dried for months before pressing, and tasting a wine that is rich, velvety and built to last.
How Amarone Is Made
Amarone is made mainly from the native grapes Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. After harvest, the best bunches are laid on bamboo racks or wooden trays in airy rooms called fruttai, where they dry for about three to four months. This process, called appassimento, concentrates sugars and aromas. The grapes are then pressed in winter and the wine ages for years in wood.
Visiting a fruttaio between October and January, when the grapes are drying, is one of the most fascinating experiences in Italian wine tourism.
The Wines of Valpolicella
| Wine | Style |
|---|---|
| Valpolicella | Fresh, light red, great for everyday drinking |
| Valpolicella Ripasso | Re-fermented on Amarone skins: richer, rounder |
| Amarone della Valpolicella | Dry, powerful, made from dried grapes |
| Recioto della Valpolicella | Sweet wine from dried grapes, the ancestor of Amarone |
Where to Go
Valpolicella Classica
The historic area, with villages like Fumane, Marano, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano and Sant'Ambrogio. Many historic Venetian villas here are also wineries.
Valpantena and the Eastern Valleys
Less known but full of family producers, with fresher wines and fewer crowds.
A One-Day Amarone Wine Tour
Morning. Drive 20 minutes from Verona to Negrar or Fumane. Visit a winery with a fruttaio and taste Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone side by side.
Lunch. Try risotto all'Amarone or slow-cooked beef braised in Amarone.
Afternoon. A second visit in San Pietro in Cariano, then return to Verona or continue to Lake Garda for sunset.
Tasting Prices
A tasting with Amarone usually costs €25–50 per person; experiences with lunch or older vintages range from €60–150. Prices are indicative and set by each winery.
Amarone for Collectors
Amarone ages wonderfully for 15–20 years or more, which makes it a favorite of collectors. If you keep Amarone in your cellar, Winoo lets you add your bottles to a private cellar profile, get them evaluated and connect with buyers worldwide.
Book Valpolicella Wineries on Winoo
Find Amarone producers in the Visita in cantina section, compare experiences and book directly online.
Discover Valpolicella wineries on Winoo →
See also: Italian wine regions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amarone sweet?
No. Amarone is a dry wine, even if it feels rich and ripe. The sweet version is Recioto.
How far is Valpolicella from Verona?
The main villages are 15–30 minutes by car from Verona.
When is the best time to visit?
From October to January you can see the grapes drying; spring and early autumn offer the best weather.