The Valpolicella wine region lies just north of Verona, tucked into the foothills between the city and Lake Garda. Known for its bold reds—especially Amarone—it’s a landscape of small villages, sloping vineyards, and independent producers.
While some travellers head straight to Lake Garda or stay in the countryside itself, Verona makes an ideal base for exploring Valpolicella. With regular half-day tours into the region, it’s easy to visit without needing a car or an overnight stay.
👉 Book a guided Valpolicella tour from Verona
Close enough for a half-day trip
The main Valpolicella wine villages—such as Negrar, Fumane and San Pietro in Cariano—are just 30 to 40 minutes from central Verona. This makes wine-tasting trips from the city simple to arrange, even if you’re short on time.
Several guided tours run in the morning or afternoon, meaning you don’t have to commit to a full day or navigate rural roads. This half-day itinerary, for example, covers two Amarone-producing wineries and includes transport from Verona:
👉 See the Amarone Wine Trail tour details
Why not just stay in the countryside?
Valpolicella is beautiful, but it’s a quiet area. If you’re only visiting for a few days, Verona offers a wider range of accommodation, restaurants and things to do—as well as easy connections by train and bus.
Staying in the city gives you the flexibility to explore more broadly: one day in Valpolicella, another visiting Lake Garda, and another exploring Verona’s Roman amphitheatre and Juliet’s balcony. You’re not locked into one rural location.
What to expect on a Valpolicella wine tour
This particular tour focuses on Amarone, the region’s most distinctive wine, made from partially dried grapes using a method called appassimento. You’ll typically visit two wineries, both family-run estates, and be guided through the production process by local winemakers.
Tastings include a range of wines—usually Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso and Amarone—with explanations about what makes each unique. Transport is by minivan, and group sizes are kept small.
👉 Check availability for the Amarone Wine Trail
Practicalities
- Tour duration: Around 4 hours
- Departure point: Central Verona
- Transport: Included, by air-conditioned minivan
- Group size: Small group (usually under 8 people)
- Language: English-speaking guide
Who this suits
- Visitors without a car who still want to experience the wine region
- Short-stay travellers looking to combine city sightseeing with vineyard visits
- Couples and solo travellers who prefer small groups and local guides
- Anyone interested in Amarone wines and learning directly from producers
Verona offers the convenience of a well-connected city while sitting on the doorstep of one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. If you want to experience Valpolicella without complicating your travel plans, a short guided tour from Verona makes sense.
👉 Click here to book the Amarone Wine Trail tour
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