VENICE TO AMARONE

Since antiquity, semi-dried grapes have worked their magic in Valpolicella, the wine zone near Verona. Today, Amarone prevails as the most luscious modern expression of this ancient style. Discover its many facets on this 5-day gourmet wine tour, along with the new face of Soave, which has enjoyed a renaissance in quality.

Highlights:

• Wine estates: Tommasi, Allegrini, Accordini, Tedeschi, Pieropan & more

• The town of Verona, Padua and Soave.

• User-friendly wine education

• Gourmet wine dinners, with regional food & wine pairings

Day 1 – Padua & Soave

From Venice, head to the Renaissance city of Padua to see the Scrovegni Chapel, a floor-to-ceiling fresco cycle by master artist Giotto. Lunch in Soave, an ancient walled city with a crenellated castle. Our tasting will be at Pieropan, a leading pioneer who turned Soave from a mass-produced white into a lovely, seductive wine made from single vineyards. Afterwards, head to our hotel at the Musella winery. Dinner is in the Roman city of Verona. D

Day 2 – Verona, the Painted City

The morning is dedicated to a guided walking tour of Verona, an elegant city with an impressive Roman coliseum, bustling outdoor markets, and colorfully frescoed buildings. After lunch, head to the Valpolicella wine zone to explore Amarone. One of Italy’s most magnificent and coveted red wines, it’s made from partially dried grapes following a tradition as old as the Romans. Today’s winery visit focuses on the classic territory of Amarone, on the western side of Verona: the family-run estate of Stefano Accordini. B, D

Day 3 – Amarone Est – the Newcomers

Today focuses Amarone’s up-and-coming zone on the eastern zone. The beautiful estate of Trabucchi, in the town of Illasi. is known for its top-notch Amarone as well as a Soave-like white, all made according to biodynamic methods. Tenuta Sant’ Antonio is a new estate run by four brothers, whose dedication has earned them Tre Bicchieri awards—the Oscars of Italian wine. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel to relax in the pool or courtyard garden. B

Day 4 – Amarone Classico

Today we return to the Amarone Classico zone. First stop is Tommasi, a fourth-generation winery that makes bench wines in categories: Valpolicella Ripasso, Amarone, and the red dessert wine Recioto. Lunch is at a “0 kilometer” restaurant in Fumane, where the entire menu is based on ingredients grown within 10 kilometers. Our afternoon tasting is at either Allegrini or La Salette for more delicious Amarone. B, D

Day 5 - Arrivederci!

Shuttle to the Verona train station and assistance with your travel plans. B

For more details, see website.