Amarone Tasting: Where to Savor the Iconic Wine of Verona
Discover where to taste Amarone in Verona: the best tips on tradition, unique landscapes, and the charm of the Valpolicella wineries.
Among the rolling hills of Verona, where winemaking tradition blends with breathtaking landscapes, tasting Amarone della Valpolicella is an unmissable experience to uncover the true food and wine soul of the region. By visiting a historic winery, you can stroll through century-old vineyards, discover the charm of the appassimento method, and delve into the secrets behind the vinification of this extraordinary red wine. In this article, you’ll find helpful tips to make your Amarone della Valpolicella tasting experience truly unforgettable.
The History and Tradition of Amarone
Amarone’s origins date back to ancient times, when Valpolicella was already renowned for the quality of its wines. Local viticultural techniques have been refined over centuries, with a turning point in the 19th century, when innovative winemaking processes transformed the style of wines in the region. It was during this period that Amarone was born: by extending the fermentation of Recioto—the traditional sweet wine of Valpolicella—winemakers discovered they could produce a more robust, dry wine with a slightly bitter profile. This vinification technique, perfected over time, gave rise to Amarone as we know it today. In 1968, it was awarded Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, and in 2010 it achieved the prestigious DOCG classification, cementing its international reputation. Today, it stands as the symbolic wine of Valpolicella and represents the pinnacle of Verona’s winemaking heritage. To learn more about Amarone’s origins, read our dedicated article: Amarone: the grapes that give a nectar of excellence.
Appassimento and Aging: How Amarone is Made
Amarone della Valpolicella is the result of strict production regulations that ensure its excellence and uniqueness. The blend must consist primarily of native Veronese grape varieties: Corvina (45–95%), Corvinone (up to 50% as a substitute for Corvina), and Rondinella (5–30%). Other non-aromatic red grape varieties authorized in the province of Verona may be included in small quantities.
After manual harvesting, carefully selected grape clusters are laid out on traditional racks in well-ventilated drying rooms—called fruttai—where they remain for a minimum of 3 to 4 months. This traditional drying process, known as appassimento, concentrates sugars and aromas within the grapes, enhancing the organoleptic characteristics of the native varieties.
Aging is another key element in defining Amarone’s quality. Traditionally carried out in large oak barrels, the wine matures for a minimum of two years—extending to four years for the Riserva version. Barrel aging adds depth and complexity, imbuing the wine with notes of spice, ripe fruit, and subtle toasted nuances. The extended maturation period also softens the tannins, giving the wine greater structure and elegance. Amarone thus reaches its full expression, offering a sip that embodies the heart of Valpolicella’s winemaking tradition.
The Production Zones of Amarone
Amarone is produced exclusively within the Valpolicella wine region, located in the Veneto region, just north of Verona. This area is divided into three main subzones, each with unique characteristics that contribute to the wide variety of Amarone styles:
- Valpolicella Classica: the historical heart of the denomination, encompassing the five municipalities of Fumane, Marano, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano, and Sant’Ambrogio
- Eastern Valpolicella: stretching eastward toward the Soave region, known for its white wines. This area features diverse soil types and altitudes
- Valpantena: nestled between the Classica and Eastern areas, Valpantena is known for innovation thanks to its cooler microclimate and rockier soils
The terroir of Valpolicella, defined by its mild climate and mineral-rich soils, provides ideal conditions for cultivating the native grapes—Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella—that form the backbone of Amarone’s signature blend.
Wineries and Producers of Amarone della Valpolicella
La Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, home to over 400 producers. However, due to the complexity and time-intensive production process, not all wineries make Amarone or offer tastings. The laborious appassimento process and extended aging require specialized expertise and significant investment. It is precisely this artisanal care and patience that elevate Amarone della Valpolicella to one of the denomination’s most esteemed expressions.
Even more exclusive is the production of Amarone Riserva, which accounts for only around 3% of the total. Among the standout producers is Tenuta Santa Maria, a historic winery located in the Valpolicella Classica area. The estate produces two highly prestigious interpretations: Amarone Classico Riserva and Brolo dei Poeti, a limited-production Amarone Riserva crafted only in exceptional vintages. These wines represent the pinnacle of the estate’s production, blending the traditional know-how perfected over generations by the Gaetani Bertani family with a modern, recognizable style that enhances the freshness and character of native Veronese varieties.
Amarone Tastings at Tenuta Santa Maria
Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani, located in Arbizzano di Negrar in a 17th-century villa, is the historic site where Amarone was first created in 1936. To honor the significance and prestige of this iconic wine, Amarone della Valpolicella is included in all of our guided visits.
Our winery offers a variety of experiences designed for both seasoned wine lovers and those new to the world of wine:
Tours and Tastings
All tours include a guided visit to the villa, gardens, the historic brolo (enclosed vineyard), aging cellars, and fruttai—offering a complete overview of our production process, from historical roots to modern practices. Each visit concludes with a guided tasting of 4 or 6 estate wines, including our iconic Amarone della Valpolicella.
Private Experiences
For a more intimate and personalized journey, we offer private tastings featuring curated food pairings with local cured meats and cheeses. Along with a full estate tour, these experiences provide a deeper dive into our production philosophy and highlight the unique features of Amarone through our two vintage labels: Amarone Classico Riserva Brolo dei Poeti and Acinaticum 1928, our fortified family reserve wine.
Lunches, dinners, private and corporate events
Tenuta Santa Maria is also an ideal setting for private or corporate events, lunches, and dinners in an exclusive, historically rich atmosphere. Every detail can be tailored—from themed décor in the villa and gardens to menus paired with our wines, and bespoke tasting routes designed to showcase the region’s culinary excellence.
To learn more and book your experience, visit the dedicated Tours & Tastings page on the official Tenuta Santa Maria website.
Useful Information
Our team is available to answer any questions and help you plan an unforgettable Amarone tasting.
Opening Hours & Reservations
Wine Shop: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tours & Tastings: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Advance booking is recommended. Check our booking calendar for availability: Book your Amarone tasting
Location
Località Novare 1, 37024 – Arbizzano di Negrar (VR) – Italy
How to get here
Contact
Phone: +39 351 4395473
Email: booking@tenutasantamaria.wine
Frequently Asked Questions
