Amarone Wine Tour at Tenuta Santa Maria 1735
Discover the essence of Italian winemaking through an unforgettable Amarone wine tour at Tenuta Santa Maria 1735 by Giovanni and Guglielmo Bertani. Nestled in the heart of Valpolicella, this historic estate offers an immersive journey into one of Italy’s most prestigious wines.
Introduction to Amarone Wine Tours
Dating back to the 1500s, the estate blends wine, art, and history, inviting guests to explore neoclassical architecture, frescoed halls, romantic gardens, and ancient vineyards. Every visit is designed to reveal the authentic identity of Valpolicella wines through the lens of tradition and excellence.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, this Amarone wine tasting experience is among the most refined in the Veneto region.
The Heritage of Amarone Wine
Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, rooted in centuries of tradition in the Veneto region. Its identity comes from the historic appassimento method, which enhances concentration, structure, and complexity.
At Tenuta Santa Maria, this family heritage is expressed through an exclusive focus on Amarone Classico Riserva, aged from five up to fourteen years for exceptional depth and longevity. The estate also preserves a unique Corvina clone found only in its vineyards, adding a distinctive signature to its wines.
This combination of tradition, terroir, and long aging defines a true benchmark of Amarone in Valpolicella.
The Vineyards and Terroir of Valpolicella
The identity of Amarone begins in the vineyards. Located in the hills near Verona, Tenuta Santa Maria benefits from a unique terroir characterized by:
- Calcareous and clay-rich soils
- Optimal sun exposure
- Cooling breezes from Lake Garda
- Significant diurnal temperature variation
A defining feature of the estate is its exclusive Corvina clone, a rare genetic heritage found only within the property. This unique vine contributes distinctive aromatic complexity and elegance to the wines, reinforcing the estate’s singular identity.
The historic “clos” vineyards of the property, carefully preserved over centuries, reflect a deep respect for biodiversity and tradition.
Amarone Wine Production Process
One of the highlights of the Amarone wine tour is discovering the meticulous production process behind this iconic wine.
Traditional Appassimento Technique
At Tenuta Santa Maria, the appassimento process is still carried out using a traditional method on Arelle tables, preserving authenticity and ensuring optimal grape drying conditions.
This historic technique is so significant that it is part of a broader cultural heritage initiative:
The appassimento method and Tenuta Santa Maria Amarone estate are included in the UNESCO candidate project, recognizing its importance as a traditional winemaking practice.
Step-by-step process:
- Hand Harvesting
Only the best grapes are selected manually. - Natural Drying (Appassimento)
Grapes are laid on Arelle tables and dried for several months, concentrating sugars and aromas. - Slow Fermentation
The dried grapes are fermented to produce a structured, full-bodied wine. - Extended Aging
Wines are aged for 5 to 14 years for the limited release Brolo dei Poeti, achieving exceptional depth and refinement.
During the tour, visitors can explore the historic drying rooms and the monumental winery, gaining a rare insight into techniques that have been preserved for generations.
The Amarone Wine Tasting Experience
The Amarone wine tours at Tenuta Santa Maria offer a complete sensory and cultural experience.
Your guided visit includes:
- Exploration of the estate’s historic architecture
- Visit to frescoed halls and romantic gardens
- Walk through ancient vineyards
- Access to traditional drying rooms and cellars
Each experience concludes with a guided seated tasting, where guests can:
- Taste prestigious Amarone Classico Riserva wines
- Discover the influence of terroir and aging
- Compare different vintages, including long-aged selections
- Understand the philosophy behind Bertani family winemaking
This makes it one of the best Amarone wine tours in Valpolicella, combining education, elegance, and authenticity.
Wine and Food Pairings with Amarone
Amarone’s richness pairs perfectly with:
- Braised meats and slow-cooked dishes
- Game and roasted meats
- Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano
- Dark chocolate and structured desserts
The complexity of Amarone Classico Riserva, especially in long-aged versions, enhances even the most refined culinary experiences.
Awards and Recognitions
Tenuta Santa Maria’s wines are internationally recognized for their quality and uniqueness. The estate’s dedication to producing only top-tier Amarone reinforces its reputation among wine critics and collectors worldwide.
More about Amarone Classico Riserva and Amarone Classico Riserva Brolo dei Poeti
Booking Your Amarone Wine Tour
Booking your Amarone wine tour in Valpolicella is simple and highly recommended in advance.
Experience highlights:
- Exclusive access to historic estate areas
- Insight into UNESCO-recognized techniques
- Tasting of rare, long-aged Amarone wines
- Personalized and guided experiences
Visitors can book directly through the official website to secure their place.
Testimonials
Visitors consistently describe the experience as:
Emmanuele T.:
Excellent wines. The English-speaking guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The villa was a dream. Buying some wines is a must, as they are so good.Friedrich B.:
A fantastic and very professional wine tasting: the winery and the Amarone production process are truly impressive. Thank you.Tristan N.:
A very pleasant wine tasting, one of the best we’ve had in Italy so far. We took home three bottles of Amarone, which was also one of the best we’ve ever had in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
