Valpolicella Family Winery Visit with the Winemaker: Drying Room and 17th-Century Cellar

A boutique family winery in Valpolicella hosts this visit itself, with no intermediary or tour operator between the guest and the winemaker. It begins with a walk in the vineyard and the story of the family and its estates. Inside, the traditional drying room shows how Amarone grapes are dried, a process called Appassimento. The rural house and the 17th-century cellar, still used for winemaking and aging, come next. The tasting covers a selection of the winery's Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone, with guidance on judging each wine by sight, smell and taste. Organic extra virgin olive oil, Monte Veronese cheese and Soppressa Valpolicella (a type of salami) go with the wines. The tasting is served on the winery's terrace, which looks out over Valpolicella.