Marano di Valpolicella is a charming spot in Italy’s Veneto region, famous for its exceptional wines and historic vineyards. It’s a place where you can learn about traditional winemaking techniques and taste some of Italy’s most renowned reds, including Amarone. Among the many options, we love tours like the Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Wine Tasting for its combination of elegant history, art, and wine. This tour offers a chance to step inside a famous winery with stunning surroundings, guided by experts who share insights into the region’s signature techniques.
If you want a more playful approach, the Playing with wine experience promises a fun, interactive way to understand wine in a lighthearted manner. For those seeking a straightforward tasting that covers the essentials of Valpolicella’s varieties, the Valpolicella in the round offers an excellent overview with six carefully selected wines. Below, we’ll explore each tour in detail, helping you choose the best fit for your wine adventure.
1. Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Wine Tasting
At number one on our list, the Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour and Wine Tasting stands out for its comprehensive experience. This 1.5-hour tour takes you through the prestigious Tenuta Santa Maria, owned by Giovanni & Guglielmo Bertani. What makes this tour special is its mix of history, art, and wine. You’ll explore an elegant 18th-century villa with frescoed rooms and romantic gardens, creating a beautiful backdrop for your wine journey.
The tour also includes visits to 16th-century walled vineyards and cellars, where you’ll learn about traditional techniques like Appassimento and Ripasso—methods that have shaped Valpolicella wines for centuries. The guide, an expert sommelier, will walk you through the nuances of these processes and introduce you to the world-famous wines produced here. With a rating of 4.4/5 from over 100 reviews, most visitors praise the knowledgeable guide and the chance to sample wines that are both elegant and steeped in history. At just $39 per person, this offers exceptional value for such a deep dive into one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions.
Bottom line: If you want a rich, guided experience blending history and wine, this tour is hard to beat—perfect for those who appreciate the finer details of winemaking.
2. Playing with wine
For a completely different approach, the Playing with wine offers a lighthearted way to explore wine’s secrets in just two hours. This tour is not about traditional tasting but about having fun and learning in a relaxed environment. It’s designed for people curious about wine but who prefer a more interactive, humorous experience.
The highlight is discovering “how to find a fruit in a wine glass,” which sounds impossible but is surprisingly straightforward with a few clever tips. It’s a fun and memorable activity, perfect for groups or anyone who wants to take the mystery out of wine tasting without the seriousness. While it doesn’t have specific reviews listed, the focus on humor and learning makes it an appealing choice for families, friends, or those new to wine.
Bottom line: If you’re after an engaging, informal introduction to wine that guarantees laughs, this experience hits the mark—and at $53, it’s a bit more premium but clearly offers a unique adventure.
$53 per person
3. Valpolicella in the round: tasting of typical Valpolicella wines
At the top for quality and authenticity, the Valpolicella in the round is a 1.5-hour experience that’s highly rated (5/5). This tour takes you behind the scenes of a historic wine cellar and includes a visit to a withering fruit orchard and vineyard—offering a true hands-on perspective of winemaking.
You’ll taste six different wines, from fresh, elegant Valpolicella to the rich, complex Amarone, giving you a well-rounded understanding of regional varieties. A key feature is seeing “behind the scenes” areas, including part of the processing zone, which is rarely available to visitors. The tour’s reviews highlight Silvia, the guide, who makes the experience engaging and informative, with one saying, “Easy to find and a great location.” At $28, this is excellent value, especially for travelers wanting a comprehensive tasting that’s both educational and authentic.
Bottom line: For those interested in both the process and the flavors of Valpolicella wines, this tour provides a balanced, high-quality experience that’s ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking depth without a hefty price tag.
$28 per person
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Marano di Valpolicella
When selecting your wine experience, consider your budget, interests, and how deep you want to go. The Valpolicella: Amarone Chateau Guided Tour is perfect if you love history and elegant surroundings, while Playing with wine offers a fun, interactive session suitable for casual groups. For a well-rounded, authentic insight into regional wines, the Valpolicella in the round is ideal, especially if you appreciate the behind-the-scenes look.
Timing is key—many tours are seasonal or require early booking, so plan ahead, especially during peak summer months or harvest time. If you’re serious about exploring Amarone or want to combine a visit to historic vineyards with tastings, the first tour is your best bet. Conversely, if you prefer a relaxed, humorous approach or a quick overview, the other options serve those purposes well.
Wrapping Up: Which Wine Tour is Right for You?
Marano di Valpolicella offers a variety of wine tours tailored to different interests and experience levels. If you’re after an in-depth, elegant exploration of one of Italy’s most famous wine estates, the Amarone Chateau Guided Tour is a top choice. For those who want a fun, interactive introduction to wine, the Playing with wine provides a memorable, humorous experience. Finally, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, authentic look at Valpolicella wines, the Valpolicella in the round offers excellent value and detailed insights.
No matter your preference, booking early is wise—these popular tours fill quickly, especially during high season. With so many options, you’ll find one that matches your desire for learning, fun, or both. Enjoy your wine journey in Marano di Valpolicella!