Wine Trails: Verona and ITS surrounds

A romantic UNESCO heritage city nestled among the meandering bends of the Adige river, Verona is a treasure trove of historical beauty, and the setting for Italy’s most famous love story. “There is no world without Verona walls, but purgatory, torture, hell itself,” as Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet.

Take a stroll on Piazza Bra on a summer evening, and you’ll hear music floating in the air from the city’s arena, one of the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheatre. Walking around the city, there are traces of over 2,200 years of history everywhere, from Roman remains to medieval monuments (the Basilica di San Zeno, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, is a must-see), and from the Gothic Scaliger Tombs (built for the House Della Scala family, who ruled in Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries) to Venetian palazzi and Habsburg fortresses.

Verona not only boasts a wealth of striking landmarks, but also a centuries-old culinary tradition that stems from the kitchens of local lords, and is rich in typical products, from gnocchi to pandoro. It is also, of course, a wine capital: recognised as an “International City of Vine and Wine,” Verona is home to world-renowned wines including Amarone and Soave, as well as Vinitaly, the first ever international wine fair – still among the largest in the world.

Venturing out of Verona, one can admire the historic winemaking tradition of its surroundings: Soave, 20 km east; Valpolicella, a few kilometres northwest; Bardolino, 30 km northwest overlooking Lake Garda; and Lugana, 40 km west.

Soave is a medieval town with alleys and arcades that are a pleasure to discover. Its hilltop castle is one of Veneto’s most beautiful, with truly unique views from the ramparts overlooking the vineyards below. The wine from these lands is white, made mainly from Garganega grapes.

Meanwhile, Valpolicella, whose hills are dotted with Renaissance villas surrounded by beautiful gardens and impressive parks, produces four red wines: Amarone, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso and Recioto, brothers made from the same grapes (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella) but with different winemaking techniques.

Then at Lake Garda, the charming town of Bardolino offers a choice between culture, gastronomy, sports (rowing, windsurfing, sailing) and local wine tasting: a Bardolino red or a Chiaretto rosé, both made from Corvina, but vinified differently. On the southwest side of the lake, one can sip white Lugana made from Turbiana grapes. Verona and its surroundings are masters in the art of evoking unique emotions.

Whether boasting hilltop views or housed in Renaissance villas, the region’s leading wineries offer both stunning settings and world-renowned wines.

Allegrini, Valpolicella

Visit the picturesque vineyards of Allegrini in Valpolicella, a benchmark producer of structured and elegant Amarone, and a leader in terroir-driven IGT wines, where tradition and innovation shape every bottle.

Pieropan, Soave

Set amid Soave Classico vineyards, Pieropan (see p10) harnesses cutting-edge technology and research to produce top quality wines – an authentic expression of the terroir in a glass.

Santa Sofia, San Pietroin Cariano, Verona

A UNESCO World Heritage villa set in a stunning park and designed by the renowned Renaissance architect Palladio. Here, traditional and elegant wines are meticulously crafted and aged in the estate’s 14th-century cellars.

Tenuta Santa Maria Gaetano Bertani, Negrar

Located near the picturesque village of Arbizzano di Negrar, this Venetian-style 18th-century villa comes with 16th-century cellars, where in 1936 the first Amarone wine was produced. With a long family winemaking tradition, the estate offers classic Valpolicella wines.

Ottella, Peschiera del Garda

At Ottella, in the land of Lugana where the Montresor family has ancient roots, wine, art, nature and culture merge to offer a memorable experience.

Traditional Veronese specialties are accompanied by more elaborate and creative cuisines.

Antica Bottega del Vino, Verona

Sample local wines, as well as traditional and re-interpreted dishes, in a historic building dating back to the 1500s in the heart of the city.
A true temple of wine, not to be missed.

L’Oste Scuro, Verona

Fresh fish is the speciality of this elegant eatery, a family trattoria located a stone’s throw from Castelvecchio. Don’t miss the seafood starters, including oysters and caviar.

Iris, Verona

In a historic palazzo, chef Giacomo Sacchetto offers creative and innovative cuisine interspersed with authentic details in the refined setting of a Michelin-star restaurant.

Enoteca della Valpolicella, Fumane

Surrounded by vineyards in the Valpolicella area, this osteria offers traditional, genuine and inspired cuisine prepared with great care and respect for the ingredients.

La Taverna da Oreste

The historic lakeside restaurant in Lazise has been serving exquisite seafood and regional specialties since 1907, offering guests stunning views of Lake Garda.

Verona’s hospitality offer is plentiful, with a wide range of choice at every level.

Vista Verona Hotel, Verona

The only hotel in the city’s historic center with an indoor pool and spa. Comfortable rooms in an eclectic style combine Italian design with furnishings by master craftsmen.

Relais Balcone di Giulietta, Verona

Elegant rooms overlooking Juliet’s balcony or Piazza delle Erbe. Exposed beams and 17th-century frescoes provide a unique atmosphere.

Residenza Ai Capitelli, Soave

In the heart of Soave, the hotel offers meticulously renovated, cosy and homely modern rooms with exposed beams and parquet floors. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool.

Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà, Corrubio

Filled with colorful modern artworks, this hotel is set in a 16th-century villa just outside Verona, and comes with wonderful gardens, a spa and a Michelin-star restaurant.

Villa dei Cedri Hotel, Colà di Lazise

This unique venue comprises an 18th-century residence surrounded by a vast park with lush vegetation, a greenhouse, lakes and thermal pools with hot springs. Relaxation guaranteed.

Verona and its surroundings offer countless attractions, including the ancient wonders of Verona Romana.

Juliet’s House, Verona

This medieval palace is known as the birthplace of Giulietta Capuleti, aka Romeo’s Juliet. Visit the museum, its famous balcony, and courtyard with a bronze statue of Juliet (it is said that touching it brings good luck in love).

Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, Verona

Taking the funicular to Castel San Pietro is an effortless way to enjoy the beauty of Verona from above, with its tall cypress trees, bell towers and bridges.

Adige Rafting, Verona

Seeing a city from the river that crosses it offers a singular and original perspective. Don’t miss the thrill of paddling and rafting down the Adige.

Amusement parks, Lake Garda

Caneva Aquapark, a water park with themed attractions, and Gardaland, a popular theme park for young and old, are both located near Peschiera del Garda.

Giardino Giusti, Verona

This precious 16th-century garden is a must-see stop with various species of ancient trees, mythological statues, fountains, grottoes, Roman artifacts and an observation deck to admire the views.