Valpolicella and Amarone: a winery visit beyond Verona

Start with the questions that interest you

A winery visit becomes more engaging when you decide what you would like to understand. You might compare the aromas that appear immediately with those that emerge after a little time, or ask how the producer decides when a wine is ready to drink. There is no need to memorise technical vocabulary first. Describing a scent in your own words is a useful starting point for a conversation.

Keep a short note of the wines you taste, alongside the characteristics that you personally notice. A photograph of a label can be useful later, but pairing it with a few impressions gives the visit a more meaningful afterlife. If you are choosing a bottle for a meal at home, ask about serving and storage rather than making a decision from the label alone.

Choose a tasting that suits your day

At Franchini Agricola in Negrar di Valpolicella, the experience combines a winery visit and wine tasting. Decide which available option matches your interest and check the requested language before reserving. The countryside location is central to the experience: this is not a tasting room that you can automatically reach by taking a short walk from Verona’s main square.

If some companions do not drink, ask what participation looks like for them and how any food is arranged. Discuss dietary requirements before the day, particularly when ordering a separate platter. Choosing a comfortable format matters more than maximising the number of glasses. You can taste thoughtfully, decline a pour and keep water alongside you without losing the point of the visit.

Make the return part of the plan

Arrange a designated driver or a taxi and confirm where the vehicle will collect you. Waiting until the final glass to think about transport can turn a relaxed afternoon into an awkward scheduling problem. If you intend to buy bottles, consider the onward journey too: a train connection, checked baggage or a later flight may affect how much you can comfortably carry.

Wear footwear appropriate for the areas you will visit and ask whether any outdoor sections are expected. A light extra layer can be helpful when moving between outside and inside spaces. Leave enough time afterwards to return to Verona without immediately rushing into another reservation; a tasting is more enjoyable when you can focus on the conversation in front of you.

Before you go

• Choose the tasting option and language before confirming the reservation.
• Arrange a sober driver or taxi before the tasting, including the return journey.
• Ask about food, non-drinking companions and bottle transport rather than assuming they are included.