Valpolicella Lunch or Dinner Wine & Food tasting with Amarone

If you’re dreaming of savoring Italy’s celebrated wines while gaining a genuine glimpse into their production, the Valpolicella Lunch or Dinner Wine & Food tasting with Amarone at Cantina Buglioni might just be your ideal outing. This tour offers a blend of engaging cellar visits, a relaxed yet informative tasting, and a mouthwatering five-course meal—all for a very reasonable price of around $110 per person.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice how well-organized and personable the experience is, with small group sizes (max 40 guests) making it feel intimate yet lively. We love the way the tour balances hands-on encounters with wine, touching barrels, amphorae, and drying grapes, with the opportunity to sit down and enjoy excellent food and wine pairings. The highlight, of course, is the five wines paired with five courses, including the renowned Amarone, which is a festival of flavors in its own right.

A potential consideration is that the tour is self-transferred, meaning you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the winery, which might require some planning if you’re not already based in Verona. Still, the overall experience is suited best for those who enjoy authentic, educational, and culinary encounters, particularly wine enthusiasts and food lovers eager to understand and taste Valpolicella’s finest.

Good To Know

• Authentic winery visit with a focus on hands-on experiences like touching vines, barrels, and amphorae.
• Excellent value for a full sensory immersion, combining cellar tours, tastings, and a gourmet meal.
• Personalized and knowledgeable guides who bring the production process to life.
• Delicious five-course meal paired with five well-selected wines, including Amarone.
• Flexible voucher for a wine glass at Piscaria, a top Verona osteria, valid for a year.
• Ideal for wine lovers seeking an intimate, educational experience combined with great food.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Winery Tour at Cantina Buglioni

Your experience begins outdoors, among organic vineyards, offering a beautiful first impression of the scenic landscape of Valpolicella. The guide will likely be Fabio, who, based on reviews, is known for his passion and thorough explanations. We loved the way Fabio shared stories of the family’s history and the meticulous care that goes into their wines.

Next, you’ll head into the cellar—a space that’s been a part of their journey for over 30 years. Here, you’ll see barrels holding Valpolicella reds and amphorae in which Amarone Riserva ages. This practical, tactile contact with production equipment makes the process more meaningful, especially for those who enjoy understanding what they’re drinking.

Visiting the Drying Loft

A highlight for many is the visit to the drying loft where grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta are stored temporarily as they dry. The process of drying grapes for Amarone or Recioto is a distinctive feature of Valpolicella wines, and getting a peek into this phase adds a layer of appreciation for the final product. Reviewers have pointed out the rarity and charm of this space, calling it “a labyrinth of grapes resting awaiting crushing.”

Tasting at Locanda Buglioni

After the cellar tour, you’ll be transported to Locanda Buglioni, the winery’s dedicated restaurant. This is where the experiential side of the tour truly shines. Our reviewers describe the lunch or dinner as a highlight, with a five-course menu expertly paired with five different wines, including the famous Amarone. The menu is designed to complement the wines, enhancing each sip and bite—a real treat for food and wine pairing fans.

Those who’ve attended mention the quality of the dishes and the friendly atmosphere in the restaurant. The staff, especially Fabio, is praised for their knowledge and warmth, making it feel less like a tour and more like visiting a family’s home. It isn’t a hurried affair; the time spent here allows for a relaxed, convivial experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and savor each course.

Post-Tasting Voucher at Piscaria

Once your meal concludes, you receive a voucher for a glass of wine at Piscaria, a popular Verona osteria renowned for pairing fish dishes with red wines—an unconventional but surprisingly delightful combination. The voucher is valid for up to a year, giving you ample time to revisit and explore more of Verona’s wine and food scene.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out

Personal Guides & Passionate Hosts
Multiple reviews mention Fabio by name, emphasizing his professionalism, friendliness, and storytelling ability. His enthusiasm makes the winery’s history come alive—something that elevates the tour beyond just a tasting.

Authentic and Engaging
Unlike more corporate or generic wine tours, this experience emphasizes touching barrels, amphorae, and grapes—giving you a tactile connection to the process. It’s a chance to see and understand Valpolicella’s signature drying process up close.

Excellent Food & Wine Pairing
The five-course menu is carefully curated, and reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the dishes and the thoughtful pairing with Buglioni wines. The Amarone and Ripasso, in particular, garner praise for their depth and balance.

Stunning Setting & Atmosphere
The winery’s location, with views over organic vineyards, offers a peaceful escape from urban Verona, and the restaurant’s ambiance is described as both elegant and warm.

Value for Money
Given the extensive visit, high-quality wine tasting, and delicious meal, the price of approximately $110 per person is considered excellent value. You’re paying for an experience that combines education, taste, and scenery—a lot more than just wine samples.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is comprehensive and highly praised, keep in mind that it is self-transferred, so you’ll need to organize your own transport to the winery. The tour lasts around 3 hours 45 minutes, making it suitable for those with flexible schedules who want a full yet leisurely experience.

Group sizes are capped at 40, ensuring a relatively intimate atmosphere, but some reviews suggest that it can feel like a family gathering, especially if you’re seated with fellow travelers.

The experience is most suited to those who enjoy wine, good food, and engaging storytelling. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a taste of authentic Valpolicella culture.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not provided. You’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the winery in Corrubbio.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, covering cellar visits, tasting, and the meal.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour is designed around wine tasting, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy wine. If you have allergies or intolerances, it’s best to contact the provider beforehand.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially if they are wine enthusiasts or interested in culinary experiences. Service animals are allowed.

What wines are tasted during the experience?
The tasting includes Il Vigliacco (Brut Rosé), Rosacipolla (Rosé Trevenezie IGT), Il Bugiardo (Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC), Il Lussurioso (Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG), and Il Narcisista (Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG).

Can I revisit the winery after the tour?
Yes, the voucher for a glass of wine at Piscaria is valid for 365 days.

What is the price and what does it include?
The tour costs about $109.86 per person, including cellar visits, tastings, and a five-course meal with wine pairings. All fees and taxes are included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re eager to learn about Valpolicella wines in a relaxed, friendly environment, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s perfect for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone wanting an authentic experience that combines scenic beauty, engaging storytelling, and excellent cuisine.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, quality food and wine pairing, and personable guides like Fabio, who make the process both educational and fun. While not suited for those seeking a high-energy party atmosphere, it offers a heartfelt dive into the traditions that make Valpolicella wines so special.

The Sum Up

This Valpolicella wine and food tour offers a genuine taste of Italy’s celebrated wine region, paired beautifully with delicious local cuisine. From the tactile experience of touching vines and amphorae to savoring carefully paired dishes in a cozy setting, it provides a well-rounded, memorable day.

You’ll walk away with not just a deeper understanding of Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto, but also a richer appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The personal touches, especially Fabio’s storytelling, make it feel less like a tour and more like visiting friends who happen to be passionate winemakers.

Ideal for those who value authenticity, quality, and a laid-back atmosphere, this experience delivers a true taste of Valpolicella’s charm—and at a very fair price.

Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this tour offers an immersive and enjoyable way to experience Italy’s renowned wine culture firsthand.