In northeastern Italy, in the Veneto region between Verona and Lake Garda, lies Valpolicella – one of the country’s most historic and esteemed wine regions. A land of rolling hills, thriving vineyards, picturesque villages, and a winemaking heritage fiercely preserved across generations. Here, the rural quiet, crisp mountain air, and proximity to ancient cities create a place where wine is not merely a product – it’s a way of life.

Power, finesse, and heritage in every bottle

Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most iconic wine regions, best known for Amarone – a powerful, dry red wine made from local grapes that undergo a traditional drying process known as Appassimento, which concentrates their flavor and depth. Alongside Amarone, you’ll find Ripasso wines – rich, balanced reds with dark fruit character, as well as classic Valpolicella wines, lighter and more refreshing, ideal for everyday enjoyment yet still marked by quality and identity. The region’s diversity is built on traditional Italian varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and sometimes Molinara – each contributing to the wines’ distinctive harmony and expression of place. Valpolicella’s mild climate and elongated hills provide ideal conditions for growing grapes with natural acidity and clarity – a combination that makes this area not just a wine region, but a terroir with a clear, unmistakable signature.

Rooted flavors and deep culinary tradition

Valpolicella’s cuisine is deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the Veneto region and forms an essential part of the local identity. It is defined by quality ingredients, seasonal produce, and classic Italian cooking techniques. Many dishes are either made with Amarone wine or served alongside it – a perfect pairing that highlights the seamless connection between the local food and wine cultures. Here, food is woven into the local rhythm, the agricultural cycle, and the very language of the land. Among the signature dishes of the region is Pastissada de Caval – a hearty, slow-cooked horse meat stew with red wine, vegetables, and spices, rooted in traditional Veronese cuisine. Other staples include risotto with Amarone, soft polenta with rustic stews, and rich one-pot meals – all sharing the same DNA: rural simplicity, honest ingredients, and food that warms the soul and satisfies deeply. The region also offers an abundance of local cheeses and cured meats – from soft Caciotta Veronese to aged varieties like Monte Veronese or Asiago, accompanied by artisanal salumi made using traditional aging methods. All of them pair naturally with Valpolicella wines and help define the region’s rich gastronomic character.

What awaits you in Valpolicella

A visit to Valpolicella is an experience of depth, Italian rhythm, and green landscapes in every direction. Between lush vineyards, ancient stone terraces, family-run wineries, and rustic villages, you’ll discover a living, authentic Italy – proud and unpretentious. Time slows here, the senses awaken, and every detail – every color, aroma, and flavor – tells the true story of this place. Valpolicella is also about its people: dedicated winemakers working close to the soil, warm hosts who welcome you with sincerity, and kitchens where meals are still made the old fashioned way – with love, patience, and no shortcuts. A visit here is an invitation to meet those who truly live the land – and for a moment, to feel at home in a different kind of home.