VALPOLICELLA VALLEY TOUR

Etymology

The etymology of the name remains uncertain.

But the favored interpretation and based on val-poli-cellae from the Latin for cellar (cellae), therefore, the valley where there were and are many cellars.

This is because it is the ‘valley of many cellars’ and viticulture among these hills has always been a way of life. And Greek and Roman literature makes numerous mentions of viticultural activities in Valpolicella.

During the centuries viticulture expanded and specialized, also and above all because of the particular geographical relief of the area, characterized by valleys running from south to north.

Amarone

The area produces four styles of wine: Amarone, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso and Recioto.
And although made from the same grapes (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and other minor varieties), their winemaking techniques are different.

The two raisin wines, Amarone and Recioto dolce, are made with dried grapes and are very appreciated. Amarone has the international limelight with its splendid concentration, structure, elegance and unique complexity.

Where is Valpolicella?

It consists of the hills and valleys north of the city of Verona in the Veneto region of Italy.
It extends from the valley of the Adige River on its western side to the volcanic territories of the Soave production zone on the east. Valpolicella is an area of controlled designation of origin (DOC – DOCG).

This means that, according to the protection law, only wines produced within established boundaries, according to strict production regulations, can bear the name Valpolicella on the label.

The oldest area, where the appellation was born. In Valpolicella Classica are found some of the most historical wineries.

According to the tradition, the name derives from the Latin Vallis poli cellae, that is the valley of the many cellars, as a proof of the ancient wine vocation which dates back to before the Roman era.

Valpolicella Valpantena

The first valley to the east of the city of Verona, known since ancient times for its fertility.
The name Valpantena derives from the Latin Pantheon: that is, the valley of all the gods.

Extended/Oriental Valpolicella

The easternmost area of Valpolicella, consisting of Val Squaranto, Valle di Mezzane, Val d’Illasi.

How to get to Valpolicella

The best starting point for a wine tour is certainly Verona, from where it is possible to reach wineries in less than half an hour.

Verona is easily reachable from Venice, Milan, Bologna in about one hour by train, 1h30′ by car.

By Car

By freeway, the exit for the center of Verona is “Verona Sud”. If you want to enter directly in Valpolicella Classica the best exit is Verona Nord.

VALPOLICELLA VALLEY TOUR

However, keep in mind that if you drive, the legal alcohol limit is 0.4, which, depending on your build, physical constitution and whether or not you are fasting, can correspond to one or two glasses.

From Verona and from Lake Garda it is also possible to reach Valpolicella by bus.

However, the stops are along the main roads, whereas most of the wineries are in the hills and not always easily reachable by foot from the bus stop.