Itinera Bike & Travel invites you to join us on an Amarone wine tour and harvest experience through the heart of grape-picking season, as we explore the sights, scents, and flavors that make the wine harvest near Verona an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
The rolling hills near Verona, Italy, are a sight to behold during the annual wine harvest. Valpolicella, a revered wine region in the Veneto, comes alive with the spirit of tradition, community, and the joyous celebration of the grape harvest.
Amarone wine tour – a harvest for the senses
Late summer embrace transforms the vineyards into a breathtaking canvas of colors. The leaves turn shades of red, orange, and gold.
As you walk through the vineyards, you’re enveloped in a symphony of aromas. The earthy scent of the soil, the sweet perfume of the grape clusters, and the faint notes of fallen leaves blend harmoniously to create a sensory experience that captures the essence of the harvest season.
Grape-picking on your Amarone wine tour
Grape-picking is an age-old tradition that connects people to the land and the fruit it yields. As you take part in this hands-on process, you become part of a lineage of grape harvesters who have carefully tended to the vines for generations. The act of gently plucking the ripe grapes from the vines requires a delicate touch and a deep appreciation for the connection between nature and winemaking.
The experience of grape-picking goes beyond the physical act—it’s a way to engage with the land and gain a deeper understanding of the terroir that imparts its unique qualities to the wines. It’s a reminder that winemaking is a labor of love that demands patience, dedication, and a profound respect for nature’s rhythms.
From vine to barrel: witnessing the winemaking process
After the grapes are harvested, they embark on a transformative journey from vine to barrel. This process is a delicate balance of ancient winemaking techniques and modern innovations. The grapes are carefully sorted to ensure only the finest ones make their way into the fermentation tanks.
As fermentation takes place, the sugars in the grapes are converted into alcohol, giving birth to the wine. The flavors and aromas develop, influenced by the grape variety, the terroir, and the winemaker’s skill. This magical transformation is a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the alchemical process that turns grapes into liquid gold.
Amarone wine tour Festivals and Celebrations
The wine harvest near Verona is not just a process; it’s a celebration that brings communities together. Festivals and events mark the culmination of the harvest season, offering a chance to rejoice in the fruits of labor and share in the joy of winemaking. The Grape and Wine Festival will take place from September 28th to October 2nd, 2023, along the lakeside of Bardolino. The edition of this renowned festival, which brings life to the town on Lake Garda in the final days of summer, is characterized by numerous events and performances.
The Amarone wine tour and harvest experience near Verona is more than just a seasonal event—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, tradition, and the people who dedicate their lives to crafting exceptional wines.
As you sip a glass of Valpolicella and Amarone, you’ll taste not only the flavors of the grapes but also the essence of the land, the dedication of the winemakers, and the spirit of celebration that infuse every drop.