Verona Wine Weekend: A 48‑Hour Tasting Itinerary

Introduction

Verona, a jewel of the Veneto, is a city where history meets great food and wine. Famous worldwide for its Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona, and for the Romeo and Juliet legend brought to life at the Casa di Giulietta, the city also gives easy access to the region’s prime terroirs: the Valpolicella valley, Lake Garda, and the hills around Soave. A 48‑hour tasting-focused itinerary lets you combine urban heritage with wine exploration — from century-old cellars and family-run osterie to viewpoints overlooking neat rows of vines.

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This suggested trip doesn’t just list addresses: it walks you through an immersive, hour-by-hour narrative with exact addresses, practical hours, indicative prices and local tips to get the most out of two intense days. You’ll learn where to book a guided visit to a major Valpolicella estate, which enoteche (wine bars) to favor in the historic centre, how to pair regional dishes (risotto all’Amarone, bollito, gnocchi) with the right wines, and how to organize transfers between the old town and the wineries.

The 48 hours laid out here are achievable on foot and by car over two consecutive days, with alternatives for those who prefer taxis or public transport. The times and prices given are up-to-date to give a realistic idea of budget and planning: entry tickets, guided tastings, shuttles or car hire, and small reservations at an osteria. Finally, the guide includes local hacks — quiet times to visit the Casa di Giulietta, the best moment to book an Amarone tasting, how to read a Valpolicella Classico Superiore label — so you’ll leave not only with memories, but with the know-how to choose bottles wisely on your next trip.

Click here to book a guided tour of the Arena and the city

Practical planning before you go: bookings, hours, budget

Before you start your 48 hours of tasting, sort out bookings: guided visits at Valpolicella wineries (Amarone/Ripasso) are often reserved 48–72 hours in advance, especially in high season. Consider renting a car for flexibility if you want to visit countryside estates; many vineyards are 15–40 minutes from Verona. Taxis and private transfers are available but can be expensive for longer trips (expect €70–120 round trip to Valpolicella depending on distance).

Indicative budget for 48 hours of tasting:

Wine bar tasting in town: €10–25 per person (usually 3–5 wines served)
Guided visit + tasting at an estate: €20–60 per person (depending on reputation and number of wines)
Meal at a traditional osteria: €20–50 per person
Transport (24h car hire): €60–120 depending on season and insurance

Useful opening hours:

Arena di Verona — Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR: exterior open 24h, ticket office/guided visits 09:00–19:00 (hours vary by season), tickets €10–20 for exhibition/visit.
Casa di Giulietta — Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR: 08:30–19:30, entrance €6–8 (courtyard and balcony; museum fee applies if there’s an exhibition).
Antica Bottega del Vino — Piazza delle Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR: generally open 11:00–23:00, tastings and small plates; a glass costs around €6–12.

Practical tips:

Prefer tastings in the morning or late afternoon to avoid city peak hours. Estates often run sessions at 10:00, 15:00 and 17:00.
Wear comfortable shoes: the historic centre is cobbled.
Ask for the « mescita » (counter pour) to taste a wine at a lower price.
Stay hydrated and eat protein between tastings so you judge wines better.

Click here to book a Valpolicella and Amarone vineyard tour

Tasting itinerary, hour by hour (48 hours)

This detailed hour-by-hour plan guides you step by step. Hours numbered 1 to 48 = each hour of the itinerary; adapt according to your bookings and desired pace.

1. Hour 1 — Arrive in Verona, check in to your hotel in the historic centre (eg: Hotel Bologna, Via Roma 12, 37121 Verona VR). Drop your bags, grab a map and get ready for a first wander.

2. Hour 2 — Stroll the Piazza Bra in front of the Arena di Verona. Enjoy the facades and snap photos in the light. Enter the Arena if you’re into antiquity (ticket €10–20).

3. Hour 3 — Coffee break at Caffè Borsari (Via Borsari, 11, 37121 Verona VR), espresso €1.50–2.50. Prepare for your first city tasting this afternoon.

4. Hour 4 — Walk toward Piazza delle Erbe, browse the market stalls and scout the enoteche.

5. Hour 5 — Quick visit to the Torre dei Lamberti (Piazza delle Erbe, 12) for panoramic views. Ticket around €8–10.

6. Hour 6 — Light lunch: a charcuterie and cheese plate at Osteria Le Vecete (Piazza delle Erbe, 6), mains €10–18.

7. Hour 7 — First tasting at Antica Bottega del Vino (Piazza delle Erbe, 38). Open tasting or guided: €10–20 per person for three glasses.

8. Hour 8 — Digestive walk to the Casa di Giulietta (Via Cappello, 23). Courtyard/wall access, €6–8 if visiting the exhibition.

9. Hour 9 — Gelato or coffee on a terrace on Via Mazzini, people-watching.

10. Hour 10 — Head out by car or on an organized excursion to Valpolicella (25–40 min depending on traffic).

11. Hour 11 — Arrive at your first estate: introductory tasting (Valpolicella Classico) and a cellar tour. Visit + tasting €20–35.

12. Hour 12 — See the drying rooms and presses; learn about Ripasso and Amarone winemaking.

13. Hour 13 — Lunch at the estate’s locanda or a local trattoria (dishes €15–30).

14. Hour 14 — Second estate: in-depth Amarone della Valpolicella tasting — usually 3 to 5 wines; expect €25–60 depending on prestige.

15. Hour 15 — Walk through the vineyards, take photos, and buy bottles to bring home (expect €20–60 for a boutique Amarone).

16. Hour 16 — Return toward Verona, with a coffee stop en route.

17. Hour 17 — Short hotel siesta to recharge before the evening.

18. Hour 18 — Aperitivo: a Spritz or a glass of Soave on the terrace at Ponte Pietra.

19. Hour 19 — Dinner at a well-regarded osteria: shared dishes and regional wine pairings (budget €30–60 per person).

20. Hour 20 — Easy evening: one last glass at a nearby enoteca.

21. Hour 21 — Sleep soundly in Verona.

22. Hour 22 — Italian breakfast: cappuccino and a pastry.

23. Hour 23 — Morning at the local market in Piazza delle Erbe (fresh produce, cheeses, vinegars, oils).

24. Hour 24 — Visit the Castelvecchio museum (Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR), tickets €6–10 for a cultural immersion.

25. Hour 25 — Drive to Soave (25–35 min) to discover the region’s white wines (Soave Classico).

26. Hour 26 — Visit and tasting at a Soave estate: learn about Garganega; tastings €15–35.

27. Hour 27 — Lunch in Soave: seafood risotto or casarecce paired with Soave, budget €20–35.

28. Hour 28 — Walk the Soave town walls and visit Castello di Soave (Via Madonna della Neve, 3, Soave) — entrance €3–6.

29. Hour 29 — Return to Valpolicella for a final signature tasting; budget €30–50 for a premium tasting.

30. Hour 30 — Tour a troglodyte cellar or a historic wine cave, often by reservation.

31. Hour 31 — Blending workshop: some houses offer sessions where you blend a Valpolicella — price €40–80 per person (book ahead).

32. Hour 32 — Free time for purchases: wines, local balsamic vinegar, regional cheeses (Asiago, Monte Veronese).

33. Hour 33 — Back in town, pause at the Castel San Pietro viewpoint for sweeping views of Verona (accessible by funicular or steps).

34. Hour 34 — Themed tasting in town: Amarone vs Ripasso at a specialist enoteca (tasting €20–40).

35. Hour 35 — Optional quick cookery class: learn to pair a regional dish with a local wine (classes €40–70).

36. Hour 36 — Farewell dinner in a historic trattoria with sommelier-selected pairings (budget €35–80 depending on choices).

37. Hour 37 — Night stroll along the Adige, admiring reflections and illuminated bridges.

38. Hour 38 — One last drink in an intimate city cellar, tasting wines from smaller producers.

39. Hour 39 — Prepare purchases for travel: pack bottles and check transport limits.

40. Hour 40 — Late breakfast and a tasting roundup: review the wines you bought and your tasting notes.

41. Hour 41 — Free visit to one last cultural site or gourmet shopping (via Mazzini, Corso Sant’Anastasia).

42. Hour 42 — Head to the train station/airport according to your plan; allow extra time if you’re carrying bottles.

43. Hour 43 — If traveling by train, check the carrier’s policy on bottle transport (usually allowed if well packed).

44. Hour 44 — Transfer: taxi or shuttle to the airport; approximate cost €30–80 depending on destination.

45. Hour 45 — One last look at the old town from the vehicle — a final memory of heritage and wine combined.

46. Hour 46 — Arrive at airport/station, check in luggage and bottles.

47. Hour 47 — Waiting time; if you’re still in town, enjoy one last small glass of Prosecco or Soave.

48. Hour 48 — Departure: take care transporting your bottles, bring your tasting notes, and plan to come back to explore more Veneto terroirs.

Click here to book a Sirmione visit and cruise

Must-visit estates, enoteche and addresses

Here’s a curated selection of places to visit with addresses, indicative hours and prices. Book in advance for guided visits and tastings.

Antica Bottega del Vino — Piazza delle Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR. Hours: 11:00–23:00 (sometimes closed Sunday evening). Prices: glass €6–12, sharing board €12–25. Description: a Veronese institution and historic cellar with an extensive regional list. Tip: ask for an Amarone served at the right temperature and a salumi board to share.

Arena di Verona — Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR. Ticket office hours: 09:00–19:00 (variable). Price: €10–20 for a visit; opera and performance tickets vary (€30–200). Description: the Roman amphitheater is essential for combining culture with an opera dinner.

Casa di Giulietta — Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR. Hours: 08:30–19:30. Price: courtyard free, museum €6–8 approx. Description: an iconic tourist spot, perfect for a balcony photo and soaking up the city’s romantic atmosphere.
Tenuta or Estate (examples for booking) — Valpolicella estate (visits by appointment). Typical address: provincial road between Negrar and Fumane (coordinates provided at booking). Hours: visits 10:00–17:00 by reservation. Price: €20–60 depending on tasting. Description: Amarone tastings, visits to the appassimento drying rooms and historic cellars. Tip: ask to see the barrel rooms to understand oak ageing.
Castello di Soave — Via Madonna della Neve, 3, 37038 Soave VR. Hours: 09:00–18:00. Price: €3–6. Description: a cultural visit complemented by local tastings nearby for Soave Classico.

Click here to book a vineyard visit and tasting in Valpolicella

Local practical tips: selecting, tasting, bringing bottles home

Tastings in the Veneto follow a practical order: start with lighter whites (Soave), move on to young reds (Valpolicella), then to more structured wines (Ripasso) and finish with powerful, concentrated wines (Amarone). During a tasting, ask the winemaker to show you the bottle and label and explain the vintage, ageing time and origin of the grapes. Take notes: producer name, vintage, price and bottle size.

Transporting bottles:

In-store packaging: ask for secure packaging (€10–20) for car or air travel.
Customs and limits: check your country’s import rules to avoid surprises.
Baggage: prefer checked luggage with protection or use a shipping service if buying large quantities.

Etiquette during tastings:

Rinse: use water or the spittoon provided between wines if you’re tasting many varieties.
Questions: don’t hesitate to ask about the appassimento method for Amarone or the blend proportions for a Ripasso.
Tip: tipping isn’t obligatory, but appreciated for exceptional service (5–10% of tasting cost if you received extended attention).

Click here to book a classic Valpolicella tasting

Conclusion

A 48‑hour tasting-focused itinerary around Verona combines the best of Italian culture: ancient monuments like the Arena di Verona, the delicacy of Soave whites and the powerful structure of Amarone della Valpolicella. With good planning — advance bookings, choosing estates that match your wine curiosity and practical arrangements for transporting purchases — you can take home lasting sensory memories. This guide aims to give you a concrete roadmap: addresses, opening times, indicative prices, hourly steps and local tips so your experience is smooth and rewarding.

Remember that the best tasting isn’t about collecting estate names, but about talking with producers, understanding terroirs (soil, altitude, exposure) and tasting mindfully. Italy, and especially the Verona area, rewards curiosity: ask questions, taste slowly, and don’t be afraid to buy a bottle from a small producer you met by chance. Finally, plan around the seasons: spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures and often visible harvest or cellar work, while summer is busier and winter quieter but still charming.

Enjoy your trip, happy tasting, and above all: drink local, buy local and let yourself be convinced by the richness of Veronese wines — from the finesse of a Soave to the intensity of an Amarone — always remembering moderation and shared pleasure.