The favourable position of Verona in the northern Italy, between the Garda Lake and the hills next to Alps, creates perfect micro-climates and conditions to guarantee an healthy and an high-quality of wine production all over the territory. Among the wine Veronese subregions, each whit different production techniques and unique traditions, we can find the following DOC and DOCG wines: Valpolicella, Soave, Custoza, Bardolino, Lugana, Monti Lessini Durello, Valdadige/Terra dei Forti and Arcole. In addictions, scattered throughout the territory there are crops belonging to the consortia of Garda, San Martino della Battaglia and Delle Venezie.
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Valpolicella
The area was populated by the ancient people of Reti, likely of Etruscan ancestries. The fervent production has led historians to speculate that the term Valpolicella means “Vallis Poli Cellae”, namely “valley of different cellars”.
The Amarone of Valpolicella is for sure one of the most popular and demanded wine by foreigner tourists. Its fragrance comes from the drying process of the grapes, which lasts between 100 and 120 days, following the traditional “passito wine technique.” During this time, the sugars fully mature. Amarone features a deep red hue and a fruity, spicy flavor that make it a full-bodied wine, perfect for pairing with meats and aged cheddar. Another masterpiece takes the name of Recioto, it was produced and appreciated since Roman times. It has a particular sweet taste to serve with cheese or dessert.
During your next trip, take the time to taste this renowned wine at: Villa della Torre / Cantina Monteci
Valpolicella vineyards – Photo Credits: Strada del Vino Valpolicella
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Soave
This subregion is famous not only for its outstanding location around the Soave Castle but also for its prestigious production of white wine, typically made from Garganega, the local variant of the region. It stands out for its freshness and harmonious taste, perfect for fish dishes or to celebrate the happy hour. Its strong mineral feature comes from the volcanic soil of East-Veronese.
You can experience the beauty of this subregion and its wine at: Canoso / La Cappuccina
Castello di Soave – Photo Credits: Strada del Vino Soave
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Custoza
Custoza is a white wine typical of the hills southwest of Verona, nestled between the city and Lake Garda. A region known for its enchanting landscapes and historical ties to the Italian Independence, due to the two battles that had been fought: the first one in 1848 and the second in 1866, both against the Austrian Empire. This wine displays fruity and floral notes that make it very versatile to match. It can be served with fish, vegetables and stuffed pasta. Custoza is produced from a blend of grape varieties, including Bianca Fernanda, similar to Cortese, and Trebbiano of Soave.
Don’t miss the chance to taste this unique wine at the following wineries: Gorgo / Monte del Frà
Monte del Frà vineyards – Photo Credits: Monte del Frà
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Bardolino
Located at the majestic hills and the slopes of Lake Garda, on the eastern side of Italy. It is also home to a number of castles, beautiful villages, archaeological sites, hiking trails, and much more for enjoying this land. Bardolino is a red or rosé wine. The Chiaretto variety is one of the few authentic, traditional Italian rosés. Bardolino red, on the other hand, is a pleasant and versatile wine, also suitable as an aperitif, while the Superiore variety is more structured and reminiscent of Valpolicella wines, sharing the same grape varieties.
Enjoy this subregion visiting the following wineries: Cantina Casetto / Gentili – Sinceramente Vino
Bardolino view and vineyards
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Lugana
Lugana is located to the south of Garda Lake, straddling both the Veneto and Lombardy regions. This white wine is produced along the southern shores of the lake, where grapes are grown in special clay-rich soils formed during the last Ice Age, when the Lake Garda glacier took shape. Lugana was the first DOC wine in Lombardy and one of the first wines in Italy to receive this designation. On the palate, it is full-bodied and flavourful, with notes ranging from dried apple and pineapple to pear and vanilla.
For a unique tasting experience, visit the following wineries: Ottella / Tinazzi
Ottella Vineyards – Photo Credits: Ottella
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Monti Lessini Durello
The Lessini Durello DOC area covers more than 30,000 hectares in the hilly region of the eastern Lessini Mountains, straddling the provinces of Verona and Vicenza. The “Durella” grape variety is known for its consistent yield, strong resistance to diseases, and excellent suitability for sparkling wine production. Durello Spumante is produced from a blend that includes at least 85% Durella grapes, with possible additions of Chardonnay, Garganega, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero. The wine shows a vibrant acidity, with a persistent foam and a straw yellow colour tending to greenish.
To experience this wine, visit the following wineries: Fongaro Spumanti Metodo Classico / GianniTessari
GianniTessari vineyards – Photo Credits: GianniTessari
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Valdadige / Terra dei Forti
The Valdadige DOC area is located along the Adige river, covering the entire stretch in the province of Trento and part of the province of Verona. The climate in this region is typical of the pre-Alpine and mountainous zones, with cold winters and cool-temperate summers. Here every type of wine is produced: from the red one with excellent organoleptic characteristics, to the acidulous nuance and aromatic white wine. But also a Chardonnay with a distinctly fruity scent and a Pinot Grigio with hints of green apple, pear and tropical fruit.
To experience this subregion, visit the following wineries: Albino Armani Viticoltori dal 1607 / Roeno Azienda Agricola
Albino Armani Winery and vineyards – Photo Credits: Albino Armani Viticoltori dal 1607
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Arcole
The Arcole DOC includes areas between the provinces of Verona and Vicenza. Here, winemaking dates back over 2,000 years, with the Romans playing a key role in its development. The region features sandy-silty soils that give wines distinctive characteristics. The white wines are straw yellow with greenish hues when young, becoming golden with age. They have elegant, subtle aromas, especially from sandy soils, and a crisp, savoury, aromatic taste without excessive fruitiness. The red wines are deep ruby red with violet tones, turning garnet over time. They offer intense aromas of cocoa, violets, and raspberry, with a dry, structured palate that softens with aging. The Arcole Nero ages for at least two years, including three months in wooden barrels. It features complex aromas with notes of vanilla, wood, and smoke, rich body, and soft tannins.