PAgus Wine Tours
FAQ
Tours and tastings
Which wine regions do the tours cover?
Our tours primarily focus on Valpolicella (the land of Amarone), but we also cover the regions of Soave, Bardolino, Lugana, Custoza, the Valdadige, and neighboring areas such as Franciacorta, Prosecco, and Trento.
In which language are the tours conducted?
Tours are regularly available in Italian and English. Upon prior request, we can organize guides in other languages.
Where do the tours depart from?
The meeting point for our group tours is at our office in Via della Valverde 75, Verona, just a short walk from Piazza Bra and the Arena. For private tours, pick-up and drop-off are arranged based on the client’s needs.
Are the tours suitable for those who are not wine experts?
Absolutely. Our sommelier guides adapt their language to the participants’ level of knowledge, making the experience enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.
How many people are included in a group?
Groups are generally small to ensure a more authentic and personalized experience. They usually range from 2 to around 8 people, but private tours or larger groups can also be arranged upon request.
What is included in the price of a group tour?
Generally, the package includes transport in an air-conditioned minivan to/from Verona, a professional sommelier guide, guided cellar tours, and all wine tastings. For full-day tours, lunch is also included.
Is it possible to organize private or customized tours?
Yes, we offer the possibility to create tailor-made itineraries for individuals, couples, families, or corporate groups, allowing you to choose your favorite wineries or add specific activities.
Do you offer cooking classes?
Yes! We offer a beautiful experience in Valpolicella that includes a cooking classes:
Cooking Class in a Valpolicella Winery: 5 hours approximately, enjoy an exclusive culinary experience in the heart of Valpolicella. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll prepare a traditional Italian menu of 2 courses.
https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/cooking-class-in-a-valpolicella-winery/
Do you offer bike tours?
Yes, we organize E-bike tours through the vineyards of Valpolicella and Lake Garda. You can participate in guided tours or rent bikes for a self-guided tour supported by a dedicated App.
What guided bike tours do you offer?
Verona Panorama E-bike tour (with private guide): a private e-bike ride through the green surroundings of Verona and Valpolicella: countryside, vineyards, springs, and scenic viewpoints with an expert tour leader.
Verona Bike Tour (with private guide): we wait for you at Itinera Bike Shop in Verona city center, pick up your bike and follow your guide in a voyage through local history.
Amarone E-bike tour (with private guide and wine tastings): E-bike tour with private guide, including wine tasting and visit to a winery.
What self-guided bike tours do you offer?
Verona’s history by bike: travel through the centuries to discover the city of Verona. Pick up the touring bike, install the app and read about history and stories of the City of Love.
Valpolicella Museum E-bike & wine: a short tasty tour to a historical yet modern winery. Pick up your e-bike in Verona and enjoy a half day bike&wine tour!
Valpolicella Classica E-bike & Wine: ride by e-bike from Verona to Valpolicella, where Amarone wine is produced. Stop at an elegant winery for a visit and tasting.
Soave hills E-bike & Wine: depart from Verona and ride to the Soave wine production area: scenic switchbacks, quiet countryside and a small farm for the wine tasting.
Lake Garda E-bike & Lunch: start in Verona, follow the app, reach Lake Garda by e-bike, along bike paths and back roads. Lunch by the shore is included.
Verona hills E-bike & Picnic: leave Verona by e-bike, following the app. Reach the countryside and the small winery where to stop for a nice picnic.
Are the bike tours physically demanding?
Our tours are designed to be accessible to everyone. The cycling routes follow scenic roads with moderate elevation changes. Additionally, the use of e-bikes (electric bicycles) helps to make the experience easier and more enjoyable.
Are the tours always guaranteed?
Yes, all tours are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people.
Can I organize special events?
Yes! Pagus Wine Tours offers tailor-made experiences for special occasions and corporate events, including bachelor/bachelorette parties, marriage proposals, and team-building activities. We can customize tours, tastings, and winery visits to make every event unique and memorable.
What types of transfer services are available for Valpolicella tours?
We offer various transport solutions to ensure comfort and safety:
Shared Minivan (max 8 people): Included in our group tours, departing from our office at Via della Valverde 75, 37122 Verona.
Private Transfers: A door-to-door service (hotel, villa, or station) with a private guide for personalized tours throughout Valpolicella and all neighboring wine regions.
Dedicated Shuttles: For corporate groups or special events, we organize bespoke transfers with vehicles of various capacities, allowing you to enjoy tastings in total relaxation without worrying about driving.
The world of Amarone
When and how was Amarone created?
According to the legend, Amarone is a wine that dates back to the 1930s and was originally created by a “mistake.” At the time, producers were making Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet wine. However, a barrel was accidentally left to ferment longer than intended. As a result, the sugars were fully converted into alcohol, producing a dry wine with a high alcohol content. The oldest known bottle of Amarone dates back to 1939 (1936 harvest) and is preserved at the Cantina Sociale di Negrar. Its commercial production began after World War II, starting in 1953 with the Bolla winery. In 1968, the Valpolicella designation was established, initially including only Valpolicella and Recioto. Amarone was added in 1976 and officially recognized as Amarone della Valpolicella DOC in 1990. Amarone was officially awarded DOCG status the highest level of quality recognition for Italian wines in 2010.
Which is the difference between Amarone DOCG and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG?
Although both of these typical Valpolicella wines are made from the same grape varieties, the key difference lies in the fermentation process. In Amarone, the sugars are fully fermented and converted into alcohol, resulting in a dry wine. In Recioto della Valpolicella, fermentation is stopped before all the sugars are converted, producing a sweet red dessert wine.
Which grape varieties are used to produce Amarone?
Amarone is not made from a single grape variety but from a blend of several grapes typical of the Valpolicella area. The main varieties used are Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, and Rondinella.
Which are the best food pairings for Amarone?
Due to its full body and high alcohol content, Amarone pairs best with dishes that share similar richness and intensity. Red meats, such as ribeye steak or sliced beef steak (tagliata), are excellent matches, as they call for a robust and structured wine like Amarone. Alternatively, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with Amarone, enhancing its cocoa and complex flavor notes.
Which is the ideal serving temperature for Amarone?
Amarone should be served at a temperature between 15 and 20°C.
How long can Amarone be aged?
Amarone is a long wine, it can easily age for over 10 years, and in exceptional vintages it can reach up to 20 years
What are the best group experiences for tasting Amarone in Verona and Veneto?
For those wishing to discover the soul of the “King of Valpolicella,” we propose itineraries that celebrate its history and flavor:
The Amarone Country (Full Day): A 7-hour total immersion in Valpolicella Classica. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/the-amarone-country/
A Taste of Amarone (Half Day): Ideal for those with limited time. Includes a visit to a selected winery and a panoramic stop in the beautiful village of San Giorgio di Valpolicella. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/a-taste-of-amarone/
Two Amarone Wineries (Half Day): The perfect tour for those who want to delve into stylistic differences. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/two-amarone-wineries/
A Sunday of Amarone (Half Day): approximately 3 ½ hours, live an authentic tasting experience in Valpolicella with this Sunday tour. Admire the beautiful hills of Valpolicella and discover the local wines (Amarone included!). https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/a-sunday-of-amarone/
Espresso & Amarone (Half Day): approximately 4 ½ hours, join this coffee & wine tour for an experience full of authentic taste and flavours. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/espresso-and-amarone/
Sirmione by boat, Lake Garda and Amarone (Full Day): approximately 6 hours, join us for a relaxing boat ride on Lake Garda, exploring the enchanting historic center of Sirmione from both land and water. After the tour of Sirmione are also included the visit, light lunch and a wine tasting in an Amarone’s winery. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/sirmione-by-boat-lake-garda-and-amarone-half-day-tour/
Soave and Amarone (Half Day): approximately 4 ½ hours, join us for a half-day tour and discover the most important white and red wines of Verona. You have the possibility to taste white wines in a winery in Soave and red wines in a winery in Valpolicella. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/soave-and-amarone/
What are the best private experiences for tasting Amarone in Verona and Veneto?
Three Amarone wineries (Full Day): 7 h approximately, you will discover the gorgeous land of red wine, Valpolicella, and its traditional products. You can visit three different wineries of Amarone and there is also the light lunch in one of these. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/three-amarone-wineries/
Lake Garda and Amarone (Full Day): 8 h approximately, the “Lake Garda and Amarone” tour is the only one that allows you to visit the most prestigious areas of Verona: Lake Garda and Valpolicella, on the same day. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/lake-garda-and-amarone/
In the lands of Amarone (Full Day): 7 h approximately, during this tour, you will stop at two different wineries. There, you will discover the entire range of their DOC and DOCG wines, such as Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto with their different styles. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/in-the-lands-of-amarone/
What are the best experiences for experts to taste Amarone and Veneto wines?
For the most demanding palates and industry professionals, we offer an in-depth approach:
Vertical Tastings: Upon request, we organize sessions dedicated to tasting different vintages of the same Amarone to analyze its evolution and longevity.
Producer Meetings: Exclusive cellar experiences where you can speak directly with those who manage every stage, from the drying process (appassimento) to barrel aging.
Logistics and bookings
How can I book and which are the payment methods?
Group tour bookings can be made directly online on our website or via email at [email protected]. For private tour requests, do not hesitate to contact us by email; we will be happy to propose a tailor-made experience! We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and PayPal.
Is it possible to book a tour for just one person?
Yes, it is certainly possible, but with specific conditions:
Group Tour: You cannot book a group tour for one person directly on the website (the system requires a minimum of two participants). However, please email us at [email protected]: we will be happy to check if a group tour is already active for your requested date and add you to the confirmed participants.
Private Tour: If you prefer an exclusive experience or there are no open groups on your chosen date, you can always opt for an individual private tour, fully customizable to your needs.
Is it possible to book and pay on site?
Yes, it is possible to pay on site but we prefer to book and pay online or by email to ensure availability.
How does cancellation policies work?
It is possible to cancel your group or private tour booking within 14 days of placing your order (without any reasons) or if the service undergoes significant changes. In both these cases, you will receive a full refund of your deposit. For cancellations made outside of these conditions, refer to the link provided: https://www.paguswinetours.com/terms-and-conditions/
Is it possible to give a wine tour as a gift?
Yes, you can give a Pagus Wine Tour experience. We offer customizable gift vouchers, perfect for special occasions. The recipient will be able to book the tour on a date of their choice.
What is the recommended dress code for a wine tour?
Dress in layers: Even in summer, cellars and aging areas maintain constant temperatures between 14°C and 16°C. Always bring a light sweater or a pashmina.
Comfortable shoes: During the tour, you will walk through vineyard rows (often on uneven ground or grass) and production areas. It is best to avoid heels; closed-toe shoes are preferred.
What is the recommended clothing for bike tours?
We recommend wearing comfortable, sporty clothing suitable for the season. Closed shoes, such as sneakers, are advised to ensure maximum comfort both on the bike and when walking. During colder seasons (autumn and winter), it is useful and recommended to bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
Can I buy wine after the tasting?
Certainly, the wineries offer direct sales. Additionally, at our office in Verona (Pagus Wine Shop), you can purchase a selection of the best local wines and organize international shipping.
Can I ship the wine I purchased after the tasting?
To make your purchases even easier, we offer an exclusive groupage service: if you buy bottles at different wineries during the tour and/or in our shop, you can group the various purchases into a single shipment managed by our trusted courier. This significantly reduces shipping costs and simplifies the process, delivering all your wines directly to your home in one go.
What happens in case of delay at the meeting point?
The tour leader, with respect for all guests, will wait for you in case of a maximum delay of 15 minutes.
What should I do if I can’t reach the meeting point?
In case of transport issues preventing you from reaching the meeting point, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange a transfer.
What happens in case of rain?
Tours take place regularly even in the rain, as winery visits and tastings are held in sheltered indoor spaces. For tours that include a boat trip to Sirmione, a visit to the Sirmione Castle is offered in case of bad weather.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our tours are accessible, but they require planning upon request. Many of the wineries we collaborate with are equipped to remove architectural barriers; however, some vineyards or historic cellars may have limitations. Contact us in advance: we will be happy to find the most suitable facilities and organize dedicated transport for your comfort.
Can children participate in the tours?
Yes, children are welcome. A reduced price is available for them, and during tastings, they will be served fruit juices or non-alcoholic beverages.
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Small dogs are welcome upon request. If you wish to bring your little friend, please let us know during the booking phase: we will be happy to select and contact wineries that accept animals to ensure a perfect welcome.
Do you handle special dietary requirements (celiac disease, allergies, vegan or vegetarian diets)?
Certainly. Please inform us of any needs during the booking process: we will notify the wineries and restaurants to ensure they prepare safe, high-quality alternatives. Whether it’s celiac disease, allergies, or dietary choices, we ensure the experience is inclusive and excellent for all participants.
How do you select the wineries for your tours?
Our Selection Philosophy
We select family-run wineries. Our goal is to offer an authentic experiences and connect you with passionate wine producers who manage every step of the process themselves.
Group Tours
For our group tours, the specific wineries are selected by our team from our network of trusted partner wineries.
Private Tours
If you book a private tour, you have more flexibility. You can request specific wineries. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences based on the wineries’ opening hours and booking availability.