A “slow” day, from the Colomba d’Oro to the Valpolicella vineyards

The Colomba d’Oro, a 4-star hotel deep in the heart of ancient Verona, is the ideal starting point for a “slow escape” to Valpolicella, the most famous wine destination in northeastern Italy. In less than half an hour by car, or via dedicated cycling routes, you’ll reach a landscape that, especially during the grape harvest, changes color daily: rows of vines in varying shades, hills stretching to the horizon, ancient stone villages that retain the scent of the past.

Some journeys begin with a desire: to slow down. And if you’re in the City of the Colomba d’Oro for a cultural getaway, whether it’s an evening at the Verona Arena, a visit to the Scaligeri palaces, or an art exhibition, treating yourself to a day off, away from the city’s hues, can make your trip truly memorable.

Our 4-star hotel, located mere steps from the Verona Arena, offers breakfast in our elegant lounge – or in your room. Set your GPS navigation device to “San Giorgio di Valpolicella.” It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: from here, the panorama offers a sweeping view that stretches from Lake Garda to Verona and the Po Valley. Besides the breathtaking view, this small village is also graced by a Romanesque parish church dating back to 712, built over a barbarian temple dedicated to the Sun.

From the Hotel Colomba d’Oro to the Valpolicella grape harvest

The Colomba d’Oro recommends the most exclusive experiences for a toast at sunset, a dinner among the barrels, a stroll through the vineyards with a winemaker who talks about his wine like a poet recounts a love story, or a dinner in trattorias filled with the aromas of must and roast meat.

The hills surrounding San Giorgio Ingannapoltron are home to the most famous Veronese wineries, renowned worldwide for their production. Great wines such as Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, Amarone, and Recioto.

• The first stop we recoomend is the Albino Armani Winery, located in Camporal, just above the village of Marano di Valpolicella. A little patience as you navigate a few hairpin bends to reach the top of the hill is more than compensated by the truly spectacular panoramic view. The passion of a family of winemakers from the Adige Valley since 1607 has led to the creation of a brand-new, state-of-the-art winery in this elevated and panoramic location, carved into the rock and built with the latest technologies, prioritizing natural materials and sustainability. In addition to the highest-quality wines, you can taste a selection of Valpolicella cheeses and cured meats. Another highlight is the panoramic terrace overlooking the winery, where you can enjoy delicious picnics at sunset. Note that at the bar of the Colomba d’Oro, you’ll also find three different Albino Armani wines, which you can enjoy anytime in our secret garden.
• Another unmissable stop is Tommasi Winery in Pedemonte, a historic family-run winery now in its fourth generation. The quality of its wines is matched only by the elegance of its spaces and the care with which each visitor is welcomed. The estate tour includes the historic cellar with its monumental barrels, so spectacular that it inspired the production of the Netflix film “Love in the Villa” to choose this winery as a location for some scenes. Treat yourself to a stroll through the vineyards and a guided tasting in a setting where time seems suspended, perfect for fully understanding the soul of the great Veronese reds.
• Another stop recommended by the Hotel Colomba d’Oro is the Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani in Arbizzano di Negrar: an estate nestled around Villa Mosconi Bertani, nestled in the greenery of the Amarone and Valpolicella vineyards. The estate organizes a tour of the 18th-century villa, the drying lofts, the winemaking facilities, and the cellar dating back to the 16th century, dedicated since From the beginning to the production of fine wines.
• A visit to the Allegrini winery, one of the most iconic and recognized names in the Italian and international wine scene, is a must. The family has cultivated vineyards in Valpolicella since the 16th century and today represents an absolute benchmark for the production of Amarone, Recioto, and Valpolicella Superiore, wines that have conquered the most prestigious tables around the world. This winery offers various types of tours, each designed to offer a complete immersion in the Allegrini universe: from technical visits to exclusive guided tastings, often accompanied by family stories, historical anecdotes, and spectacular views of the Valpolicella hills.
• Finally, the Giuseppe Quintarelli estate, dating back to 1924, is one of the guiding lights of the Valpolicella scene: 12 hectares in Negrar where Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara blend, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, and the Recioto. All the labels bearing the “Quintarelli” brand don’t simply hide wines, but profound emotions, born of history, tradition, territory, and knowledge. Wines that have no equal.

September and October are the best months to discover the true soul of Valpolicella: book your stay at the Colomba d’Oro now and let our staff help you organize your tour of our wine country.