Discovering the Verona and Veneto Wine Region

The Veneto region is the 8th largest in Italy, stretching from the River Po to the Austrian border, in the north eastern part of the country. Populated since the Stone Age, the area has a rich history reflected in its beautiful cities, picturesque villages, and ancient landmarks.

From the UNESCO-listed city of Verona, with its Roman amphitheatre and medieval architecture, to the elegant streets of Vicenza, the shores of Lake Garda and the canals of Venice, Veneto is a region we always love to explore. Its combination of historic cities, picturesque landscapes and exceptional cuisine makes it one of our favourite destinations for discovering Italy’s wine, culture and traditions.

Verona

Verona is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history. From Roman to Romanesque medieval remains, Verona’s past can be witnessed in every corner of the city and wine region. 

The stunningly preserved Arena, which is the ancient Roman amphitheatre, stands at the heart of the city. Built in the 1st Century, the Arena is still in use today as a venue for some of the most memorable summer concerts, opera, and theatre shows and events.

Another testimony of the city’s Roman past is the style of arched bridges including Ponte Pietra, completed around 100 BC, and the Castel Vecchio Bridge, completed in the 14th century. 

The rich history is seen in every corner, including Porta Borsari, an ancient roman gate dating back from the 1st Century AD. 

From its medieval past, the Romanesque architecture is seen in the Basilica di San Zeno and Santa Maria Antica.  

Verona is considered to be one of the most romantic places in the world; after all, William Shakespeare chose Verona as a setting for the romantic Romeo & Juliet.  Today you can stop and have a look at Juliet’s balcony. The house was once inhabited by the Cappello family and dates back to the 13th Century; however the balcony was only added in the 20th Century.

Verona is also renowned for its traditional osterie, where visitors can experience local cuisine and regional specialities such as Risotto all’Amarone (red wine risotto), bigoli pasta served with duck, donkey or horse ragù, as well as classic dishes including gnocchi and polenta.Osterie give you a first hand look into the culture of the area through delicious regional specialities, beautiful people, and excellent local wines.

Vincenza

Vincenza is another city you cannot miss in the Veneto region. Dating back from around the 3rd Century BC, the city later became part of the Roman empire. The city was known for its agriculture, brickworks, marble quarry, and wool industry, and was sited along the main trade route of the empire.

Vincenza is renowned for its Palladian buildings, and the city is home to no less than twenty-three buildings designed by the architect Andrea Palladio. In 1994, UNESCO added “Vicenza, City of Palladio” on its list of World Heritage Sites. In 1996, the protected zone was expanded to include the surrounding Palladian villas, and accordingly renamed “City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto”.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and just under an hour’s drive from Verona. The lake is a breath-taking place surrounded by 25 picturesque villages and it has been widely praised by renowned artists such as Ezra Pound, D.H. Lawrence, Maria Callas, and Tennyson, amongst many others. 

We aren’t the only ones who love a Lake Garda holiday, the Romans were known to take time to rest in the stunning thermal water. From a source rising from below the lake, the waters are rich in sulphur and are thought to have healing powers.

Venice and the Prosecco Area

Venice is the capital city of the Veneto region. To find out more about Venice and the Prosecco area of production, have a look at our Prosecco pages.

Get In Touch

If you can’t find your ideal Verona wine tour on our web site, please contact our team of experts on +44 (0) 1920 56 02 75 or at info@grapeescapes.net and we will be happy to help create your perfect holiday.