Here you can immerse yourself in the real reality of the farms of Northern Italy, passionate men and women, dedicated to working in the vineyards, in the cellars and in the kitchens … All TRUE, without frills for tourists, indeed, you will be treated as real experts, special guests of the family.
History, art and culture are the business card of one of the most important wine-growing areas in Italy: the name “Valpolicella” means “valley of many cellars” (from the Greek polis, “many” and from the Latin cellae, “cellars”). Vineyards, olive trees, cherry trees are the main protagonists of the landscape, mottled by cultivated fields, terraces, hills, rural courtyards and small towns: practically the garden of Verona.
Live like REAL winemakers for a day: visit areas of the cellar reserved for insiders, stroll through the vineyards, taste like professionals, learn to cook and to combine food and wines.
LOCATION: VENETO
- NICOLIS Family Estates in San Pietro in Cariano (Verona)
- Rest. Trattoria CAPRINI in Torbe (Verona)
SUPERSTARS:
- The location itself, a “NORTHERN TUSCANY”with its incredible landscapes of hills covered with sinuous vineyards and cypresses
- The NICOLI family
- The “pasta” COOKING CLASS and the wine pairing LUNCH
TOP WINE:
- Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Ambrosan 2004* Wine Spectator Top 100 2011 n.88, 94 pts.
A FAMILY HISTORY.
Since 1951 we have dedicated ourselves to the production of fine wines, intertwining our personal journey with the history and peculiarities of Valpolicella.
The history of our family has always been linked to the art of viticulture; we live in the heart of the classic area of Valpolicella, in San Pietro in Cariano and caring for the land has been part of our daily life, since childhood.
- Meeting at 09.00-10.00 with your private Ambassador, often a member of the Nicolis family.
- Welcome glass with Valpolicella Class.
- PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR with explanation of the production: pressing, vinification, drying of the grapes, aging of the wines in barrels and bottling
- Access to our exclusive room of old vintages and special formats
- VERTICAL TASTING OF 5 OLD VINTAGES OF OUR CRU “Ambrosan” Amarone della Valpolicella Class, private, with explanations from the winemaker owner of the winery:
- “Ambrosan” 2004, Top 100 Wine Spectator, 93 pts Wine Enthusiast
- “Ambrosan” 2007, 93 pts Wine Spectator
- “Ambrosan” 2009, 95 pts J. Suckling, 93 pts Wine Spectator
- “Ambrosan” 2010, 97 pts Decanter, 96 pts J. Suckling
- “Ambrosan” 2013 (current year)
- Transfer, 25 minutes’ drive amidst the hilly landscapes, to the typical and historic Trattoria Caprini for the “Pasta” cooking class led by the chef.
- Visit of our vineyard in the high hills at 450m a.s.l. with spectacular panoramic views of Valpolicella and Verona and with perfect exposure for the production of excellent quality grapes
Wine Spectator Top 100 2011 n.88, 94 pts. Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Ambrosan 2004*
Offers an aromatic mix of kirsch, dried roses, dried marjoram, blackberry candy, cardamom, fresh earth and smoke, with supple tannins and ripe acidity. There’s power to this, but it’s wrapped in a silky texture that results in an overall vibrant, stylish impression. A hint of espresso lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 5,000 cases made. —AN
The British newspaper THE GUARDIAN selected this Trattoria as “BEST PLACE TO EAT: PASTA“ in its list of “The 50 best things to eat in the world, and where to eat them”.
“PASTA” COOKING CLASS
- working and spreading the dough in the traditional way with a rolling pin
- Learning the three cuts of pasta: tagliolini, lasagnette and pappardelle.
WINE PAIRING LUNCH MENU
- Appetizer with polenta, soppressa, raw Montagnana cheese, Lessinia stracon cheese, beef tartare, pea cream with sausage grains
- Trio of fresh pasta (sauces vary according to the season) o Tagliolini with chanterelles and porcini mushrooms or Lasagnette with Pierina’s ragù or Pappardelle with hare psalms
- Cheesecake with strawberry jam
ON REQUEST:
– FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING IN LUXURY CAR, LIMO, VAN OR HELICOPTER with English speaking professional driver/pilot. Departure from any main location, example Rome, Civitavecchia, Livorno, La Spezia, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Verona, Garda Lake, etc.
– PRO Photographer/videomaker
– Mr. Marco Tenerini as your “emotional storytelling guide” for the whole day.