Valpolicella is the wine country north of Verona — a landscape of soft hills, cherry orchards and stone villages where some of Italy's most distinctive red wines are produced. The name covers a cluster of valleys (Negrar, Marano, Fumane and several smaller ones) that descend from the 1,500-metre heights of Corno d'Aquilio to the fertile plains of the Adige valley.
The wines are the main draw. Valpolicella Classico is a light, fruity red, pleasant but unremarkable. The stars are Amarone and Recioto, both made from partially dried grapes — Amarone is dry, intense and powerful (14–15% alcohol), superb with roasts and aged cheeses; Recioto is sweet and rich, traditionally served with desserts. Most producers welcome visitors for tastings, and the Palio del Recioto festival in Negrar every April is a fine time to sample them all.
Beyond wine, the area rewards a slow drive or cycle through villages built from the local pink limestone. Romanesque churches (the Pieve di San Floriano is a standout), old villas and quiet trattorias serving horse-meat stew, polenta and local salami make this a satisfying day or overnight trip from Verona.