Discovering the Stunning Marano di Valpolicella Italy

I really don’t know how I had never been to the stunning valley of Marano di Valpolicella.

I’ve been to this wine growing region 3 times.

Once in 2011. 

Two visits in 2014.

Then 1 quick night in 2019.

But I hadn’t even heard of this little community.

I have been missing out.

Big time!

Let’s start by putting this gorgeous piece of Italy on the map.

Where is this little place? 

Marano di Valpolicella is small community

It’s located in the province of Verona and sits just 14km northwest of the city.

The total population is 2900.

While there is a town, most of the residents are scattered about the hills and valleys, living out in the land.

You see, it’s all about the vines and the wine in Marano.

So most of the people live outside of the town.

What makes Marano di Valpolicella so special?

#1 The scenery is gorgeous

Let me back up for a minute. 

For my first visit in 2011, I stayed in Fumane which is nestled in a valley and surrounded by the hills. 

It’s beautiful.

That first made me want to return to the Valpolicella.

On my last couple of visits — 2 times in 2014, 1 quick night in 2019 and this year — I’ve stayed in San Pietro in Cariano at Dimora Buglioni which I love.

It is flatter in this part of the Valpolicella but still really lovely.

When a local guide, Albina Durante, recommended some vineyards in the Marano area I told her I had never been to that part of the Valpolicella.

She said she loved it there so I was sold.

And then I made the drive up some curvy, hilly roads that lead me to some of the best views in this wine growing region.

I’m quite sure my jaw was in my lap.

It is one of the most stunning valleys in this part of Italy.

Well, in my humble opinion it is. 

Hills covered in grapevines and olive trees and cherry trees.

Houses dotting the landscape.

A beautiful church nestled on the hill.

Seriously eye popping landscape.

#2 The wines are delicious

Okay, so I only visited one vineyard, Le Bignele, so maybe I don’t have all the info yet.

But the wines of Le Bignele are amazing.

I’m a fan of the Valpolicella Classico Superiore and the Amarone. 

The Recioto, the dessert wine, is quite tasty as well.

There are other vineyards close to Le Bignele so it would be easy to visit a couple in the area. 

Of course, there are so many awesome vineyards throughout all of the Valpolicella.

But I’m going to say that some of the wine from Marano may be the best of the best — and maybe not as well known.

Are you now curious about Marano di Valpolicella?

I have to admit that I’m eager to go back.

I want to visit the church and more vineyards.

It would be awesome to walk the roads and take in more of the views.

And I would love to visit the town of Marano itself. 

Just one more place to put on your list!

 

**Note: I did have to show my proof of vaccination to take the winery tour at Le Bignele. The other person on the tour, a man from Europe, showed his “green pass” which is the Italian certificate of vaccination. So do be sure to have your vaccination proof with you at this time for any type of indoor tour, eating inside a restaurant or visiting a museum.**

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.

If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.

I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!

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