I’ve spent a good deal of time in this region; a regular visitor to VinItaly since 2007. I think the reason I continue to return here is because it’s not only interesting from a historical perspective, but because the (better) wines of this region are consistently delicious at our dinner table – Prosecco, Valpolicella, Soave, etc., and like many Italian wine regions, it covers a lot of gastronomic diversity – from rice and peas, to braised horse and/or donkey – and a lot in between.

Traditional producers like Brigaldara (red: Valpolicella), or Pieropan (white: Soave) are regulars at our table (as much for the aforementioned) but also because the price-points (generally $15 USD or less) are as palatable as the wines themselves.

Most of my time (outside of Verona) has been/is devoted to the towns/wines of Bardolino, Soave, Valpolicella and to a lesser extent, as time permits, Lugana.

If you’ve not yet visited the walled village of Soave, or enjoyed an aperitivo in front of the ruins of the Roman arena in Verona, or tried the many versions of cheese produced in Piave, then you might want to investigate further. Oh, and if you like scenic lakes, Lake Garda (area) is a must visit with its many tiny towns that dot the circumference (~ 160 miles) .

(photo: street scene in Lucca, Italy. I just loved the expression on the little girl’s face)