Amarone Opera Prima
The preview of Valpolicella's great red wine in Verona
About Amarone Opera Prima
The preview of Verona's great red wine
Amarone Opera Prima is the event with which, every year in Verona, the new vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella, the noblest of the region's red wines, is unveiled to the world. Organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella, the event brings together dozens of wineries in a grand tasting that attracts enthusiasts, sommeliers, industry professionals, and journalists from all over the world. The 2026 edition, the 22nd, officially presents the 2021 vintage at the Gallerie Mercatali of Veronafiere.
One tasting, many stories
Amarone is born from the ancient technique of drying grapes – Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella – grown on the hills of Valpolicella, in the province of Verona. Each winery brings the preview vintage to the tasting and, often, a selected historical vintage, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of the wine over time. The tasting is the heart of the event: a liquid map of the appellation, where each glass tells a different slope, a microclimate, a distinct winemaking approach.
Wine and territory culture
Amarone Opera Prima is not just about tasting: the program includes masterclasses led by internationally renowned experts and talks dedicated to the future of the appellation, from Amarone's positioning in high-end global restaurants to the challenges of territorial reinvention. The tastings are accompanied by gastronomic offerings inspired by Veronese tradition, in a constant dialogue between wine and local cuisine. An event that, in the heart of the Veneto winter, ignites Verona and makes it the capital of great Italian red wine for two days.
Amarone Opera Prima — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of Amarone Opera Prima, organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella, took place on January 31st and February 1st, 2026, at the Gallerie Mercatali of Veronafiere, in Verona. The absolute protagonist was the 2021 vintage, described as balanced, typical, and elegant: a vintage marked by a cold winter with spring frosts and a hot, dry summer, from which the winemakers of Valpolicella were able to bring healthy, quality grapes to the cellar.
The program opened its doors to trade professionals and, on Saturday afternoon and throughout Sunday, also to enthusiasts, with a large tasting area accompanied by masterclasses and talks dedicated to Amarone's positioning and the future of the appellation.
Programme Amarone Opera Prima 2026
2026 Program
- Friday, January 30th, 11:00 AM — Opening masterclass "Back to the Future – Valpolicella 2030", dedicated to the reinvention of the territory.
- Saturday, January 31st, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM — Tasting open to trade professionals and wine lovers.
- Sunday, February 1st, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM — Tasting open to trade professionals and wine lovers.
Wineries presented the 2021 vintage as a preview and, optionally, a selected historical vintage. Tastings were accompanied by gastronomic offerings inspired by Veronese tradition. Full program at amaroneoperaprima.it.
Highlights Amarone Opera Prima 2026
Prices Amarone Opera Prima 2026
Practical information — Amarone Opera Prima
Getting there
The Gallerie Mercatali are located in the Veronafiere exhibition district, on Viale del Lavoro, well connected to Verona Porta Nuova station and accessible by car from the Verona Sud exit of the A4 motorway. Ample parking is available at the exhibition center.
Tickets
Admission fee with a Wine Lover ticket (purchasable online or on-site) and a dedicated rate for industry professionals. Event reserved for adults. Tickets and information at amaroneoperaprima.it.
Tips
Advance booking is recommended, especially for masterclasses with limited capacity. For wine lovers, public opening is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
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Where does it take place — Amarone Opera Prima
Gallerie Mercatali, Veronafiere
Viale del Lavoro 8, 37135 Verona