Verona is set to host an extraordinary event for wine enthusiasts and historians alike. The 21st edition of Amarone Opera Prima, organized by the Consorzio Vini Valpolicella, will take place at Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Piazza Bra on Friday, January 31st. This year’s edition is particularly special, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the consortium’s foundation, an important milestone for one of Italy’s most renowned wine-producing regions.
At the heart of this prestigious event is Amarone Bolla 1950, a wine of immense historical significance. This vintage will be featured in an exclusive vertical tasting entitled “The Memory of Time: A Journey Through the Historic Vintages of Amarone”. The tasting will be led by Andrea Lonardi, a Master of Wine and Vice President of the Consorzio Vini Valpolicella. This unique experience will allow attendees to explore nine prestigious vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella from different wineries, starting with the oldest and most historically significant: the 1950 vintage from Cantina Bolla.
The Amarone Bolla 1950 holds a special place in the history of Valpolicella wines. Annagrazia Bolla, a direct witness to the winery’s legacy, recalls: “I saw this Amarone being created; 75 years have passed, and yet it seems like yesterday. The 1950 vintage, bottled in 1953, is a tribute to my grandfather, Alberto, who established the winery. It was our first Amarone vintage, and these bottles encapsulate not only the history of our winery but also, in many ways, the history of Amarone itself”.
The vertical tasting will highlight how Amarone has evolved over the decades while maintaining the characteristics that make it one of the most beloved wines in the world. Experts, wine lovers, and industry professionals will have the opportunity to appreciate the nuances of different vintages, gaining insights into the production techniques and aging potential of this iconic wine.
Amarone Opera Prima is not just a wine tasting event—it is a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and innovation. Over the years, the event has become a benchmark for Amarone lovers and producers, bringing together experts from across the globe to discuss, taste, and honor one of Italy’s greatest wines.
The 2025 edition is even more significant as it coincides with the centenary of the Consorzio Vini Valpolicella, an organization that has played a crucial role in promoting and protecting the identity of Amarone and other Valpolicella wines. The event will feature discussions on the evolution of Amarone, the impact of climate change on winemaking, and the future of the Valpolicella wine industry.
