Mezzane di Sotto
Mezzane di Sotto is a hillside municipality about 20 kilometres east of Verona, at the heart of the Val di Mezzane, a valley of th...
Updated 12 July 2026
The story
The story of Mezzane di Sotto
The Val di Mezzane and the Extended Valpolicella
The Val di Mezzane lies east of Verona, in an area that falls within the so-called 'extended' Valpolicella, outside the classic denomination zone but still authorised to produce DOC Valpolicella and Soave wines. It is a lesser-known valley compared to the historic Valpolicella Classica areas, but with soil and climate characteristics that local producers are highlighting through an ongoing effort to define specific subzones. The landscape is typical of the Verona hills, with vine rows following the slopes, interspersed with woods and olive groves, in a setting still relatively untouched by mass tourism compared to the nearby Valpolicella Classica.
The Vignaioli Valle di Mezzane
The Vignaioli Valle di Mezzane group brings together thirteen farms that grow and vinify exclusively the grapes from their own vineyards, with the stated aim of bringing out the area's distinctive character and promoting recognition of specific subzones for the Valpolicella wines produced in this valley. It is a collective initiative focused on quality and local identity rather than large volumes, consistent with the family-run scale of most of the wineries involved. For visitors to Mezzane di Sotto, a tour among these producers is the best way to truly get to know the valley's winemaking side, often paired with the chance to taste the olive oil produced on the same land.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a Quiet Excellence
Alongside wine, Mezzane di Sotto is known for its extra virgin olive oil, made from olive trees that cover the valley's slopes like living green sculptures. Every year, in the last week of November, the municipality celebrates this production with an event dedicated to new-season oil, paired with a tasting of Recioto, the area's typical sweet wine. It is a modestly sized event, aimed more at the local community and enthusiasts than at a mass audience, but it offers a genuine opportunity to taste two products that tell the agricultural soul of this part of the Verona hills.
The Romanesque Tower and the Municipality's Hamlets
The municipality of Mezzane di Sotto includes, besides the main village, the hamlets of Castagne and Mezzane di Sopra, spread along the valley among vineyards, olive groves and small settlements. The Romanesque tower, symbol of the municipality, testifies to a settlement whose roots reach back to the medieval period, when this valley was already a farming area of some interest thanks to its sheltered position east of Verona. The landscape seen today, with its terracing and orderly vine rows, is the result of centuries of continuous agricultural work that has adapted to the land without overturning it.
Wine Tourism Away from the Crowds
Unlike the Valpolicella Classica, now an established destination for Verona's wine tourism, the Val di Mezzane offers a more low-key experience, suited to those seeking direct contact with producers without the pressure of large tourist flows. The roads crossing the valley lend themselves to car or bicycle itineraries among the wineries, with stops that reveal a territory still building its reputation but already capable of offering quality wines and oils. This is a kind of tourism that rewards those who take the time to stop, talk with the winemakers and understand the deep bond between this community and its land.
Experiences not to miss
- Wine tasting at the Vignaioli Valle di Mezzane cellars
- Sample the local extra virgin olive oil, ideally in late November
- Walk among the valley's vineyards and olive groves
- Visit the Romanesque tower, symbol of the municipality
- Cycle between Mezzane di Sotto, Castagne and Mezzane di Sopra
To see
What to see in Mezzane di Sotto
Routes · Trovido Route
