Not by chance as the ancient name 'Val Polis Cellae' actually means 'the valley of many wine cellars'. Little has changed.

Today, this series of small valleys below the Monte Baldo and Lessini mountains still retain the perfect climate for wine making - spring rains, torrid summer heat and brisk autumn winds.

Famous local wine producers to discover include 'Quintarelli','Del Forno' and 'Allegrini'. Together, they produce the even more famous Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classica, Amarone and Recioto wines. Red wines of course.

To get your bearings, the main towns in the zone north west of Verona are S.Giorgio in Valpolicella, S.Ambrogio di Valpolicella, S.Pietro in Cariano, Fumane, Marano, Negrar, Grezzana, Mezzane, Tregnago, Cazzano di Tramigna and Colognola ai Colli.

Dispersed in the hills and valleys between are around 80 wine producers and 150 enoteche to get close to the wines.

For more information: Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella www.valpolicella.it

With thanks to Enoteca Allegrini and Villa Giona