TASTE VERONA: THE TEAM
Hello! I’m Serena Festini—your local Travel Designer and Sommelier in the heart of Verona.
Born and raised in Verona, my journey began with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. However, my deep-rooted passion for my homeland and the world of wine eventually led me to redefine my path and so I decided to turn my love for this territory into a profession.
I am a certified FISAR Sommelier and hold the international WSET Level 3 award, qualifications that complement my licensed expertise as a Professional Tour Leader. Since 2016, I have collaborated with premier Tour Operators, guiding discerning travelers through Verona’s most prestigious wine regions: Valpolicella, Soave, and Lake Garda.
In 2023 my deep connection to this territory led me to publish “I vini di Verona“, a comprehensive guide to our local DOCs, now available online and in major local bookshops.
Whether you are a curious palate or a seasoned enthusiast, I am here to design an intimate, signature experience that reveals the authentic essence of our vines.
TASTE VERONA: THE PROJECT
Founded in 2020, Taste Verona is my personal boutique project, born from a deep-rooted passion for my homeland and its heritage. My mission is to guide you through Verona and its stunning surroundings, offering a unique perspective on our world-class wines, traditional recipes, and authentic local flavors.
Taste Verona act as a reliable on-the-ground partner for international Tour Operators and Travel Agencies, providing seamless, expert-led wine experiences.
MISSION
- CERTIFIED GUIDES: I believe that true expertise makes the difference. I am a certified Sommelier and licensed Tour Leader with extensive experience in Verona’s wine regions. Beyond my professional titles, I bring a deep, lifelong knowledge of my homeland, ensuring every story shared is as authentic as the wine in your glass.
- AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES: I love what I do and the land I call home. This passion is the heartbeat of my tours, which are designed to be genuine, original, and deeply connected to the territory. By sharing my direct knowledge and personal relationships with local producers, I offer a window into the true spirit of our wine heritage.
- TAILOR- MADE TOURS: I am a firm believer in the “tailor-made” approach. Excellence lies in the details, which is why I meticulously craft each experience around your unique needs and preferences. Every tour is strictly private and fully customized, ensuring an exclusive journey that reflects your personal style.
GUEST EXPERIENCES
“We had a great experience visiting the vineyard in valpolicella! We enjoyed the tour, the wine, the information. “
“Serena was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly! We had amazing conversations about the beautiful wine regions of Italy. Her love and passion for wine and the Valpolicella region were apparent and very appreciated.”
Wonderful, memorable experience!
After quick contact was established via email we were teamed up with our guide Serena. A meeting point was arranged, time was very flexible, and we set off to visit 3 smaller and distinctly different vineyards. Serena clearly has established wonderful relationships with these small producers and we had a phenomenal time to learn all about Amarone and Ripasso and such.
“Private tour with Serena who had an excellent command of the English language and extensive knowledge about wine makers of The Valpolicella region. We learned all about the wine making processes, grape varieties, and distributions around the world. I recommend this tour without reservation. You will enjoy the service and quality of wines offered for tastings. Enjoy !”
“We were taken to the amazing town of Soave and surrounding vineyards to taste classical wines from this region. The guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable and answered all our curious questions about winemaking processes. This tour is totally recommended!”
“Serena was an absolute wonderful person to take me on the Valpolicella tour. She is knowledgeable. She takes her time with you and never makes you feel rushed.“
“Un addio al nubilato con i fiocchi visitando la città in modo originale. Serena è stata un ottima guida illustrando le particolarità del territorio. Visita alla cantina molto bella. Consiglio a tutti di farsi un giro in bici in questi paesaggi tutti da scoprire in compagnia di Serena.”
CERTIFICATIONS:
