Whilst researching what to do in Venice I realised that Verona was not far away, only 80 mins by train. Sounded like a great idea for a day trip.

During my research I found an interesting restaurant, Bottega Vini. A place that by itself would make the trip worth it. Its cellar is home to over 22,000 bottles of 4,700 different wine labels.

Train to Verona

One thing that Italy does well is their trains, which are reliable, clean and comfortable.

Once we worked out how to use the ticket machine (wasn’t too hard) we found our train and enjoyed a fairly pleasant trip across the Causeway to the main-land and on to Verona.

Verona

We decided to take a cab to the restaurant, as it was another very warm day and we wanted to arrive not too hot and sticky.

One thing about Verona is that there are a lot of one way streets so what looked like a short distance on a map was a 15 minute taxi ride.

As we were early we went for a short wander.

and a quick coffee …

Bottega Vini

After the coffee it was time for lunch…..

I knew we were in for an interesting lunch when we entered and all I could see were bottles of wine and the place was filling up with locals.

Once we were seated at our table the great wine tome arrived… There is no way you could call this just a wine list.

I have seen some pretty large wine lists before, but this one definitely wins the prize for the biggest.

I asked the Sommelier how they manage such a list and he said they do two stocktakes a year and, no different to a library, they know where every wine is based on numerical system. What was even more impressive is that he knew the wine that Rob picked without even to pause to think about it.

The Wine

A great choice for lunch, nice balance, structured tannins. A 4 out 5 on Oz’s Wine Rating scale.

The Antipasti Menu

Our Lunch

First Course

Sandwich with Foie Gras, Burrata and Row red Prawns

Cantabrian anchovies with Confit Tomatoes and Burrata

Second Course

Risotto with Amarone wine

Bigoli with duck ragout … Loved it!

Dessert

Tiramisù della Bottega, a definite improvement on most of the ones we have been trying in Venice, except for Oro of course..

More Wine (of course)

Not as refined as the first wine, still not a bad choice. 3.5 out 5 on the Oz’s Wine Rating Scale.

The Cellar

Once we had finished lunch and whilst sorting out the bill I asked the Sommilier about the cellar and he gave me the stats, 22,000 bottles etc, how they manage it, he then offered to let us check the place out. It would have been rude to say no..

He must be a very trusting soul as he did not check us for corkscrews before we head down.

On the way out I asked about dinning in the cellar, apparently you just need to ask.

The Cellar itself is stocked with primarily Italian wines, what I was surprised to find was a decent collection of Australian Wines including some very well priced aged Penfolds Grange and 707. Think they are cheaper to buy from Bottega Vini than in Australia, definitely cellared better than in most Aussie bottle shops.

Bottega Vinni

If you are in the area Antico Bottega Vini is definitely a must. Great food and service with an amazing wine list that seems to be reasonably priced. It was definitely worth taking the time to take a train to and from Venice!

The Verona Wander

After a great meal we needed a walk and Verona is a great town for a wander, so we decided to walk back to the train station through the streets of the old town.

Paddling the Adige River

The Adige River is the second longest river in Italy and has what looks like a strong current. I wouldn’t mind go for rafting trip down it next time I am in Verona!

Castelvecchio

Oz’s Useless Trivia

Castelvecchio, the Old Castle, it was built between 1354 and 1376. Unfortunately during the Second World War as the German Army destroyed the bridge as they retreated in 1945 and was rebuilt in 1949. The Castle itself was restored between 1963 and 1965.

Garage Coffee

Another reason to visit Verona, but not on its own, is Garage Coffee. Definitely the best coffee I had in Italy.

They even know what a long black is!

More of Verona

More of Oz’s Useless Trivia

Monumento Agli Aviatori d’Italia is a monument by the sculptor Aurelius Quaglino that is dedicated to aviators and is located in Piazza Matteotti in Desenzano. It depicts a woman’s face with her eyes closed and long hair flowing.

Verona

If I am ever back in the area near Verona I will definitely try to plan another visit to Verona and Antico Bottega Vini, hopefully a meal in the cellar can be arranged. And no we did not look for the famous balcony…

The trip back on the train was uneventful, a lot more passengers though.

Cheers!

BTW, this is my 300th post!