La Vineria di San Mattia

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to La Vineria di San Mattia on a warm afternoon last spring – you know, that time of year when Verona’s starting to buzz with tourists but the hills around the city are still all quiet and green. It’s tucked away on Via Santa Giuliana, just north of the Adige River, in this little pocket that’s more countryside than urban chaos. Honestly, if you’re driving in from the A4 highway, it’s a breeze – no fighting through the centro storico traffic like you would for those spots near the Arena. I parked right on the property (plenty of spots, by the way, which is a godsend in Italy where parking can be a nightmare), and the check-in was this relaxed affair at the old farmhouse desk. The staff – a mix of locals who actually live nearby – chatted about the best time to visit the nearby Torricelle hills for sunset views, not some scripted spiel. Oh, and the smell hit me right away: fresh earth from the vineyards surrounding the place, mixed with that faint, yeasty wine aroma wafting from their on-site cellar. It’s not your typical hotel; it’s more like staying at a working agriturismo, you know? Sort of rustic-chic, with stone walls that feel centuries old – I mean, the building dates back to who knows when, probably tied to the old San Mattia estate.

What really won me over, though, was how they weave in the wine thing without it feeling gimmicky. The rooms are spacious, with these big wooden beams overhead and views out over the grapevines – mine had a little balcony where I sipped their house Valpolicella at dusk, watching the lights of Verona flicker on in the distance. It’s about a 10-minute drive to Piazza delle Erbe or Juliet’s House, but honestly, you might not want to leave; they’ve got this fantastic restaurant serving up farm-fresh stuff like homemade pasta with truffles from the region, and breakfast is a spread of local cheeses, prosciutto, and those flaky cornetti that are still warm. I wandered the grounds one morning – paths through the vines, a pool that’s perfect for lazy afternoons (though it can get a bit crowded in July when Italians flock here for weekends). Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet at night, no honking scooters like downtown, but fair warning: if you’re a light sleeper, the roosters from nearby farms might wake you at dawn – charming, in a way, but yeah, pack earplugs if that’s not your vibe. And the Wi-Fi? Solid, even out by the olive trees, which was great for catching up on emails while pretending I was on a real escape.

Look, if you’re the type who wants Verona’s romance without the tourist crush – maybe a couple on a wine-tasting getaway or a family looking for something authentic – this place is gold. It’s got that 4-star polish with a 9.1 rating that feels earned, not inflated, but it’s not pretentious; well, maybe the wine tastings could use a few more English explanations for non-Italians, but that’s a minor quibble. I left feeling like I’d stumbled on a secret spot locals keep to themselves, recharged by the fresh air and those rolling hills. Totally worth the slight detour from the city center – you know what, book it for spring or fall when the vines are changing colors, and thank me later.

Reviews

• Igor from Greece – 29 November 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing experience! Very friendly and helpful staff. Staff spoke several languages, English Italien Russian, most likely a little German too.
  
  What could be improved: Personally I live in county side so was not a problem for us. But for people who can't stand insects, well, it's nature and they are all around, and they will end up in the room if you leave windows open. Don't complain, just ask the reception for some advice.

• Scurtu from Romania – 23 March 2025 (10/10)

  Quiet place , cozy , great staff , great breakfast

• Amina from Germany – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  We had a great stay, the room was spacious, very clean, had a wonderful view and the beds were comfortable. The breakfast is plentiful and of high quality with a great view of the city. We would love to come back.

• Susanna from Finland – 12 March 2025 (10/10)

  Beautifull environment. The room was beautifull too. We ate in San Mattia restaurant and the food and the wine were great and tasty.
  We fell in love with the farm's own olive oil and bought some to bring it back home.

• Kuralt from Slovenia – 7 March 2025 (10/10)

  Place, rooms, food, staff- everything excellent
  
  What could be improved: Location and short distance to reach Verona with bus.

• Rita from Switzerland – 28 February 2025 (10/10)

  Second time staying in a few days because is that good ❤️
  
  What could be improved: All perfect

• Rita from Switzerland – 25 February 2025 (10/10)

  The place is absolutely amazing, very beautiful and with a cozy family atmosphere, the restaurant is superb and the staff is very kind. The breakfast is so good with fresh local ingredients, we loved our stay and are dreaming of getting back there in a more warmer weather.
  
  What could be improved: The mattress where a bit old and uncomfortable. But everything else was amazing.

• David from Serbia – 19 February 2025 (10/10)

  Friendly and helpful staff, lovely ambient and location

• Matthew from Romania – 16 February 2025 (10/10)

  Gorgeous and lots of beautiful areas to walk.
  
  What could be improved: I don’t like having to leave after 1 night. We’ll return and stay longer next time.

• Robert from United Kingdom – 3 February 2025 (10/10)

  Location and staff
  
  What could be improved: All good

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities