In the heart of the Valpolicella Classica region, in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella near Verona, the historic Boscaini family has inaugurated Monteleone21: a center of excellence for wine tourism named after the hill on which it stands, in perfect symbiosis with nature and the surrounding landscape.

Designed to have a low environmental impact, covered in vines and clad in local stone, the dramatic architecture of the new home of Masi Amarone evokes the marogne, the dry stone walls that for centuries have protected the vineyard terraces like bastions, like silent guardians of timeless knowledge.

Masi, a globally renowned producer of Amarone, has always had ties to the Valpolicella Classica region: its history began in 1772, the year of the Boscaini family’s first harvest in the prized Vaio dei Masi vineyards, from which the company takes its name.

Within this imposing structure, the Locanda Costasera Restaurant & Wine Bar Bistrot represents the food and wine heart of the history not only of this area, but also of the 140 towns and villages where Masi operates, offering a high-end culinary experience paired with the world’s finest wines.

The architectural design and the soul of Amarone

Booking the Restaurant, Wine Bar & Bistrot is also the perfect excuse to visit Monteleone21, an incredible sculpture-like winery emerging from the earth. Initially conceived by architect Libero Cecchini and subsequently reinterpreted by Giovanna Mar, in collaboration with her studio and architect Alessandro Beghini, the work is two-thirds underground, crowned by a charming hanging garden with a 360° view of the Valpolicella.

The ancestral connection between the appassimento technique and contemporary technology, of which Masi is an absolute master, is revealed in the majestic 12-meter-high Monumental Fruit Storage, which hosts the site-specific installation “The Soul of Amarone,” created by video art pioneer Fabrizio Plessi, renowned for his works that combine natural elements with technology.

The heart of Monteleone21 is the marvelous Agorà, a circular plaza spanning over 1,000 square meters, adorned with historic marble bas-reliefs featuring the Lion of Saint Mark, from Dr. Boscaini’s personal collection. Conceived as a place for meeting, conviviality, and the discovery and celebration of wine, it houses, in addition to the Locanda Costasera, the Enoteca Masi Wine Shop, where you can purchase the finest Masi products and more, as well as numerous wine-related gift ideas.

The Gastronomic Offer: Locanda Costasera & Wine Bar Bistro

Guided by the cosmopolitan vision of the brand, now present in over 140 countries, Locanda Costasera offers a taste journey that reinterprets local gastronomic culture, blending it with the international regions where the company operates, from Europe to Latin America.

At the heart of the culinary experience is the concept of “Wine First”: the dish is born and evolves around the glass. From the freshness of iconic wines like Campofiorin to the structural complexity of Masi’s six different Amarones—including the celebrated Costasera, a true global benchmark for the appellation—each pairing is designed to enhance the aromatic notes induced by the Appassimento technique, of which Masi is a master.

The brigade celebrates the perfect meeting between the local raw material and the red gold of Valpolicella. The undisputed king of the menu can only be the Risotto all’Amarone, prepared according to the Veronese tradition with Vialone Nano rice, expertly creamed to enhance the intense, spicy and enveloping notes of the Amarone Costasera Masi.

Alongside this great classic, the menu offers signature interpretations where wine becomes an ingredient and inspiration such as the Trio of Fish Empanadas with Passo Blanco Wine, Meat with Passo Doble and Queso with Corbec or Deviled Octopus with Chipotle, Herbed Yogurt and Greek Mixed Salad.

Ranging from the restaurant to the wine bar, you can choose from a variety of options: from an aperitif with a visit to Plessi’s installation to the Gourmet Wine Experience, an immersive experience that combines a guided tour of the property with a refined tasting lunch.

There are countless experiences that can be booked at Monteleone21, in addition to staying at or visiting the nearby Tenuta Serego Alighieri, just a two-minute drive away. This estate, home to the descendants of the great poet Dante Alighieri, is another popular location for Masi Wine Experiences, including horseback riding and signature tastings.

Monteleone21 is one of the most incredible wine-related experiences in Italy.

The Secret

The Agora features a coffered concrete ceiling, constructed in a single step, starting at 6:00 a.m. and completed at 6:00 p.m., so there were no joints: a major challenge, both in terms of design and execution.

Useful Info

Locanda Costasera & Wine Bar Bistrot
Via Monteleone 21
37015 Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Verona
Tel. +39 045 6832532

Locanda Costasera Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Wine Bar – Bistro Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Appetizers: from €14
First courses: from €15
Main courses: from €16

Experiences and Tastings

Guided tour and tasting of 3 wines starting from €45 per person
Visit of the Fabrizio Plessi art installation with a tasting of a glass of Amarone Costasera: €15 per person
For many other available experiences, visit the Monteleone21 website