Discover Valpolicella Wines in a Historic Hilltop Fortress

Castrum Wine Relais Valpolicella – the first Albergo Diffuso in the Veneto region – is ready to welcome you for an authentic food and wine experience, at the gateway to the Valpolicella Classica region, on the panoramic hilltop in the heart of the medieval village of Castelrotto.

In this place rich in charm and history, Castrum Rotari was built (7th century) – a military fortress and the “KM Zero” of Valpolicella Classica – a strategic point that over the centuries hosted important figures in Italian history and was the source of edicts and decrees that shaped the history of this renowned wine region.
In 1177, King Frederick of Swabia, known as Barbarossa, issued the decree from here that changed the name of the area from Val di Veriago and Pruviniano to Valpolicella, defining the identity of a territory now famous throughout the world for its wines.

Casa dei Fraccaroli is a Venetian villa, one of the oldest residences in the village, built in 1790 and located in the main square of Castelrotto. The CASTRUM WINE RELAIS accommodation complex includes Casa dei Fraccaroli, with its ancient underground cellar, a rustic outbuilding, a large olive grove, and the Borghetti Giampiero Winery, where classic Valpolicella wines are produced.

Casa dei Fraccaroli (1790), the family estate of the current owner and winemaker Giampiero Borghetti, has been passed down from generation to generation and today opens its doors to guests for guided tours of the cellar and barrel room, panoramic walks and personalized food and wine experiences.

The wines available for tasting are from the Castrum Platinum Collection , presented and sold exclusively at Castrum. Inspired by the works of the great sculptor Innocenzo Fraccaroli, born at Casa Fraccaroli in 1805, these varietals give life to the "Vini d'Autore" of the Castrum collection.

The tasting experience includes two classic local wines:
Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC – Il Davide ,
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG – Achille.

The experience is accompanied by local products, combining tradition, quality, and authenticity.

Castrum Wine Relais and the Borghetti Giampiero winery offer not just a tasting, but a true journey through wine, art, architecture, family history, and centuries-old traditions.

Every evening, the Castrum Wine Bar & Bistro opens, with five stone rooms in the basement of Casa Fraccaroli and a large outdoor terrace overlooking the romantic village of Castelrotto. A surprising, modern, and contemporary concept set in a medieval residence, it offers local dishes and evening wine tasting experiences.
In 2025, the location won the “Wine Tourism & Food Tasting” title in Italy in the prestigious international competition Great Wine Capitals of the World .

A unique place to experience Valpolicella with all your senses, amid breathtaking views, art, family stories, and great wines.

IN VALPOLICELLA, TIME IS OUR FRIEND.