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Giornata delle Ville Venete (Venetian Villas Day): the program at the Garden of Pojega and Villa Rizzardi
On October 18 and 19, 2025, the Giornata Nazionale delle Ville Venete (Venetian Villas Day) returns for its fourth edition.
This initiative, promoted by the IRVV – Regional Institute for Venetian Villas and the Association for Venetian Villas, is designed to showcase and promote the Venetian Villas through authentic experiences that bring together culture, nature, and conviviality.
In the heart of Valpolicella—among the warm tones of freshly harvested vineyards and the autumn hues that light up the tree-lined avenues—the Garden of Pojega and Villa Rizzardi, the 19th-century residence within it, invite visitors to enjoy two special days.
Wine and Taste
On Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00, the evocative 17th-century rural courtyard at the entrance to the Garden of Pojega comes alive with aromas and flavours. Here, wine and food become an integral part of the experience:
- Guerrieri Rizzardi Wine Shop, open with the full range of the family estates’ labels and the option to book guided tastings.
- Food truck, operating all day with coffee bar, snacks, gourmet sandwiches, and hot dishes for a convivial break.
A rich program of activities
A rich line-up awaits visitors on 18 and 19 October, with experiences for all ages: yoga sessions, guided tastings, garden tours, author encounters, and animated readings. Events unfold in the rooms of Villa Rizzardi and across the scenic corners of the Garden of Pojega.
Discover the full program and share the magic of autumn with us at the Garden of Pojega at Villa Rizzardi.
10:00 | Vibrations of Energy – Yoga and Sound – adults
10:00 | Guided tour of the Garden – for everyone
12:00 |Guided tasting of Guerrieri Rizzardi wines – adults
15:00 | Guided tour of the Garden – for everyone
16:00 | Guided tasting of Guerrieri Rizzardi wines – adults
10:00–18:00 | Wine shop and food truck open
Click here for times, details and highlights of each event
10:00 | Guided tour of the Garden
10:30 | Meet the author & animated reading – children up to age 6
11:00 | Meet the author & animated reading – children over age 6
12:00 | Guided tasting of Guerrieri Rizzardi wines – adults
15:00 | Guided tour of the Garden – for everyone
16:00 | Guided tasting of Guerrieri Rizzardi wines – adults
10:00–18:00 | Wine shop and food truck open
Click here for times, details and highlights of each event
A weekend of history, nature and conviviality
The Giornata delle Ville Venete (Venetian Villas Day) 2025 at the Garden of Pojega and Villa Rizzardi offers a program that blends wellness, reading, tastings, and historical discoveries. A weekend to experience the Venetian Villa not only as a witness of the past, but as a living place, able to welcome and engage visitors of all ages.
👉 We recommend booking activities with limited availability and checking ticketing online for all details.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 18
VIBRATIONS OF ENERGY – Yoga and Sound
Saturday 18 October
10:00 | duration 1.5 hours
What it is
A session of Anukalana Yoga combining fluid movements with mindful breathing and sound vibrations. During the practice, participants perform asanas (postures used in some yoga traditions, particularly Hatha Yoga). The Monochord accompanies each posture, amplifying the sense of connection between body, mind, and spirit.
Benefits
- Increased physical and energetic flexibility
- Deep inner connection
- Release of muscular and emotional tension
- Recharge of vital energy
Who it is for
Ideal for those seeking an activity that is dynamic yet relaxing, helping to loosen stiffness and restore mental and emotional lightness. Perfect as well for anyone curious to experience the union of yoga and sound vibrations. No prior experience in yoga or holistic practices required. Adults only.
Led by
Carlo Cicchini and Eleonora Zamboni
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing
- Yoga mat
- Water bottle
What’s included
- Admission to the Garden
- Yoga and Sound experience
- A glass of wine
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega tote bag
Good to know
Limited availability, advance booking recommended.
The experience will take place inside Villa Rizzardi and is guaranteed even in case of rain.
GUIDED TOURS
Saturday 18 October
10:00 and 15:00 | two sessions, 1 hour each
What it is
A guided tour of the Garden led by our staff to explore this 18th-century masterpiece with fresh eyes, hear its history, and discover its anecdotes.
Who it is for
Ideal for individuals and groups of adults.
For families with young children, we recommend our web app with a treasure hunt designed for little explorers, as well as the animated reading sessions.
What’s included
- In-house guide
- A glass of Guerrieri Rizzardi wine
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega bookmark
Good to know
No booking required.
In case of heavy rain, the tour may be postponed or cancelled.
Cost per person
As part of the Giornata delle Ville Venete (Venetian Villas Day), the guided tour is included with the admission ticket.
GUIDED TASTINGS
Saturday 18 October
12:00 and 16:00 | two sessions, 1 hour each
What it is
A sensory journey guided by a sommelier through Guerrieri Rizzardi wines, grown in the vineyards that frame the Garden of Pojega. In the warm atmosphere of autumn, just after harvest, this is a unique opportunity to discover aromas and nuances that tell the story of Valpolicella through its most iconic labels:
- Cuvée XVI, Valpolicella Classico DOC
- Pojega, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC and Valpolicella Classico DOC
- 3Cru, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
Who it is for
For anyone who wants to discover Valpolicella wines and their bond with the land, and for those who love tasting with curiosity and conviviality. No need to be a sommelier: just the desire to be guided on a sensory journey through the vineyards and the beauty of the Garden of Pojega.
What’s included
- Guided tasting of three wines
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega bookmark
(admission to the Garden not included)
Good to know
Limited places, booking required.
The experience is guaranteed even in case of rain.
SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER
GUIDED TOURS
Sunday 19 October
10:00 and 15:00 | two sessions, 1 hour each
What it is
A guided tour of the Garden led by our staff to explore this 18th-century masterpiece with fresh eyes, hear its history, and discover its anecdotes.
Who it is for
Ideal for individuals and groups of adults.
For families with young children, we recommend our web app with a treasure hunt designed for little explorers, as well as the animated reading sessions.
What’s included
- In-house guide
- A glass of Guerrieri Rizzardi wine
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega bookmark
Good to know
No booking required.
In case of heavy rain, the tour may be postponed or cancelled.
Cost per person
As part of the Giornata delle Ville Venete (Venetian Villas Day), the guided tour is included with the admission ticket.
MEET THE AUTHOR & ANIMATED READING “Everything Comes Back. Three Stories in Reverse Order”
Sunday 19 October
11:00 | duration 1 hour
What it is
Irish-born and long-time resident of Italy, RJ Rafferty is the author of Tutto torna. Tre racconti in ordine inverso (Everything Comes Back. Three Stories in Reverse Order). She will lead young readers on a fantastic, surprise-filled journey among woodland gnomes, villages, and rivers running against the current. Three stories that reflect on the meaning of “returning.”
Who it is for
Children over age 6
What’s included
- Admission to the Garden
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega bookmark
Good to know
No booking required.
In case of rain, the reading will take place inside Villa Rizzardi.
Cost per person
The activity is included in the Garden admission ticket.
As per ticketing policy, admission is free for children up to 6 years old; only companions and children over 6 require a ticket.
MEET THE AUTHORS & ANIMATED READING “When I Become Small”
Sunday 19 October
10:30 | duration 30 minutes
What it is
Verona-based author Romina Zecchini presents her brand-new picture book Quando divento piccolo (When I Become Small), published by Gagio Edizioni, with an animated reading. Illustrated by Valentina Giovacchini, the book invites children to let their imagination roam and discover how insecurities can turn into courage—where every small step becomes a big achievement.
Who it is for
Children up to age 6
What’s included
- Admission to the Garden
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega bookmark
- Original illustrations from the book to color in
Good to know
No booking required.
In case of rain, the reading will take place inside Villa Rizzardi.
Cost per person
The activity is included in the Garden admission ticket.
As per ticketing policy, admission is free for children up to 6 years old; only companions and children over 6 require a ticket.
GUIDED TASTINGS
Sunday 18 October
12:00 and 16:00 | two sessions, 1 hour each
What it is
A sensory journey guided by a sommelier through Guerrieri Rizzardi wines, grown in the vineyards that frame the Garden of Pojega. In the warm atmosphere of autumn, just after harvest, this is a unique opportunity to discover aromas and nuances that tell the story of Valpolicella through its most iconic labels:
- Cuvée XVI, Valpolicella Classico DOC
- Pojega, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC and Valpolicella Classico DOC
- 3Cru, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
Who it is for
For anyone who wants to discover Valpolicella wines and their bond with the land, and for those who love tasting with curiosity and conviviality. No need to be a sommelier: just the desire to be guided on a sensory journey through the vineyards and the beauty of the Garden of Pojega.
What’s included
- Guided tasting of three wines
- Complimentary Garden of Pojega bookmark
(admission to the Garden not included)
Good to know
Limited places, booking required.
The experience is guaranteed even in case of rain.
