Wine Tours and Tastings in Lake Como

When people mention Italian wine it's often the idyllic rolling hills of Tuscany or the rugged landscape of Sicily that springs to mind. However, wine lovers should not be quick to discount a wine-tasting tour in Lake Como — with the region building on a burgeoning reputation for producing unique and distinctive wines.

Although wine production in this area of Lombardy dates back to Ancient Roman times, it was only recently re-established. This enables local wineries to draw inspiration from the past while setting an innovative course for the future — creating one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions as they go.

Here's all you need to know about wine-tasting tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Lake Como.

What are the best wine-tasting tours in Lake Como?

Finding the best wine-tasting tour in Lake Como is up to your personal taste and there are a couple of tours to choose from.

Lake Como’s small group wine-tasting tour

This foray into Lombardian viniculture is limited to 12 people, making it the ideal Lake Como wine tour for a group of friends. While there might be a couple of more affordable options available, this one offers the perfect balance between cost and quality — allowing you to explore this fascinating wine region without cutting corners.

You’ll start your evening tour from a location in Como’s historic center, from where you’ll visit a prestigious wine shop in the city. Your outing will be led by a qualified sommelier, and they’ll explain the subtleties of Lombardian wines — while telling you how factors like the placement of the vineyard’s slopes, the gradient and local terroir all play a role in the end product.

Your 2-hour wine tasting and food tour experience is also accompanied by a wide selection of local cheese and cold meats, ensuring you won't go hungry. Lastly, you’ll enjoy some sparkling wines, finishing your wine-tasting off in style.

Private wine-tasting tour in Lake Como and Lombardy

If you want to leave the confines of Como behind during your wine-tasting trip you should consider this private tour. Not only will you be the only people on the outing, but you’ll also be able to determine the itinerary — allowing you to add locations like Villa Melzi, the stunning town of Bellagio or the elegant Villa Balbianello to your tour.

Kick your day off in style, with an air-conditioned van picking you up directly from your hotel in Como. From here your guide and driver will escort you around Lake Como, heading to the stunning Valtellina Valley — the agricultural heart of the region.

After stopping at a local vineyard to sample some wines and delicacies, you’ll head to a winery in Chiuro on the borders of Switzerland. Here you’ll enjoy an in-depth exploration of the wine-waking process before traveling to the remains of Castle Grumello. Finally, head back home to the comfort of your hotel in Como.

Are there any combos available with wine-tasting tours in Lake Como?

Combining a wine-tasting tour with another activity in Lake Como is a great idea, especially if both experiences are focused on Lombardy’s gastronomical traditions.

Wine-tasting tour with dinner in Lake Como

You’ll meet your tour guide and driver at a restaurant in the town of Lierna on the shores of Lake Como.

From here you’ll visit a local winery that offers magnificent views of the lake, as well as delicious wines. The winemaker will walk you through the entire process that goes into a bottle of their finest — while also illuminating the subtleties that you should look out for in the different grape varieties.

Next, travel further into the Lombardian countryside where you’ll visit a local farm to taste some of the specialties that the region is famous for.

Learn more about life in rural northern Italy by exploring hundred-year-old customs and traditions before journeying to your final destination — a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delectable dinner as well as the chance to show off some of your newly acquired skills.

Which places are visited?

The locations visited during a wine-tasting tour in Lake Como will depend on the type of trip you choose. Tours that stay in Como will typically concentrate on the historic city center, where you’ll visit wine shops, restaurants and delicatessens.

Alternatively, you’ll head out into the mountainous region surrounding the lake to explore areas like the exquisite Valtellina Valley — an area home to breathtaking views as well as quaint villages like Chiuro on the Swiss border.

If you are exploring the region during a private wine-tasting tour be sure to add Villa Balbianello and the town of Bellagio to your list — with both these destinations exemplifying the elegance that Lake Como is famous for.

How much do wine-tasting tours in Lake Como cost?

Wine-tasting tours in Lake Como can range from €60 to €120 per person for guided and small group tours respectively — with the price rising to around €500 per group for private trips. You should consider that the price of the excursion will play a role when it comes to the quality of the overall experience.

A small group wine-tasting tour in Lake Como will cost €120 per person, but for this price, you’ll be accompanied by a sommelier. You’ll also enjoy generous platters bedecked with local cheese and cold meats, paired perfectly with a selection of wines.

A private wine-tasting tour in Lake Como and Lombardy will cost €550 per group of up to 7 travelers. You’ll enjoy the added benefit of being the only people on the trip, allowing you a greater say in the itinerary.

A wine-tasting tour with dinner in Lake Como will cost €470 per person but this price includes a full-day tour of this wine region — as well as a delicious dinner in the evening, leaving you with a complete picture of Lombardian wine, cuisine and hospitality.

What is included?

Wine tours in and around Lake Como will always include a knowledgeable guide to help you explore the intricacies of the local cultivars. The level of said guide will depend on the price and type of tour, with expertise ranging from passionate aficionados to qualified sommeliers.

The number and quality of the wines tasted will also depend on the type of tour, but at a minimum, you’ll taste four wines. These tastings will typically occur at the vineyard or at specialized wine shops around Lake Como.

Where does it start?

The starting point for a wine-tasting tour from Lake Como is determined by the places visited during the trip. Wine tastings that visit specialty shops and restaurants will usually start from a spot in Como, or nearby towns around the lake — while those venturing into the surrounding areas will generally offer a pickup and drop-off service from your hotel in and around Como.

How long does it last?

Typically,  a wine-tasting tour in Lake Como will last between 1 and 2 hours, but half and full-day tours are also available. The duration of these trips depends on the variety of wines that you will enjoy, as well as the locations visited. Tours visiting vineyards in the countryside will last longer because more time is spent on travel.

When is the best time for a wine-tasting tour in Lake Como?

The best time for a wine-tasting tour in Lake Como is typically in the early afternoon on weekdays, during the quieter shoulder seasons of spring from April to June and autumn from September to October.

Weekdays are recommended to avoid the weekend crowds and allowing you to savor the local wines in a tranquil setting.provide a more peaceful and personalized experience,

Travel tips

• Book your wine-tasting experience in advance to secure your spot and potentially benefit from online discounts.
• If you plan to taste multiple wines, consider having a designated driver or arranging for transportation to ensure a safe journey back to your accommodation.
• Dress neatly but comfortably. Avoid strong perfumes, as they can interfere with the wine-tasting experience.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions and engage about the wines, the winery, and the winemaking process. It enhances your understanding and appreciation of the wines.
• Between tastings, drink water and nibble on plain crackers or bread to cleanse your palate and enjoy the wines to the fullest.