Genoa: Wine Tasting Near The Cruise: the best Italian wine

Planning a cruise stop in Genoa? If you’re a wine lover (or even just curious about Italy’s vino), this wine tasting experience offers a fantastic way to indulge in some of Italy’s top labels without leaving the city. Hosted in a stylish enoteca right in the heart of Genoa, this tour combines expert guidance, local delicacies, and a curated selection of Italy’s most celebrated wines—all in just 1.5 hours.

What really sets this apart? You get to choose the wine experience that best suits your taste interests, enjoy a delicious aperitif of focaccia, pesto, cheeses, and cured meats, and walk away with tasting notes and access to an extensive wine cellar. Here are three things we particularly love about this tour: the opportunity to explore wines from various regions, the personalized tasting options, and the friendly, knowledgeable guidance from a professional sommelier.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is designed for adults and isn’t suitable for children under 18. Also, since it’s a small group limited to 10 people, it provides an intimate, relaxed setting—but this means booking ahead is wise if you want to secure your spot.

This tour works best for travelers seeking a sophisticated yet approachable introduction to Italy’s wines, those who love pairing good wine with local food, or anyone wanting a memorable, educational experience before or after a cruise.

Good To Know

• Premium Wine Selection: Curated tastings of Italy’s top wines from regions like Piedmont, Tuscany, Liguria, and Veneto.
• Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable sommelier guides you through the stories and flavors behind each glass.
• Local Aperitif: Tasty focaccia, pesto, cheeses, and cured meats perfectly complement the wines.
• Flexible Options: Choose from multiple tasting packages tailored to regional preferences.
• Taste & Shop: Access to a private wine cellar with over 100 different wines available for purchase.
• Accessible & Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, making it a personal experience, with language options in English, Italian, and Spanish.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Consider This Wine Tasting in Genoa?

This experience offers more than just sipping wine; it’s a chance to understand Italy’s diverse wine regions through a curated selection and insightful commentary. Whether you’re a red enthusiast, a white fan, or curious about sparkling wines, there’s an option tailored to your palate. Plus, the inclusion of local aperitifs elevates the tasting, making it feel like a true Italian-style social event.

The tour’s location at Vinicola 23, a stylish enoteca in Genoa’s city center, guarantees a cozy, elegant setting. It’s an ideal spot for those wanting to combine cultural exploration with culinary delights, especially if you’re looking for a break from busy sightseeing or port excursions.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point & Logistics

The tour begins at Vinicola 23, a well-regarded wine bar in Genoa’s lively center, setting the perfect scene for a relaxed yet refined afternoon. From there, a short walk or transfer takes you into the intimate tasting room where the magic begins.

The Itinerary & Highlights

1. Guided Tasting of Five Premium Wines: Depending on your chosen package, you’ll sample between 4 to 5 wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling options. For instance, the “Best Italian Wines” package features Amarone, Barolo, Barbaresco, Pigato, and Franciacorta, offering a broad spectrum of Italy’s best.

2. The Expert Sommelier: Your guide, fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, will share stories about each wine’s origin, the winemaking process, and tasting notes. Samantha, one reviewer, highlighted how knowledgeable Lorenzo, the guide, was about Liguria and the wines, answering all their questions with enthusiasm.

3. Local Aperitif & Snacks: No Italian wine experience is complete without food. You’ll enjoy focaccia topped with pesto, slices of cured ham, and local cheese—delicacies that enhance the tasting and give you a true sense of regional flavors.

4. Access to the Private Wine Cellar: After tasting, you get the chance to explore a selection of over 100 wines, with the option to purchase bottles. Fiona appreciated how Lorenzo made everything accessible, even for her elderly father in a wheelchair, demonstrating the tour’s inclusive approach.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Tasting Options & Value

The tour offers different packages, from €49 to €89, depending on the regional focus and number of wines. For example, the most extensive “Best Italian Wines” includes some of Italy’s most famous reds and whites, providing a comprehensive tasting experience at a reasonable price.

What’s included? Besides the tastings, participants receive tasting notes to take home, access to the wine cellar, and the chance to buy wines directly from the selection. This extra value is appreciated by guests who want to extend their enjoyment beyond the experience.

The Experience’s Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise the friendly, passionate guidance of Lorenzo, who makes the experience both educational and fun. The small group setting fosters conversation and allows for personalized attention—critically important when exploring complex wines or asking about regional differences.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Quality of Wines: The emphasis on high-caliber wines like Barolo, Amarone, and Franciacorta ensures you’re tasting best-of-class labels, not just everyday bottles. The reviews confirm the selection impresses even discerning wine fans.

Regional Diversity: The options cover major Italian wine regions, giving you a taste of Liguria’s pigato and Vermentino, Tuscany’s Brunello and Bolgheri, Piedmont’s Nebbiolo-based reds, and Veneto’s Amarone and Prosecco. This diversity allows you to appreciate Italy’s vast wine landscape.

Food Pairings: The inclusion of local focaccia, pesto, ham, and cheese complements the wines beautifully and offers an authentic aperitivo experience. Guests like Fiona, who enjoyed the food and wines, attest to the quality.

Educational & Fun: From the lively commentary to tasting notes you can take home, the experience aims to make you more confident about wine, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast.

Accessibility & Personalization: Lorenzo’s attentive manner and the tour’s accessibility, confirmed by reviews of guests in wheelchairs, make this a welcoming experience for all.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Genoa and looking to combine a sophisticated taste of Italy with some educational fun, this wine tasting tour ticks all the boxes. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to indulge in high-quality wines, enjoy local flavors, and learn from passionate guides—all in a cozy, intimate setting.

The tour’s focus on regional diversity and premium selections means you’ll walk away with not just a deeper understanding of Italian wines, but also a few bottles to enjoy later. Whether you’re a wine novice or a connoisseur, the flexible options and knowledgeable guidance make this a memorable addition to your Genoa stay.

If you appreciate authentic experiences with great food, expert narration, and a personable host, this tour is a fantastic choice. Plus, the chance to explore the wine cellar and purchase bottles adds extra value, especially for those wanting a little souvenir from Italy’s acclaimed winemaking regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for wine beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be educational and approachable, with a sommelier guiding you through each wine’s story and characteristics.

Can I choose a specific regional wine experience?
Absolutely. You can select from several options, including Ligurian, Piedmontese, Tuscan, Venetian, or the overall best Italian wines package.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 1.5 hours, providing a relaxed yet comprehensive tasting session.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour includes local cheeses, meats, and focaccia. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to inquire directly, but note that the standard offering is based on typical ingredients.

Is there an opportunity to buy wines after the tasting?
Yes. Guests can browse and purchase from a selection of over 100 wines in the private cellar, often at favorable prices.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the venue and tour are wheelchair accessible, and guides are accommodating, as noted in reviews.

What languages are available during the tour?
Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

In summary, this Genoa wine tasting offers a well-rounded, authentic, and enjoyable way to explore Italy’s renowned wines, paired with local bites and expert insight. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that adds a touch of luxury and education to your Mediterranean adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: