Irpinia Tour of the Vineyards, Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting

Planning a trip to Italy and craving a hands-on experience that combines wine, food, and local culture? This Irpinia tour offers an immersive taste of southern Italy’s renowned wine region, with a touch of authentic home-cooked fare. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or simply eager to explore Italy beyond the usual tourist spots, this full-day tour promises a memorable day out.

What really makes this experience stand out are three things: the chance to tour the picturesque vineyards of Cortecorbo winery, the opportunity to learn to cook traditional pasta and pizza, and the chance to sample a variety of Irpinian wines, including the esteemed Taurasi DOCG. Plus, the intimate atmosphere of a family-run estate adds a warm, genuine vibe that’s hard to find on larger group tours.

One consideration is that the tour is quite comprehensive and lasts around eight hours, so it’s best suited for those with a decent appetite for activity and a full day available. Also, it’s mostly aimed at adults, with no alcohol served to minors, so families with children might want to plan accordingly.

For anyone interested in delving into local wine production, learning authentic recipes, and enjoying a countryside escape from Naples, this tour hits all those marks beautifully.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Visit a family-run winery with guided vineyard and cellar tours, learning about Irpinian wine traditions.
• Hands-On Cooking: Make your own pasta and pizza with local ingredients, then enjoy a hearty, traditional lunch.
• Wine Tasting: Sample prized wines like Taurasi DOCG, Aglianico, Fiano di Avellino, and Greco di Tufo, perfectly paired with your meal.
• Transport & Convenience: Includes private transportation from Naples or a meet-up at the winery, making logistics smooth.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the importance of local produce and the history behind Irpinian wine-making.
• Authentic Setting: The tour takes place in a charming, scenic town, adding to the genuine Italian vibe.

Exploring the Irpinia Wine Region

Starting from Naples, the drive to Montemarano, where Cortecorbo winery sits, offers scenic views of rolling hills and lush vineyards. The journey alone sets the scene for a relaxed yet enriching day. Once at the estate, you’ll be greeted by the Cortecorbo family, who take pride in sharing their passion for wine and regional cuisine.

Vineyard & Cellar Tour: The guided walk through the vineyards isn’t just a visual treat — it’s a chance to understand the roots of Irpinia wine. The owner, or a knowledgeable guide, will detail how the land shapes the wines, with particular focus on the Taurasi DOCG, considered among Italy’s finest reds. As one happy reviewer noted, the tour offers a “sensorial and historical immersion” that deepens appreciation for the local terroir.

Inside the cantina, you’ll observe the wine-making process and even sample different harvests, some aged in wooden barrels. This tasting reveals how barrel aging influences flavor, giving you a better grasp of what makes Taurasi and other regional wines unique. The setting is atmospheric — suggestive of a family enterprise with generations of tradition.

The Cooking Class Experience

After exploring the vineyards, the focus shifts to the kitchen, where you’ll get hands-on with making fresh pasta — specifically “Maccaronara” — and pizza. The emphasis on using local, seasonal produce means your ingredients are fresh and authentic, adding to the genuine taste of your creations.

Cooking in a warm, inviting environment, you’ll learn techniques that have been passed down through generations. As one reviewer recounted, the experience was “fun and educational,” and the pizza was cooked in a traditional wood oven, adding extra flavor. The instructor or host emphasizes the significance of tradition and care in making pasta and pizza, making it more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a cultural insight.

The Culminating Long Lunch & Wine Tasting

Once your culinary masterpieces are ready, you’ll sit down to enjoy a hearty lunch featuring your homemade pizza, pasta, local cheeses, salumi, and meats. The meal isn’t just about eating; it’s a celebration of local ingredients and regional flavors.

Throughout the meal, you’ll taste Irpinian wines like Taurasi DOCG 2016, Aglianico DOC 2017, and Campi Taurasini DOC 2016, alongside white varieties Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Coda di Volpe. The pairing is thoughtfully curated, allowing you to appreciate how each wine complements different dishes. The reviews highlight how the wines, especially the Taurasi, “pair perfectly” with the local fare, making the meal a true taste experience.

Additional touches, such as local cheeses, salumi, and desserts, round out the feast and offer genuine insight into the region’s culinary traditions. The experience is relaxed and convivial, often described as feeling like visiting family.

Practical Details & Value

The tour is priced at $115.12 per person, which includes almost everything — guided vineyard and cellar tours, cooking class, lunch, wines, coffee, and transportation. This comprehensive package offers excellent value considering the depth of experience and the quality of food and wine involved.

Transportation is either included with pickup from Piazza Giovanni Bovio in Naples or you can meet directly at the winery. The duration is about eight hours, making it suitable for a full day of engaging activities. The small-group or private nature of the tour ensures a personal, relaxed atmosphere, as confirmed by reviews praising the hosts’ warmth and genuine hospitality.

Why We Think This Tour Works Well

This experience combines education, gastronomy, and scenic beauty in a way that few other tours do. The guided vineyard and cellar visits reveal the history and craft behind Irpinian wines, while the cooking class makes sure you go home with new skills and recipes. Plus, the wine tasting paired with a hearty traditional lunch accentuates the flavors, leaving you with a full, satisfied palate.

Many reviewers mention how welcoming the hosts are, making visitors feel part of the family. It’s this authentic, approachable vibe that makes the tour genuinely special. Plus, the chance to sample prestigious wines like Taurasi DOCG adds a significant educational and sensory dimension.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip suits wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of Italian reds and whites, fans of hands-on culinary experiences, and those eager to explore Italy’s scenic countryside without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy immersive, multi-sensory activities and are comfortable spending a full day engaged in learning and tasting.

Families with older children or teenagers who can appreciate wine and food might also enjoy this, but younger kids might be less engaged by the wine component. The private setting and small group size mean it’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups seeking a personalized adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Irpinia tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into southern Italy’s wine and culinary scene. From walking through vineyards to kneading pasta dough and sipping award-winning wines, it manages to be both educational and enjoyable. The warm hosts and scenic setting bring everything together into a memorable, true-to-Italy experience.

If you’re seeking a day full of flavor, culture, and relaxation away from Naples’s bustling streets, this tour deserves a top spot on your itinerary. It’s a fantastic way to connect with local traditions, learn some new skills, and enjoy excellent wine — all in one beautifully curated trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers private transportation from Naples or you can meet directly at the winery.

What wines will I taste during the experience?
You’ll sample key Irpinian wines, including Taurasi DOCG, Aglianico, Campi Taurasini, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Coda di Volpe.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
No alcohol will be served to minors under 18, so the tasting is geared toward adults.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately eight hours, making it a full-day activity.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s best suited for adults or older children who can appreciate wine and food. The tour is intimate and personal, but minors may find the wine component less engaging.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes suitable for walking and cooking activities are recommended.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular and typically booked around 82 days in advance, so early reservation is advised.

What is the cost and does it include everything?
At $115.12 per person, it covers vineyard and cellar tours, cooking class, lunch, wines, coffee, and transportation.

In essence, this Irpinia tour offers a rich, authentic slice of Italian life. It’s a chance to learn, taste, and experience the heart of southern Italy’s wine country — all with a warm, welcoming touch.