Wine and food tasting

If you’re looking for a way to truly savor Calabria’s local produce, this wine and food tasting tour offers a delightful escape into the island’s authentic flavors. While we haven’t personally joined, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of an experience that’s both authentic and engaging. For just around $70, you’ll spend about two and a half hours exploring organic vineyards, tasting a variety of local wines, and sampling genuine Calabrian delicacies.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the stunning hilltop setting overlooking the sea promises incredible views that enhance the tasting. Second, the generous wine pours and authentic local food make it a very good value. Third, the warm hospitality from the owners, especially Cosmo, adds a personal touch that many travelers appreciate. One potential consideration is that the tour begins at 5:00 pm, which might be later than some prefer, and there’s a small extra charge for transfer if you’re staying nearby.

This tour is perfect for anyone who loves wine, enjoys discovering local culinary traditions, or simply wants a relaxed, scenic experience outside the busy town of Tropea. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking for a memorable local experience, this tasting promises to be both educational and delicious.

Good To Know

• Stunning views of the Calabrian countryside and coastline create a scenic backdrop.
• Authentic local products include organic wine, olive oil, cheese, salami, honey, and jams.
• Generous tastings of three different wines with ample pours.
• Informal yet informative winery visit with vineyard walk and company history.
• Warm and personal hospitality from the owners makes it feel like visiting friends.
• Value for money considering the quality of wine and food, plus the immersive experience.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Vineyard Setting: Picturesque and Prime

The vineyards are located on hills that offer sweeping views of Tropea’s coastline, a fact praised repeatedly by reviewers. The elevated position, with its marine sediments of silt-clay origin, lends a unique terroir to the wines produced here. As one reviewer noted, “The setting was beautiful,” and you’ll likely agree once you see the landscape painted with rows of vines against the backdrop of the sea.

Travelers can expect a walk through the vineyard after an initial company presentation. The owners are eager to share their story, and even if their English isn’t perfect, they use handy translation apps to make sure everyone leaves understanding the winemaking process — a small detail that adds to the genuine feel of the tour.

The Winery Tour: From Grapes to Glass

The visit includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winery operations, with a chance to see how organic wines and oils are produced. This part of the tour isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the effort behind Calabria’s organic products. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to walk through the vineyard and learn about the terroir that influences each bottle.

Tasting Experience: Wine, Oil, and More

The highlight is, of course, the tasting. Three wines are served, each with a generous pour—no tiny samples here. The wines are praised for their quality, with comments like “very good” and “generous pours,” indicating that you’ll leave with a true sense of Calabria’s wine style. Alongside the wines, you’ll sample bruschette, salami, cheese, honey, and organic jams—all authentic and representative of local Calabrian flavors.

According to reviews, the food portions are plentiful, and the variety keeps the experience interesting. One guest mentioned that it included many items not typically found in restaurants, making it a richer experience. The pairing of wine and local delicacies feels natural and satisfying, often described as “delicious” and “abundance,” with a notably friendly host—Cosmo—who makes everyone feel welcomed.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Many reviewers enjoyed meeting others, sharing stories over glasses of wine, and soaking in the mountain setting. It’s a social, unpretentious experience that emphasizes warmth and authenticity.

Practical Details: Timing, Cost, and Flexibility

Starting at 5:00 pm, the tour fits well into an evening plan, especially if you want to catch sunset views. The price of $69.41 per person offers good value considering the quality, quantity, and intimate setting. The tour is bookable on mobile tickets, adding convenience, and most participants find the booking window—about 29 days in advance—reasonable.

Transfer from hotels is available but comes with an extra fee and must be requested beforehand. This flexibility is helpful if you prefer not to navigate to the meeting point yourself, located in Brattirò.

The Authentic Touch

One thing that truly stands out from reviews is the genuine hospitality of the owners. Cosmo, in particular, leaves a lasting impression as a “very gracious and hospitable” host. His efforts to communicate despite limited English and his warmth make the experience feel like visiting a friend’s vineyard rather than a commercial tour.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience suits those wanting more than just a wine tasting—they’ll appreciate the scenic views, the chance to learn about organic wine production, and the opportunity to sample authentic Calabrian products. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to explore local culture in a relaxed setting. If you enjoy good food, fine wine, and picturesque landscapes, this tour is bound to leave you with memorable flavors and friendly faces.

What Could Be Better?

One minor drawback is the short notice about the tour time change, which caught some guests off guard. Also, the optional transfer service incurs an extra cost, so travelers relying on public transport or walking should plan accordingly. Despite these small points, the overall experience is highly praised.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For just under $70, this wine and food tasting tour offers excellent value—comprising scenic vineyards, generous tastings, and authentic local flavors. The personal attention, combined with the stunning setting and quality products, makes it a memorable choice for anyone wanting to connect with Calabria’s culinary roots. It’s perfect for anyone seeking an authentic, relaxed, and scenic experience that highlights Calabria’s best local produce.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation from your hotel isn’t included but can be requested for an additional fee.

What is the start time?
Tours begin at 5:00 pm, making it a great evening activity.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
You get a vineyard visit, wine tastings, and samples of typical Calabrian products like cheese, salami, honey, and jams.

Are the wine and food portions generous?
Yes, reviewers mention the wines have plentiful pours, and the food is served in abundance.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is this suitable for children or service animals?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What language is the tour conducted in?
While the owner’s English is limited, translation apps help bridge communication.

Is this experience good value for the price?
Absolutely, considering the quality, setting, and personalized hospitality.

How many people typically join?
The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or someone wanting a peaceful scenic break, this Calabrian vineyard tour offers a genuine taste of the region’s charm. Expect warm hospitality, beautiful views, and a memorable sampling of Calabria’s local bounty.