Lake Como is one of the favorite holiday destinations in Europe, for both locals and foreigners. One of its major draws is, of course, its picture-perfect landscapes that look taken straight out of a fairytale book. It’s an unmissable stop on any Northern Italy itinerary for this reason alone!
The beautiful views of the lake are usually backdropped by lush vineyards set on rolling hills, and that’s the second most important reason for visiting Lake Como: wine!
I know, I know. Italian wine is usually associated with Tuscany or Veneto, but the area around Lake Como has a rich wine culture that has evolved over hundreds of years, and it’s a great destination for wine enthusiasts.
This part of Italy is known for the Terre Lariane IGT wine, as well as Chardonnay and Riesling whites. You can also find really good reds, including Merlot, Sangiovese, and Cabernet.
The lake is surrounded by many incredible wineries that you can visit for tastings, though the prime wine spot in Lake Como is the town of Domaso.
In this article, I’ve compiled the most iconic experiences for wine tasting in Lake Como to help you choose the perfect wine adventure for you. Check them out!
Why should you trust me? I’m Italian, born and raised in Bologna, the country’s foodie capital, so I know a thing or two about wine. Plus, I’ve been curating travel guides and tours for over a decade, and I know exactly what to look for to make sure the activities I choose are high-quality, offer the best value, and are worth your time. And those are the only ones that make it on my posts!
I generally use Viator to book tours when traveling around the world. I especially recommend the platform for its great cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
In a rush? These are the very best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Wine and Food Tasting Private Guided Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Wine Tasting in Lake Como
Enjoy a memorable afternoon during this Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake. The experience takes place at a family-owned wine estate in Lake Como’s main wine region.
The beautiful winery is set against the backdrop of a splendid villa, and surrounded by lush vines. A wine expert will take you on a tour through the cellars and vineyard as they introduce you to their craft.
You’ll learn about the types of grapes, the fermentation and aging processes, and head to the tasting room for the cherry on top. Indulge in a sampling of three delightful varietals, each paired with local bites that complement the flavors.
Savor cheese with pear, wild apple jam, ricotta cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, along with salami and leavened bread.
Why this tour? The experience introduces you to the wine-making process in the most comprehensive way – certainly in far more detail than most tours. For those interested in understanding wine in-depth, it’s the best option.
On top of that, the tastings are generous and expertly paired with gourmet bites. You’ll sample the wine, but also learn how to do it properly, and how to identify the nuances of each.
Read what the reviews say:
“Sylvia was an amazing host! The winery and tour was a great way to spend an afternoon. The climb to the winery is steep but worth it. Wear comfortable shoes. We so enjoyed the wine and the tour. The view was incredible! Also, Sylvia was a great help navigating our way back to Varenna with our purchases.”
Mary_W – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A winery tour, wine tasting, food pairings, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Alternatives
▶️ Join this Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake Tour for a sommelier-led tasting at a local wine shop in the heart of Como old town.
You’ll be greeted by a sommelier, who will guide your wine tasting to enhance the experience, providing interesting facts about each of the wines, teaching you how to recognize the subtle flavors, and telling you about the local wine production.
You’ll taste up to five different wines, paired with a great selection of appetizers including prosciutto crudo, cheeses, and buffalo mozzarella.
With limited spots for 12 people, the experience is quite intimate and personalized.
This tour includes: A wine tasting session and food pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Discover the finest wines of the region with this Top Italian Wine Tasting & Food in Como Lake, which takes place in the town of Como.
The experience is led by a certified sommelier, who will make your experience all the richer as they introduce white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines, telling you about their making process and unique characteristics.
You’ll taste up to 7 glasses of wine, having a say in which varieties you’d like to try, and nibble on gourmet specialties such as cheese, salami, bresaola, puntarelle, and olives. A selection for vegetarians an vegans is available upon request.
Cap off the experience with a special sweet wine with chocolate notes.
This tour includes: Wine tasting and food pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola takes place in a local restaurant, not far from Bellagio. A renowned chef & sommelier will guide you through an informative wine-tasting session.
They’ll start by introducing you to grape varietals and the production of wine, teaching you how to properly swirl, sniff, and appreciate different wines.
The tasting will be paired with delicious Italian dishes, ensuring a wholesome experience.
This tour includes: A sommelier/chef, wine tasting, food tastings, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Wine Tasting in Bellagio
The Bellagio Wine Tasting + Villa Melzi is a 1-hour experience in the charming town of Bellagio, where you’ll sample a handpicked collection of red and white wines, led by a professional sommelier.
Learn about the local wine production and get tips on how to recognize the differences between the various wines as you enjoy five glasses, paired with a charcuterie board of cured meats and cheeses.
At the end of the tasting, you’ll be able to access the gardens at Villa Melzi, one of the most spectacular villas on the lake.
This tour includes: A sommelier, a wine-tasting session, food, and tickets to Villa Melzi’s Gardens. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Lake Como Wine Tour
Join this Wine and Food Tasting Private Guided Tour to journey through the Valtelline Valley in Chiuro. Enjoy stunning vineyard views as you visit two wineries near Lake Como and learn about the production of wine from the experts.
After learning how your favorite drink is produced, enjoy a tasting of three vintages paired with cheeses, bresaola, and hams.
Plus – time permitting – you can choose to explore a medieval castle or a famous basilica. The tour accommodates up to 7 people and provides transfers.
Note: The tour’s price is exclusive of the wine tasting.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation and a tour guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
