Como: Wine Tasting Experience with Cheese and Cold Cuts

If you’re visiting Como and love discovering local flavors through a glass, this wine tasting experience at Capitan Drake is something you’ll want to consider. For about an hour and a half, you’ll be guided by knowledgeable sommeliers through tasting 4 or 7 carefully selected wines, with the option to enjoy delicious cold cuts and cheeses or a vegetarian dish. Located just a short walk from the old city walls, this small-group experience promises intimacy, expert insights, and a chance to deepen your appreciation of Italian wine.

Two things I particularly like about this experience are the expert guidance from sommeliers who bring both friendliness and a wealth of knowledge, and the flexibility of the tasting options, allowing you to choose a standard or premium experience, or even reserve a private session. Plus, the value for the price—around $56—includes not just the wines but thoughtful pairings and a chance to learn about the fascinating stories behind each bottle.

A potential consideration is that this activity doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll want to plan your arrival accordingly. Also, the experience is tailored for adults, so it’s not suitable for children or pregnant women. Still, if you’re eager to learn about wine in an authentic, relaxed environment with expert guides, this tasting hits many of the right notes.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Expert Sommeliers: Knowledgeable guides like the friendly staff at Capitan Drake make all the difference, offering insights into each wine’s origin and flavors.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a 4- or 7-wine tasting, with the chance to reserve a private session for an even more exclusive experience.
• Authentic Local Setting: The wine shop’s location, close to Como’s historic city walls, provides a charming and intimate ambiance.
• Quality Pairings: The tasting includes carefully curated cheeses, cold cuts, or vegetarian dishes, elevating the experience beyond just wine.
• Educational & Fun: Many reviews highlight how much guests learn and enjoy discovering new wines, making the experience both playful and informative.
• Value for Money: For roughly $56, you get a comprehensive tasting, expert guidance, and delicious pairings—good value considering the expertise involved.

Exploring Como’s Wine Tasting: A Genuine and Enjoyable Experience

As someone who appreciates a good glass of wine with authentic local character, I find that guided tastings like this offer more than just drinking. They’re an opportunity to connect with the culture, meet friendly guides, and understand what makes Italian wines special. Visiting Como, with its scenic lakeside views and historic charm, is a treat in itself; adding a wine tasting enriches that experience by giving you a taste of Italy’s diverse vineyards.

The Venue: Capitan Drake Wine Shop

Nestled just a few meters from the old city walls, the Capitan Drake Wine Shop exudes a cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s small enough to foster intimacy but well-stocked with a wide selection of wines from Italy and around the world. According to reviews, the staff, including Sommeliers, are not only friendly but also deeply knowledgeable. They’re eager to share stories about the wines and their origins, transforming a simple tasting into a mini-lesson.

The Tasting Options: What You Get

You’ll choose from two main options: a standard 4-wine tasting or a 7-wine tasting. The longer, more comprehensive option allows you to explore a broader spectrum of flavors, which I’d recommend if you’re eager to delve deeper into Italian varieties or want to sample wines from different territories. For those with specific dietary preferences, vegetarian dishes are available upon request, adding a personalized touch.

The wines themselves are representative of unique vines and territories, giving a glimpse into Italy’s diverse wine regions. Expect to try a mix of reds, whites, and possibly rosés, all carefully selected for their quality and character.

What’s Included & Why It Matters

For $56.64 per person, you’ll receive:

• An expert sommelier guide who walks you through each wine, sharing insights on flavor notes and history
• Tasting of 4 or 7 fine wines, according to your choice
• A pairing of cheeses and cold cuts or a vegetarian dish, which helps balance the palate and enhances the tasting experience
• The option to reserve a private tasting, perfect if you’re celebrating or seeking a more exclusive outing

This includes a lot for the price, especially when you consider the personalized guidance and quality pairings—an affordable way to deepen your appreciation of Italian wine.

The Experience Itself: What to Expect

The activity typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability. You’ll meet directly at the wine shop, making it easy to coordinate with your day’s plans. The small group setting means you’ll get personal attention, and you can ask all the questions you want—whether it’s about the wines’ history, pairing ideas, or serving tips.

Guests often mention how much they appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable staff. One reviewer even said, “The staff was super friendly and had so much knowledge of the wines.” Another highlighted the personalized experience in an intimate setting, which is exactly what you want when tasting wine.

Who Will Love This

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn, travelers looking for a relaxed, authentic activity, or couples wanting a romantic and educational way to spend an evening. It’s also suitable for groups seeking a small, intimate tour rather than a large, impersonal tasting.

Those with a keen interest in Italian wines will appreciate the curated selections, while beginners can benefit from the guidance and explanations offered. Keep in mind, it’s not suited for children, pregnant women, or those with food allergies unless specified, so plan accordingly.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive comfortable and ready to walk a few meters from your accommodation or hotel.
• Consider booking the private tasting if you want exclusivity.
• If vegetarian, request the vegetarian dish in advance.
• Remember, transportation to and from the shop isn’t included, so plan your route.
• Bring your ID or a copy, especially if you’re planning to purchase wines afterward.

Who It’s Best For

This wine tasting experience suits anyone curious about Italy’s wine heritage, especially those who appreciate guided, educational activities in a cozy environment. Perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a relaxed yet insightful taste of local flavors. It’s also great for wine novices wanting expert guidance but might not be as appealing to children or travelers with strict dietary restrictions unless specific arrangements are made.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Como and craving an authentic, intimate introduction to Italian wines, this tasting at Capitan Drake hits many marks. You’ll benefit from friendly and knowledgeable guides, enjoy lovely pairings, and learn a lot about Italy’s wine regions—all in a setting that feels more like visiting a friend’s cellar than a commercial tour.

The price offers solid value for what’s included, and the option for private tastings makes it suitable for special occasions. It’s a perfect activity if you love discovering local flavors at a relaxed pace or want a memorable story to tell friends back home.

This wine tasting is a delightful way to deepen your time in Como, especially if you’re keen to understand more about Italy’s world-renowned wine culture.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this wine tasting experience?
No, transportation to and from the wine shop is not included. You’ll need to plan your own way to the venue, which is conveniently located near the old city walls.

Can I book a private tasting?
Yes, there is an option to reserve the wine shop for a private top tasting, offering an even more personalized experience.

What wines are sampled during the tasting?
You will taste 4 or 7 fine wines, representing different vines and territories, depending on the option you select.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, you can request a vegetarian dish, and it will be paired with the wines along with the cold cuts and cheeses if you prefer.

How long does the tasting last?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with a flexible start time based on availability.

Is this experience suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s intended for adults, and the experience isn’t suitable for children or pregnant women.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, and your ID or a copy, especially if you plan to buy bottles afterward.

This Como wine tasting at Capitan Drake offers a careful blend of education, flavor, and local charm. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious, it’s worth considering as part of your stay in this scenic lakeside town.