A Taste of Liguria: Exploring Turin’s Wine Experience with Local Products Tasting
If you’re wandering around the charming town of Sestri Levante and crave a bit of a culinary journey, the Wine Experience at Turin’s offers a welcoming glimpse into Liguria’s vibrant food and wine scene. For just under $40, you get to sample some of the most representative wines of the region paired with local specialties like salumi, cheeses, and the famous Focaccia Genovese. The experience lasts about an hour, making it a perfect quick break to enjoy authentic flavors in a convivial setting.
What I really appreciate about this experience is how it combines education and tasting in a relaxed environment. I love how the hosts emphasize the importance of local products, making every sip and bite feel connected to the land. Plus, the chance to learn about the grape varieties and wineries adds a layer of depth you rarely find in typical tastings.
One notable point to consider is the venue’s accessibility. While the place is handicap accessible, the bathroom has two steps, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly. Also, if you’re traveling with vegans, this might not be ideal since the tasting centers around local meats and cheeses. Still, for those eager to explore Ligurian flavors, the value and authenticity make this a worthwhile stop.
Key Points / Takeaways

- Authentic Ligurian Wines: The selection highlights the most representative wines of the region.
- Local Food Pairings: Tasting includes Salumi di Castiglione Chiavarese, cheeses from Varese Ligure, and Focaccia Genovese.
- Educational & Cultural: Learn about local grape varieties and wineries from knowledgeable guides.
- Flexible & Private: Suitable for singles, families, or small groups; contact for group customization.
- Affordable & Good Value: At $39.86, it offers a solid tasting experience with a strong focus on regional authenticity.
- Additional Experiences Available: Pesto, beer, and traditional dinners can be booked for a broader taste journey.
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Exploring the Details of Turin’s Wine Experience

Setting and Location: A Warm Welcome at Trattoria da Turin
The tasting takes place at Trattoria da Turin, a cozy and friendly hotel in Sestri Levante. As I arrived, I was greeted warmly, and the hosts, who are passionate about their land and products, promptly made me feel at home. They ask you to contact beforehand via WhatsApp, which is a nice touch for confirming your spot and ensuring they’re ready for you.
The venue itself isn’t large but offers a comfortable, convivial atmosphere. It’s easy to get a sense of local pride here, with decor and presentation emphasizing Ligurian traditions. The fact that the location is wheelchair accessible makes it more inclusive, though the bathroom’s two steps are worth noting if you have mobility considerations.
The Guided Tasting: A Mini Tour of Ligurian Wines
The tasting begins with an introduction to local grape varieties and the most notable wineries. The guide, perhaps a knowledgeable local or wine enthusiast, explains how Liguria’s wines are characterized by their elegance, freshness, and fruity notes. You then get to choose three wines to pair with a selection of local delicacies, which makes the experience interactive and engaging.
What struck me was how the wines perfectly complemented the succulent Salumi di Castiglione Chiavarese and the cheeses from Varese Ligure’s organic district. You’re encouraged to savor each sip, noting how the wines’ lightness and fruitiness enhance the flavors of the cured meats and cheeses. Plus, the accompanying Focaccia Genovese adds a salty, herbaceous contrast that’s utterly addictive.
Food and Drink: A Genuine Taste of Liguria
The food offerings aren’t just filler—they’re core to the experience. The cold cuts are traditionally made by the Antico Salumificio di Castiglione Chiavarese, a name that carries weight in local craftsmanship. The cheeses from Varese Ligure’s organic district are well-regarded, offering rich, tangy flavors that pair beautifully with the wines.
The Focaccia Genovese is an irresistible addition, with its soft, airy texture and fragrant toppings. Many reviews mention how well the wines balance the richness of these foods, turning each bite into a small celebration. The guide might also share tips for how Ligurian families enjoy these foods at home, adding an authentic touch.
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Extra Offerings and Custom Experiences
Beyond the core tasting, the hosts offer a variety of other experiences—Pesto Preparation, Local Craft Beer Tastings, and Traditional Dinners—all worth considering if you want to deepen your culinary exploration. These can be booked in advance and are designed to give travelers a broader taste of Liguria’s gastronomic traditions.
The Value and Timing
At just under $40 for an hour-long guided experience, the value is clear. You won’t just leave with a full belly; you’ll also walk away with a better understanding of Ligurian wine culture. The price includes water and the guided tasting, making it a straightforward and affordable way to enrich your stay. Keep in mind, the experience is suitable for individuals, families, or groups, but if you’re traveling in a larger group, contact them for custom arrangements.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This tasting is perfect for wine enthusiasts interested in regional varieties, food lovers eager to sample authentic Ligurian flavors, and travelers seeking a relaxed social activity. It’s especially ideal if you’re in Sestri Levante for a short time but want to savor local traditions without a lengthy commitment.
Why You’ll Love This Experience

You’ll love the way the wines reflect Liguria’s elegant, fruity character, and how they bring out the best in local foods. The hosts’ passion for their land shines through, making each sip and bite feel meaningful. The intimate setting fosters a real sense of community and authenticity—no touristy fluff here.
The pairing of local wines with regional delights like salumi, cheeses, and focaccia makes the tasting a true culinary snapshot of Liguria. Plus, the optional add-ons—peeking into pesto making or sampling craft beer—offer a richer taste of the region’s food scene.
Final Thoughts: A Genuine, Affordable Ligurian Taste

This experience strikes a nice balance between education, enjoyment, and cultural insight. It’s a wonderful choice for curious travelers who want to understand Liguria’s wine and food heritage without breaking the bank. The friendly guides and small-group format make it an engaging and memorable activity that complements any trip to Sestri Levante.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, authentic taste of Liguria’s wines and local products, this tasting at Trattoria da Turin delivers just that. It’s a relaxed way to connect with the region’s flavors and meet fellow travelers who share your interest in good food and drink.
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children or teenagers?
No, it’s intended for adults, as it involves tasting wine and local alcoholic products.
Can I participate if I have food intolerances?
Yes, the experience can be modified in advance to meet specific needs, so let the hosts know beforehand.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the main area is accessible, but the bathroom has two steps and isn’t wheelchair friendly.
How do I confirm my booking?
You should contact the host via WhatsApp prior to your visit, as recommended, to confirm availability and details.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided tasting of three wines, local food pairings, and water. Additional experiences like pesto or beer tastings are extra.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.
In sum, if you’re eager to enjoy a friendly and authentic taste of Liguria’s wine and food culture, this tasting at Trattoria da Turin offers a genuine, flavorful, and affordable way to do so. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about regional specialties, you’ll come away with new favorites and a deeper appreciation for what makes Liguria’s culinary scene special.
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