Evening in Venice with a local: food and wine tasting tour

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Venice beyond the crowded tourist spots, a small-group evening food and wine tour might be just the thing. This particular experience, rated almost perfect at 4.9 out of 5 from 17 reviews, offers a three-hour journey through the city’s lesser-known backstreets, paired with tastings of regional wines and traditional Venetian bites. It’s organized by Streaty, a provider specializing in street food tours across Italy, promising a mix of local culture, history, and, of course, some delicious eats.

One aspect I find especially appealing about this tour is its focus on immersing travelers in daily Venetian life—away from the tourist traps. The guide, Sylvia, is praised for her passion and welcoming nature, making visitors feel like they’re exploring Venice with a knowledgeable friend rather than a typical tour guide. Two things I particularly like are the emphasis on regional drinks, especially the authentic Venetian spritz, and the chance to try local delicacies like baccalà and mantecato, which are often overlooked in standard tourist menus.

A potential consideration for some travelers is the duration and pace. As it’s a three-hour walk with no guaranteed seating at stops and no options for dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free, it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and open to traditional fare. Also, since the tour proceeds in all weather conditions, be prepared for Venice’s unpredictable climate.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Local Experience: This tour is designed to show you Venice through the eyes of a local, visiting hidden bars and alleys away from tourist-heavy areas.
• Expert Guide: Sylvia, the guide, has earned rave reviews for her passion and ability to make visitors feel welcome.
• Tasting the Real Venetian Spritz: The tour introduces a spritz that’s quite different from the common Aperol version, offering a genuine regional flavor.
• Regional Food & Wine: Expect enough tastings to replace a meal, including five regional wines and Venetian delicacies like sarde and baccalà.
• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
• Practical Details: Arrive 10 minutes early in front of Campo dei Tolentini and wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through Venice’s alleys.

Discovering Venice in the Evening: A Deep Dive

Unique Itinerary and What It Entails

The tour begins in the lively yet charming Campo dei Tolentini, right in front of the church—an ideal starting point away from the tourist chaos. From there, the guide takes you into the quieter streets of Dorsoduro, one of Venice’s most authentic neighborhoods. Walking through these alleys, you’ll see a side of Venice that many visitors miss, filled with local life, small wine bars, and hidden corners.

Each stop is carefully curated to highlight different regional drinks and foods, with Sylvia sharing stories about Venetian culture and history along the way. The opening toast with prosecco sets the tone—here you’ll learn about the local varieties, and the treat pairs beautifully with bites like mantecato, a creamy spread made with fish, and sarde (small sardines), which are a local favorite.

Next, you’ll sample a unique Venetian spritz—one that doesn’t contain the usual Aperol or Campari but is authentic to the city. Over this, your guide might reveal some insider tips about Venetian drinking customs, making the experience richer than just a tasting.

Why the Food & Wine Make the Experience Special

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on regional authenticity. Instead of standard tapas, you’ll try local dishes such as baccalà (salt cod) and sarde, which most travelers don’t encounter unless they venture into locals’ taverns. The wines, carefully selected from the Veneto region, are enough to keep your glass full and your interest piqued. The final stop includes a taste of local grappa and dessert, providing a satisfying end to your evening.

A key highlight, according to reviews, is Sylvia’s storytelling—her passion for Venetian culture and her willingness to share insights make the experience memorable. Reviewers like Alistair mention she “really made us feel welcome in Venice,” which adds a warm, personal touch.

The Practical Side: Value and Logistics

The price of $123.48 per person might seem steep, but considering the five wine tastings and enough food to replace a meal, it offers solid value. Plus, the small group size (max 8) makes for a more intimate and engaging experience.

The activity is scheduled in the evening, which allows you to see Venice in a different light—less crowded, more relaxed. The tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared with comfortable shoes and an umbrella if needed. Since the tour ends back where it started, you can easily continue your evening strolling through Venice’s enchanting streets or heading to a nearby restaurant.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy authentic local flavor, are comfortable walking, and want to explore Venice’s culinary culture beyond the typical tourist fare. It’s also ideal for food and wine lovers who appreciate storytelling and insider tips. However, those with dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets might want to consider this as a fun, indulgent experience rather than a dietary solution.

Breaking Down the Experience: What You’ll Get

Walking Through Hidden Venice: The tour’s route through Dorsoduro offers an authentic view of Venice’s local life, away from the crowded main attractions. You’ll see narrow alleys, small wine bars, and perhaps even spot Venetians going about their evening routines.

Tasting Local Drinks: The guide introduces you to regional prosecco and an unfiltered Venetian spritz—real drinks that reflect local traditions. Sylvia’s storytelling helps you understand the significance of these drinks within Venetian culture.

Sampling Traditional Venetian Foods: From baccalà and sarde to mantecato, the tastings are designed to showcase local ingredients and cooking techniques. These bites are enough to fill you up and give a real flavor of Venetian cuisine.

Wine and Grappa: Five regional wines are included, allowing you to appreciate Veneto’s wine-making heritage. The final grappa adds a traditional Italian finishing touch.

Personalized Attention: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll get plenty of time to ask questions and connect with your guide, making the experience feel more like a local friend showing you around than a generic tour.

Timing and Convenience: Meeting at Campo dei Tolentini, the tour starts around the same time each evening (check availability), and it ends back at the starting point—no need to worry about transportation or complicated logistics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local culture through food and drink, this tour offers a wonderful blend of education and indulgence. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who prefer small groups, want to avoid touristy spots, and appreciate authentic flavors. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Venice if you’re interested in regional wines and traditional dishes, with the added bonus of hearing stories from a passionate local guide.

Keep in mind, the tour involves walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. If you have specific dietary needs, check with the provider beforehand, as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are not available. Since it runs in all weather, an umbrella or raincoat is wise.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy plenty of local food samples that can replace a meal, along with five regional wines and a local guide sharing stories and tips.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, giving enough time to explore, taste, and learn without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in Campo dei Tolentini, right in front of the church, and ends back there, making it easy to continue your evening afterward.

Is there any age restriction?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on wine tasting and alcohol suggests it’s best suited for adults.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your itinerary shifts.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are not available, so inform the provider at booking if you have dietary needs.

This Venice food and wine tour offers a genuine peek into the city’s culinary soul, guided by a passionate local who knows how to tell a story with every sip and bite. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, intimate way to explore Venice’s hidden corners, taste regional specialties, and learn about everyday Venetian life. The focus on authentic drinks like the unfiltered spritz and regional wines, combined with delicious local bites, makes it a worthy addition to any Venice itinerary. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, or simply curious about local culture, this tour promises a flavorful evening that goes well beyond the typical tourist experience.