Exclusive wine tasting in Brunate

A Unique Wine Tasting Adventure in Brunate

If you’re headed to Lake Como and love a good glass of wine, this exclusive wine tasting experience in Brunate offers a delightful combination of regional wines, local food, and breathtaking scenery. Led by a passionate sommelier, Arianna, this tour promises not only to expand your wine knowledge but also to give you a sense of the area’s cultural richness. The tasting takes place in the charming town of Brunate, reached via a scenic 7-minute funicular ride from Como. Alongside the wine, you’ll enjoy traditional dishes like homemade focaccia, cured meats, and cheeses produced by nearby farms.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it pairs authentic, regional wines with area-specific bites, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como. Arianna’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making this not just a tasting, but a story-telling journey about Lombardy’s terroir. Plus, the chance to soak up the sweeping views from Brunate’s vantage point makes it more memorable than just another wine session.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is booked quite far in advance—about 79 days on average—so planning ahead helps secure your spot. Also, since the tour lasts just a couple of hours, it fits nicely into a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. A minor consideration could be the price at $144.60 per person, but many find the quality and intimacy of this private tour well worth the investment.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Stunning View: The tour offers spectacular vistas of Lake Como from Brunate, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
• Expert Guide: Arianna’s passion and extensive knowledge about regional wines and local culture create an enriching experience.
• Regional Wines: You’ll taste three Lombardy wines—sparkling, white, and red—that showcase the area’s terroir.
• Food Pairings: The tastings are paired with homemade focaccia, cured meats, and cheeses from local farms—authentic flavors that support small producers.
• Intimate Setting: As a private tour, only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Convenient Transportation: The journey starts at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi in Como, with easy access to public transport, and a short funicular ride to Brunate.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi in Como, you’ll meet Arianna, who is enthusiastic about sharing her love for her city, its wines, and its stories. The tour’s first highlight is the funicular ride—a brief but scenic 7-minute ascent that sets the tone for an experience combining natural beauty and cultural depth.

Once in Brunate, you’ll immediately notice the Voltiano Lighthouse, a well-known symbol of the town, which adds to its charm. The tour’s real highlight begins here: an intimate wine tasting in front of a panoramic view that seems to stretch forever over Lake Como. Arianna, a trained sommelier, guides you through tasting three regional wines—a sparkling wine, a white, and a red—each representing different aspects of Lombardy’s diverse terroir.

The wines are perfectly paired with local food, including homemade focaccia, artisanal cured meats, and cheeses from nearby farms. Arianna’s stories about the wines’ origins, the region’s grape-growing traditions, and tips on tasting make the experience both educational and enjoyable. She also shares insights on Brunate’s history and local secrets for exploring this small, characterful hill town.

Many reviews note how Arianna’s knowledgeable guidance enhances the experience—“She was so knowledgeable and gave us an incredible view with unique food and wine pairings,” says Sarah_G. Another reviewer highlights the beautiful scenery combined with excellent wine: “Our host was very knowledgeable on the wines presented and the food it was paired with was delicious.”

The tasting concludes with time to soak in the breathtaking view, snap photos, and perhaps discuss which of the wines was your favorite. The entire experience lasts about two hours, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Lake Como.

Deep Dive: What Makes This Tour Special

The small group size—only your party—means you get personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions, whether about wine, local culture, or recommendations for your stay. Arianna’s passion for her city and her wines shines through, turning what could be a simple tasting into a story-rich journey.

The selection of three wines, all produced in Lombardy, ensures you get a representative taste of the region’s wine culture. From sparkling to red, each wine is carefully paired with traditional foods that highlight local craftsmanship. Many guests appreciate that the food is homemade and sourced from farms nearby, emphasizing authenticity and supporting small producers.

The view from Brunate is often cited as one of the highlights—”The view from the mountain is something amazing,” as one reviewer put it. It’s a reminder that wine tasting here is not just about the drink but also about savoring the landscape and atmosphere of Lake Como.

The price point of $144.60 per person might seem high, but many in reviews agree that the quality of the guide, the intimate setting, and the unique location make it a good value. Since the tour is private, it’s a great choice for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a tailored experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for wine lovers or curious travelers wanting to deepen their appreciation of regional Lombardy wines. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy authentic local food and want to see a picturesque part of Lake Como beyond the usual tourist spots. Nature enthusiasts will love the spectacular views, which add a memorable backdrop to your tasting.

If you’re interested in learning about Italy’s wine culture from a passionate local guide and enjoy a relaxed, intimate setting, this tour should be high on your list. It’s suitable for most travelers—most participants are adults over 18, and service animals are allowed.

However, if you prefer larger group tours or are trying to keep costs down, you may want to explore other options. But for those seeking a special, personal, and scenic wine experience, this tour offers a memorable way to enjoy Lake Como’s culinary and natural beauty.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours, perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
• Price: $144.60 per person, representing a premium for a private, guided experience.
• Meeting Point: Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, Como—easy to reach via public transportation.
• Transport to Brunate: a short funicular ride, which offers a scenic start to your journey.
• Minimum Age & Alcohol: Generally suitable for most adults; alcoholic drinks served from 18+.
• Booking: Recommended to reserve about 79 days in advance, as the tour is popular.
• Cancellation: Free if canceled at least 24 hours before; weather can impact the tour, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the views, local food pairings, and Arianna’s stories. However, alcohol is served only to those 18 and over.

How accessible is the tour?
The meeting point is near public transportation, and the journey to Brunate involves a 7-minute funicular ride. It’s generally accessible, but travelers with mobility concerns should check specifics.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are the wines local?
Yes, all three wines are produced in Lombardy, representing the region’s diverse terroir.

What kind of food is served?
The tour includes homemade focaccia, cured meats, and cheeses sourced from local farms, providing an authentic taste of Lake Como’s culinary scene.

Is this experience private only?
Yes, only your group participates, making it ideal for a personalized experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes and perhaps a camera for photos of the incredible views. A light jacket may be helpful if it’s windy or cooler at higher elevations.

Final Thoughts

This exclusive wine tasting in Brunate offers a lovely blend of spectacular scenery, regional wines, and local flavors. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to explore Lake Como beyond the town centers, with an emphasis on authentic experiences and expert guidance. Arianna’s passion and storytelling make this more than just a tasting—it’s a small cultural voyage with a scenic backdrop that will stay with you long after the glasses are empty.

While the price reflects the intimate, personalized nature of the tour, many guests find the experience to be a worthwhile investment in their trip. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable way to enjoy Lake Como’s beauty, this tour offers a lovely, relaxed way to indulge your senses.

If you’re seeking a calm, educational, and scenic escape with excellent wine and food, this adventure in Brunate might just be the highlight of your Lake Como visit.