If you’re wandering through Como and love the idea of sampling Italian wines paired with delicious local bites, this wine tasting experience from Enoteca Capitan Drake might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally done this tour, based on reviews and the detailed info available, it seems like a charming, well-curated way to spend an afternoon—especially if you appreciate good wine, expert guides, and a cozy setting.
What immediately draws us in is the chance to taste 4 or 7 wines from Italy and around the world. Plus, the option to pair these with cheeses, cold cuts, or a vegetarian dish makes it a flexible experience, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Another plus? The guide’s expertise seems to make the experience informative and engaging—something we always value in wine tastings.
That said, one thing to keep in mind is the price point of around $56.64 per person. It’s a solid investment for an intimate, guided tasting, but if you’re looking for a long, leisurely tour or a full meal, this might be more of a focused tasting rather than a full-blown food and wine experience. It’s best suited for those who want a taste of Italy’s wine culture, in a small-group setting, without the fuss of larger tours.
This tour looks like it works best for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups wanting an authentic, relaxed experience with knowledgeable guides. If you’re after a quick, high-quality sampling and some insider insights, it’s definitely worth considering.
Key Points
- Variety of wines: Choose between 4 or 7 wines, including options from Italy and international vineyards for diverse tasting.
- Expert guidance: A sommelier leads the experience, providing insights and making the tasting educational.
- Tasty pairings: Cold cuts and cheeses or vegetarian dishes are available, elevating the tasting beyond just wine.
- Flexible options: You can opt for a private tasting for an exclusive experience.
- Location advantage: The wine shop’s proximity to Como’s old city walls makes it easy to access, adding charm to the experience.
- Good value for quality: While not a full meal, the experience offers a well-rounded, immersive tasting for its price.
The Experience Breakdown
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Location and Setting
The tasting takes place at Capitan Drake Wine Shop in Como, just a few meters from the old city walls. The shop’s intimate setting is perfect for those who enjoy a cozy, personalized experience. We love the fact that the location is central and easy to find, making it convenient whether you’re already exploring Como or planning to include it as part of your day.
What the Tour Includes
You’ll be greeted by an expert sommelier guide who will lead you through the tasting. Depending on your selected option, you’ll sample either 4 or 7 wines. These wines are selected to showcase unique vines and territories, offering a glimpse into Italy’s diverse wine regions and possibly some international selections.
Alongside the wines, you’ll have the chance to pair them with cured meats, cheeses, or a vegetarian dish. The pairing component is a nice touch because it helps you understand how different flavors complement each other, making the tasting richer and more memorable.
The Tasting Experience
One of the highlights, based on reviews, is the knowledgeable guidance from the sommelier. Guests consistently mention how friendly and insightful the staff are, making the experience feel personalized and relaxed. You might find that the guides share stories about the wines, their origins, and tips for appreciating them—a real plus for anyone wanting to learn more about wine.
The tasting duration is around 1.5 to 2 hours, which is enough time to savor each pour without feeling rushed. The small group setting enhances the intimacy, allowing everyone to ask questions and engage with the guide.
More Great Tours NearbyPrivate Tasting Option
For those seeking exclusivity, there’s an option to reserve the wine shop for a private tasting. This is ideal if you want a more tailored experience, perhaps for a special occasion or a quieter, more personal exploration of wines.
Price and Value
At roughly $56.64 per person, the experience feels like good value, especially considering the inclusion of multiple wines, expert guidance, and optional pairings. While this doesn’t include transportation or additional food and drinks, it offers a focused, quality experience that many travelers find worth the investment.
Who Will Enjoy This?
This tour is particularly suited for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who appreciate wine and enjoy learning in a relaxed environment. If you’re someone who enjoys tasting new wines and understanding their stories, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding.
What You Should Know Before Booking
- Reservations are required, and it’s best to check availability for your preferred date and time.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is a nice touch for travelers with mobility needs.
- Expect no smoking in the wine shop.
- Children under 18 and pregnant women are not recommended to participate.
- Vegetarian options are available upon request, which is thoughtful for dietary restrictions.
Authenticity and Authentic Experience
Based on reviews, guests rave about the friendly staff and knowledgeable guides. One reviewer described it as an “unbelievable experience” with staff that was “super friendly” and “had so much knowledge of the wines.” Another emphasized the intimate setting, saying it “allowed for a more personalized experience.” These insights suggest that the tour isn’t just about tasting but about creating an engaging, educational environment.
The small-group dynamic means you’ll likely get more tailored insights, and the relaxed pace makes it ideal for those wanting an unpretentious, yet informative introduction to Italian wines.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If your goal is to enjoy a curated selection of wines paired with delicious bites in the heart of Como, this experience seems to hit the right notes. It’s particularly valuable for wine lovers who appreciate learning about different vines and regions without feeling overwhelmed by overly commercialized tastings. The expert guides and cozy setting will probably make you feel welcomed and well-informed.
However, if you’re after a full meal, a long day of tasting, or a larger group experience, you might want to look for other options. For what it offers, the price is reasonable, especially given the quality of the guide and the intimate setting.
Como: Wine Tasting Experience with Cheese and Cold Cuts
“unbelievable experience. The staff was super friendly and had so much knowledge of the wines. Highly recommend this activity!!”
FAQ
Can I choose the number of wines I taste?
Yes, you can opt for either 4 or 7 wines depending on your preference.
Is the private tasting more expensive?
The details don’t specify different pricing for private tastings, but reserving the entire shop offers a more exclusive experience.
Are vegetarian dishes available?
Yes, vegetarian pairing options are available upon request.
How long does the tasting last?
Expect the experience to run between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the wine shop is not included.
Can children or pregnant women participate?
No, this experience is not suitable for children or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption.
What languages are available during the tour?
Guides speak both English and Italian, ensuring clear communication.
If you’re planning to spend a relaxing couple of hours exploring wines in Como, this tour offers a genuine opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Italian viniculture, all with a friendly, expert touch.
You can check availability for your dates here:
