Novi Ligure is a fantastic base for exploring Piedmont’s food and wine scene. Its prime location near Gavi, Serravalle Scrivia, and the rolling vineyards makes it ideal for sampling local delights. Among the many options, we particularly love Tenuta San Lorenzo’s wine and food tasting. The panoramic tasting room overlooking the vineyards, combined with a guided experience from a WSET sommelier, offers an authentic taste of the region’s best wines paired with local food. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a relaxed, intimate experience with family-run charm.
Apart from wine, Novi Ligure has a sweet spot for chocolate lovers. The Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting near Alessandria combines a behind-the-scenes look at bean-to-bar chocolate making with tastings of five unique chocolates. It’s a delicious way to learn about Piedmont’s sweet traditions and artisanal craftsmanship. Lastly, for a well-rounded experience, the Novi Ligure: Guided tour of the winery with wine and chocolate tasting combines local wines with artisanal chocolates, offering a delightful pairing that highlights the region’s culinary creativity.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best tours in Novi Ligure, covering wine, chocolate, vineyard walks, and more, each with its own special appeal.
1. Tenuta San Lorenzo: Wine & Food Tasting Experience
Starting with a visit to the family-run Tenuta San Lorenzo, this 2-hour tasting experience immerses you in Piedmont’s renowned wine culture. You’ll enjoy a tasting of 3 local wines in a panoramic room overlooking the estate’s lush vineyards. The experience is led by a WSET-certified sommelier, ensuring expert guidance as you learn about the wines’ nuances and pairing them with local foods. The estate’s focus on indigenous wines makes this an authentic taste of Piedmont’s winemaking traditions.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic views, intimate setting, and expert pairing. The estate’s family-run nature adds warmth and personality to the visit, making it feel more like a visit with friends than a commercial tour. The food pairing enhances the wine tasting, giving you a fuller appreciation of local flavors. Pricing at around $57 per person offers reasonable value for a high-quality, guided experience.
Guests rave about the hospitality and the stunning views, with reviews praising the experience as “super” and the location as “extremely welcoming.” It’s perfect for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, informative experience.
Bottom Line: An intimate, scenic wine tasting with expert-led pairing—ideal for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Piedmont wines in a family atmosphere.
2. Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting near Alessandria
For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting offers a 1-hour behind-the-scenes look at Piedmont’s artisan chocolate-making. Located near Alessandria, this tour reveals the bean-to-bar process, from cacao roasting to the final product. You’ll see how local techniques like cremini and boeri production bring chocolate to life, then taste five distinct chocolates—ranging from classic flavors to more inventive options.
This tour is unique because it provides a close-up view of artisan techniques and emphasizes Piedmont’s rich chocolate traditions. The visit is guided and includes a 15-minute tasting session that highlights the quality of local ingredients. It’s a delicious, informative experience for families, couples, or anyone curious about chocolate craftsmanship.
The price isn’t listed explicitly, but the tour’s value lies in the detailed process and tastings. It’s perfect for travelers seeking something sweet and memorable, not just a sightseeing stop. Based on reviews, visitors appreciate the passion of the chocolatiers and the chance to taste chocolates they wouldn’t find elsewhere.
Bottom Line: A tasty, educational experience that combines artisan techniques with an indulgent tasting—ideal for chocolate enthusiasts and families alike.
3. Novi Ligure: Guided tour of the winery with wine and chocolate tasting
This 1.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at a local winery’s cellar and production areas, culminating in a guided tasting of regional wines paired with artisanal chocolates. The focus is on showcasing Novi Ligure’s unique position as a land of both wine and chocolate, giving visitors a chance to explore both worlds in one visit.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of wine and chocolate pairing, highlighting Piedmont’s culinary creativity. Visitors learn about the estate’s history, production process, and the local Gavi wines. It’s suitable for those wanting a deeper understanding of Piedmont’s wine heritage with a sweet twist.
Although specific reviews aren’t listed, the tour’s format suggests a balanced, engaging experience perfect for couples or small groups seeking a relaxed, informative visit. The focus on local products makes it a great choice for those who want an authentic taste of the region’s specialties.
Bottom Line: An engaging experience that combines wine and chocolate, perfect for those wanting to explore local flavors in a relaxed setting.
4. Novi Ligure: Vineyard Estate Tour & Lake Walk with Tasting
Offering a 2-hour experience, this tour begins with sweeping views of the Monferrato hills and visits gardens, a historic chapel, and the estate’s cellar. After exploring, you’ll sample four estate wines paired with local delicacies in the cellar, then enjoy a peaceful walk to a nearby natural lake.
What makes this experience special is the combination of vineyard exploration, scenic vistas, and a lakeside stroll. The estate’s focus on innovative winemaking techniques and light preservative use appeals to eco-conscious travelers. The vivid descriptions of the gardens and historic buildings add a cultural touch, making it more than just a tasting.
Ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely walk combined with wine tasting, this tour is perfect for visitors looking for a relaxing, scenic escape. The inclusion of local delicacies enhances the tasting, offering a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: A scenic, relaxed tour combining vineyard vistas, cultural sights, and wine tasting—great for nature lovers and casual explorers.
5. Tenuta San Lorenzo: classic wine tasting and winery tour
This 1-hour tour at Tenuta San Lorenzo provides a classic experience of the estate’s wines and facilities. You’ll visit the winery, see the production process, and enjoy a tasting of 3 local wines in the panoramic tasting room overlooking the vineyards. Guided by a WSET-certified expert, you’ll learn about the estate’s history and the region’s indigenous grapes, including the famous Cortese grape behind the Gavi DOCG.
The tour’s value lies in its short duration but rich content, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a quality introduction to Piedmont wines. The family-run atmosphere adds authenticity, and the comparison of different wines helps develop a personal palate.
Guests describe it as “super,” noting the hospitality, scenery, and focus on local wines. It’s best suited for wine newcomers or those wanting a quick yet meaningful tasting experience.
Bottom Line: An efficient and authentic introduction to Piedmont wines, perfect for travelers looking for a brief, well-guided visit.
6. Tenuta San Lorenzo: wine tasting and winery tour
This 1-hour experience emphasizes the panoramic views and local wines at Tenuta San Lorenzo. You’ll tour the winery, see the vineyard, and taste 3 of their best wines in the tasting room. Led by a WSET sommelier, the focus is on Gavi DOCG wines, especially the Cortese grape.
What makes this tour stand out is its simplicity and focus on quality over quantity. It’s a great option for those who want a quick, scenic, and educational wine experience. The tasting offers a chance to appreciate Piedmont’s signature wines while soaking in views of the estate.
Guests comment on the professional guidance and relaxing atmosphere, making it suitable for wine novices or couples seeking a low-key, high-quality experience. Its affordability at about $43 makes it a good value.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, scenic wine tasting that highlights Piedmont’s core grape and region, ideal for a quick yet memorable visit.
How to Choose the Best Tour
When selecting a tour in Novi Ligure, consider your interests, budget, and time available. If you’re passionate about wine and want a deep dive, the Tenuta San Lorenzo: Wine & Food Tasting Experience offers a comprehensive, scenic, and expertly guided journey. For a sweet twist, the Chocolate Factory Tour provides a hands-on look into chocolate-making paired with tastings.
If you prefer a balanced experience with both wine and chocolate, the Novi Ligure guided tour is perfect. For travelers wanting a relaxing walk with wine, the Vineyard Estate Tour & Lake Walk combines scenic beauty with tasting.
For quick, focused tastings, the classic winery tour and the wine tasting and winery tour are excellent options, especially if you’re short on time but want quality experiences.
Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons. Think about which experiences match your curiosity—whether it’s a deep dive into Piedmont wines, a sweet chocolate adventure, or a scenic vineyard walk—and choose accordingly.
To sum it up, Novi Ligure offers a wonderful variety of tours tailored to different interests and schedules. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover, a chocolate enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful scenic experience, there’s something here for you. The key is to pick the tour that best matches your curiosity and plans—early bookings can secure preferred times and ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
