If you’re visiting Cinque Terre, chances are you’re eager to explore more than just its stunning coastal villages. This region offers some truly memorable wine experiences, blending scenic vineyard vistas, authentic tastings, and local culinary delights. We especially love the BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class for its combination of walking through historic vineyards and sampling exquisite local wines—plus the added bonus of making fresh pesto. It’s a hands-on way to really understand the region’s heroic viticulture while enjoying breathtaking views.
For those seeking a more relaxed, water-based perspective, the Cinque Terre by the sea with local wine offers a peaceful cruise along the coast, perfect for soaking in the colorful villages from a different angle. Meanwhile, the Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza combines culinary skills with local flavors, giving you a taste of Liguria’s famous sauce along with regional wines. With options ranging from walking vineyard tours to boat trips and immersive tastings, this list aims to help you find just the right Cinque Terre wine experience.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them stand out, their suitability, and practical tips to help you choose.
1. BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class
At number 1, the BarCa Winery experience combines a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and a pesto-making class in one engaging 1.5-hour session. The tour begins in Volastra, where you meet your guide at the town entrance and walk through the historic vineyards of the Barrani-Capellini family—these are the heroic vineyards built into steep slopes that define Cinque Terre’s winemaking identity. You’ll see firsthand how grapes are harvested and processed, and your guide explains the region’s unique terracing methods that help prevent erosion while producing flavorful wines.
Following the vineyard walk, you’ll visit the cellar to taste three distinctive wines: the iconic BarCa Cinqueterre DOC, a crisp rosé called Rosaluna, and the Memento cru white. The highlight, however, is the pesto class, where you’ll learn to make Liguria’s famous sauce by hand, using traditional mortar and pestle. The combination of wine, pesto, and stunning coastal views makes this tour a favorite. Reviewers praise Andrea’s genuine hospitality and the breathtaking scenery—”the views are breathtaking and the pesto was very tasty.”
Bottom line: This tour offers a perfect mix of tasting, learning, and scenic beauty—ideal for those who want to understand local traditions while enjoying delicious food and wine in an intimate setting.
2. Cinque Terre by the sea with local wine
Number 2 on our list is Cinque Terre by the sea with local wine, a 2.5-hour boat tour that offers a peaceful, scenic escape from busy land-based sightseeing. This experience is perfect if you prefer a relaxed, atmospheric way to explore the coastline. You’ll glide past the five charming villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—and admire their colorful facades from the water.
Your guide, often a local, shares insights about the area’s history and wine traditions while you sip regional wines and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Many reviewers highlight the ease of the experience, with one noting, “It was a great way to see all of Cinque Terre from the sea.” The boat is described as beautiful and clean, with the chance to relax and take incredible photos of the villages glowing in the late afternoon light.
This tour suits travelers who want a quiet, scenic overview of the region and enjoy a small-group vibe. It’s also perfect for those with limited mobility or anyone who prefers to avoid strenuous activity.
Bottom line: A peaceful, intimate way to appreciate Cinque Terre’s coastline while sampling excellent local wines—best suited for those seeking relaxation and scenic views.
3. Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Number 3 combines culinary skill and regional wine in a 1.5-hour class held in Vernazza. Here, you’ll learn to make pesto using traditional mortar and pestle, an authentic Ligurian method that emphasizes fresh ingredients and manual effort. The class takes place in a charming cellar, furnished with stone and wood, evoking 19th-century Vernazza. Alongside pesto, you’ll partake in a wine tasting featuring three local wines, paired with focaccia, cheeses, and extra virgin olive oils.
Guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, helping you master the pesto technique while discussing the region’s culinary traditions. Many participants enjoy the small group atmosphere, noting the delicious pesto and the opportunity to chat with other travelers. One reviewer called it “a fun & delicious class,” and others appreciated the regional wines’ quality.
While some mention the instructor’s strong accent as a challenge, overall, the experience is highly rated for its authenticity and hands-on nature. It’s a great choice for food lovers or those wanting a taste of Liguria’s culinary culture.
Bottom line: Hands-on, authentic, and fun, this class offers a genuine connection to Ligurian food and wine, making it a memorable part of your Cinque Terre trip.
4. Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the sommelier
Number 4 offers an insightful guided wine tasting led by a sommelier, walking through a characteristic Cinque Terre vineyard. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll explore the landscape, learn about traditional dry stone walls, and taste three local wines. The sommelier shares tips on recognizing different aromas and sensations, making this a great choice for those interested in wine appreciation.
This tour is set in a picturesque winery overlooking the coast, adding visual charm to the experience. The focus on education and tasting makes it ideal for wine aficionados or those seeking a structured, yet relaxed, introduction to Ligurian wines. The reviews highlight how the guide’s expertise enhances the experience, and the setting elevates it beyond just a tasting.
For a deeper understanding of regional wine styles, this tour combines scenery, education, and tastings, making it a balanced and enriching experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers who want to learn more and enjoy a beautiful setting, this tour offers educational value and stunning views.
5. 2 Hr Shared Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop {wine inc!}
Number 5 provides a spectacular sunset boat cruise departing from Riomaggiore. For about 2 hours, you’ll enjoy views of the villages as they glow at dusk, with stops for swimming off Vernazza. The small group size (maximum 12) ensures an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those wanting to combine sea views, swimming, and a bit of wine.
Your skipper shares local stories, and you’ll savor some regional wine and focaccia on board, soaking in the golden hour over the Ligurian coast. Guests describe it as “the highlight of our trip,” especially noting the chance to see Cinque Terre from the water as the sun sets.
This experience is ideal if you want a romantic or peaceful end to your day, with a focus on scenery and tranquility rather than intensive tasting.
Bottom line: An atmospheric, small-group boat cruise perfect for sunset lovers and those wanting a unique perspective of Cinque Terre’s coast.
6. Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre
Number 6 features a guided vineyard exploration in Riomaggiore, combined with a cellar tasting of at least three dry wines. The tour lasts about 2 hours and emphasizes the wine-making process from vine to bottle, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at local production.
The guide shares insights into the region’s terroir and the specific varietals cultivated here. Guests have praised the experience for the detailed explanations and the opportunity to sample rare wines, including some exclusive selections. The setting’s lush vines and panoramic views add to the appeal, making it an immersive experience.
Best suited for wine enthusiasts seeking a detailed understanding of Ligurian wine, this tour offers both educational depth and tasting pleasure. The relatively high price reflects the exclusive nature of the tastings, including rare wines.
Bottom line: An enriching experience for serious wine lovers wanting a comprehensive look at Cinque Terre’s vineyards and a curated tasting.
7. Private Tour of Cinque Terre’s Wine Tasting with a Local
Number 7 provides a personalized, 4-hour private tour led by a local guide. This experience focuses on multiple villages, with an emphasis on wine tasting and local culture. Your guide customizes the itinerary, making it ideal for travelers who want flexibility and deeper engagement.
You will visit Vernazza and enjoy a private wine tasting in a scenic setting, with the guide sharing insights into each wine’s story. This tour is well-suited for those wanting a tailored experience, possibly combining sightseeing with wine tasting and authentic local stories. The reviews mention the fun and engaging guide, who makes the day memorable.
Given its private format and longer duration, it’s a good value for those seeking an in-depth, personalized experience tailored to their interests.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers craving a flexible, private, and immersive way to enjoy Cinque Terre’s wine culture with expert guidance.
8. Cinque Terre Wine Tasting and Boat Trip
Rounding out the list, the Wine Tasting and Boat Trip combines a scenic boat ride with a local wine tasting in a small group. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll explore Cinque Terre’s coast, passing through each village, and then disembark for a visit to a winery where you’ll learn about wine production and sample regional varieties.
Guests appreciate the balance of sea and land experiences—the boat ride provides unique views, while the vineyard visit adds an authentic touch. The tour emphasizes regional wines and 12th-century architecture, making it both educational and scenic.
Ideal for travelers who want to combine water and wine, this tour offers a rundown in a relaxed format, though it’s slightly pricier at over $400 per person.
Bottom line: An engaging way to see Cinque Terre from both land and sea, perfect for those who want a well-rounded, scenic, wine-focused experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cinque Terre Wine Tour
Choosing the right wine experience depends on your interests, fitness level, and time. Want a hands-on culinary experience? The Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza is hard to beat. If you’d prefer a relaxing boat cruise to see the villages from the water, Cinque Terre by the sea with local wine offers a peaceful alternative. For those who want a deep dive into local wines, the Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting provides comprehensive insight.
Budget-conscious travelers might find the BarCa Winery experience offers great value with its blend of walking, tasting, and pesto-making. For a luxury, private experience, the Private Tour of Cinque Terre’s Wine Tasting offers personalized attention.
Consider your preferred pace, interests (culinary, scenic, educational), and physical activity level when selecting. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Cinque Terre’s wine tours run the gamut from scenic boat rides to immersive vineyard visits. For a blend of learning and tasting, the BarCa Winery Trekking & Pesto Class is hard to beat. If you prefer a water perspective, the Sunset Cruise offers unforgettable views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Travelers who want a deep dive into regional wines will appreciate the Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting, while those seeking a personalized experience should consider the Private Tour. No matter which option you choose, booking ahead ensures you get the best experience during your trip to Cinque Terre.
