Exclusive wine tasting in Brunate

Discovering Lake Como Through Its Wines: An In-Depth Look at the Brunate Tasting Tour

If you’re exploring Lake Como and have a soft spot for good wine and stunning scenery, this exclusive wine tasting experience in Brunate might just be what you’re looking for. This tour isn’t just about sampling a few drinks; it’s a chance to connect with the region’s culinary and cultural richness, all set against some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find around the lake.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized attention you get from a knowledgeable guide — Arianna, who’s trained as a sommelier — certainly enhances the experience. And second, the spectacular backdrop of Lake Como from Brunate, combined with carefully curated regional wines and authentic local food pairings, makes for a memorable outing. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that, since this is a relatively short, two-hour experience, it’s best suited for those with a genuine interest in wine or local culture rather than those expecting a full-day adventure.

This tour is ideal if you’re someone who appreciates quality over quantity — you’ll get a focused, intimate tasting with expert narration, all in a setting that’s hard to beat. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking to deepen their understanding of Lombardy’s wine and food scene without spending an entire day.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Only your group participates, led by a passionate guide who shares insider knowledge.
• Spectacular views: The tour takes place in Brunate, offering one of the best panoramic vistas of Lake Como.
• Authentic local pairing: Tasting is paired with homemade focaccia, cured meats, and cheeses from a nearby farm.
• Regionally focused: You’ll sample three different Lombardy wines, including sparkling, white, and red.
• Short but impactful: At around two hours, it’s a compact experience packed with culture, flavor, and scenery.
• Booking well in advance: On average, this tour is booked 79 days ahead, which hints at its popularity.

What to Expect from This Wine Tasting in Brunate

The experience begins at a convenient meeting point in Como, from where you’ll hop onto a 7-minute funicular ride that transports you up to the charming town of Brunate. This short journey is part of the fun, offering lovely views as you ascend towards the mountain village. Once in Brunate, you’ll find yourself in front of the Voltiano Lighthouse — one of Lake Como’s symbols — and with a sweeping vista of the lake stretching out beneath.

The real highlight, however, is the tasting itself. Arianna, your guide, combines her sommelier training with her love for the local area to take you on a journey through three representative Lombardy wines. These include a sparkling wine, a white, and a red, each carefully selected to showcase the area’s terroir.

The wines are paired with homemade focaccia, often a fluffy, flavorful bread that serves as a perfect palate cleanser. You’ll also sample a fine selection of cured meats and cheeses sourced from a nearby farm, which adds a rustic authenticity to the tasting. These local delicacies aren’t just random snacks—they’re thoughtfully chosen to complement each wine and tell a story about the region’s culinary traditions.

Throughout the experience, Arianna shares engaging stories about Brunate’s history and offers tips for further exploration of this small, picturesque town. Her passion for the territory and expertise in wines enrich the tasting, making it more than just a casual sip — it’s an education and a culture.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

A consistent theme in the reviews is how much visitors appreciated Arianna’s knowledge and warmth. One guest raved, “Loved this experience with Arianna!! She was so knowledgeable and gave us an incredible view with unique food and wine pairings!” This personal touch makes all the difference when you’re in a small group, feeling like you’re sharing a private moment with a local expert.

The Views and Atmosphere

The view from Brunate is often described as stunning — a breathtaking panorama of Lake Como that you’ll remember long after the tasting ends. The combination of excellent wines, local snacks, and awe-inspiring scenery makes this a must-do for anyone wanting a more intimate, cultural experience rather than just a standard wine tasting.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Booking

At $144.60 per person, the price might seem a little steep for just two hours. But considering the inclusion of three regional wines, paired local foods, a scenic funicular ride, and the personalized attention from Arianna, many find it good value. Plus, since this is a private tour, it offers an exclusive setting that larger group tastings can’t match.

Most travelers book this experience about 79 days in advance, so if you’re keen, it’s worth planning ahead. The tour ends back at the starting point, so it’s easy to combine with other activities around Como or Brunate.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which provides some peace of mind. Weather-dependent, the experience will be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor, making it a flexible option for those concerned about outdoor activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers looking to deepen their appreciation for regional varieties while enjoying some of the best views around Lake Como. It’s suited to those who appreciate small, curated experiences over large tours, and it’s especially good for travelers who enjoy pairing food and drink with cultural stories. If you’re traveling as a couple or in a small group and want a personal, authentic taste of Lombardy, this is a solid choice.

It’s less ideal if you’re just looking for a quick drink or a full-day excursion, or if your schedule doesn’t allow for the 7-minute funicular ride. But overall, if you’re after quality, scenery, and local flavor, this tour checks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

In our view, this wine tasting in Brunate offers a genuinely engaging way to experience Lake Como’s culinary side without the crowd or commercial feel of larger tours. The combination of expert guidance, delicious local food, and breathtaking views makes it stand out. The fact that reviews are glowing — with many calling it “amazing,” “lovely,” and “highly recommended” — says a lot about its appeal.

If you’re curious about Lombardy wines, want a relaxed, intimate experience, or simply love discovering new places from a different perspective, this tour could be just right. It’s a thoughtful way to spend a couple of hours, leaving you with beautiful memories and, hopefully, a few new favorite wines.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
This tour is designed for adults, as alcoholic drinks are served from 18 years of age. It’s best suited for travelers interested in wine and food, rather than families with young children.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 2 hours long, including the funicular ride and tasting.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get a private tasting of three regional wines paired with local foods such as focaccia, cured meats, and cheeses, along with the scenic funicular ride to Brunate.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund. Weather issues or minimum booking requirements are also covered with rescheduling or refunds.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, making it a personalized experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi in Como and ends back at the same point.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for short outdoor walking and a bit of elevation for the funicular.

Do I need previous wine knowledge?
Not at all — the guide will walk you through each step, making it accessible for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

This experience is a fantastic way to combine scenic beauty, regional culture, and culinary delights in a concise, memorable outing. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or just want a unique way to see Lake Como’s stunning views, it’s worth considering.