A Venetian Evening – Wine Tasting & Cicchetti with a Local guide

If you’re thinking about exploring Venice through its food and drink, this A Venetian Evening tour offers a cozy, authentic experience that’s especially appealing for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a taste of local life. From lively bacari (small wine bars) to stunning neighborhood sights, it promises a relaxed yet immersive introduction to Venetian flavors.

What we really love about this tour is the focus on local specialties and the chance to sample regional wines in a small, intimate group. The expert guides bring Venice’s food culture to life with stories and background that turn a simple tasting into a memorable moment. However, one thing to keep in mind is the price point—at around $127 per person, you’ll want to be sure you’re excited about wine and cicchetti to get the most out of it.

This experience is perfect if you’re eager to go beyond the typical tourist spots and into the heart of Venice’s food scene. It’s a great choice if you enjoy guided walks, learning about local traditions, and tasting a variety of small bites paired with wine. If you prefer a sit-down dinner or vegan options, you might want to explore other options, but for a true Venetian flavor adventure, this is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Small-group setting ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.
• Includes several tastings of regional wines and cicchetti, giving a well-rounded tasting experience.
• Focus on local neighborhoods like Dorsoduro, Campo Santa Margherita, and Campo dei Frari, avoiding the crowds.
• Expert guides provide engaging stories and insights about Venice’s food culture and history.
• Perfect for first-timers or those wanting an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
• Weather-proof operation, so it runs rain or shine, but dress appropriately.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

This tour runs around three hours, and it’s designed to be a gentle walk through Venice’s less touristy districts. You’ll begin at the Campo dei Tolentini, where your guide meets you with warm local knowledge. From there, the journey takes you through charming streets off the usual tourist trail, giving you a glimpse of what locals really eat and drink.

Stop 1: Dorsoduro

This neighborhood is known among Venetians for its bakarie—these are traditional bars where locals gather for cicchetti (Venetian tapas). On this walk, your guide will point out some of the best spots, share stories, and introduce you to regional specialties. The focus here is on authentic Venetian food rather than tourist-heavy restaurants. You’ll sample several bites, likely featuring fresh fish, cheeses, and other typical cicchetti.

Stop 2: Campo Santa Margherita

This lively square is a favorite among Venetians, and it’s also home to Banksy’s graffiti, which adds a modern twist to the historic setting. You’ll get a quick look at this art installation, but the real highlight is soaking in the local atmosphere and perhaps observing Venetians enjoying their evening drinks.

Stop 3: Campo dei Frari

Known for its local wine bars, this part of town is where you’ll focus on tasting different wines. The guide will introduce you to regional dry wines, including some natural options, along with Prosecco and dessert wine, all paired with small bites of traditional cicchetti. Reviews mention that guides like Georgia make these moments especially enjoyable with their knowledge and friendly manner.

Stop 4: Church of San Pantalon

If it’s open, a quick peek at the frescoes on the ceiling offers a glimpse of Venetian art and adds a cultural touch to your food journey. This stop allows a moment of quiet reflection amidst the lively tasting.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour provides an engaging guided walk with a local expert who shares stories and background along the way. Your ticket includes three regional dry wines (including natural options), one Prosecco, and one dessert wine, paired with six cicchetti and a sweet treat.

This means you’ll get a good variety of tastes, making the price worth it if you’re a wine enthusiast or a foodie. Keep in mind, extra food or drinks are not included, so if you’re craving more, you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

Meeting Points and Practical Details

The tour kicks off at Campo dei Tolentini and concludes nearby at Adriatico MarC. Crosera. It operates rain or shine—a plus for unpredictable Venetian weather—though you should dress accordingly.

Most travelers can participate, and the small group cap of eight ensures a more personal experience. To make the most of your experience, arrive on time—there’s a strict ten-minute waiting policy, and late arrivals cannot be guaranteed a spot, nor will refunds be issued for tardiness.

If you have dietary restrictions, vegetarian options are available, but note there are no vegan or gluten-free options. The tour is especially suitable for those curious about Venetian food culture and regional wines, making it ideal for first-timers or couples looking for a relaxed, intimate evening.

What Reviewers Say

Many participants rave about the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, particularly highlighting Federico and Giorgia. One reviewer called Federico “an outstanding host—entertaining and knowledgeable,” while others appreciated the small group size, which fostered good conversations and a cozy atmosphere.

The food and wine also receive frequent praise. Reviewers mention “excellent wines,” “local flavors,” and “authentic cicchetti,” often noting that they would not have found these places on their own. One said, “Venice seems like a maze, but a good guide can help you discover hidden gems.”

Some reviewers, like Colleen, pointed out that their expectations weren’t fully met—specifically, wishing for sit-down dinners instead of bar hopping. The tour’s focus on local wine bars and bacari rather than a restaurant dinner is a key detail to remember.

The Real Value of the Experience

At $126.75 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest, but the value lies in the quality of the tasting, the insightful storytelling, and the chance to explore neighborhoods away from the crowds. You’re paying for both the food and the guidance—which can turn an ordinary walk into a memorable cultural experience.

The tour’s small size makes it a cozy way to meet fellow travelers, and the inclusion of multiple wines and cicchetti is generous. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided tastings, small bites, and learning about regional specialties directly from locals.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a great fit if you’re a first-time visitor wanting an authentic introduction to Venice’s food scene. It suits food lovers eager to taste local wines and cicchetti in a relaxed setting. If you’re comfortable with moderate walking and enjoy guided storytelling, you’ll find this engaging and fun.

However, if you’re after a sit-down dinner, vegan or gluten-free options, or a more structured experience, you might want to explore other options. It’s best for those who value local insights and off-the-beaten-path spots over a more touristy, formal dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately three hours, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple tastings without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Campo dei Tolentini and ends nearby at Adriatico MarC. Crosera—both within walking distance of key Venice sights.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking. Vegan and gluten-free options are not offered.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While not specifically designed for children, the tour focuses on small bites and wine, making it more suitable for adults or older teens interested in Venetian food and wine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

Is this tour good in bad weather?
Yes, it operates rain or shine. Just dress appropriately for the weather, as you’ll be walking outdoors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to experience Venice through its local flavors, wines, and neighborhoods, this small-group wine and cicchetti tour offers a genuine and engaging way to do so. The guides are praised for their knowledge and warmth, making the experience more than just tasting but learning about the city’s culinary traditions.

While it might not be suited for those seeking a full sit-down dinner or vegan options, it’s a wonderful way to connect with Venetian culture in an intimate setting. It pairs well with other activities or as a relaxed introduction to Venice’s vibrant food scene.

For anyone who loves small bites and good wine and wants to explore beyond the main tourist streets, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to arrive on time and come with an appetite for authentic Venetian treats.