Visit the Marchesi de Cordano winery and taste its wines

If you’re thinking about spending an afternoon at the Marchesi de Cordano winery in Pescara, Italy, you’ll find there’s plenty to consider. This tour promises a 3-hour experience that combines a walk through the vineyards with a tasting of some of their wines, offering a chance to see how this modern winery approaches wine production today. It’s a chance to learn a little, taste a little, and enjoy the scenery—if it’s the right fit.

What we really like about this tour is its affordable price point—at around $40.72 per person, it offers a decent introduction to the winery’s wines and philosophy without breaking the bank. Also, the fact that it includes a guided walk through the vineyards makes it more engaging than just a tasting session at a stand-alone shop. But, on the flip side, there are a few downsides worth considering, like inconsistent reviews and some logistical concerns.

It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, informative afternoon in the countryside, especially if you’re genuinely interested in wine production and tasting. If you’re expecting a perfectly seamless experience, be aware that experiences can vary, and some reviews highlight frustrations with cancellations and communication. Still, if you’re open-minded and curious about local wines, this tour might be worth a try.

Key Points

• Affordable experience giving you a chance to learn about modern wine production
• Includes vineyard strolls for those who enjoy scenic, outdoor activities
• Tasting included offers a variety of wines from the winery
• Group size is limited to a maximum of 20, keeping it intimate but potentially crowded
• Mixed reviews highlight good service from some but recent cancellations and communication issues from others
• Weather-dependent: the tour requires good weather to proceed comfortably

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at the Marchesi de’ Cordano winery in Loreto Aprutino, with a meeting point at Contrada Cordano. Starting around 4:00 PM, you’ll spend roughly three hours exploring what the winery has to offer.

Walking Through the Vineyards

The first part of the experience involves strolling through the vineyards. This isn’t just a photo op; it’s a genuine chance to see how the grapes are grown and understand the modern philosophy the winery applies to their production. While some reviews praise the scenic beauty of the vineyards, others might find the walk a bit brief if they’re expecting a long outdoor adventure.

Discovering the Winemaking Process

Next, your guide will lead you through the production process—though details are limited, the focus is on showcasing their modern approach. You’ll be able to observe how they blend traditional techniques with contemporary methods. For wine lovers, this part is often the most interesting—seeing the equipment, learning about their approach, and maybe asking questions.

Tasting Room Experience

The last part of the tour takes place in the tasting room, where you’ll sample some wines produced by Marchesi de Cordano. The reviews mention good wine selection and enjoyable tastings, though they don’t specify exactly which wines you’ll try. Expect to sample a handful of their wines, perhaps accompanied by some light snacks or tapas, depending on what the winery offers.

Final Thoughts on the Tour

The experience concludes back at the starting point, and you’re free to linger at the tasting room if you wish. The entire visit is designed to be relaxed, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and ask questions—if the guide is available and friendly.

What the Reviews Say

Reviews are somewhat mixed, reflecting both the potential and pitfalls of this experience. On the bright side, many visitors celebrate the interesting insights and friendly service. One reviewer mentioned, “The tour was super interesting, we learned a lot of new things. Everyone was extremely friendly and courteous. I can only recommend!”

However, there have been notable frustrations. Several reviewers recount last-minute cancellations—one even shared that their plans were ruined because the tour was canceled unexpectedly. Others mention poor communication, especially around weather cancellations or rescheduling, which can leave visitors feeling disappointed or uncertain.

A more positive review describes the experience as “magnificent”, appreciating the “discovery of the history and tradition of this renowned wine cellar.” Meanwhile, some found the value for money quite good, especially when considering the ability to taste several wines after the tour.

One thing to note, too: some reviews mention the cancellation policy—cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance, which is standard, but last-minute issues can be frustrating.

The Price and Value

At just over $40, this tour offers a decent price point for a wine tour that includes vineyard walks and tastings. If you’re a casual wine enthusiast or someone curious about how modern wineries operate, this could be a good introductory experience. The value lies in the chance to see the vineyards, learn about production, and taste local wines in a relaxed setting.

On the other hand, if you’re expecting a comprehensive, luxurious tasting or a behind-the-scenes deep dive, this might fall short. Some reviews suggest that the experience might be more superficial than an in-depth exploration, but that’s typical at this price point.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who prefer a relaxed, budget-friendly introduction to Italian wines in the countryside. It’s ideal if you’re interested in the modern approaches wineries take today but aren’t seeking an exhaustive tour or exclusive access. Those who enjoy scenic vineyard walks and casual tastings will likely find this appealing.

However, if you’re highly sensitive to cancellations or poor communication, or if you want a more polished or comprehensive experience, you might want to explore other options or confirm the details with the provider beforehand.

Practical Tips

• Book at least a week in advance, as most travelers do.
• Check the weather forecast; this tour is weather-dependent.
• Confirm your reservation and inquire about the wines you will taste.
• Arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start.
• Be aware that some reviews mention cancellations, so keep an eye on updates or consider flexible plans.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally open to most travelers, and service animals are allowed, but it’s primarily designed for adults interested in wine and vineyard scenery. It might not be specifically tailored for children.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately three hours, including walking, learning, and tasting.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the guided visit to the winery, the vineyard walk, and a tasting of some of the wines produced by Marchesi de Cordano.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. Since some reviews mention cancellations due to weather or other issues, it’s wise to confirm close to your planned date.

What’s the experience like for wine tasting?
Most reviewers say it’s enjoyable, with some highlighting good wine selection, but details about specific wines are limited. Expect to sample a few wines in a relaxed setting.

Are there any food options?
Some reviews mention tapas or light snacks accompanying the tasting, but details aren’t specified. It’s best to check with the provider if you’re looking for food options.

Is transportation provided?
The tour does not include transportation, but some travelers have booked transport separately with positive comments about the service.

How many people are in the group?
The group size is limited to 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate but could also mean it’s busy at peak times.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking outdoors. Since it’s in the vineyards, consider bringing sun protection or a hat on sunny days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Pescara and are interested in getting a taste of Italian wine culture without a hefty price tag, this tour could be worth a shot. It offers an authentic look at a modern winery and the chance to enjoy some good wines in a scenic setting. Just keep in mind that logistical hiccups, like cancellations or communication issues, might occur, so staying flexible is wise.

For wine newcomers or casual enthusiasts, this can be a fun, laid-back experience. For those seeking a luxurious or flawless tour, you might want to explore other options or confirm details ahead of time.

Overall, it’s a decent, reasonably priced introduction—perfect for those who want to dip their toes into Italy’s wine world without overcommitting. Just approach with an open mind and a bit of patience, and you might find it a worthwhile part of your Italian trip.

Happy wine tasting!