Cinque Terre: tasting in the cellar with visit to vineyards

If you’re heading to Liguria and want to get a real taste of the local wine culture, this vineyard and wine tasting experience in Volastra could be a wonderful choice. It’s a short, 1.5-hour tour that combines tasting three carefully selected wines with a scenic walk through terraced vineyards overlooking the sea. The tour is hosted by the family behind ARRIGONI WINE, who have been making wine since 1913, and clearly pour their passion into every glass.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances stunning views with authentic stories about the region and family tradition. Plus, the inclusion of local products paired with the tastings adds a flavorful touch. On the flip side, it’s a quite compact tour – if you’re looking for a lengthy in-depth experience or a deep dive into wine production, this might not satisfy that craving.

This tour feels perfectly suited for travelers who want a light yet meaningful introduction to Ligurian wines, especially those who love to combine good wine with breathtaking scenery. It’s an ideal stop for anyone curious about local wines, memorable landscapes, and stories of family effort across generations.

Key Points

• Short but impactful: 1.5 hours of guided tasting and walking, perfect for a quick but memorable experience
• Family tradition: Hosted by a family with over a century of winemaking experience, adding authenticity
• Scenic setting: Walk through terraced vineyards perched above the sea, making the landscape as much a part of the experience as the wine
• Quality tasting: Three wines are offered, each with a story and paired with local products like olives and pesto
• Expert guides: Guides like Mattia are praised for being well-prepared and engaging
• Ideal for wine lovers: Especially those interested in regional varieties and local production

You can check availability for your dates here:

A closer look at what to expect in this Cinque Terre wine tour

The setting and meeting point

You’ll meet behind the Volastra church, at coordinates 44.11527633666992, 9.72997760772705. The location is central enough and easy to find. The village of Volastra itself is quite charming, and strolling around beforehand or afterward offers a bonus of authentic Ligurian village life.

The guide, who speaks both Italian and English, will lead you on a short walk to the vineyards. This walk is not just a formality; it’s part of what makes the experience special. You get to see firsthand the effort it takes to cultivate these terraced vineyards that cling to the hillside, often overlooking the sparkling Ligurian sea.

The vineyard visit and the wines

The star here is the chance to taste three wines:

• Colli di Luni DOC “Ampelos” — likely a white or red, representing the broader Ligurian wine region
• Cinqueterre DOC “Tramonti” — a local DOC wine, specific to the Cinque Terre area
• IGT Liguria di Levante “O di Giotto” — a regional IGT, offering a taste of Liguria’s diverse wine production

Each wine is accompanied by stories of the family tradition and the land. The hosts emphasize the effort and love poured into each bottle, making the tasting more than just a sip session. The reviews highlight that these wines are well-liked, with visitors noting how good the selection is, especially considering the local context.

Food pairing and local products

A real highlight is the pairing of the wines with typical local products. Think small bites like pesto, olives, or other regional delicacies. Guests have commented on how these added a flavorful dimension to the tasting, making it feel like a mini feast rather than just a sip-and-go experience.

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The guides and hospitality

Guide Mattia, in particular, gets high praise for being knowledgeable and friendly. Several reviews mention how well he told the stories behind the wines and the region, making the experience engaging and authentic. Since this is a small-scale tour, you’ll likely get more personal attention, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

Duration, cost, and flexibility

At only 1.5 hours, this experience is perfect if you’re tight on time but still want to enjoy a meaningful taste of Liguria. It’s offered with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is handy if your plans change unexpectedly. Plus, the “reserve now & pay later” option adds flexibility for planning your trip.

The experience’s pros and cons

Pros

• Authentic family-run operation with a history dating back to 1913
• Breathtaking views from terraced vineyards overlooking the sea
• Expert guides who share detailed stories about the wines and region
• High-quality wines that are well-received by visitors
• Complimentary local bites enhance the tasting experience
• Small group size makes it intimate and personalized

Cons

• The tour is quite short, so if you’re looking for an in-depth wine education or a lengthy experience, it might feel limited
• It’s only 1.5 hours, so it’s more of an introduction than a full day in the vineyards
• If you’re not a wine enthusiast, some of the focus might feel a bit narrow

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re looking to quickly and enjoyably get a taste of Liguria’s wine world while soaking in incredible views, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for casual wine lovers who appreciate charming village scenery and good storytelling. It’s also great for those wanting a low-key, small-group experience with local hosts who are passionate about their land and wines.

Travelers who enjoy food pairings, scenic walks, and authentic family stories will find this experience both enjoyable and memorable. However, if you’re after a comprehensive wine course or a detailed vineyard tour, you might find this a bit too brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tasting experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it perfect for a quick cultural and gustatory break.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet behind the Volastra church at the provided coordinates. The guide will be waiting there to welcome you.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll taste three wines: Colli di Luni DOC “Ampelos”, Cinqueterre DOC “Tramonti”, and IGT Liguria di Levante “O di Giotto”.

Are local foods included?
Yes, a selection of typical local products like pesto and olives will be served alongside the wines.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The experience is focused on wine tasting and vineyard walking, so it’s best suited for adults. Children might find it less engaging unless they are particularly interested in wine or scenery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this experience in English?
Yes, the tour is available in both Italian and English, ensuring good communication for most travelers.

How many people are in each group?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest the groups are small, enhancing the personal feel of the tour.

Final thoughts

This vineyard tour in Volastra offers a genuine glimpse into Liguria’s wine tradition, set against some of the most stunning scenery in the Cinque Terre. It’s ideal if you want a quick, engaging, and authentic experience without a lot of fuss. The combination of local wines, picturesque views, and knowledgeable guides makes it a memorable part of any trip to this region.

While it may not satisfy those craving an extensive wine course or vineyard exploration, it’s a charming and worthwhile stop for anyone who appreciates good wine and breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a taste of local life — and a splash of the sea breeze.

In summary, if you’re after a short, friendly, and scenic introduction to Ligurian wines with a personal touch, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember, it’s more about creating a lovely memory than deep-diving into wine production details — and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

You can check availability for your dates here: