Genoa: Wine Tasting Near The Cruise: the best Italian wine

Thinking about a wine experience in Genoa that combines top-notch wines with local flavors? This guided wine tasting near the cruise port offers just that, with a chance to sample some of Italy’s most celebrated wines while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere.

What we find particularly appealing about this tour is its focus on high-quality wines paired with authentic Italian appetizers like focaccia, pesto, ham, and cheese. It’s also a flexible experience — you can choose from different tasting options based on your favorite regional wines. The fact that it’s led by a knowledgeable sommelier makes it an ideal choice for those wanting to deepen their wine knowledge without feeling overwhelmed.

One aspect to consider is that the tour lasts just 1.5 hours, which is great for fitting into a busy cruise schedule but might feel a bit quick if you’re really into wine tasting. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 18, so this is very much a grown-up experience.

Overall, if you’re after a relaxed, educational, and delicious way to spend part of your Genoa day — especially if you adore Italian wines — this experience is likely to hit the spot.

Key Points

• Premium Wines: Top-quality Italian wines like Amarone, Barolo, and Franciacorta are featured.
• Regional Focus: Options tailored to Ligurian, Piedmontese, Venetian, or Tuscan wines allow for a personalized tasting.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy local focaccia, pesto, cheese, and ham alongside your wine.
• Expert Guide: A passionate sommelier shares stories and insights, enriching your understanding.
• Private Cellar Access: Opportunity to browse and purchase over 100 different wines.
• Convenient & Flexible: Short duration, small groups, and a choice of tasting options suit various preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

The Setting and Group Size

The tour takes place in a prestigious enoteca in the heart of Genoa, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. With a small group of up to 10 participants, you’ll find it easy to ask questions and engage with the sommelier. This size keeps the experience personal and allows everyone to get close to the wines and the host.

The Starting Point and Duration

You’ll meet at Vinicola 23, a cozy, central location that’s easy to find — perfect for cruise passengers with limited time. The full experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it manageable even with a tight schedule.

The Wine Tasting Options

One of the big selling points is that you can choose your preferred wine tasting option:

• The best Italian wines: Featuring 3 reds (Amarone, Barolo, Barbaresco), 1 white (Pigato), and 1 sparkling (Franciacorta).
• Best Ligurian wines: Including reds like Rossese and Ormeasco, whites such as Vermentino and Pigato, and Prosecco.
• Best Venetian wines: With reds like Amarone, Ripasso, Valpolicella, plus Pinot Grigio and Prosecco.
• Best Piedmontese wines: Focused on reds (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo), Gavi white, and sparkling Altalanga.
• Best Tuscan wines: Featuring classics like Brunello, Bolgheri, Chianti, plus Vermentino and Prosecco.

Each option provides a curated selection that highlights the distinct styles of each region. This choice allows you to tailor your experience based on your preferences or curiosity about specific areas.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Food and Aperitif

Your tasting is always accompanied by authentic Italian bites — focaccia topped with pesto, as well as cured meats and cheeses. Our reviews mention that the appetizers are delicious, and the pairing elevates the tasting experience, making it more than just sipping wine. It’s about savoring the flavors and understanding how they complement each other.

The Wines

You’ll sample some of Italy’s most iconic wines:

• Amarone: Known for its sweetness and boldness.
• Barolo and Barbaresco: Elegant, refined reds from Piedmont.
• Franciacorta: A sparkling wine that rivals Champagne in finesse.
• Pigato: A light, refreshing white from Liguria.

The sommelier will guide you through storytelling and tasting notes, making each sip more meaningful. The wines are served at ideal temperatures, and the tasting notes provided help you remember what you liked or want to explore more.

Access to the Wine Cellar

A real perk is the access to a private wine cellar, which stocks over 100 different wines for tasting or purchase. If you find a new favorite, you can buy bottles directly after the event — a convenient way to bring home a taste of Italy.

The Cost and Value

Prices vary depending on the option you choose — from around €49 to €89. For that, you get a guided tasting of five premium wines, paired with delicious food, plus expert commentary. The higher-priced options, focusing on Italian classics or regional specialties, offer a more comprehensive experience that many wine lovers will find worth the extra.

The inclusion of tasting notes and the ability to browse and buy wines adds extra value, especially for those keen on expanding their collection or bringing home a special bottle.

What People Say: Authentic Feedback

Two reviews give us some real insight:

• Samantha loved the experience with her partner, highlighting the knowledgeable guide, Lorenzo, and the delicious wines and appetizers. She recommends it to anyone visiting Genoa.
• Fiona appreciated that Lorenzo was friendly and accommodating to her father in a wheelchair. She mentions the wines were delicious, and the entire experience was made easy and memorable thanks to the host’s passion.

These reviews emphasize that the tour isn’t just about tasting but also about the personalized service and genuine passion of the guide, which makes the experience stand out.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This wine tasting experience suits adults looking for a relaxed, educational activity during a cruise or stay in Genoa. It’s ideal if you enjoy good wine and local flavors, and want a taste of Italy’s renowned wine regions without the hassle of traveling far.

It’s especially good for those who appreciate guided storytelling, as the sommelier will share stories behind each wine, making the tasting more meaningful. The options to choose regional focuses mean you can customize it if you’re particularly interested in Ligurian or Piedmontese wines.

While family travelers with children under 18 will need to look elsewhere, this is a perfect activity for wine enthusiasts, couples, or groups of friends wanting a charming, small-group experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a high-quality, accessible way to enjoy Italy’s diverse wine landscape, this tour ticks many boxes. It offers a professional guide, delicious local bites, and the chance to explore regional wine styles in an intimate setting. The fact that you can browse and buy wines afterward adds an extra layer of value, especially for those wanting to bring a piece of Italy home.

While it’s a shorter experience—just 1.5 hours—it’s packed with enough flavor, stories, and tasting to satisfy most wine lovers. The price point seems fair considering the quality of wines and expert guidance, making it a worthwhile addition to your Genoa stop.

This tour is best suited for grown-up travelers seeking a relaxed, educational, and delicious introduction to Italy’s wine heritage, perfect for a relaxing break during your cruise or a leisurely afternoon exploring Genoa.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the guide speaks English, Italian, and Spanish, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

Can I choose the wine tasting option I prefer?
Absolutely. There are several options focusing on different regional wines, so you can select the one that interests you most.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity for a cruise day or afternoon outing.

Is this activity accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guide aims to make it easy for all participants.

Can I buy wines after the tasting?
Yes, you’ll have access to a private cellar with over 100 wines, and you can purchase bottles to take home.

What’s included in the price?
The guided tasting of five premium wines, appetizers (focaccia, pesto, ham, cheese), expert commentary, tasting notes, and access to the wine cellar are all included.

If you’re a fan of good wines, great food, and friendly, knowledgeable guides, this Genoa wine tasting could become a highlight of your trip. Whether you want to brush up on your wine knowledge or just enjoy beautiful flavors, it’s a chance to indulge in Italy’s best with ease and style.

You can check availability for your dates here: