Lunch and tasting 5 wines + walk in the panoramic vineyards

If you’re exploring Italy’s heartland and want to get a real taste of Umbrian culture, this lunch and wine tasting experience at SAIO Assisi offers a lovely way to do just that. While we haven’t done this tour ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. It’s a compact 1.5-hour journey that combines delicious local cuisine, a guided tasting of five wines, and a walk through picturesque vineyards, all just a stone’s throw from the famed Basilica of Saint Francis.

What really makes this experience shine for us is how much it captures the essence of Umbrian life — from the family-run farm to the stunning landscape views. Plus, the chance to sample local specialties paired with quality wines is a definite highlight. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s a fairly short experience, so if you’re after an in-depth vineyard tour, this might feel a bit limited. Still, for those who love good food, wine, and scenic settings, it’s a solid pick, especially if you’re visiting Assisi and want a taste of authentic regional flavors.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, intimate glimpse into Umbrian wine culture, paired with a hearty, traditional meal. It’s perfect if you’re after a quick, immersive experience without the hassle of long tours or big groups. But if you’re seeking an in-depth vineyard exploration or a large-group setting, you might want to look elsewhere.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Small family farm offering intimate, personalized service.
• Beautiful setting: Walk through panoramic vineyards with scenic views.
• Tasty offerings: Five-wine guided tasting paired with traditional Umbrian cuisine.
• Proximity: Located just under a kilometer from Assisi’s Basilica of Saint Francis.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with full refund.
• Limited group size: Small groups enhance personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

If you’re headed to Assisi and want a blend of good wine, tasty food, and stunning scenery, this tour fits the bill. The setting itself is a highlight — the family-owned farm is just about 800 meters from the basilica, giving you easy access to the historic town while enjoying the peaceful countryside. The location, combined with the warm hospitality of the Mencarelli family, makes for a welcoming atmosphere that feels genuine rather than commercialized.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The experience kicks off at the SAIO Wine Shop in Assisi, where small groups (limited to 10 people) gather to start their journey. Expect a relaxed, friendly environment as the host greets you with a warm welcome. From there, you’ll set out on a walk through deep green vineyards, which provides a lovely visual contrast to the historic surroundings of Assisi. Along the way, information boards share insights about the land and the wine-making process, giving you context without turning the walk into a lengthy tour.

The guided wine tasting involves five different wines, encompassing perhaps a range of reds and whites typical of the region. Multiple reviews mention the wines being very good, with one describing the experience as “personalized,” and “beautiful wines and food.” Several reviewers noted that the hosts are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the tasting not just about the drinks but also about learning the story behind each bottle.

The Food: A Taste of Umbrian Tradition

One of the standout features is the lunch paired with the wine tasting. The meal is a hearty representation of Umbrian flavors, starting with bruschetta drizzled with SAIO extra virgin olive oil — simple but packed with flavor. Other highlights include handmade pecorino cheese with grape jam, caciotta cheese with black truffle, and a selection of cured meats from free-range animals. There’s also a chickpeas salad with dried tomatoes or lentil soup, providing a savory counterpoint to the wines.

The meal continues with handmade roasted pork (porchetta) and a traditional Torta al Testo, a lightly salted Umbrian flatbread. For dessert, you might find a sweet treat that caps off the meal nicely. Several reviews praise the quality of the food, with one reviewer specifically mentioning how delicious the lentil soup was and how much they enjoyed the overall food experience.

The Value and Overall Experience

We think the value here is good, especially considering the personalized attention and the quality of wine and food included. It’s a relatively short experience, but the combination of scenic walk, guided tasting, and authentic meal makes it feel well-rounded. The price is justified when you consider the setting, the local produce, and the expertise behind the wines. Plus, the fact that it’s a small-group experience means you’ll likely get more personal interaction and tailored insights.

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What Could Be Improved

Some reviews mention that they expected a more in-depth vineyard tour rather than a mainly self-guided walk. If you’re a wine enthusiast hoping to learn extensively about vineyard management, winemaking techniques, or the full tour process, this might not fully satisfy that curiosity. However, for most visitors, the scenic walk combined with tasting and food offers a good balance of relaxation and education.

Practical Details

• Duration: 1.5 hours, making it a nice quick stop that doesn’t take up your whole day.
• Location: The SAIO Wine Shop, just under a kilometer from Assisi’s Basilica of Saint Francis.
• Availability: Open year-round, with the option to book outside of regular hours by contacting SAIO directly.
• Group size: Limited to 10 people, which promotes a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
• Languages: The experience is offered in both English and Italian, making it accessible for most travelers.

Accessibility and Logistics

Getting there is straightforward from both Perugia and Foligno, with clear directions. The walk through vineyards is short but scenic — expect some uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Since the tour includes a meal and tasting, it’s best suited for those who appreciate good food and wine without needing dietary accommodations.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic taste of Umbrian wine culture in a beautiful setting. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate local, homemade food paired with quality wines and enjoy walking through scenic landscapes. The small-group size and knowledgeable hosts make it a good choice for travelers who want a more personal touch.

If you’re after an educational, in-depth vineyard tour, or want to see the entire wine production process, you might find this tour somewhat limited since it leans more toward tasting and enjoying the scenery. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or need a tour that is more kid-friendly, this might not be the best fit — the focus is on wine and food, which are less appealing for young kids.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the menu features cured meats and roasted pork, the vegetarian options like chickpeas salad or lentil soup are available; you might want to ask in advance about any specific dietary needs.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

Is the walking portion strenuous?
Not at all; the vineyard walk is short and mostly flat, ideal for most fitness levels.

What wines will I taste?
While the specific wines aren’t listed, you’ll be guided through five different wines produced by the family farm, likely representative of Umbria’s typical varietals.

How long is the experience?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, perfect for a relaxed break during your day in Assisi.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
At the SAIO Wine Shop, via Campiglione 94, with clear GPS coordinates provided.

Is this experience good for a group of friends?
Absolutely. The small group size fosters a friendly, intimate environment perfect for friends wanting to share a taste of Umbrian hospitality.

Can I do this experience outside of normal opening hours?
Yes, by contacting SAIO directly, you can arrange reservations outside the usual times.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine, small-scale experience that combines wine, food, and scenic beauty, this tour near Assisi is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you want a taste of local life without the fuss of large crowds or overly commercialized tours. The personal touch, delicious local dishes, and beautiful landscape make it a memorable way to connect with Umbrian traditions.

While it’s not a comprehensive vineyard tour, it makes up for that with its warm hospitality and well-curated experience. Perfect for those who appreciate good wine and hearty meals and want to soak in the peaceful countryside of Italy’s Umbria region.

In essence, this tour offers a relaxed yet authentic taste of Umbrian wine and cuisine — ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or those simply wanting a lovely afternoon in Assisi’s beautiful landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: