Vernazza is a highlight of the Cinque Terre for its colorful harbor, charming streets, and breathtaking coastal views. But beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, this village offers some truly memorable wine experiences. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated oenophile, Vernazza’s wine tours provide a chance to taste local flavors amid stunning landscapes. We especially love the Vernazza: Panoramic Vineyard Trekking Tour for its combination of light hiking and exquisite tastings, and the Lemon Tour with Limoncino and Wine Tasting for its refreshing, scenic flavor.
In this guide, we’ll explore four of the best wine-related tours available in Vernazza, ranging from scenic treks with wine tastings to hands-on pesto-making classes paired with local wines. Each offers a unique way to experience the region’s flavors and scenery, helping you decide which best suits your style and timetable.
Now, let’s dive into the options, starting with the tour that combines scenic hiking with authentic wine tasting.
1. Vernazza: Panoramic Vineyard Trekking Tour w/ Wine Tasting
At number 1 on our list, the Vernazza: Panoramic Vineyard Trekking Tour with Wine Tasting delivers a memorable blend of gentle hiking, breathtaking views, and a chance to sample three local wines with traditional snacks. This 3-hour experience is ideal for travelers who love nature, want a taste of authentic vineyard life, and prefer a small-group setting, limited to just 8 participants.
The tour begins at the Cinque Sensi Vernazza meeting point, where your guide, easily recognizable by their blue t-shirt and hat, leads you on a 30-minute uphill hike to a stunning vineyard. The path isn’t flat—it’s mostly uphill—so comfortable shoes are a must. Once at the vineyard, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three regional wines paired with local snacks, enjoying Liguria’s wine heritage. The panoramic views over Vernazza and the Ligurian coast make this a truly memorable backdrop for your tasting.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of accessible hiking and a genuinely authentic experience. The vineyard is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and your guide shares insights into the region’s wine-making traditions. If you want a private experience, you can upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized day.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced adventure—moderate hiking with rich tasting—and is perfect for those seeking a scenic, relaxed way to enjoy Vernazza’s wine culture.
2. Cinque Terre: Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting
Coming in at number 2, the Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting offers a hands-on culinary experience that’s equally about local flavors as scenic beauty. For about 1.5 hours, you’ll learn how to make traditional pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle, then enjoy your creation paired with local wines, cheeses, EVO oils, and focaccia or gnocchi.
This class is held in a small, intimate setting, often within a cellar, adding to the authentic feel. The instructor guides you step-by-step through the process of making pesto, a staple of Ligurian cuisine, emphasizing the region’s culinary heritage. During the tasting, you’ll enjoy regional wines alongside cheese, focaccia, and high-quality olive oils, making it a true immersion into local gastronomy.
While this isn’t a traditional vineyard tour, the focus on local food and wine makes it a fantastic choice for food lovers. It’s especially good for those who want an interactive, educational experience, and it conveniently fits into a short sightseeing schedule.
Bottom line: If you enjoy cooking and want to learn a regional specialty while sampling Ligurian wine, this class offers good value and a memorable hands-on experience.
3. Lemon tour with limoncino and wine tasting in Vernazza
Ranked third is the Lemon Tour with Limoncino and Wine Tasting, a charming 2-hour trek that combines natural beauty, local citrus products, and regional wines. Starting from Via Roma, this tour takes you on a scenic walk through a beautifully restored lemon grove, offering spectacular views over the Cinque Terre.
The highlight is tasting Limoncino, a sweet lemon liqueur typical of the region, along with regional wines and liqueurs. Your guide leads you through the terraced landscape, explaining how lemons and vineyards thrive on the steep slopes. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a short but visually stunning experience, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on citrus cultivation and the unique flavor of limoncino, combined with a relaxing walk and tastings. The tasting includes regional wines and liqueurs, making it a well-rounded introduction to local products. At just $53 per person, it offers excellent value for such a scenic experience.
Guests frequently comment on the breathtaking views and the genuine hospitality of the hosts. It’s an ideal choice for visitors with limited time who still want a taste of Vernazza’s flavor.
Bottom line: This tour offers a charming, short escape into the countryside with tastings that highlight the region’s citrus and wine traditions.
4. Vernazza (5 Terre): Olive Grove Tour and Oil and Wine Tasting
Finally, at position four, the Vernazza Olive Grove Tour and Oil and Wine Tasting offers a more in-depth look into one of the region’s lesser-known but fascinating agricultural pursuits. This 3.5-hour experience includes walking through a restored olive grove, where you’ll meet two adorable ponies, and sampling local olive oils and wines.
This tour is ideal for those interested in the region’s agricultural heritage and want a more leisurely, educational experience. The guide takes you along a scenic, less-crowded trail of the Cinque Terre, explaining the history and process behind olive oil and wine production. The visit to the olive grove is both picturesque and informative, and you’ll get to taste two different oils and wines, appreciating the regional nuances.
Priced at $65 per person, this tour provides great value for those curious about olive cultivation and local produce. While the reviews are limited, the three guests who rated it all gave a perfect 5-star rating, praising the personal touch and the beautiful setting.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers interested in agricultural traditions and a relaxed, comprehensive tasting experience combined with walking through scenic olive groves.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Vernazza
When selecting your ideal wine experience, consider what interests you most. Are you after a scenic hike with tastings? The Vernazza Panoramic Vineyard Trekking Tour is perfect. Prefer a culinary class? The Pesto Making and Wine Tasting offers hands-on learning. Want a short, scenic walk with citrus and wine? The Lemon Tour fits well. Interested in olive oil and local agriculture? The Olive Grove Tour provides an in-depth look.
Also, think about your fitness level and time constraints. The vineyard trek requires a bit of uphill walking, but the views reward your effort. The pesto class is quick and indoors, great for a rainy day. The lemon tour is short but scenic, ideal for a quick taste of local flavor. The olive grove tour is longer and more educational.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure spots in these popular experiences. Check the links for availability and consider private options if traveling with family or friends for a more tailored experience.
Vernazza offers a surprising variety of wine and food experiences that bring its beautiful landscape and rich flavors to life. Whether you choose a scenic vineyard hike, a hands-on pesto class, a citrus-centered walk, or an olive oil tasting, each tour promises an authentic taste of Liguria. For a well-rounded visit, consider combining a walk in the village with one of these curated experiences—you’ll leave with more than just photos. Be sure to book early, as these unique tours fill up quickly in the busy season.
