Venice like a local: Vini and Cichetti at Liuba and Hugo’s home

Imagine slipping behind the busy tourist spots and stepping into a genuine Venetian home, where the atmosphere is warm, the wine flows freely, and the food is made with love. That’s exactly what this experience promises—a chance to enjoy Venice from a local’s perspective, tasting wines and cichetti in a cozy setting. It’s perfect for anyone curious about authentic Venetian flavors, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even as part of a small family group.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the personal touch of Liuba, a knowledgeable sommelier, and Hugo, a passionate chef who crafts every dish himself. Second, the intimate group size (max six people), which makes for a relaxed, engaging atmosphere. On the flip side, one consideration to keep in mind: the house is on the third floor without a lift, which might be a challenge if stairs are difficult for you. This experience is especially suited for those who enjoy exploring local food and wine in a genuine, home-based environment—no grand tourist venues here, just heartfelt hospitality.

Key Points

• Authentic Venetian experience with a local couple in their home
• Tasting four carefully selected wines paired with homemade cichetti
• In-depth insights about Venetian wines and local products
• Intimate group size, creating a warm, friendly vibe
• Duration of around 2.5 hours, offering a relaxed evening
• Accessible for most, but stairs might be a concern for some

What to Expect from This Venice Experience

This isn’t your typical wine tasting tour—here, you’re invited into a genuine Venetian home to share a special evening with Liuba and Hugo. Their warm hospitality makes you feel like an old friend, and the setting is relaxed yet thoughtfully curated. As they mention, the experience is adaptable, so whether you’re traveling as a couple, friends, or even a small family, they are happy to customize the evening to suit your needs.

The Itinerary in a Nutshell

The evening starts at 6 pm at Calle Foscari, a charming street in Venice, and winds through a tasting journey that covers four different wines: starting with a bubbly, then a crisp white, a robust red, and finishing with a sweet wine. Each wine is thoughtfully paired with a selection of Venetian cichetti and homemade products prepared by Hugo, including bread and other local delicacies.

Liuba’s expertise shines through as she shares little secrets about wine, making the experience educational but never preachy. Her knowledge adds depth to the tasting, helping you understand what makes Venetian wines special—something many travelers overlook when rushing through wine shops or wineries. Guests often praise her presentation skills, noting that her passion makes the tasting both fun and informative.

The Food and Pairings

Hugo’s cichetti are the real stars—they’re traditional Venetian tapas, small bites that are full of flavor and lovingly prepared. The dishes are all homemade, from the bread to the accompaniments, giving you a taste of Venice’s culinary tradition. Guests have described Hugo’s cichetti as delicious, and the pairing with the wines elevates each bite.

Multiple reviews highlight just how enjoyable the food is. One guest reminisced that Hugo’s dishes were “mouth watering and mind blowing,” while another appreciated the careful wine pairings that complemented each bite perfectly. It’s a genuine home-cooked experience, not something pre-made or mass-produced, adding real value for those who love authentic, local flavors.

The Atmosphere and Setting

The setting is intimate and cozy, perfect for those who like a more personal experience. The hosts are generous with their knowledge and friendly, creating a welcoming environment where conversation flows easily. This makes it a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, or to start an evening out in Venice with some good company.

Because the house is on the third floor without a lift, it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or difficulty climbing stairs. But for most, the effort is well worth it to enjoy a true Venetian home experience. Travelers have described Liuba and Hugo as “perfect hosts,” making everyone feel at home and included.

What’s Included & What to Keep in Mind

For $98.30 per person, you get a tasting of four wines, Venetian cichetti, glasses and setting, plus the warm hospitality of Liuba and Hugo. The experience lasts roughly 2.5 hours, providing ample time to relax, chat, and learn.

It’s worth noting that tips are not included, and if you want to try wines or cichetti outside of what’s offered, those are extra. Also, this experience is not available for minors, reflecting the wine-focused nature of the evening.

Practical Details

Starting at 6 pm, the tour begins at Calle Foscari, and naturally, you’ll end back at the same point. The maximum group size is six, which keeps things intimate and personal. Since the tour is highly rated—earning a perfect 5.0 from 27 reviews—you can trust that most find it to be a genuinely worthwhile way to experience Venice.

Why This Experience Works

Many travelers find that this tour offers a break from the busy tourist trails, immersing you in local life. People love the friendly, knowledgeable hosts and the opportunity to taste wines that are carefully selected and paired with homemade cichetti. Reviewers often describe the evening as “fun,” “delicious,” and “worth coming to Venice for,” highlighting both the quality of the food and the genuine hosting.

The value for money is well regarded; at under $100, you’re getting a personalized tasting with high-quality local wines and food, in a setting that larger tours can’t replicate.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This experience is ideal if you’re someone who enjoys learning about local culture through food and drink, and appreciates an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. It’s also perfect for small groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who want an authentic Venetian evening, free from the touristy vibe of larger tours.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic peek into Venetian life—one that combines excellent wine, delicious homemade food, and heartfelt hospitality—this tour could be a highlight of your time in Venice. It offers a rare chance to see the city from a local’s perspective, all while enjoying a relaxed evening of tasting and conversation.

The experience provides genuine value, especially given its personalized nature and the quality of the hosts. Just remember that climbing stairs is part of the charm here, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

This experience suits travelers who are curious, social, and eager to discover Venice’s flavors away from the crowds. It’s a warm, welcoming evening that leaves many saying it’s “their favorite activity in Venice”—and it’s easy to see why.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children or minors?
No, this tour is not available for minors, as it focuses on wine tasting.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time for a relaxed tasting with plenty of conversation.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Calle Foscari, 3246, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?
You get four wines, Venetian cichetti, glasses, and a cozy setting with hosts who are passionate about sharing their culture.

Are the wines all local?
The experience features carefully selected local wines, with the host sharing insights about their origins and significance.

Is this experience good for a small group?
Yes, the maximum group size is six, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and friendly.

What about accessibility?
The house is on the third floor without a lift, so stairs might be a concern for some travelers.

If you’re keen to enjoy Venice like a local, savoring authentic food and wine in a cozy home setting, this experience at Liuba and Hugo’s is a fantastic choice. It’s more than just a tasting; it’s a heartfelt introduction to Venetian hospitality that many travelers find unforgettable.