Como, Italy, is a fantastic place to indulge in wine — not just because of its scenic lakeside views, but also thanks to its proximity to Lombardy’s rich culinary traditions. While many travelers come for the stunning vistas and charming towns, the local wine scene offers equally memorable experiences. Among the best options are a hands-on ravioli-making class paired with regional wines, an intimate wine tasting in a cozy bar overlooking Lake Como, and a guided exploration of Italian wines with cheese and cold cuts. Each offers a different way to enjoy Italy’s wine culture and makes for a memorable part of any Como trip.
Looking for authentic and flavorful wine experiences? We’ve picked three top tours that stand out for their unique offerings, great reviews, and good value. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover, a foodie, or simply curious to learn more about Italian wines, there’s something here for everyone. To help you decide, let’s take a closer look at each.
These are the types of tours that made our list:
- A Lake Como ravioli cooking class with wine for culinary travelers who want a hands-on experience (link)
- An exclusive wine tasting with food pairing in a cozy, lakeside bar (link)
- A guided wine tasting with cheese and cold cuts in Como’s local wine shop (link)
Now, let’s dive into each one.
1. Lake Como: Ravioli Cooking Class with Wine
At number one, this culinary experience combines hands-on pasta making with regional wine tasting in a beautiful setting. The class lasts about 2 hours and is located right in Lombardy, giving you a real taste of local traditions. You start by learning from a skilled Italian cook how to make fresh pasta from scratch—kneading, rolling, and shaping. The focus is on authentic fillings and traditional shapes, which makes it more than just a cooking lesson; it’s an immersion in local cuisine.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to prepare your own ravioli and then enjoy them with a traditional sauce and regional wines, paired perfectly to highlight the flavors. The host shares insights into Lake Como’s culinary heritage, and a small aperitivo offers a relaxed way to mingle. Reviewers give it a full 5/5, praising the hands-on approach and the quality of the food and wine. Since it’s a limited-size class, you get personalized attention, making it ideal for foodies or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Italy’s cooking traditions.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy cooking and want to combine it with local wines and a picturesque setting, this is a top pick for an authentic Como experience.
2. Wine Tasting with Food Pairing at Lake Como
Second on our list is the wine tasting with food pairing held in a cozy lakeside wine bar just a 10-minute walk from Lake Como. This experience lasts roughly an hour, but the impact lasts much longer. You’ll taste four carefully selected local wines, ranging from sparkling to red, with each sip complemented by a carefully curated selection of gastro delights.
The hosts, Antonio & Antonio, are known for their passion and knowledge about local wines. They explain the nuances of each wine, why certain foods are paired together, and share tips on how to appreciate Italian wines at home. The food includes savory dishes, and for kids or non-drinkers, there’s a non-alcoholic beverage and pizza slices. Many reviews highlight the intimate atmosphere and the hosts’ enthusiasm, calling it “a very authentic, informative experience” with excellent value. The tour is perfect for small groups looking for a relaxed, educational, and tasty outing.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you’re seeking a personalized wine tasting experience with the chance to learn about Italian wines and enjoy local flavors in an intimate setting.
3. Como: Wine Tasting Experience with Cheese and Cold Cuts
For those who want a classic wine tasting, this experience offers the chance to sample 4 or 7 Italian and international wines in a local wine shop in Como. The tasting lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, led by a knowledgeable sommelier. Alongside the wine, you’ll enjoy a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, or a vegetarian dish, depending on your preference.
What sets this apart is the opportunity to explore a variety of wines in an intimate shop setting — often with the option to reserve the space for a private tasting. Reviewers highlight the staff’s friendliness and expertise, as well as the chance to learn about the wines’ background and tasting notes. It’s a good choice for travelers interested in more extensive wine tasting and discovering wines from Italy and beyond—especially if you’re curious about food pairings.
Bottom Line: If you want a flexible, guided tasting with a wide selection of wines and the chance to learn about pairing, this experience fits the bill.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Como
When selecting the right wine experience for your trip, consider your interests and schedule. If you love hands-on activities and local culinary traditions, the ravioli making class offers both cooking and tasting in one package. For those who prefer a relaxed, educational tasting, the wine and food pairing in a cozy bar will suit you perfectly. Finally, if you’re a serious wine enthusiast or want to explore a broader range of wines, the wine and cheese experience provides an extensive and customizable tasting.
Timing also matters — the cooking class lasts only 2 hours and might fit well into a busy day, while the tastings can be more leisurely. Check availability early, especially for popular tours during peak season, and consider booking in advance to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a hands-on culinary adventure, an intimate wine-tasting session, or a more comprehensive exploration of Italian wines, Como offers a variety of excellent options. For travelers seeking a true taste of local flavors, the ravioli class is a standout. Meanwhile, wine fans will appreciate the cozy bar experience, and lovers of wine exploration will enjoy the extensive shop tasting.
Each of these tours offers a different way to connect with Italy’s wine heritage, so think about what excites you most—cooking, tasting, or learning—and choose accordingly. Remember, these experiences tend to fill up quickly, so booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on your preferred date.
Enjoy your time in Como, and cheers to discovering some fantastic Italian wines along the way!
