Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour with a Sommelier

Discover the Flavors of Piedmont’s Finest Wines for $319.79

This 7-hour 30-minute Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour in Asti, Italy, offers a deep dive into two of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. Led by an expert sommelier, the tour costs $319.79 per person and is designed for wine lovers eager to explore the scenic hills of Piedmont. Beginning in the picturesque hill town of Neive, the experience includes visits to two boutique wineries, where you meet winemakers and taste vintages straight from the source.

The tour features a guided introduction, a traditional lunch at a local osteria (own expense), and ends with a final aperitivo in Neive. This well-structured day has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 110 reviews, with 100% recommending it. While the tour is limited to 8 travelers for a personalized touch, it’s advisable to book about 2 months in advance to secure your spot.

Key Points

• Experienced guide: Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, ensuring insightful wine and regional explanations.
• Two boutique wineries: Meet the winemakers and enjoy tastings of premium Barolo and Barbaresco vintages.
• Scenic stops: Explore Neive, Barbaresco, and a small medieval village in Barolo.
• Cultural and culinary highlights: Includes a coffee briefing and a final aperitivo at the tour’s end.
• Flexible options: The tour offers a full-day experience with a lunch stop at a traditional osteria.
• Highly rated: Consistently receives 5-star reviews for its expert guides, scenic views, and wine quality.

Starting in Neive: A Picturesque Piedmontese Hill Town

The tour kicks off in Neive at 9:30 am, where you meet your guide and enjoy a coffee while discussing the plan for the day. This historic town provides a charming setting with cobblestone streets and inviting piazzas, perfect for an initial overview of the region’s wine culture. The guide shares insights into the region’s grapes and viticulture, setting the stage for the day ahead.

After the introduction, the group heads toward the Barbaresco area for the first winery visit. The start in Neive ensures an authentic experience, emphasizing the area’s local character and rich wine-producing traditions.

First Winery Visit in Barbaresco: Meeting the Winemakers

The initial vineyard visit takes place in the Barbaresco region, renowned for producing elegant and complex red wines. Here, you meet the winemakers, who share stories about their family-run operations and the history behind their vintages. Guided tastings allow you to sample various wines, appreciating the nuances that make Barbaresco wines distinguished in Italy and beyond.

This experience offers genuine insight into small-scale production, highlighting the dedication and artistry involved in crafting these prestige wines.

Traditional Lunch at a Local Osteria in a Historic Village

Following the first winery, the tour pauses for a lunch break at a traditional osteria. While the meal itself is at your own expense, the setting is an authentic historic village with a warm atmosphere. This stop provides a chance to relax, enjoy regional cuisine, and soak in the rustic charm of Piedmont.

The lunch offers a balance between the morning’s wine-focused activities and an opportunity to experience local gastronomy in a genuine environment.

Exploring Barolo: Visiting a Medieval Village

After lunch, the journey continues toward the Barolo area, famous for producing bold, structured reds. The group visits a small medieval village within the Barolo region, where cobblestone streets and old-world architecture set the scene. This stop emphasizes the historical significance of the area, adding depth to the wine experience.

Walking through this medieval village, you gain a sense of the tradition and craftsmanship that influence Barolo wines, making the tasting later in the day more meaningful.

Second Winery Visit in Barolo: Tasting Prestige Vintages

In the Barolo region, you visit a second boutique winery, where you meet passionate winemakers dedicated to their craft. The tasting session here showcases more vintages, highlighting the rich and robust character of Barolo wines. Discussions focus on winemaking techniques and the unique terroir that defines this prestigious region.

This visit complements the earlier Barbaresco tasting, offering a comprehensive look at Piedmont’s red wine excellence.

Return to Neive: Final Aperitivo and Reflection

The tour concludes with a return to Neive, where you can enjoy a final aperitivo in the town’s charming piazza. This relaxed ending allows for reflection on the wine journey, conversations about the day’s highlights, and an appreciation of Piedmont’s scenic landscape and culinary culture.

The entire experience emphasizes personalized attention, with a maximum of 8 participants ensuring a comfortable, intimate environment.

Logistics and Practicalities of the Tour

The tour begins sharply at 9:30 am from the meeting point in Neive and ends back at the same location. It includes admission tickets to the wineries but note that wine tastings at each stop incur an additional fee not included in the base price. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with near public transportation options available.

Because the group size is limited to 8 people, it provides a personalized and engaging experience, and booking around 61 days in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Reviews highlight the guides as very knowledgeable, with Alexa and Eleonore standing out as passionate storytellers. They share wine insights, regional history, and personal anecdotes that enrich the experience. Guests consistently praise the guides’ friendly demeanor and ability to answer questions.

The guides’ expertise helps demystify wine production, making the tastings both educational and enjoyable.

The Value of the Experience

Priced at $319.79, this tour offers access to exclusive visits and guided tastings that provide a deeper understanding of Piedmont’s flagship wines. The inclusion of scenic stops, local cuisine, and personalized guidance creates a comprehensive day out. While additional fees for tastings are not included in the base price, most reviews confirm the value for the quality and depth of what you experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This wine-focused tour suits those interested in learning about and tasting premium Barolo and Barbaresco wines in an intimate setting. The scenic hills, medieval villages, and local hospitality appeal to travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate wine, history, and culinary culture, and prefer small groups for personalized attention.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Piedmont Wine Experience

The Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour with a Sommelier provides a comprehensive insight into Piedmont’s most esteemed wine regions, hosted by knowledgeable guides who enrich the day with stories and expertise. The boutique wineries and scenic stops make this a memorable journey for wine connoisseurs and curious travelers alike.

While additional costs for tastings and meals are to be expected, the overall experience offers excellent value for a full day of culture, scenic beauty, and world-class wines. Book in advance and prepare for a warm, engaging exploration of Piedmont’s legendary red wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes guided visits, admission tickets to wineries, and the initial coffee briefing. Wine tastings at each winery are not included and incur an additional fee.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am and ending back in Neive.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Neive for the briefing and final aperitivo, a winery in Barbaresco, a lunch at a local osteria, a medieval village in Barolo, and a second winery in Barolo.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, with a small group size of up to 8 ensuring comfort. It’s recommended to have moderate mobility to walk around the villages and wineries.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who leads the tour?
The experience is led by expert guides like Alexa and Eleonore, known for their knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate approach.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of small-group intimacy, boutique winery visits, scenic landscapes, and insightful guides makes this a highly rated, authentic Piedmont wine experience.

Is the lunch included?
No, the lunch at a local osteria is at your own expense, but the setting provides a genuine taste of regional cuisine.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s advisable to book approximately 61 days in advance due to popularity and limited group size.