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

An Intimate Venetian Experience with Local Hosts

The tour titled “Venice like a local: Vini and Cichetti at Liuba and Hugo’s home” offers a cozy and authentic way to explore Venice’s food and wine scene. Priced at $98.30 per person, it lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and is hosted directly in the private residence of Liuba, a passionate sommelier, and Hugo, a trained chef. This experience is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 27 reviews, and booking is often made 48 days in advance.

This tour is ideal for small groups of up to 6 travelers, making it a personal and engaging activity. It suits a variety of visitors—families, friends, couples, or colleagues—who are eager to enjoy genuine Venetian hospitality. While the activity involves climbing stairs to a third-floor home, the warm atmosphere and local flavors make up for this minor inconvenience.

Key Points

• Authentic Venetian home experience led by a sommelier and a local chef
• Tasting of 4 wines, starting with a sparkling and ending with a sweet wine
• Homemade Venetian cichetti paired with each wine, crafted by Hugo
• Personalized service with glasses, table setting, and expert explanations
• Suitable for small groups of up to 6, with options for custom arrangements
• Booking typically opens 48 days in advance, and the activity requires climbing stairs

Meet Liuba and Hugo in Their Venice Home

This experience takes place in Calle Foscari, 3246, Venice, beginning at 6:00 pm. The hosts welcome guests into their home for an evening of sharing, offering a warm and genuine environment. Liuba’s expertise as a sommelier ensures that each wine is thoughtfully chosen, while Hugo provides homemade Venetian cichetti that highlight local flavors.

The tour is designed to be intimate and engaging, with the hosts eager to share little secrets about wine and local culinary traditions. The house, located on the third floor without a lift, is typical of Venice’s historic architecture, so visitors should be prepared for stairs. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Perfect Sequence of Wines and Pairings

Participants enjoy a carefully curated sequence of wines: beginning with a bubbly, moving through a white, then a red, and concluding with a sweet wine. Each wine is paired with Venetian cichetti—tapas-style snacks—including some home-made bread prepared by Hugo.

The pairings are designed to complement each wine, providing a sensory journey through local flavors. All cichetti and wines are included in the price, and the hosts take care to ensure each guest’s experience is both educational and delicious. The pairing of wines and bites is praised repeatedly, with reviews highlighting the deliciousness of Hugo’s food and Liuba’s expert explanations.

The Food and Wine: A True Taste of Venice

Hugo’s home-made cichetti are a major highlight, often described as delicious and mouthwatering. The local products served are typical Venetian delicacies, prepared with care and passion. The wines, selected by Liuba, include a sparkling, white, red, and sweet variety—each offering a different glimpse into Venice’s wine culture.

Guests appreciate how local wines are presented and explained, enabling a deeper understanding of Venice’s wine traditions. The pairing experience not only satisfies the palate but also provides insights into Venetian culinary heritage.

The Guide’s Expertise and Hospitality

Liuba’s background as a sommelier guarantees knowledgeable commentary on each wine, with a friendly and approachable style. Hugo’s role as a passionate chef shines through in the home-cooked cichetti, which are made from scratch at his own kitchen.

The warmth and attentiveness of Liuba and Hugo are frequently noted in reviews. They go the extra mile to ensure that each guest feels welcome and well cared for. Their flexible approach allows for tailored experiences and special arrangements, including private evenings or events.

Logistics and Practical Tips for Guests

The tour starts promptly at 6:00 pm at the meeting point in Venice, and the activity concludes at the same location. It’s near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. Since the house has no lift, guests should be comfortable climbing stairs.

The experience includes glasses, table setting, and expert guidance, but tips are not included. Visitors should be aware that extra wines or cichetti outside the included selections are not part of the standard experience. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for larger groups.

Who Will Thrive on This Experience?

This tour is perfect for those curious about Venetian wines and local culinary traditions. It offers a relaxed, social setting that suits families, couples, or small groups of friends. The intimate size ensures personalized attention and meaningful interaction with the hosts.

While the activity is not suitable for minors and involves stairs, it compensates with authenticity, warmth, and delicious flavors. The flexibility of the experience allows for customization, making it a great choice for special evenings or team-building.

Why This Tour Is a Standout in Venice

The combination of expert-led wine tasting, homemade Venetian cichetti, and warm hospitality makes this experience truly unique. The hosts go beyond typical tourist activities to deliver an authentic and personal taste of Venice. The perfectly curated wines and delicious bites ensure that participants leave with not just full bellies but also deeper appreciation for Venetian food and wine.

Guests consistently praise Liuba’s knowledge and Hugo’s culinary skills, often describing the evening as fun, educational, and delicious. The small group size guarantees an engaging and intimate atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a genuine Venetian experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the activity is not available for minors. It is designed for adult guests, especially because of the wine tastings.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, ending at the same meeting point where it begins.

What is included in the price?
The price covers 4 wines, Venetian cichetti, glasses, and table setting, with Liuba’s guidance and explanations.

How do I book this experience?
Booking is recommended 48 days in advance due to its popularity. Confirmations are received immediately upon booking.

Are there any physical limitations?
Yes, the house is on the third floor without a lift, so guests should be comfortable climbing stairs.

Can the experience be customized?
Yes, the hosts offer tailored experiences and can accommodate special requests for private evenings or events.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start of the experience, with a full refund possible if canceled early.

How close is the meeting point to public transport?
The starting location is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from most parts of Venice.

Is there any extra cost for wines or cichetti outside the set menu?
Yes, any additional wines or cichetti not included in the standard experience are not covered and would incur extra charges.

What makes this experience different from other wine tastings in Venice?
The home environment, personalized attention, and homemade Venetian cichetti prepared by Hugo set this apart, offering an authentic taste of Venetian life.

Would you recommend this activity?
Absolutely. This experience offers a warm, authentic, and educational introduction to Venice’s wine and food culture, making it a highly recommended activity for those seeking a genuine local touch.