Sestri Levante: Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting

Discover the Unique Charm of Vinaccieri Ballerini in Sestri Levante

The Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting in Sestri Levante offers a delightful journey into Liguria’s wine traditions, combining 5 exclusive wines with curated gastronomic delights. This experience, lasting approximately 3 hours, is perfect for those interested in tasting local wines with a historical touch. With two options—an introductory tasting or a more elaborate experience including lasagna, fried fish, and dessert—there’s flexibility to match your appetite for flavor and tradition.

Held at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, the tour begins in the heart of Sestri Levante, an accessible destination from nearby cities like Genoa and Cinque Terre. Known for its expert guides speaking multiple languages, this tour is designed for private groups, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Although transportation is not included, the tasting itself promises a sensory exploration of Liguria’s finest wines and local foods.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, with flexible start times based on availability
• Location: Sestri Levante, Liguria, Italy, starting at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini
• Includes: Guided tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve wines paired with gastronomic delights
• Two Tasting Options: Intro with appetizers or full experience with lasagna, fried fish, and tiramisù
• Unique Wines: Features NAVIGATO Vermentino, TRAM blend, TERRANOVA red, KAVA sparkling, and ALEA dessert wine
• Insightful Guide: Learn about the maritime tradition of the Vinaccieri and Ligurian wine craftsmanship
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for private groups
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance

Exploring Sestri Levante’s Wine Heritage

The tour starts at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, a venue that offers a cozy setting for discovering Liguria’s wine story. The guides share rich details about the maritime tradition of the Vinaccieri, who historically traded wines along the Mediterranean in Leudo boats, a classic wooden sailing vessel. The current owners, Andrea and Daniele Ballarini, have revived this tradition, continuing to age wines in Europe’s oldest copper mine in Masso.

This background adds a layer of authenticity to the tasting, as you understand the connection between Liguria’s maritime history and its wine-making craft. The setting itself feels rooted in a sense of legacy, making each sip meaningful.

Tasting the Five Vinaccieri Reserve Wines

The focus of this experience is on five distinguished wines that showcase the diversity of Ligurian vineyards. The journey begins with NAVIGATO, a crisp Vermentino from the Portofino DOC. It’s dry, elegant, and rich, reflecting the sea-influenced terroir of Sestri Levante.

Next, the TRAM blend surprises with its Vermentino and Traminer Aromatico combination. This blend, crafted by Vinaccieri and Luca De Paoli, offers a bold fusion of aroma and body, defying expectations for traditional Ligurian wines.

The TERRANOVA is an unconventional red made with passito Granaccia. It combines Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and a touch of passito, producing a full-bodied wine with depth and elegance similar to an Amarone. Its richness highlights Liguria’s capacity for creating complex reds.

A special highlight is KAVA, a Pinot Noir Sparkling Brut aged 36 months on the lees and then matured 12 more months in Masso’s copper mines. Expect delicate notes of vanilla and bread crust, with a wine shaped by time and environment.

The experience concludes with ALEA, a fortified Malvasia inspired by Sciacchetrà from Cinque Terre and Aleatico from Elba. It offers a sweet, aromatic finish to the tasting journey.

Pairing Wines with Ligurian Gastronomic Delights

The pairings elevate the wine tasting into a true flavor voyage. For the intro tasting, a curated selection of local gastronomic delights accompanies the wines. You’ll sample Preve (Swiss chard pie), traditional rice pie, Bruschetta Marinara, and anchovies-topped bruschetta. Plus, artisanal salami from Castiglione Chiavarese and cheeses from Santo Stefano d’Aveto and Val di Vara complement the wines beautifully.

The full and food tasting option adds Tabarchinas Lasagna, crispy Fried Fish Tapas, and Tiramisù into the mix. Each pairing emphasizes Liguria’s culinary craftsmanship, making this experience as much about local flavors as about wine.

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The Two Tasting Experiences: Which is Right for You?

The intro tasting with appetizers is perfect for those seeking a focused exploration of wines paired with light bites. It offers an authentic taste of Ligurian tradition without overindulgence.

Meanwhile, the full tasting with lasagna, fried fish, and dessert provides a more comprehensive experience for those eager to indulge in Liguria’s rich culinary heritage. This option is ideal for wine enthusiasts and anyone wanting to combine multiple courses with their wine journey.

Logistics and Accessibility

This private group experience operates in the pedestrian center of Sestri Levante, making it easy to access from nearby attractions. The tour starts promptly, with a recommendation to arrive 15 minutes early. Guides speak multiple languages, including Italian, English, German, French, Arabic, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

While transportation is not included, the venue’s central location makes it simple to reach via local transport or on foot. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of participants.

The Value of a Guided Wine Journey in Liguria

The guided nature of this experience offers deep insights into Liguria’s wine tradition and maritime history. The expert guides explain the stories behind each wine and the artisanship involved, adding educational value to the tasting.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, booking this tour offers flexibility for travelers. The combo of wines and local delicacies at a fair price makes it a worthwhile choice for wine lovers and those interested in Liguria’s culinary heritage.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This wine tasting shines through its focus on exclusive Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve wines and the historic context of Ligurian wine trade. The inclusion of aged sparkling and fortified wines provides a diverse tasting experience not commonly found elsewhere.

The pairings with local gastronomic delights—from artisanal salami to lasagna—add a culinary dimension that enhances the wine journey. The small group setting and multilingual guides make the experience intimate and accessible.

Who Should Consider This Experience

This tour caters best to adults with an interest in wine and regional cuisine. It’s suited for those seeking an educational, flavorful, and relaxed experience in Liguria. Since children under 18 are not permitted, it’s ideal for adult groups or couples. The private group format ensures personalized attention.

The 3-hour duration and location in Sestri Levante make it convenient for travelers exploring the Ligurian coast who want a deep dive into local wine traditions.

Final Reflection on the Vinaccieri Ballerini Wine Tasting

This experience offers a balanced combination of heritage, wine craftsmanship, and local culinary culture. The five wines provide a comprehensive look at Liguria’s sparkling, red, and fortified options, all explained by guides fluent in multiple languages.

While transportation costs are not included, the central location, flexible booking options, and intimate setting make this a well-rounded choice for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Liguria’s maritime wine tradition. The pairings and historical insights turn a simple tasting into a meaningful exploration of the region’s artisanal spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Vinaccieri Ballerini wine tasting last?
The tour lasts around 3 hours, with start times varying based on availability.

What does the tasting include?
It features a guided tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve wines paired with either gastronomic delights or a full meal with lasagna, fried fish, and dessert.

Are there different tasting options?
Yes, travelers can choose between an intro tasting with appetizers or a full tasting including more substantial food courses.

Is the experience suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, guides speak English, German, French, Arabic, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 18.

What is the starting point of the tour?
It begins at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini in the pedestrian center of Sestri Levante.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transportation is not included, but the venue’s central location makes it easy to reach on foot or via local transport.

What makes this tour different from other wine tastings?
The focus on Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve wines and the maritime history of Liguria creates a distinctive experience combining heritage, craftsmanship, and local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby