Wine Tours and Tastings in Livorno

Livorno, situated in the Italian province of Tuscany, is a vital maritime gateway with its own unique charm. The city has a history that intertwines with that of the wealthy renaissance Medici family and retains a cosmopolitan flair from its days as a free port.

Situated on the Ligurian Sea, it offers easy access to the esteemed wine regions of Tuscany, where vineyards that produce world-renowned wines are located.

Wine tastings and tours from Livorno are the perfect way to introduce you to the flavors of the region’s wines while gaining a deeper understanding of the terroir, history and winemaking passion.

Here's all you need to know about wine tastings, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Livorno.

What are the best wine tastings and tours in Livorno?

Bolgheri wine tasting tours

Join your professional guide on a tour to the prestigious wine country of Bolgheri. Your small group will be hosted by a family-run winery. Together with your guide and the winemaker, you will have a tour of the vineyards, a visit to the cellar and a wine tasting complete with light snacks.

There are a choice of packages, depending on your budget and the types of wines you prefer to taste. For this type of tour, you can choose between meeting your guide in Bolgheri, or you can choose a round-trip transfer from Livorno, which comes at an extra charge.

Full day wine tours from Livorno

Full day wine tours starting in Livorno typically begin in the morning with a hotel or cruise terminal pickup. San Gimignano, Bolgheri and the Chianti region close to Florence are among the most popular regions for wine tasting experiences. On each of these tours, you can expect to enjoy some sightseeing, with the attractions depending on where your tour takes place.

The Tuscan hills make for a memorable wine tour, regardless of which option you choose and on most tours, you will stroll through the vines, view the cellars and learn more about why this area produces such excellent wines. Some tours of this type include the tastings in the cost, while on others, this is an additional expense.

Private Livorno wine tastings and tours

The best thing about a private wine tasting and tour is the fact that you will enjoy the exclusive attention of your guide for the duration of your tour. Not only that, you will have your own private transport and be able to customize your tour to some extent.

Most private tours are full day experiences, although some shorter itineraries are offered for those who have limited time in Livorno. Vineyard tours, selected wine tastings and local sightseeing are all included in this type of tour. Once all activities have been concluded, your vehicle will return to the start point of the tour.

Are there any combos available with wine tastings and tours in Livorno?

Combo tours offer great value for money and allow you to combine activities and sights.

Wine tour plus Pisa or Siena from Livorno

You can combine a sightseeing excursion with a wine tasting experience when you book a trip that includes a city tour of either Siena or Pisa. Marvel at Siena’s Gothic Cathedral or the iconic Leaning Tower in Pisa before traveling onward to a vineyard and winery to sample some of the region’s top wines.

Livorno wine tour and extra virgin olive oil tasting

A tour that combines two of Tuscany’s most well known exports, wine and virgin olive oil. This tour starts with a visit to a local vineyard and winery before continuing on to a nearby olive grove to learn about olive oil production and taste some of the world’s best oil. Time in the historic Bolgheri is also included.

Which places are visited?

With wine tastings being the primary focus of wine tours, you can expect to spend a large portion of the tour visiting a local vineyard and its accompanying cellar and tasting room. Depending on the tour operator’s itinerary, you will usually either visit the San Gimignano, Bolgheri or Chianti regions.

If you travel to San Gimignano, the towers of San Gimignano and the alabaster buildings in Volterra are among the most popular attractions. At Bolgheri, the village makes for some delightful sightseeing and provides the chance to shop for souvenirs or local products, while in Florence, you can marvel at the city that was the center of the renaissance period.

Combo tours often offer either Pisa or Siena as a destination in conjunction with the wine tour and tasting. In Pisa, the iconic Leaning Tower as well as the Piazza dei Miracoli and the colorful Knights’ Square are sights to behold. The Gothic Cathedral in Siena captures every visitor’s attention and affirms the town’s historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How much do wine tastings and tours in Livorno cost?

Bolgheri wine tasting tours start from €25 per person for a “Classic” tour. The “Sensorial” experience costs from €35 per person, while a “Premium” tour is priced from €50 per participant.

Full day wine tours from Livorno with a small group cost from €50 per person. Prices depend on the duration of the tour as well as the wineries visited.

Livorno private wine tours range in price from €300 to €1,100 per group, with tour prices depending on group size, itinerary and inclusions.

What is included?

Wine tours include the services of a guide and your transport to the vineyards and wineries. While some tours include the cost of wine tastings based on a set tasting list, others will leave this cost for you to settle on the day, allowing you to choose wines to your taste.

Snacks are occasionally included in the price. Entrance fees to attractions or landmarks included in the sightseeing portion of a wine tour are not always included.

Where does it start?

Wine tours typically begin at a central pickup point, however some tour operators offer roundtrip hotel transfers. Many tours also start at the Livorno Port to accommodate cruise ship guests.

Tours in Bolgheri may offer a local start point for participants who are doing other activities on the day.

How long does it last?

Wine tastings and tours can be as short as 1.5 hours or as long as 8 hours. Tours that also include sightseeing in the itinerary are usually full-day experiences lasting 8 to 10 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some tours accommodate wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility. Tours that include walking in the vineyards or that visit locales with stairs or steep inclines may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

When is the best time for wine tastings and tours in Livorno?

The best time for wine tastings and tours in Livorno is from late spring to early fall, specifically May to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the vineyards are lush, allowing for a captivating experience. Grapes are harvested in September, making it a particularly exciting period to witness the winemaking process firsthand.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are generally allowed to join wine tasting tours in Livorno, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind that the minimum drinking age in Italy is 18 years, so minors cannot participate in wine tastings.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you might be walking through vineyards or standing for extended periods.
• While many wineries might offer light snacks, it's a good idea to have a hearty meal before embarking on your wine journey.
• Drink water between tastings to cleanse your palate and stay hydrated.
• Don't be shy! Winemakers and vineyard staff love to share their knowledge. Asking questions can enhance your experience and understanding of the wines.