Wine Tours and Tastings in Venice

Built on over 100 small islands, Venice with its many canals is easily one of the most picturesque and romantic destinations in the world— attracting thousands of international visitors every year.

The famous Italian city is best known for its striking architecture, rich history, beautiful bridges and vibrant food and wine scene. Spritz, grappa and prosecco are just a few of the iconic drinks that are synonymous with Venice.

Wine tours and tastings in Venice provide a relaxing way to spend an afternoon in the city of canals as you taste a variety of delicious Venetian wines and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Our guide below includes everything you need to know about wine tours and tastings, one of the most enchanting gastronomic experiences in Venice.

What are the most popular wine tours and tastings in Venice?

Amarone wine tour and tasting from Venice

Participate in an unforgettable 8-hour day trip to the Valpolicella Valley, led by an Italian Sommelier. Learn about the region’s top wines as you enjoy the relaxing, countryside atmosphere and magnificent views of the region.

Some of the wines you’ll get to taste include Valpolicella, Amarone and Recioto, alongside delicious cheeses hand selected by the vineyard’s owner, who is also a master cheese taster. Next, you’ll head to a local restaurant for a light lunch before you visit a second cantina.

You’ll get to taste a few more wines and learn about the various production processes associated with each before you are taken back to Venice. If your cheese cravings haven't been completely satisfied, consider booking a cheese tasting in Venice.

Wine bar hopping in Venice

Venice is well-known for its vibrant cocktail hours when locals meet after work and enjoy discounted glasses of wine alongside traditional snacks. This tour takes you far away from the tourist traps and shows you a few of Venice’s lesser-known treasures.

Taste an iconic Aperol spritz and other local drinks, as you share plates of chichetti and chat with other tour participants as well as your expert guide. As you make your way from bar to bar, you’ll get to see the medieval streets of the Cannaregio district.

In addition to treating your taste buds, you’ll learn how to order food and drinks at authentic wine bars and learn more about Venice’s buzzing after-work culture. There are even Venice tours available with a special focus on chichetti.

Semi-private Prosecco wine tour from Venice

Spend the day away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the city as you head into the countryside and explore the Veneto region, which is famous for producing world-class wines! This tour focuses on Prosecco — a delicious Italian sparkling wine.

Not only will you learn more about the production process and visit a local winery, but you’ll get to taste a selection of Prosecco. Your guide will tell you everything you need to know about Prosecco and the important role that it plays in Italian culture.

After your wine-tasting experience, you’ll head to a local restaurant, where you’ll be served a light lunch before you head back to Venice. By this time, you'll probably be ready for a unique dinner experience, which you could have with accompanied by a show or on a historic galleon while sailing in the Venetian lagoons.

Can I combine wine tours in Venice with other activities?

Yes! For a more comprehensive experience in Venice, you can combine a wine tour and tasting with other gastronomic and sightseeing experiences.

Food and wine tours in Venice

While most wine tours and tastings include a selection of chichetti (Venetian tapas) for participants to enjoy, there are also many wine and food tours that place a larger emphasis on the food and allow you to try a wider selection of dishes.

Wine tastings and sightseeing tours in Venice

Make the most of your time in Venice with a tour that includes wine tasting, sightseeing and trying out a selection of local cuisine. These tours are usually half-day or full-day experiences and provide a broad overview of Venetian cuisine, history and culture.

Which places are visited?

Wine tours and tastings that take place in Venice usually visit a variety of local bars, restaurants and eateries. You may also get to see some of the city sights along the way as you walk between your wine-related destinations.

If the tour takes place in the Veneto wine region, you’re more likely to visit wineries, vineyards and wine cellars. You’ll get to see the incredible natural beauty that this area has to offer its visitors.

What are the prices of wine tours and tastings in Venice?

Basic, hour-long wine tastings in Venice can cost as little as €35 per person for a group experience that provides you with a selection of wines to sample. Slightly more comprehensive tours, which visit various destinations and offer chichetti in addition to wine, typically start at around €70 per person.

Semi-private tours limited to a small number of participants usually cost around €160 per person and are a great alternative if a private tour is outside your budget.

Private tours, which provide a more personalized experience, usually cost at least €200 per person for wine tours taking place in Venice, and around €400 per person for tours that visit the Veneto region. Private tour prices can fluctuate depending on how many people you have on the tour.

What do they include?

When you book a wine tour in Venice, several wine tastings are usually included in the cost of the tour, providing you with a comprehensive introduction to Venetian wine. Most wine tours are also inclusive of tapas, lunch and/or food pairings.

You’ll be provided with a professional local guide, who will provide information about each wine you taste, and you’ll also be provided with transport between the various locations of the tour (if there are multiple locations).

Hotel transfers are not typically included, so you will need to make your own way to the meeting point at the start of the tour. Gratuities are not included in the cost of your tour, so bring along some extra cash for tipping your guide, waiters and bartenders should you want to.

Where does it start?

Wine tours and tastings in Venice usually begin at easy-to-find landmarks in the city. A few popular starting points include Casa Vacanze Venezia, Campo della Maddalena, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto and Gam Gam Kosher Restaurant.

Your tour guide will typically provide a description of themselves so that you can easily identify them. Make sure that you arrive at the stipulated meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour is due to start, so that you don’t keep your guide waiting.

Private tours may provide hotel pickup, in which case you won’t need to worry about making your way to a starting point.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a wine tour in Venice is roughly 3 or 4 hours. However, there are many different tours available— with basic tours/tastings lasting only 2 hours and with more comprehensive experiences lasting as long as 9 hours.

No matter your schedule and how much time you have available to you, there is a wine tour or tasting in Venice that is perfect for you and your travel companions.

When is the best time to go on a wine tour in Venice?

The best time for a wine tour in Venice, Italy, is from late spring to early autumn, particularly between May and September. During these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny, the vineyards are lush, and the countryside is at its most picturesque. This period also aligns with the grape-growing season, offering insights into the viticulture process.

However, consider visiting in late September or early October for the grape harvest, an exciting and vibrant time. While summer offers longer days and more tourist activities, early autumn provides a more authentic experience with fewer crowds.

Travel tips

• Especially during peak season, book your Venice wine tours and tastings in advance to ensure availability.
• Try to include smaller, family-run wineries for unique, personal experiences.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as some tours may include walks through vineyards.
• Drink plenty of water throughout your tastings to stay hydrated, and have a good meal before your wine tour to help absorb the alcohol.
• With multiple tastings, it’s important to pace yourself to fully enjoy the experience without overindulging.
• Don't forget to take the time to appreciate the beautiful landscapes and settings of the Veneto wine region!