Wine tasting beats wandering in the rain. In Como, this tasting at Capitan Drake turns a busy afternoon into a guided flight: 7 wines (including sparkling) and Italian cheese-and-salumi boards in a paced sequence with tasting notes and producer stories. The possible drawback is that seven pours in about two hours can feel like a lot if you prefer to sip lightly, so plan to slow down.

I also like the setting. You meet right in the action (Via Francesco Benzi 19) and the whole thing feels like a true break from sightseeing rather than another stop to squeeze in; it’s central Como convenience with a shop-and-table setup. You can steer what you taste too, based on your preferences and curiosities, and the sommelier talks you through what makes each bottle tick.

One more practical upside: it’s a private activity for your group, and you get a mobile ticket. If you’re the type who likes to ask questions, you’ll probably leave with real “I can order this with confidence” instincts for dinner in Como.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Seven different glasses across sparkling, white, rosé, and reds, with a sweet finish and chocolate pairing options
• Sommelier-led tastings that explain producers and tasting notes, not just which wine is which
• Flexible flavor focus, so you can request more reds or more sparkling depending on your mood
• Italian food pairing boards with meat-and-cheese options plus a vegetarian/vegan welcome
• Central Como location at Capitan Drake, easy to reach when you don’t want to travel far

Capitan Drake in central Como: why the location matters

If you’re already walking around Como, you know how quickly time disappears. This experience saves you from that problem by placing the tasting in the city center at Capitan Drake (Via Francesco Benzi, 19). It’s the kind of location that works for a short escape: you can go in, focus on wine and food, and then walk back out without re-planning your day.

It’s also a solid rainy-day option. When the weather turns, a seated tasting with guided structure is way more relaxing than chasing viewpoints with umbrellas.

And because it’s near public transportation, you don’t have to wrestle with logistics just to taste a few excellent Italian wines.

How the tasting flows in about 2 hours

This is built like a real tasting session, not a quick pour-and-run. The tasting starts a few minutes after the meeting time, so you won’t feel instantly rushed the moment you arrive. You’ll sit down at the shop’s tasting setup and work your way through the flight of wines.

The core rhythm looks like this:

• You meet and get settled with your host/sommelier.
• The sommelier explains each wine as it comes out (style, producer background, and practical tasting notes).
• Each pour is paired with bites from the board so you can taste the wine with food, then taste it again without overthinking it.

What I like here is the pacing. In a good wine tasting, the explanation should help you taste better, not slow you down. The format at Capitan Drake is built for learning in real time, while you still get to enjoy the moment.

Also note one detail that shows this is organized: in at least one description of the experience, different glass shapes are used so each wine gets the right setup for aroma and taste. That’s small, but it tells you the staff isn’t just pulling bottles from a shelf.

What you’ll taste: from sparkling Italian style to sweet red and chocolate

The big promise is variety. You’re not stuck with one region or one style. You’ll taste 7 wines that can include sparkling Italian in a Champagne-like style, plus white, rosé, and several red wines, with flexibility to match your preferences.

A sample lineup mentioned in the experience includes the following kinds of bottles and finishes:

• Sparkling Italian described as a Champagne-style wine (one reference names Franciacorta)
• White wines
• Rosé
• Three “top reds”
• A sweet red paired with chocolate
• Dessert wine and dark chocolate in at least one pairing sequence

Specific wine names that show up in the accounts include bottles like Amarone and Sagrantino di Montefalco (and other producers/wines mentioned as part of the guided flight). The exact lineup can shift based on what you select and how your host tailors the tasting, but the main point stays the same: you’ll get a wide snapshot of Italian and world bottles rather than repeating the same flavor profile.

Practical tip for your palate: if you’re choosing between options, think about what you want most before the first pour. If you’re a red-wine person, say so early. If you love bubbles, ask for more sparkling-forward glasses. Hosts here seem willing to adjust based on your curiosity.

Italian food pairing: meat board, veg/vegan options, and real snacks

The food matters because it changes the way wine tastes. And in this tasting, the pairing isn’t treated like garnish. The board is described as a substantial spread that functions like a light meal.

For meat-and-cheese boards, you can expect combinations such as:

• Prosciutto crudo
• Cheese selection with compote
• Salami and bresaola
• Olives (including taggiasche)
• Buffalo mozzarella (mentioned)
• Dishes or ingredients that include porcini and anchovies (mentioned in the snack list)
• Fresh bread, with references to segale and taralli

For vegetarian/vegan options, the experience includes a welcome that can include local vegetable-focused items such as puntarelle, plus vegetarian/vegan-friendly selections.

And there’s a moment that stands out in the descriptions: a chocolate-linked finish. One account mentions Mama’s homemade chocolate salami, and another describes ending with dessert wine and dark chocolate. If you like sweet pairings, tell the sommelier you want the chocolate sequence.

How to make the pairing click: take one bite, wait a few seconds, then sip. Don’t chase every flavor instantly. Let your palate settle, then compare the wine with and without food. That’s where the learning becomes useful.

The sommelier’s job: producer stories you can actually use

The host is a big part of the value. A certified sommelier leads you through the glasses and explains what you’re tasting, including details about the wineries and the style of each wine.

In multiple accounts, guides named Sandu and Ricardo show up as the wine expert leading the session, and Mama is mentioned as part of the welcoming team. The names may vary by night, but the role stays the same: you’re talking with someone who can connect the wine in front of you to where it comes from and what makes it taste the way it does.

What I like in this style of tasting is the focus on comparison. You get context that helps you notice differences you’d otherwise miss. It turns the evening from drinking wine into understanding wine.

What you should do during the tasting: ask one question per wine, not five at once. For example:

• What should I notice first in aroma?
• How does this compare to the one before it?
• What food does this style usually love?

This setup is built for questions, and you can use that back home at dinner when you’re trying to order the “right” bottle without guessing.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $180.22 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for a few things that add up fast in Italy:

• Alcohol included (7 wines, not just one or two)
• Food pairing included (meat-and-cheese or veg/vegan board)
• A sommelier-led explanation with producer and tasting notes
• A central Como location, which saves time and travel effort

This isn’t priced like a casual bar stop. It’s priced like guided tasting and pairings in a real shop environment.

Is it a bargain? That depends on how you travel. If you’re the type who enjoys wine education and likes to taste several styles in one sitting, it can feel like good value because you’re not paying extra for each pour or each snack.

The potential downside is also obvious: since alcohol is part of the package, it’s best when you want a wine-focused evening. If you’re not in the mood to drink, you may feel the price more sharply.

A few descriptions also mention ordering bottles to ship home, with comments that pricing felt reasonable and wines were enjoyable. If you’re looking for more than just a one-night taste, this format can make it easier to choose what to buy because you’ve already tasted the lineup.

Who should book this Lake Como wine and food tasting?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A rain-proof, seated plan in Como
• A wine experience that mixes education with actual enjoyment
• A structured tasting where someone helps you taste better
• A stop that includes Italian food pairing instead of chips and small snacks

It’s also a good choice for couples and families. Some accounts describe it as a fun family outing, and others highlight it as a memorable night for groups.

If you’re traveling solo, you might appreciate how the setup can feel welcoming and easy to talk in. One description even points out the benefit of a friendly environment when you’re by yourself.

Skip it if: you’re looking for big scenic views and only want a quick tasting. This is for wine and food first, not a sightseeing tour.

Should you book Top Lake Como Wine & Food Tasting?

Book it if you want a high-quality, wine-forward experience in central Como that combines seven tastings with proper Italian pairings and guided explanation. It’s especially worth it when you want to use your time well and avoid turning your afternoon into an awkward search for the right wine bar.

Don’t book it if you’re avoiding alcohol or if you know you get overwhelmed by multiple pours in a short window. In that case, you’d probably enjoy a lighter wine-and-aperitivo plan instead.

If you’re somewhere in the middle—curious, hungry, and ready for a real tasting—this is the kind of evening that makes your Como trip feel more specific than just walking the waterfront.

FAQ

How long is the Lake Como wine and food tasting?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tasting start?

The meeting point is Capitan Drake, Via Francesco Benzi 19, 22100 Como, Italy. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Are the drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, with a tasting of 7 wines you choose.

What food is included?

You’ll get typical Italian food paired with the wines. Options include a meat-and-cheese board and a vegetarian/vegan welcome, with items like prosciutto crudo, cheese selection with compote, and vegetable options such as puntarelle.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.

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