Lake Como is a feast for the eyes, but wine is the real side quest. This tasting at Capitan Drake turns a short break in Como city center into a guided flight of 7 wines paired with classic Italian nibbles. I like that you can steer the pour toward what you actually want to taste, not a one-size-fits-all script.

What I like most is the learning built into the evening. The certified sommelier explains what’s in each glass—plus where it comes from—while you’re tasting, not after the fact. I also like the food approach: you get a substantial Italian board that makes the wine choices feel logical, even if you’re not a hardcore oenophile yet.

One drawback to consider: this is a drinking-and-snacking experience with 7 tastings, so if you hate the idea of alcohol in the middle of your day, you might want to plan a lighter schedule before or after. Also, sessions can feel a bit more like a small evening event than a quick stop, so give yourself time to linger.

Key highlights worth clocking before you go

• 7 wines (chosen by you): pick the mix of sparkling, white, rosé, and red, then taste as you go.
• Certified sommelier guidance: you get tasting notes and producer context with each pour.
• Capitan Drake, Como city center: walkable from central streets, easy to fit between sightseeing blocks.
• Meat-and-cheese or vegetarian/vegan boards: options are real, not an afterthought.
• Small details that matter: you’ll notice different glass shapes used for different wines.
• Friendly, shop-style atmosphere: you’re treated like you can ask questions and react honestly.

A Central Como Wine Stop at Capitan Drake

This tasting is built for people who want Lake Como without turning the whole day into logistics. You meet at Capitan Drake on Via Francesco Benzi, and it’s in the city center, which means you can pair this with a walk, an early dinner plan, or even a rainy-day reset.

The session starts just a few minutes after meeting time. That small delay is normal for places that want everyone settled and the tasting table ready. Once it begins, the flow is straightforward: pour, explain, taste, pair, repeat.

The vibe is relaxed but organized. You’ll sit with your group, and you can expect a real wine conversation rather than a scripted lecture. If you like asking questions—or just want clear answers—this format works well.

Your 7-Wine Flight: Sparkling to Sweet Chocolate Pairing

The headline is simple: you taste 7 wines in one sitting, and you can influence which ones you get. The tasting includes a sparkling option (described as a sparkling Italian Champagne-style), plus a mix of whites, rosé, and multiple reds depending on what you select. The final act can include a sweeter red with chocolate pairing, so the tasting ends on a fun note rather than fading out.

Here’s how the flight usually feels, based on the menu style used on these tastings:

• You begin with something bright and celebratory, so your palate wakes up quickly.
• Then you move through whites and rosé to learn how acidity, fruit, and style change from glass to glass.
• The bulk is often reds, including wines with more body and tannins, so you can compare “smooth and gentle” versus “tough and full body.”
• You finish with dessert-forward flavors that show how wine can play with cocoa, not fight it.

You’ll also get producer context. For each wine, the sommelier shares information about where it’s made and what to notice when you taste. That’s the part that makes this more useful than sampling random bottles in a shop.

One practical tip: pace yourself. Seven wines sounds small on paper, but it adds up fast, especially with food pairing in the mix. If you’re sensitive to alcohol or you’re also planning to drive or keep a very tight schedule, go slower than you think you need to.

The Food Pairing That Actually Helps You Taste

Wine tastings are one thing. Wine tastings that come with food that supports the flavors are better. Your board is built to match the style of the wines, and it doesn’t show up as a sad platter of crackers.

For the meat-and-cheese option, you can expect a mix like:

• prosciutto crudo and a cheese selection with compote
• salami and bresaola
• olives such as taggiasche
• puntarelle (a classic Italian ingredient)
• plus other Italian bites that can include porcini, anchovies, and buffalo mozzarella

If you prefer vegetarian or vegan, the board is designed with that in mind. You’ll still get a mix that feels like more than a token alternative, including local vegetables and Italian-style bites.

What I like about this food plan is that it turns wine into something you can reason with. Salty, fatty, savory, and slightly bitter flavors all show up on the board, so you can feel how the wine changes as your palate shifts. It’s also a nice way to avoid the mistake of treating a tasting like a full meal you don’t want to commit to.

Expect the board to be substantial. Several people describe it as more than a typical aperitivo snack situation. Plan on it filling a solid chunk of your appetite.

Meet the Hosts: How the Sommelier Runs the Room

This tasting stands out because it’s led with real communication, not just a pouring station. The guide you might meet includes Ricardo as host and sommelier, with support from Mama in the operation. Some groups have also been hosted by Sandu, so the guiding style stays consistent even if names vary by session.

Here’s what the guidance tends to include:

• explanations of each wine and its tasting notes
• info about the wineries and regions
• a conversation around your preferences so you don’t get stuck with wines you don’t care for

A small detail that signals they take wine seriously: you may see different glass shapes for different wines. The point isn’t showmanship. Different glasses help you notice aromas and textures more clearly. When the guide explains why, it helps you understand what you’re tasting instead of guessing.

If you’re traveling with family, this also works. The hosting feels friendly and comfortable, and the room is set up for questions rather than silence. You won’t feel rushed through the flight.

Customizing the Pour: Choose What You’re Curious About

One of the best values here is the personalization. You don’t just get whatever is poured that day. You choose the direction—white, red, sparkling—and the tasting is adjusted based on your preferences and curiosity.

That matters because wine preferences are personal. If you want more red and less sparkling, or you’re curious about a specific style like rosé or a sweeter finish, you can steer the tasting. You’ll still get a balanced experience, but you get control over what you spend most of your time learning.

For first-timers, that’s a relief. You’re not stuck trying to pretend you love something you don’t. The guide can also compare styles as you go, which makes it easier to remember what you liked and why.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Paying For

At $180.22 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a bargain-bin tasting. But it does pack in several things that drive value:

• 7 wine tastings in a single session
• a meat-and-cheese or vegetarian/vegan board built to pair with the wines
• guidance from a certified sommelier
• a shop-style setting in central Como, which saves you time and effort versus hopping around

If you’ve spent money in Italy before, you know tastings range from tiny sips to proper flights. This one leans toward the full flight side: seven glasses plus a serious board.

Is it expensive? It can be, depending on what you think you’re buying. If your goal is just a couple tastes and a quick break, you may feel it. But if your goal is to leave Como with a better sense of what you like—sparkling, whites, reds, and a sweet finish—this is one of the more efficient ways to do that in a short window.

Also, the tasting length matters for value. While the experience is listed at about 2 hours, some sessions run longer in practice. That’s not a problem if you treat it as a mini evening plan.

How to Plan Your Day Around This 2-Hour Break

This is the kind of experience that saves you from choosing between sightseeing and something you’ll remember. It works well when:

• it’s hot and you want a break
• it’s rainy and you still want a solid activity
• you want something social without booking a full dinner

Since the meeting point is in central Como, you can structure your day like this: do a chunk of sightseeing, then come here for a guided tasting and food board, then head to dinner afterward (or vice versa).

Timing-wise, expect a calm start and a steady rhythm. You’ll be tasting often enough that rushing won’t help. If you’re also planning to walk a lot after, go easy on the pours toward the end, especially with the richer reds and the sweeter chocolate pairing.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Skip It)

I’d steer you here if you want:

• a guided wine education that feels practical, not intimidating
• a tasting that includes real Italian food pairings
• a central Como activity that doesn’t require private transport
• a group-friendly setting with a friendly, hands-on host

You might think twice if:

• you prefer alcohol-free experiences
• you only want tiny tastes rather than a full flight
• you’re on a razor-thin schedule and can’t afford a longer sitting

This experience is private for your group, which is great if you want a more comfortable pace with your own people. It also means you won’t be watching a random crowd—it’s just your group at the table.

Should You Book This Lake Como Wine and Food Tasting?

If your trip has even a little wiggle room, I’d book it. For $180-ish, you get a real tasting flight, not a token sample, plus a board that turns the whole thing into a meal-like experience. The sommelier guidance, the glass-by-glass explanations, and the ability to shape the wine mix make it feel efficient and fun.

Here’s my simple decision rule: book it if you want to leave Como with specific tastes you can name and remember. Skip it if you just want a quick drink and you’re not interested in the wine and food pairing side.

FAQ

How many wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste 7 wines in the flight. The mix includes options like sparkling, white, rosé, and multiple reds, with the exact selection tied to your preferences.

Can I choose between a meat-and-cheese board and a vegetarian or vegan option?

Yes. You can choose the board style, with a typical meat-and-cheese mix on one side and vegetarian/vegan options on the other.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Capitan Drake, Via Francesco Benzi 19, 22100 Como, Italy.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 2 hours (approx.).

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

Is the group private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Is there a place to watch nearby public transportation?

Yes, it’s described as near public transportation.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.