Holiday itinerary
Whether you are a complete beginner or a connoisseur, this 5-hour wine course offers everyone the chance to expand their wine knowledge whilst enjoying the spectacular surroundings of the enthralling Cinque Terre region.
You will start your trip in rustic Manarola, one of the five famous towns that make up the Cinque Terre region on the Italian Riviera. Here you will meet state-qualified sommelier, Francesco, who will be your guide for the day.
Step away from the tourist trail to spend time meandering through the UNESCO World Heritage medieval villages on foot. Passing by dry-laid stone walls and terraced vineyards, Francesco will introduce you to the winemakers who work in the area, so you can hear more about their work.
With visits to two wineries in Manarola and nearby Groppo, you will taste the famed wines of the region, and enhance your appreciation for the complex aromas of rich mineral notes and savoury. Noted for the Bosco and Vermentino varieties of grape, grown on the hillsides and terraced vineyards that bask in sunlight overlooking the sea, you are sure to enjoy the Liguria wine characteristic of this region that stretches from the East coast to the border of Tuscany.
End the day on a high with a delicious lunch at a popular local seafood restaurant, where you will learn to appreciate the pairing of white wine with the very freshest seafood, before taking a relaxing stroll down to the marina to enjoy the surrounding scenery and views.
Suitability
-Minimum age 18
-A good level of mobility is required, as the day trip will involve some walking, and the area is very hilly. For this reasons, this trip is not suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users
- Comfortable shoes are required
-This trip will only run for a minimum of 2 people
Start days
-You can book this course for any day of the week, except Wednesdays
Wine course itinerary
This itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes, but is typically as follows:
-You will meet at 9.30am at the ticket office of the train station in the Cinque Terre village of Manarola
-Your first stop is a winery in nearby Groppo. After a tour of the winery and an overview of the winemaking process from vineyard to bottling, you will taste 3 white wines accompanied by local specialities
-The second winery visit of the day is back in Manarola, where you will be given an overview on the typology of regional wines and a tour of the wine cellars
- Then settle down for lunch in a traditional seafood restaurant at around 1pm, where local seafood specialities will be accompanied by white wines from the second winery visit, and you will learn about pairing wine with food
- The restaurant can cater for vegetarians, but please do let them know in advance
-Stretch the legs after lunch with a walk down to the marina in Manarola. This is where your trip ends, and you are free to spend the rest of the afternoon continuing to discover the town and surrounding areas
- Most of the day will be spent on foot, but you will catch the bus to the winery in Groppo
About your Sommelier
- Francesco is your sommelier and guide for day, and will lead your wine tastings
- Franceso is a state qualified Sommelier, and so is passionate about wine and extremely knowledgeable
- He loves talking about the different varieties and qualities and sharing his interest with others using a fun relaxed style of tuition
What will I learn?
-Throughout the day, you will be taught about the history of the wine area, how vines are grown, how grapes are processed, and the steps of wine production
- Develop all the skills of the winetasting trade – how to open a bottle, how to serve wine properly in the glass, and how to use your senses of sight, smell and taste to fully appreciate the wine
- How carefully chosen wine can enhance the flavour of seafood dishes
Sample the very best of Italian wine culture on this One Day Wine Course in the enchanting Cinque Terre region