Enjoy a Memorable Wine Tasting Experience in Milan

A wine tasting session can be highly informative, not to mention a lot of fun. Learn about the wine culture of the area surrounding Milan and unwind by sampling great Italian wine and delicious local dishes

The NH Chef’s Tips

Milan and Wine Culture

Milan may be known globally as the fashion capital of Italy and indeed, one of the key fashion powerhouses in the world, but it is also noteworthy for its close proximity to the famous Lombardy wine region, where outstanding bottles are produced each year.
The wine region of Franciacorta is not far and is renowned for its wines produced according to the methode champenoise. Then there is the Valpolicella wine region best known for its delicious Amarone wines, whilst to the south of Milan is the Piemonte region where the Barolos and Barbarescos are highly acclaimed. Needless to say, there is a thriving food and wine culture in Milan.
Taking part in a wine tasting session in Milan is an wonderful experience that you should certainly consider when visiting the city. Get to grips with wine differentiation, under the guidance of expert sommeliers or study this craft step by step, from seed to bottle. Whether a complete novice or a connoisseur when it comes to Italian wine, you are welcome, with everyone standing to learn more and enjoy the experience.

Wine Tasting in Milan

There are many companies based in Milan that offer excellent wine tasting sessions. Most can be booked online.

Le Baccanti, a respected operator with wine tasting tours across the country, offers the Milan Wine Tasting Walk. An English speaking guide leads a walk around the city, with visits to two wine bars and local gourmet shops included. The tour lasts for approximately three hours, with the cost depending on the number of participants. The more people who join the tour, the cheaper it becomes. So it is €220 for one person, €125 per person with two people, €59 per person with 6 people and so on. We recommend teaming up with others to get the best deal. Note, that the tastings are not included and are priced according to selection of wines.
Another notable wine tour service provider is Viator, which runs the popular Italian Wine Tasting in Milan, which includes an informative presentation led by a professional sommelier and tasting of local wines accompanied by cheeses and cold cuts at a cosy local bar. The session lasts for approximately 90 minutes and is scheduled to take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Starting at €40 per person, it is a great option for gaining some in-depth knowledge about excellent local wines.To combine wine tasting with a spot of sightseeing, consider the Navigli Canal Evening Walking Tour, also offered by Viator. Start the tour with a glass of wine, before being led through the hip Navigli district by a clued-up guide. There is also a visit to an Enoteca, specialising in the best of local produce, and the tour ends with an all-you-can-eat aperitivo at a local bar. Tours start at €59 per person.

Taking place in a relaxed wine bar in the Brera district of Milan, Italy Wine Tasting's, Milan based wine tasting session is a great option when it comes to specially paired wines and local dishes. Three types of wine will be supplied for tasting, introduced by an experienced sommelier. Seasonal mouth-watering dishes, such as beef carpaccio topped with balsamic vinegar will also be offered, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. The 90 minute tour costs €40 per person and takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Milan is fortunate to be surrounded by countryside rich in vineyards producing outstanding wines. Should you have a little more time and feel like venturing outside of the city, it is worth heading to a vineyard for a particularly special experience. La Baccanti offers the Franciacorta Wine Tour which includes a visit to two highly regarded vineyards and pick up and drop off from your hotel by an English speaking driver. Prices start at €610 per person, but drop as more people join the tour.
With so much outstanding wine produced around Milan, sampling some as part of your time in the Northern Italian city is a must. Learn about Milanese culinary culture, socialise and relax while enjoying some first-rate wines.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Milan.

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