Venice: Wine & Food Tasting Tour with 6 Stops & Pairings

Summary

Venetian flavors, stories, and laughter over six glasses

You’ll wander Venice’s winding streets with a small group, tasting six regional wines paired with local bites at hidden bars most tourists miss. With a passionate guide sharing stories (and secrets), you’ll learn how to drink—and eat—like a Venetian. Expect laughter, surprises, and maybe even rain on the cobblestones as you find your new favorite glass.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting point because I followed the wrong group of tourists—classic me. But our guide, Marco, spotted my confusion and waved me over with a grin. Right away, it felt like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has). The first stop was tucked behind a busy campo; I wouldn’t have found it alone. The place smelled like fresh bread and something herbal—cicchetti with anchovy, maybe? We squeezed around a tiny table, locals chatting loudly nearby. Marco poured Prosecco and explained why Venetians don’t just drink any old bubbly for celebrations. I tried to repeat “Glera” (the grape) and got it all wrong—he just laughed.

The next bar was even smaller. I noticed the walls were covered in old black-and-white photos—families, gondoliers, some people holding up wine glasses from decades ago. We tasted Amarone here, paired with this rich polenta thing that soaked up the sauce perfectly. Someone in our group asked about tourist traps and Marco didn’t hold back—he told us how to spot overpriced wine lists (hint: avoid anything with too many flags or laminated menus). It started raining outside but nobody seemed to care; we lingered longer than planned because the owner kept bringing out little plates “on the house.”

By the fourth stop I’d lost track of which square we were in. The city felt different after three glasses—warmer, somehow softer around the edges. A woman at the bar showed me how she eats baccalà mantecato on toast (“not too much,” she warned). I remember the sharpness of a white wine from Soave that cut through all that creamy fish. At one point someone’s phone rang with an opera ringtone and everyone laughed—no idea whose it was but for a second we all belonged there together. Honestly, I still think about that feeling sometimes when I open a bottle at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine and food tasting in Venice

• Visit 6 different bars or restaurants
• Taste 6 regional wines
• Pair wines with savory regional food
• Learn about Prosecco varieties
• Enjoy Amarone wine tasting
• Hear stories and legends about wine and food
• Receive tips on selecting good wines

Top questions

How many stops are included on this Venice wine & food tour?

The tour usually includes 6 stops for wine and food pairings; occasionally there may be 5 stops but portions remain the same.

Is lunch or dinner included during the tour?

Yes, food pairings are substantial enough to serve as lunch or dinner.

What types of wine will we taste?

You’ll sample regional wines like Prosecco, Amarone, Soave whites, reds, sparkling and dessert wines depending on season.

Does this Venice food & wine tour include a local guide?

Yes, an expert local guide leads every tour and shares stories about Venetian food and wine culture.

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available?

If you inform them in advance about allergies or dietary needs they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts between 2 to 3 hours depending on group dynamics.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transport options are available close to the starting location.

Can children join this Venice food & wine tasting tour?

Children can join; they’ll be served extra food instead of alcohol.

What’s included

Your day includes six regional wines (or five if needed), paired Venetian snacks that make up lunch or dinner, all led by an expert local guide who shares stories along each route—you just show up at the meeting point ready to eat and drink your way through Venice’s hidden corners before heading off full and happy.