Milan might be famous for its fashion, finance, and art, but it’s also a surprisingly good base for exploring Italy’s renowned wine regions. While the city itself boasts excellent wine bars and food markets, a day trip or specialized tour can deepen your appreciation for Italy’s rich vintages. Tours like the Barolo wine Tasting, Alba, UNESCO Castle showcase the legendary reds of Piedmont, while others, like the Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisù and Wine Class, focus on Italy’s culinary mastery. Whether you’re after a guided tasting among rolling vineyards or a hands-on cooking class with wine pairing, Milan’s proximity to Italy’s best wine districts offers something for every palate.
Many of these tours stand out for their authenticity and local flavor. For example, the small-group Barolo tour not only visits a family-run winery but also explores medieval Alba and the historic Grinzane Cavour Castle. Meanwhile, the pasta and wine classes in Milan allow you to learn culinary skills directly from professional chefs, making the experience more than just tasting—it’s about making and tasting. Read on for the full lineup so you can pick the perfect wine adventure for your trip.
1. Barolo wine Tasting, Alba, UNESCO Castle: Small Group from Milan
At number 1, this full-day guided tour takes you into Piedmont’s famous wine country, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes visits to Alba, the Grinzane Cavour Castle, and a family-run winery where you’ll taste Barolo, one of Italy’s most prestigious reds. The tour lasts around 10.5 hours, with options for a private transfer, making it a comfortable escape from Milan. The highlights include exploring Alba’s medieval towers, admiring the 13th-century castle, and tasting five different types of red wine. Guests praise the informative guides and the opportunity to taste local wines in a relaxed setting. The visit to the castle’s wine shop and the family-run winery adds a personal touch that makes this tour stand out.
This experience is perfect for wine lovers who want an authentic, immersive day without the hassle of driving. The reviews confirm the value, with many calling it an “amazing experience” and “worth the trip.” The cost reflects the full itinerary, but the combination of UNESCO sites, historic castles, and premium wines makes it worthwhile for serious oenophiles.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive and expertly guided experience of Piedmont’s wine and culture, this tour offers a memorable day out suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with tasting.
2. Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisù and Wine Class
Number 2 on our list is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy Milan’s culinary side. Led by a charismatic local chef, this small-group cooking class teaches you how to make traditional Italian dishes—including gnocchi, ravioli, and tiramisù—paired with local wines. It lasts about 3 hours and is perfect for travelers who want hands-on experience rather than just tasting. The class provides step-by-step guidance, and guests rave about the chef’s engaging personality and clear instructions. As you cook, you’ll swap foodie tips and enjoy your homemade creations with a selection of regional wines. It’s a social, relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for meeting fellow travelers.
Guests routinely call it a highlight of their trip and appreciate taking home authentic recipes. The tour’s affordability and intimate setting make it especially good value. The experience is ideal for those who love cooking and wine and want a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary traditions in Milan.
Bottom Line: This class blends cooking with socializing, making it perfect for wine lovers who also enjoy making their own Italian favorites and learning from a skilled chef.
3. Milan: Small-group Pasta & Gelato Class with Unlimited Wine
At number 3, this hands-on culinary experience combines two Italian classics—pasta and gelato—with unlimited wine in a lively, friendly environment. Led by a professional chef, you’ll learn how to craft artisanal tagliatelle, ravioli, and a refreshing gelato, all while sipping on two glasses of fine wine. The experience lasts about 3 hours and is ideal for those who want to enjoy Italy’s food culture while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Participants love how the chef explains every step clearly, and many praise the fun company and delicious results.
This tour is especially great if you want a short, memorable experience that combines wine, food, and fun. You leave with a recipe booklet and a certificate, making it a practical souvenir. The positive reviews highlight the engaging guide and the high quality of the food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a fun evening of learning, tasting, and socializing, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of Milan’s culinary delights.
4. Milan: Pasta, Gnocchi and Tiramisù Cooking Class with Wine
Number 4 is a comprehensive hands-on cooking class focusing on three classic Italian dishes: truffle gnocchi, ravioli, and tiramisù. Led by a chef with Michelin-starred experience, you’ll learn from scratch how to prepare these dishes and then enjoy your creations with regional wines. This 3-hour class is ideal for those who want to master Italian cooking techniques and taste authentic flavors. The reviews mention how approachable and delicious the dishes are, with families and solo travelers alike praising the experience. The chef’s expertise shines through, providing tips that you can use back home.
This experience offers great value for the quality of instruction and food. It’s suited for foodies who want to learn and eat in a convivial setting. The only potential downside is that it’s a class focused on just three dishes, but that’s perfect if you want to perfect a few favorites.
Bottom Line: If you want a professional-led cooking experience that ends with a full meal of Italian classics, this class is a top choice.
5. Milan: Small Group – Duomo & Rooftop, Wine & Food Tasting
Number 5 combines Milan’s most iconic landmark with wine and food. This small-group tour includes skip-the-line tickets to the Duomo’s rooftop, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views, and a tasting at a trendy wine bar. The 3.5-hour experience balances cultural sightseeing with local wine and food. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guide who provided detailed insights about Milan’s history and the city’s culinary scene. The wine tasting features local wines paired with a platter of cold cuts, making it a relaxed way to unwind after sightseeing.
While the tour may involve some walking and wait times during mass at the Duomo, the combination of skyline views and tasting experience appeals to travelers who want an overview of Milan’s culture and cuisine. The limited reviews praise the friendly guide and the well-curated tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a combination of sightseeing and tasting in a small-group setting, this tour offers a good introduction to Milan’s iconic sites and flavors.
6. Milan: Hands-On Pasta & Dessert Cooking Class & Wine Pairing
Number 6 offers a culinary journey into authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on pasta and desserts. Led by Niccolò, a professional chef and sommelier, you’ll learn how to prepare various pasta shapes and Italian desserts, all paired with carefully selected wines. The 3.5-hour class emphasizes techniques and ingredients that elevate your home cooking. Guests love how friendly and knowledgeable Niccolò is, and the pairing with wines enhances the culinary experience. The class includes a recipe booklet to take home.
This experience is perfect for foodies and wine lovers eager to expand their cooking skills and enjoy a wine-paired meal. The value is high, considering the personalized instruction and quality of the wines.
Bottom Line: For those who want to improve their Italian cooking skills with expert guidance and wine pairing, this class is an excellent choice.
7. From Milan: Langhe Wine Region Day Trip with Barolo Tasting
Number 7 is a full-day excursion into Piedmont’s Langhe wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes visits to Barolo or Alba, with a guided Barolo wine tasting, and a chance to see the historic Grinzane Cavour Castle. The trip offers stunning views of vineyards and a deeper understanding of winemaking techniques. The tour departs from Milan and returns after about ten hours, making it suitable for those with a full day to spare. Reviewers highlight the courteous guide and personalized service, especially mentioning the driver’s care, including assistance for travelers with mobility needs.
Valuable for those wanting an in-depth experience of Italy’s prestigious wine districts, this tour balances wine tasting with sightseeing. The price point reflects a comprehensive day out.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine enthusiasts craving a full immersion in Italy’s top wine region with expert guides and scenic views.
8. Milan: Brescia & Franciacorta with Wine Tasting Small Group
Number 8 explores the Franciacorta wine region with a visit to Brescia. Over approximately 10 hours, you’ll visit a vineyard, take a guided tour, and sample two Franciacorta sparkling wines. The trip also includes a guided walk through Brescia’s streets, highlighting local culture. Though it has fewer reviews, travelers praise the educational experience and the beautiful views during the vineyard visit. The tour suits those interested in sparkling wine and regional Italian culture.
This experience offers excellent value for wine lovers who want a day outside Milan, with a focus on sparkling wines and scenic sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers eager to taste Italian sparkling wines and combine it with a scenic city visit.
9. Milan: Food Tour with Wine Tasting
Number 9 takes you through Milan’s authentic neighborhood on a 2-hour guided food tour. You’ll sample cheeses, cold cuts, street food, and enjoy two wine tastings. The tour offers local insider tips and a chance to try Milanese specialties like focaccia and farinata. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guide and the variety of tastings, which help paint a vivid picture of Milan’s food scene.
It’s a compact, budget-friendly introduction to regional flavors, suitable for those short on time but eager to experience local cuisine and wines.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a short, authentic taste of Milan’s food and wine culture.
10. Art and Wine Lab painting experience in Venice and Milano
Number 10 is a creative twist—a painting class with wine in hand. Although less focused on wine tasting, it combines art and wine in a 2-hour session perfect for a relaxing evening with friends or colleagues. It’s a fun, social activity that leaves you with a personal masterpiece. The experience emphasizes creativity and socializing over traditional wine tasting but offers a different way to enjoy Italy’s culture.
Great for travelers interested in art and a light-hearted experience rather than deep wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for creative souls wanting a fun, social evening with wine and art.
11. Milan: Lake Iseo & Franciacorta Wine Region with Cruise
Number 11 offers a scenic day trip combining Lake Iseo’s beauty with a visit to the Franciacorta wine region. You’ll see charming Iseo, take a panoramic cruise around Monte Isola, and visit a winery for a wine tasting. The 9-hour tour caters to travelers wanting a combination of nature, culture, and wine. Reviews highlight the beautiful views and the relaxing cruise as major highlights.
This trip is perfect if you’re looking to escape the city and enjoy outdoor scenery paired with fine Italian wines.
Bottom Line: For those craving a relaxing escape with a mix of lakeside scenery and wine tasting, this tour offers a satisfying day.
12. Milan: Vegan Pasta & Dessert Making Class with Wine Pairing
Number 12 is perfect for plant-based food lovers. Led by a local chef, this vegan cooking class teaches you how to make pasta and desserts from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The class lasts 3 hours and includes wine pairing by a sommelier. Participants praise the chef’s expertise and the delicious, vegan-friendly dishes. This experience is a good fit for travelers with dietary preferences but who still want to enjoy Italy’s wine and culinary culture.
The value lies in the personalized instruction and quality wines paired. It’s ideal if you want to explore vegan Italian cuisine.
Bottom Line: A top choice for vegans or food adventurers wanting a hands-on, wine-paired culinary experience.
13. Milan: Wine Tasting Experience with Platter at Winelovers
Rounding out the list is a short, focused wine tasting in Milan’s Città Studi district. For just $45 per person, you sample three wines from small, family-owned wineries, paired with a gourmet platter. Reviewers describe it as a charming enoteca experience perfect for a quick introduction to Italian wines. The informative stories behind each wine add depth, making it a great value for those wanting a taste of Italy’s wine culture without a long commitment.
Ideal for a casual, intimate wine experience, this is perfect if you’re nearby and want a relaxing evening.
Bottom Line: Short and sweet, this wine tasting is perfect for those in Milan looking for a delicious, authentic experience.
How to Choose Between These Tours
Selecting the best wine experience in Milan depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you seek a luxurious, full-day immersion in Piedmont’s Barolo wines, the small-group tour to Alba and the UNESCO Castle is hard to beat. For culinary enthusiasts, the hands-on cooking classes, like the Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisù and Wine Class, offer a memorable, practical experience. If your schedule is tight, the shorter tasting experiences such as the Wine Tasting at Winelovers provide a quick, flavorful introduction.
Consider whether you want a guided tour that combines sightseeing with tasting, or a more interactive experience like cooking or painting. Budget-wise, cooking classes tend to be more affordable, while full-day trips into Piedmont offer a richer but pricier experience. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, and always check availability for specific dates.
Final Thoughts
Milan’s location makes it an excellent hub for exploring Italy’s best wines—from the prestigious reds of Piedmont to sparkling wines of Franciacorta. Whether you prefer wine-focused tours, culinary classes, or cultural sightseeing combined with tasting, this list offers plenty of options. For wine novices or connoisseurs alike, Milan is a city that can satisfy your curiosity and appetite.
For those serious about wine, the Barolo tasting tour offers a top-tier experience through Italy’s most iconic wine region. Conversely, if you want to learn to cook Italian dishes with a glass of wine in hand, the pasta and tiramisù classes provide a delightful hands-on approach. No matter your choice, booking early and deciding what kind of experience suits your style will ensure you make the most of your wine adventure in Milan.