Genoa might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about wine destinations, but its proximity to Ligurian vineyards and rich culinary tradition make it a surprisingly good spot for wine tours. The city offers a variety of experiences, from intimate tastings in historic cellars to guided city walks with wine and food pairings. We particularly enjoy tours that combine Genoa’s fascinating history with authentic local flavors, such as the Genoa: Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House, where you get to savor Ligurian wines alongside regional specialties in a historic setting. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good tasting, Genoa’s offerings are well worth exploring.
For those seeking a comprehensive experience, the Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa delivers a perfect blend of culinary exploration, city sightseeing, and wine sampling—all led by passionate local guides. Meanwhile, the Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner combines cultural highlights with a sophisticated wine tasting in the historic heart of Genoa. Below, you’ll find a detailed review of the top six wine tours to help you choose the perfect match for your taste and schedule.
1. Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa
This lively 2-hour food tour in Genoa is a culinary walk through the city’s most iconic flavors. Led by a local guide, you’ll enjoy six tastings of local specialties, from fresh fish and focaccia to regional flatbread, paired with two must-try wines from Genoa and Cinque Terre. The tour also visits key sights like the Doge’s Palace and Chiesa di San Lorenzo, intertwining Genoa’s renowned history with its culinary culture. The highlight is visiting the birthplace of Columbus and ending with a sweet treat of “Panera,” hyper-local ice cream.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of delicious tastings and engaging storytelling, making it ideal for food lovers who want a real taste of Genoa. The walk is manageable, and reviews praise the passionate guide Fulvio, who makes the city’s story come alive. Guests describe it as “fascinating,” “great food,” and “excellent wine,” with many noting the ice cream as a highlight. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with authentic bites and a touch of local wine.
Bottom line: This tour offers a compact, flavorful introduction to Genoa’s culinary scene, with a friendly guide and memorable tastings—an excellent choice for short visits or first-timers.
2. Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner
At number 2, this 3-hour historic center and wine tour with dinner combines city sightseeing with an authentic wine experience in the heart of Genoa. Starting at Piazza San Matteo, you’ll stroll through the ancient streets, passing by the palaces of the Doria family, and visiting the lively Via dei Macelli di Soziglia with its historic shops. The tour then moves to Piazza Banchi, where old trade streets tell tales of Genoa’s maritime past.
The highlight is a visit to a local cellar in Piazza San Donato, where you’ll taste three regional wines paired with Ligurian foods. The inclusion of a small peasant museum adds depth to the experience, giving you insight into local traditions. The guide shares engaging anecdotes about Genoa’s maritime power, making the city’s history come alive. Guests have lauded the knowledgeable guide Alessandro and the high-quality wines, describing the experience as an excellent way to start an evening in Genoa.
Bottom line: This tour offers a well-rounded mix of culture, history, and wine, perfect for those wanting a deeper understanding of Genoa’s past alongside memorable tastings.
3. Genoa: Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House
For around $52, the Genoa wine tasting near Columbus House delivers a relaxed, intimate session in a historic bottega. Hosted by BioTigullio5Terre, it features five Ligurian wines carefully paired with regional specialties like pesto, focaccia, and local cheeses from Val Graveglia. This seated experience emphasizes storytelling, with a local expert guiding you through each sip and bite.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on small-group intimacy and authentic local products. The tasting occurs near Columbus House, providing a perfect blend of wine and history in a cozy setting. Reviewers love the personalized attention and the chance to learn about Ligurian wines in a relaxed environment. It’s ideal for those who want a focused, high-quality tasting in a laid-back atmosphere.
Bottom line: If you’re after a personal, relaxed wine experience with regional food in a historic setting, this tour offers excellent value and a delicious introduction to Ligurian wines.
4. Genoa: Wine Tasting Near The Cruise: the best Italian wine
At number 4, the Genoa wine tasting near the cruise port is perfect for travelers with limited time. This 1.5-hour experience focuses on top-tier Italian wines like Amarone, Barolo, and Franciacorta, paired with focaccia, pesto, cheeses, and meats. Starting at Vinicola 23, the tasting offers a curated selection of high-quality wines designed to impress.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on premium wines and a casual, friendly atmosphere. Guests appreciate the expert guidance of Lorenzo, who shares insights into each wine’s origins and characteristics. Reviewers find it a great way to sample Italy’s finest wines without a long commitment, making it perfect for cruise passengers or those on a tight schedule. One guest says, “Lorenzo was very knowledgeable and made it easy for my father, in a wheelchair, to enjoy the experience.”
Bottom line: For those seeking a concentrated dose of Italy’s best wines in a short time, this tour delivers a memorable tasting with excellent guidance.
5. Genoa: Cammino di Colombo – Urban Trekking through Ligurian Alleys & Wines
This 2.5-hour urban trekking tour takes you through Genoa’s medieval streets and scenic alleys, ending with a Ligurian wine and food tasting. The guided walk covers spots like Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari and Castelletto, delivering a lively, authentic experience far from tourist crowds. The final tasting in BioTigullio5Terre offers local cheese, pesto, and wines, rounding out the day with regional flavors.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on sustainable, authentic exploration. Led by local experts, you’ll learn about Genoa’s art, history, and culinary traditions while enjoying panoramic views. Reviewers appreciate the personalized experience and the chance to combine sightseeing with wine in a relaxed setting. It’s suited for active travelers who enjoy walking and discovering hidden corners of the city.
Bottom line: If you prefer a walk through Genoa’s historic and scenic districts with a tasty finish, this tour blends culture, nature, and food seamlessly.
6. Genoa Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
This 3-hour walking tour and cooking class combines active exploration with a hands-on culinary experience. Starting with a walk through Genoa’s historic alleys, the guide shows you markets and artisan shops for fresh ingredients. Then, you’ll learn to prepare a traditional Genoese dish from scratch, enjoying your creation with regional wine in a cozy home environment.
What makes this experience special is its interactive nature and focus on local food traditions. Participants rave about the chance to cook and eat in an authentic setting, often commenting on the warmth and friendliness of the hosts. It’s best suited for foodies and those interested in cooking, offering an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond tasting.
Bottom line: If you love hands-on experiences and want a full culinary immersion, this tour offers an engaging way to learn and taste Ligurian cuisine with wine.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Genoa
When selecting your perfect Genoa wine experience, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a quick, high-quality tasting near the cruise port, the Genoa wine tasting near the cruise is ideal. For a deeper dive into Genoa’s history combined with wine, the historic center tour with dinner offers a full cultural experience. If your focus is on authentic local flavors in a cozy setting, the Pesto and focaccia tasting provides excellent value.
For active travelers who enjoy exploring on foot, the Cammino di Colombo combines city walking with a wine tasting, while those eager to learn to cook traditional Ligurian dishes should consider the Cooking Class with Wine. Budget, time, and your interest in either culture or cuisine will guide your best choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your priorities—whether it’s a short tasting, an immersive cultural experience, or a hands-on culinary class—and pick the one that best matches your travel style.
Genoa’s wine tours offer a rich array of options, from quick tastings to full-day explorations of culinary and cultural traditions. Whether you’re after an intimate cellar experience or a lively city walk with wine in hand, the city’s offerings won’t disappoint. For a balanced trip, mix a guided city walk with a tasting or reserve a specialized experience like the cooking class. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you secure your spot for an unforgettable Ligurian wine adventure.