Taste of Lake Como: 4 Wines Paired with Local Cheese Charcuterie

Como’s lakefront draws plenty of attention, but this tasting takes you into the city for a closer look at Italian wine. At Capitan Drake, a sommelier talks you through wines from different regions while you sample them with prosciutto, cheese, and buffalo mozzarella.

I like two things especially: the guided explanations make the wines easier to remember, and the generous food board gives you a useful sense of how wine and local Italian snacks work together. The small group, capped at 12, also leaves room for questions and conversation.

One thing to plan for: this is a seated tasting in a wine shop, not a vineyard visit or a tour of Lake Como. The standard experience is described as four wines, with 4 to 5 glasses noted as the included selection, so check what your chosen option covers before booking.

At a glance

• Four Italian wines, sometimes 4 to 5 glasses: A sommelier introduces the wines, their regions, and tasting notes.
• A substantial snack board: Expect prosciutto crudo, a selection of cheeses, and buffalo mozzarella.
• A small group: The experience has a maximum of 12 participants, which can make it easier to ask questions.
• A central Como meeting point: Meet at Capitan Drake, Via Francesco Benzi, 19, and finish there.
• An indoor wine-shop setting: The shelves offer a backdrop of Italian and international bottles, with wines available to buy afterward.
• A useful price comparison: At $79.24 per person for about 90 minutes, the price includes wine and food, not just a few tasting pours.

A Como wine shop, not a countryside winery

The tasting takes place at Capitan Drake in Como city center. You meet at Via Francesco Benzi, 19, and the activity ends back at the same address. The setting is a wine shop with a broad range of Italian and world wines, rather than a vineyard or a country estate.

That distinction matters if you are choosing between food and wine activities around the lake. Here, the focus is on tasting, conversation, and learning about wine in a comfortable indoor setting. You will not be taken out among the vines, but you can compare bottles from different parts of Italy without leaving the city.

The shop’s shelves help set the scene, and the format is practical for a short visit. You can fit the tasting between other plans in Como, then stay in town rather than spending part of the day travelling to a winery. The trade-off is that the experience is about the wines and pairings, not the scenery.

What happens during the tasting

The advertised duration is about an hour and a half. The tasting begins a few minutes after the meeting time, then the sommelier presents each wine and explains its tasting notes and the winery behind it. You get a guided introduction rather than a row of glasses with no context.

The group can include up to 12 people. That is small enough to make questions feel natural, while still giving the tasting a social side. You may find yourself sharing the table with people from different countries, which can turn the food and wine into an easy conversation starter.

The standard experience centers on four wines, though the included drinks are also described as 4 to 5 glasses. Some participants have had the chance to add wines, including a higher option with seven wines. Since the exact setup can depend on the option you select, ask the host what is included before agreeing to an upgrade.

Learning the wines, one glass at a time

A sommelier guides you through the wines, with attention to grape varieties, wine regions, winemaking, and the way each wine is served or paired. That makes the experience useful even if you do not know much about Italian wine. You can ask questions without needing to arrive with a vocabulary of grape names and cellar terms.

The selection may include wines from different Italian regions, with local Lombardy wines among the possibilities. The exact bottles can vary, so treat the tasting as an introduction to Italian wine rather than a fixed lesson in one region or style. You may learn how regional differences show up in the glass, and how a wine’s character changes what works well beside it.

Hosts named in past experiences include Sandu and Giuseppe. Their approach has been described as clear and friendly, with explanations of grape-growing areas, fermentation, aging, and the winemaking process. The host for your date may differ, so do not book expecting a particular person.

You also receive tasting notes to help you remember the wines later. That is a useful touch: after a few glasses and a full board of food, the name of a grape or winery can be hard to recall. Notes give you something concrete to take home, especially if you want to look for a similar bottle or revisit a region.

The board is part of the lesson

The included food is a mix of typical Italian snacks. The stated selection includes prosciutto crudo, assorted cheeses, and buffalo mozzarella. Together, these make more than a token nibble. The food gives you a chance to see how salt, richness, and texture can shape the way wine tastes.

The pairing is a central part of the experience, not just an extra to keep you occupied between pours. Try a small taste of each item with the wine, then notice what changes. A cheese can soften a wine’s sharper edges; cured meat can make a wine seem fruitier or fuller. You do not need to get every pairing right. Paying attention is the point.

Food quantities have been described as ample, so you may want to arrive with room to eat. The board is not a full meal with a set menu, though. It is a selection for tasting alongside the wine. Some occasions have included an extra taste of homemade tiramisu with dessert wine, but that is not part of the stated standard inclusions and should be treated as a possible bonus, not a promise.

Is $79.24 good value?

At $79.24 per person, this is a considered purchase for a 90-minute activity. The price includes a guided tasting and a selection of wines, plus a board with cured meat, cheese, and mozzarella. You are paying for the sommelier’s explanations and the chance to compare several wines in one sitting, not simply for the liquid in the glasses.

For someone who wants to learn about Italian wine, that combination can offer better value than ordering a few glasses at random. The tasting gives you context: where the wine comes from, how it is made, and what food might suit it. It is also an easy way to spend a social hour in Como without committing to a longer excursion.

The value depends on your expectations. If you want a vineyard visit, a full dinner, or a deep focus on one local producer, this is not that. If you enjoy trying a range of wines and want a host to explain what is in your glass, the price is easier to justify.

Extra wines and tips are not included. Bottles are available for purchase after the tasting, and worldwide shipping is offered. If you are tempted to buy, ask about the shipping details and costs before placing an order. The experience gives you a chance to taste first, which is a sensible way to choose a bottle for home.

Getting there and planning your visit

The meeting point is Capitan Drake, Via Francesco Benzi, 19, 22100 Como. The activity ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer. The venue is near public transportation, though getting a taxi can be difficult at busy times, particularly on a Saturday. Give yourself a little extra time to reach the address rather than relying on a last-minute cab.

The tasting is offered in English, and a mobile ticket is accepted. Confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The experience is capped at 12, so it is worth reserving ahead: it is booked about 31 days in advance on average.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If your plans are uncertain, check the local start time carefully before making a reservation.

Who will enjoy this tasting most

I would choose this experience if you like wine but want someone to put the bottle in context. It works well for couples, friends, families with adult wine drinkers, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people around a table. You do not need to be an expert. The host can explain the basics, and the small group gives you a chance to ask about what you like.

It can also suit a rainy afternoon or an evening when you want a relaxed activity in the city. The indoor format makes it less dependent on lake views or weather, and the food means you are not tasting on an empty stomach. Since alcohol is central to the experience, it is not a good choice for anyone avoiding wine.

If you are travelling with a group, keep the wine options clear when you book. One person’s choice to add extra wines may not mean that everyone at the table has the same upgrade. Confirm what each person is paying for and what their tasting includes. That small check can prevent confusion once the glasses start arriving.

Should you book it?

Book this tasting if you want a friendly, city-based introduction to Italian wine, with a substantial board and a sommelier who can explain the bottles in plain terms. Its strongest points are the food pairings, the chance to taste wines from different regions, and the intimate group size. It is especially appealing if you would rather talk about what is in your glass than simply order a bottle and guess.

Skip it if you are mainly looking for a vineyard tour, a full meal, or a scenic outing on the lake. For most wine-curious visitors spending time in Como, though, Capitan Drake offers a practical and sociable way to make an hour and a half count. Check the wine count and any upgrade before you go, then arrive ready to taste and ask questions.

FAQ

How long is the wine tasting?

It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tasting may begin a few minutes after the meeting time.

Where does the experience take place?

It takes place at Capitan Drake, Via Francesco Benzi, 19, 22100 Como, Italy. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

How many wines are included?

The experience is described as a tasting of four wines, with 4 to 5 glasses listed as the included selection. Ask the host what your selected option includes, as additional wine options may be available.

What food is served?

The included snacks are typical Italian foods, including prosciutto crudo, a selection of cheeses, and buffalo mozzarella.

Is the tasting offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 participants.

Can I buy wine after the tasting?

Yes. Wines are available for purchase after the experience, and worldwide shipping is offered. Tips and extra wines are not included in the price.