Venice like a local: Vini and Cichetti at Liuba and Hugo’s home

Imagine stepping into a Venetian home, away from the tourist crowds, where Liuba, a dedicated sommelier, and Hugo, a passionate chef, invite you for an evening of wine and food that feels more like visiting friends than a typical tour. For just under $100 per person, you’ll spend about two and a half hours soaking in local flavors, sampling four carefully curated wines paired with homemade Venetian cichetti. The experience begins at 6:00 pm in a charming neighborhood on Calle Foscari, where you’ll enjoy an intimate, small-group setting of up to six travelers.

What we love about this tour is the personal touch that makes it feel genuine and tailored. First, the expert guidance from Liuba, who shares her knowledge of Italian wines with enthusiasm, makes every sip more meaningful. Second, Hugo’s home-cooked cichetti—including bread baked on-site—adds an authentic, heartfelt flavor to each pairing. It’s a cozy, relaxed environment that emphasizes connection, learning, and local hospitality.

One thing to consider is the stair climb—the house is on the third floor with no lift, so travelers sensitive to stairs should plan accordingly. Also, it’s not suitable for minors, so families with children may need to look elsewhere. However, for those who enjoy a personal, unpretentious experience, this is ideal. It’s especially perfect for food and wine enthusiasts, small groups of friends, couples, or even colleagues looking for a memorable team-building evening.

Key Points

• Authentic Environment: Hosted in a local Venetian home, not a restaurant or touristic spot.
• Expert Hosts: Liuba’s sommelier skills combined with Hugo’s cooking create an immersive experience.
• Delicious Pairings: Four wines paired with homemade cichetti and local products.
• Flexible Experience: Tours can be tailored to suit special needs or preferences.
• Intimate Setting: Small group size enhances interaction and learning.
• Advance Booking Recommended: Book around 48 days in advance on average for this popular experience.

A deeper look: what makes this experience special?

This tour isn’t just about tasting wine; it’s about understanding Venetian culture through its food and drink. As we settle into Liuba and Hugo’s home, the intimate atmosphere immediately puts us at ease. The initial sparkling wine sets a lively tone, awakening our taste buds, followed by a crisp white, a bold red, and finally a sweet wine to end the evening on a high note. Each wine isn’t just poured; it’s carefully explained—its origins, what makes it special, and how it complements the Venetian tapas.

Hugo’s homemade cichetti are a highlight. The term, meaning Venetian tapas, conjures up images of small, bite-sized delights—often featuring local ingredients—perfect for pairing with wine. Hugo’s craftsmanship shines through in bread baked fresh on-site and an assortment of local products, all crafted with care. Multiple reviews mention how delicious and thoughtfully prepared these snacks are, emphasizing the authenticity of Hugo’s creations.

Liuba’s knowledgeable guidance offers a deeper appreciation of Italian wine traditions. Travelers commonly praise her for making complex information accessible and engaging. One guest noted, “Liuba’s knowledge of Italian wines was excellent and her presentation of them was amazing.” This shows the value of having a sommelier on hand, especially for those interested in learning more about Italy’s diverse wine regions.

The personalized attention means your experience is more than just a tasting; it’s an educational journey, a chance to ask questions and share stories. The relaxed environment fosters conversation and camaraderie, making it an ideal activity for small groups, couples, or even team-building among colleagues.

The itinerary: what to expect

The evening kicks off at 6:00 pm at the meeting point on Calle Foscari. From there, you’ll head to Liuba and Hugo’s home—an authentic Venetian residence on the third floor. Keep in mind, the house does not have a lift, so comfortable climbing stairs is a must. Once inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Over approximately two and a half hours, you’ll experience:

• Introduction and Welcome: Meet your hosts, settle in, and get a brief overview of Venetian wine and food traditions.
• Wine Tasting: Starting with a sparkling wine, followed by a white, red, and sweet wine. Each wine is served in quality glasses with proper glassware and setting.
• Cichetti Pairing: Hugo presents a selection of home-made Venetian snacks, carefully paired with each wine. The emphasis is on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
• Learning and Sharing: Liuba shares insights about each wine’s origin, flavor profile, and what makes Venetian wine unique.
• Interaction: The small group size encourages questions, stories, and laughter, making this a very personal experience.

The tour ends back at the starting point at around 8:30 pm, leaving you with a sense of connection to Venetian culture through its food and drink.

The reviews: what past guests say

Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality and delicious food. One reviewer calls it “a fun evening with lots of laughter,” noting how Liuba and Hugo make everyone feel at home. Several mention that the wine selection is excellent, highlighting the expertise Liuba brings to the table. “Liuba’s knowledge of Italian wines was excellent,” one guest remarks, emphasizing how educational yet enjoyable the experience is.

Many reviewers also mention that Hugo’s home-cooked cichetti are “mouthwatering” and deserve special mention. The fact that Hugo prepares everything from scratch, even bread, underscores the authenticity and care put into the experience.

The small group size is frequently highlighted as a plus, making the experience intimate and allowing for lively conversation. A recurring theme in reviews is how this tour feels more like a friendly gathering than a commercial activity, which many travelers find refreshing.

Value for money

At $98.30 per person, this experience offers a lot of value, especially considering the personalized guidance, high-quality wines, and homemade Venetian food. Unlike larger, less personal tours, here you’re paying for an authentic, educational experience that’s tailored to your curiosity and desires. The fact that the products are homemade adds an extra layer of local authenticity that many travelers crave.

Given the positive reviews and high ratings, it’s clear that many guests feel this experience provides more than just a tasting—it’s a memorable evening that captures the spirit of Venice.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy small, intimate gatherings. It’s ideal for those who want to learn about Venetian wines in a relaxed setting, and for anyone interested in authentic local cuisine beyond typical tourist fare. Those with mobility issues should note the stairs, but otherwise, it’s perfect for curious travelers eager to see Venice from a different angle—inside a friendly home, with good wine and delicious food.

If your goal is to enjoy a relaxed, authentic Venetian evening immersed in local flavors, this tour checks all the boxes. You’ll love the chance to taste excellent wines, paired with Hugo’s homemade cichetti, in a warm, personal setting that feels more like visiting friends than a commercial activity.

It offers great value for the price, especially considering the quality of the guidance, food, and drink. The small group size and tailored approach make it a perfect choice for romantic evenings, small groups of friends, or couples wanting a memorable, intimate experience.

While the stairs might be a consideration, the personal attention, authentic flavors, and insider’s perspective make this tour a highlight for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Venice. If you’re curious to see a different side of the city—one where hospitality and local pride shine through—this is a highly recommended activity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
The tour focuses on Venetian cichetti, which often include local ingredients. Hugo’s homemade snacks may be customizable, but it’s best to contact the hosts directly on IG @liuba_personalsommelier for specific dietary needs.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 6:00 pm and ending around 8:30 pm.

Is transportation provided?
No, the meeting point is at Calle Foscari, 3246 in Venice. Guests are responsible for reaching the location, which is near public transportation.

Can I bring children?
No, the experience is not suitable for minors due to alcohol consumption and the nature of the setting.

What if I need to cancel?
You may cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the price; they are appreciated but entirely at your discretion.

In the end, this tour is a lovely way to connect with Venetian culture through its wines and food, in the comfort of a local home. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, educational, and cozy experience—just be prepared for a bit of stairs and an evening of genuine hospitality.