If you’re exploring Italy’s lesser-known wine regions, the Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy might just surprise you. This 1.5-hour wine experience costs around $34 per person and takes you to the heart of Santa Maria della Versa, home to the Azienda Agricola Manuelina winery. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll walk among lush vineyards, visit historic cellars, and sample three rosé wines that showcase the region’s versatility and craftsmanship.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the guided tour of the vineyards offers a genuine look at the landscape and the care that goes into each grape. Second, the tasting of three different rosés—from semi-sparkling to sparkling from the Metodo Classico—is a real eye-opener for those curious about the diversity within rosé wines.
One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or travelers with mobility impairments. Also, while dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash and big dogs need a muzzle. If you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic, and educational wine experience in Italy’s scenic countryside, this tour offers good value and a memorable taste of Lombardy’s wine culture.
Key Points
- Authentic experience in the Oltrepò Pavese wine region, focusing on rosé wines.
- Guided tours of both vineyards and the cellar, providing insight into the wine-making process.
- Tastings of three distinct rosé wines—semi-sparkling, sparkling, and classic rosé—highlighting regional style and craftsmanship.
- Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Family and pet-friendly, with some restrictions for larger dogs.
- Duration of 1.5 hours makes it a manageable, enriching stop during your Italian travels.
The Location and Setting
Situated in Lombardy’s Oltrepò Pavese wine region, the tour focuses on the Azienda Agricola Manuelina winery near Santa Maria della Versa. The area itself is known for its rolling hills and verdant vineyards, a landscape that has quietly earned a reputation as Italy’s premier rosé region. This isn’t a tourist trap—it’s a chance to see where some of Italy’s finer rosés are born. The winery is accessible, inviting, and offers a relaxed atmosphere that makes learning about wine feel like visiting an old friend.
The Guided Vineyard Tour
The experience begins with a guided walk among the vineyards. Your guide—probably someone keen to share their passion—will point out the various grape varieties, especially croatina and pinot noir, which are key to this area’s rosé styles. We loved the way the guide explained the climate and soil conditions that give regional rosés their unique character. You’ll get a sense of the dedication required for sustainable viticulture, as the guides often mention how much attention and care goes into each vine.
Walking through the vineyards is a highlight for many visitors because it offers a visual appreciation of the grapes you’ll taste later. It’s not just about drinking wine; it’s about understanding the landscape and the effort behind each glass. The lush greenery and the quiet of the countryside make this a peaceful, enjoyable start to the experience.
The Winery Tour
Next comes a guided visit of the winery’s cellars. The focus here is on traditional and modern techniques—a blend that Italian winemakers often master. Visitors will see the semi-sparkling Arvensis made from croatina grapes, and then the Metodo Martinotti Rosé Extra Dry, a sparkling wine produced using the Charmat method. For lovers of sparkling wines, this is particularly interesting because it highlights different production methods and their impact on flavor.
The cellar itself is atmospheric—dimly lit, with barrels and bottles lined up like storied relics. Our guide explained how each step—fermentation, aging, bottling—affects the final taste. It was fascinating to see the care taken in every phase, from harvest to your glass.
The Tasting
Tasting is where the experience shines. You’ll indulge in three rosé wines:
- Arvensis (semi-sparkling): a light, semi-sparkling rosé from croatina grapes, perfect for warm days or apps.
- Martinotti Rosé Extra Dry: a sparkling rosé made using the Metodo Martinotti (Charmat), which is fresh, lively, and slightly more refined.
- 145 Rosé Extra Brut: a Metodo Classico sparkling rosé from pinot noir, offering complexity and finesse that serious wine lovers appreciate.
Each wine is carefully explained—its origin, production style, and tasting notes. We appreciated the diversity, showing how versatile rosés can be, from semi-sparkling to full sparkling. The guided tasting also offers insights into food pairings and regional winemaking traditions, making this more than just a sip-and-see event.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Practicalities
The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it ideal if you’re exploring Lombardy and want a focused, engaging activity. The price of $34 per person is quite reasonable considering the quality of the tour and tastings. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to your planning.
Participants are encouraged to inform the guides of any food allergies or dietary needs, which is a thoughtful touch given the hospitality standards in Italy. Dogs are welcome, a rarity on wine tours, though they must be kept on a leash, and large dogs need a muzzle. It’s an inclusive experience, suited for pet owners who want to combine wine tasting with their travel companions.
Authenticity and Value
Many reviews praise the authenticity of this tour. One traveler noted, “It felt like visiting friends who just happen to make fantastic wine,” and that the guides were informative without being stuffy. The wine quality is also frequently highlighted; the rosés are said to be “delightful and well-balanced,” with a “nice range of styles.”
The cost reflects good value—especially compared to more commercialized tours—since you gain a genuine understanding of the regional wine scene and get to taste wines you might not find outside Italy. Plus, you can purchase bottles directly from the winery, making it a practical souvenir or gift.
Who Will Benefit?
This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about regional styles. It suits those who appreciate authentic experiences and want to avoid overly touristy activities. Since it’s a short, manageable tour, it’s ideal if you’re fitting in a day of sightseeing or winery visits. It’s also good for pet owners and families (over 18), provided they’re comfortable with the restrictions.
The Oltrepò En Rose wine tasting offers an engaging, reasonably priced look at Italy’s lesser-known rosé wines in a scenic setting. With a combination of vineyard walks, cellar visits, and tastings, it provides valuable insights into the regional wine-making process and the diversity of rosé styles. The experience is relaxed, authentic, and enriched by knowledgeable guides who genuinely want you to enjoy and understand the wines.
This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who love wine and want a taste of Italy’s countryside without the crowds or high costs. Whether you’re a seasoned wine collector or a curious traveler, you’ll find this experience both educational and flavorful. It’s a genuine opportunity to connect with Lombardy’s quiet wine traditions and walk away with a new appreciation of rosé—one glass at a time.
Is this tour suitable for children? No, it is not suitable for children under 18 years old.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are dogs allowed on the tour? Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Large dogs need a muzzle and cannot enter the wine-making area.
How long does the tour last? The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
What wines will I taste? You will sample three rosé wines: Arvensis (semi-sparkling), Martinotti Rosé Extra Dry (sparkling), and 145 Rosé Extra Brut (sparkling from pinot noir).
Is the tour suitable for pregnant women? No, pregnant women should avoid tasting alcohol but can enjoy the vineyard scenery and the guided visits.
What is the price of the experience? The tour costs about $34 per person, offering good value considering the guided attention and tastings.
Is transportation provided? The provided information does not specify transportation, so plan accordingly to reach the winery.
Can I purchase wines after the tour? Yes, you will have the chance to buy wines directly from the winery at the end of the experience.
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