Tenuta San Lorenzo: Wine & Food Tasting Experience

Imagine stepping into a family-run winery just a few kilometers from Novi Ligure, Gavi, and Serravalle Scrivia—this is where you’ll find Tenuta San Lorenzo. For about $57 per person, you get a 2-hour journey that combines history, craftsmanship, and a taste of Piedmont’s most cherished wines. Led by a knowledgeable WSET-certified sommelier, this experience offers a well-rounded peek into the region’s wine-making traditions, paired with local delicacies.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the spectacular panoramic view from the tasting room overlooking the estate’s vineyards—trust us, the photo opportunities alone are worth the visit. Plus, the personal touch of a family-run business makes the experience warm and genuine, not to mention the chance to taste indigenous wines you might not find elsewhere. The only caveat might be that the tasting room isn’t accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, so planning ahead is sensible if needed.

This tour suits those who love authentic, relaxed wine experiences—particularly if you’re interested in learning about regional varieties like Cortese, Barbera, and Dolcetto. It’s perfect for wine lovers eager to understand the nuances of Piedmont’s terroir, and for anyone looking to enjoy a tasting paired with good, local food in a charming setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Family Winery: Experience the warmth of a family-run estate with personal guidance.
Local & Indigenous Wines: Discover regional varietals like Cortese, Barbera, and Dolcetto.
Scenic Setting: Tasting overlooking vineyard landscapes, ideal for photos and relaxed enjoyment.
Expert Guidance: Led by a WSET-certified sommelier, enhancing your understanding of the wines.
Food Pairings: Enjoy traditional cured meats, cheeses, and breadsticks alongside your tastings.
Value for Money: For just over $50, you get a comprehensive, quality experience with educational insights.

An In-depth Look at the Experience

Location and Setting

Tenuta San Lorenzo is located just a few kilometers from towns like Novi Ligure, Gavi, and Serravalle Scrivia. This makes it an easy add-on if you’re exploring Piedmont, especially if you’re based in or passing through the region. From the moment you arrive, the estate exudes a quiet charm, with the panoramic tasting room providing sweeping views over the vineyards—perfect for soaking in the landscape while sipping wine.

The Guided Tour

The experience begins with a brief introduction to the estate’s history and its importance in the local wine scene. The hosts are welcoming and eager to share their stories, which adds an authentic touch that larger, commercial wineries often lack. The guided tour (45 minutes) takes you through the winery’s facilities, showcasing traditional winemaking techniques and explaining how they handle both the white and red wines.

You’ll learn about the estate’s commitment to indigenous grapes, especially Cortese, which is the star of their Gavi DOCG wine and the bubbly Spumante Brut. We appreciated the clarity of the explanations, making complex processes accessible without oversimplifying.

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The Tasting

The highlight is, of course, the tasting segment, where you sample three wines—each paired thoughtfully with local cured meats, cheeses, and breadsticks. You’ll taste:

The Spumante Brut “Tenuta San Lorenzo”, vinified with the Martinotti method from Cortese grapes. This sparkling wine offers lively bubbles and crisp orchard fruit flavors.
The estate’s Gavi DOCG, a white wine crafted from Cortese di Gavi grapes, known for its bright citrus and mineral notes.
A red wine of your choice between Piemonte DOC Barbera and Monferrato DOC Dolcetto. Both reds are typical Piedmont varieties, with Barbera offering vibrant acidity and Dolcetto showcasing softer, fruit-forward qualities.

What makes this tasting stand out is the opportunity to compare how the same grape, Cortese, can produce both a sparkling and still wine, along with the regional reds. The guided explanation helps you understand the nuances: the terroir influences, fermentation techniques, and aging processes.

Food Pairings

Each glass of wine is paired with local cured meats, cheeses, and breadsticks, elevating the tasting experience. The pairing isn’t just a side note; it’s integrated into the experience, helping you understand how these wines complement Piedmont’s culinary traditions. Weather permitting, you can enjoy your tasting on the terrace overlooking the vineyards—an added bonus for the full sensory experience.

Purchase and Additional Options

Should you fall in love with a particular wine, there’s an opportunity to buy bottles directly from the estate, with home delivery options available. This makes it a great place to pick up authentic regional wines as souvenirs or gifts.

Additional Practical Details

Transportation to Tenuta San Lorenzo is straightforward, with parking available at the estate. The experience is designed for small, private groups, providing personalized attention. It lasts roughly two hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing.

The tour operates with flexible booking options—reserve now, and pay later, which is a helpful feature if you’re itinerary planning. Keep in mind, groups larger than ten need to book three days in advance, and the tasting room is not accessible for guests with reduced mobility—so planning ahead is wise if you have specific needs.

The staff speaks both English and Italian, making communication easy for international visitors. Children under 18 aren’t permitted, so it’s best suited for adult wine enthusiasts.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys authentic, intimate wine experiences surrounded by beautiful scenery, you’ll find this tour rewarding. Food lovers will appreciate the thoughtfully paired local products, and those curious about Piedmont’s indigenous grapes will gain valuable insights. It’s especially suitable for travelers interested in understanding regional wine varieties, or those seeking a relaxing, educational outing outside the busier tourist spots.

The Sum Up

In essence, Tenuta San Lorenzo offers a genuine taste of Piedmont’s winemaking tradition. The setting, the quality of wines, and the personal guidance make it stand out from larger, more commercial wineries. For just over $50, you receive a well-rounded experience that combines education, scenery, and delicious local flavors—all in a family-owned environment.

This tour is best suited for visitors who value authentic stories and high-quality regional wines, and who enjoy tasting paired with captivating vineyard views. It’s an ideal way to deepen your understanding of Piedmont’s viticulture while enjoying a relaxed, memorable outing.

FAQ

What wines will I taste during the tour? You will sample three wines: a sparkling Spumante Brut vinified from Cortese grapes, the estate’s Gavi DOCG white wine, and a red wine of your choice between Piemonte DOC Barbera and Monferrato DOC Dolcetto.

How long does the experience last? The entire tour, including the guided visit and tasting, lasts about two hours.

Is the tasting room accessible for guests with mobility issues? Unfortunately, due to architectural limitations, the tasting room is not accessible for guests with reduced mobility. It’s best to contact the winery beforehand if you have special needs.

Can I buy wines at the estate? Yes, you can purchase bottles directly from Tenuta San Lorenzo, with options for home delivery.

Is this experience suitable for children? No, children under 18 are not permitted, as the experience involves wine tasting.

What is the price of the tour? The experience costs approximately $56.94 per person, offering good value given the guided tour, tastings, and local food pairings.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, especially for groups larger than ten, which require three days’ notice. Reservations can be made with flexible payment options.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by vineyard views, Tenuta San Lorenzo delivers a genuine slice of Piedmont’s winemaking charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: