Novi Ligure is a fantastic base for exploring the Piedmont region’s culinary and wine delights. Its location makes it easy to reach some of Italy’s most renowned vineyards and artisanal producers. Among these, the wine tours at Tenuta San Lorenzo stand out for their family-run charm and exceptional views, while nearby chocolate factory visits offer a sweet escape. We’re especially fond of the wine and food tasting experience, thanks to its panoramic setting and expert guidance. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual taster, Novi Ligure offers a variety of experiences that showcase local flavor and craftsmanship.
If you’re eager to explore Piedmont’s rich chocolate traditions, the Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting near Alessandria provides a delicious glimpse into artisan chocolate-making. For those seeking a straightforward wine experience, the classic wine tasting and winery tour at Tenuta San Lorenzo offers a relaxed introduction. For a more in-depth visit, the wine tasting and winery tour with a focus on Cortese grapes and Gavi DOCG wines is particularly appealing.
1. Tenuta San Lorenzo: Wine & Food Tasting Experience
At number 1 on our list, the Tenuta San Lorenzo: Wine & Food Tasting Experience combines an impressive vineyard view with a detailed tasting session, making it a standout choice. For just over $56, you get a 2-hour tour with a WSET-certified sommelier in a family-run estate just minutes from Novi Ligure. This experience includes tasting three local and indigenous wines paired with food in a panoramic tasting room overlooking the vineyards — a setting that elevates the entire event.
What makes this experience especially attractive is the combination of a guided visit and a tasting that lasts about 75 minutes, giving plenty of time to appreciate the nuances of Piedmont wines. The tour begins with a guided walk through the estate, where you learn about its history and the Gavi DOCG wines they produce since 1966. The food pairing is thoughtfully curated, helping you understand how regional ingredients complement the wines.
This tour is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of scenery, education, and tasting. Reviewers highlight the hospitality and expertise of the staff, with one calling the experience “super,” and the location offering an authentic taste of family-run wineries in Piedmont.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value, combining a beautiful setting with expert guidance and a delicious tasting. Ideal for wine lovers who enjoy pairing local food with their wines.
2. Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting near Alessandria
For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting near Alessandria is a delightful one-hour experience that takes you inside a real artisan chocolate workshop. Priced at a reasonable rate, this tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the bean-to-bar process, from cacao roasting to the creation of fine chocolates.
The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes a visit to the production areas where you can see cremini and boeri techniques in action. Afterward, you’ll get to taste five different chocolates, including both classic flavors and more inventive options, showcasing Piedmont’s influence on premium confectionery.
A highlight of this experience is learning about Piedmont’s chocolate traditions and how local ingredients influence the flavors. It’s hands-on and engaging, making it perfect for families or anyone curious about how fine chocolates are made.
Many visitors praise the passion of the chocolatiers and the chance to sample a variety of chocolates. It’s a sweet break from wine touring, and a good choice if you want a short, fun activity that’s both educational and tasty.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for chocolate lovers and families, offering insight into artisan techniques and a tasting of five unique chocolates in just an hour.
3. Tenuta San Lorenzo: classic wine tasting and winery tour
At number 3, the Tenuta San Lorenzo: classic wine tasting and winery tour provides a straightforward, intimate look at a family winery with a focus on the Gavi DOCG wines. For around $41, you get a 1-hour experience that starts with a 20-minute guided tour, then moves into a tasting of three local wines in their scenic tasting room.
This tour emphasizes the estate’s history since 1966 and their commitment to indigenous Piedmont varieties. The highlight is the tasting of Gavi wines in a panoramic setting, allowing you to savor the flavors while watching the vineyards outside. The guide, sharing insights along the way, makes the experience accessible even for newcomers to wine tasting.
Guests appreciate the personalized approach and the chance to learn about the estate’s history in a short, relaxed format. It’s a perfect option if you want to sample authentic Piedmont wines without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you prefer a quick, quality introduction to Gavi and Piedmont wines, with an emphasis on local heritage and scenic views.
$41.00 per person
4. Tenuta San Lorenzo: wine tasting and winery tour
Our final pick is the Tenuta San Lorenzo: wine tasting and winery tour, which offers a comprehensive, roughly one-hour experience for about $43.27. It starts with a guided walk through the estate, followed by a wine tasting featuring the estate’s best local wines, including the Cortese grape and Gavi DOCG.
This tour stands out for its panoramic tasting room overlooking the vineyards, giving you a chance to connect with the landscape that produces these wines. The guide is a WSET sommelier, ensuring your tasting is educational and engaging. The visit emphasizes local varieties and the estate’s history, providing a well-rounded wine experience.
Guests say the value for money is excellent, as you get a meaningful introduction to Piedmont wines in a scenic setting. It’s suited for those who want a slightly more in-depth experience than the classic tour but still appreciate brevity.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for wine enthusiasts wanting to learn about the Cortese grape and Gavi wines while enjoying stunning vineyard views.
$43.27 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Novi Ligure
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests, budget, and time. If you’re passionate about wine and food pairing, the first option (Wine & Food Tasting) offers the most comprehensive experience, including a guided tour with a sommelier. For a sweet break, Chocolate Factory provides a fun, quick peek into artisanal chocolate making.
If you prefer a shorter, more straightforward wine tasting, the classic wine tour (see details here) is perfect. For those wanting a deeper dive into Piedmont’s wine culture, the wine tasting and winery tour (link here) combines scenic views with an educational guide.
Think about your personal interests: wine lovers should prioritize the wine-focused tours, while families or chocolate enthusiasts will enjoy the sweet insights of the chocolate factory. Also, check availability and book early during peak seasons to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Novi Ligure and its surroundings offer a host of engaging tours that showcase Piedmont’s finest flavors. From the rich wines of Tenuta San Lorenzo to the craftsmanship of artisan chocolates, there’s a perfect experience for everyone. For a laid-back introduction, the classic wine tour hits the spot, while the wine & food tasting experience elevates the visit to a memorable event.
If you’re a dedicated foodie or wine aficionado, consider booking the more comprehensive options early to avoid missing out. No matter which you choose, each tour promises a taste of authentic Piedmont — so get planning and enjoy your flavorful journey in northern Italy.