Cinque Terre isn’t just about colorful villages and breathtaking sea views; it’s also a top spot for wine lovers. The terraced vineyards perched on steep cliffs produce some of Italy’s most distinctive wines, making it a natural destination for memorable wine tours. Whether you prefer tasting in a historic cellar, exploring by boat, or enjoying a scenic trek through vineyards, Cinque Terre offers a variety of ways to indulge your wine curiosity. We especially love tours that combine tasting with authentic local experiences — like the BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class, which pairs wine with a pesto-making lesson amidst stunning views.
If you’re after a relaxing day on the water, the Cinque Terre by the sea with local wine offers a peaceful boat cruise that showcases the coast’s beauty from a different angle. For those who want a hands-on experience, the Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza combines wine sampling with the chance to learn how to make the region’s famous sauce by hand. Below, we break down each of these tours and what makes them stand out.
1. BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class
At number 1, this tour offers a unique blend of vineyard exploration, wine tasting, and pesto making in a setting that’s hard to beat — the Cinque Terre hillside. Starting from Volastra, you’re taken on a walk through historic vineyards owned by the Barrani-Capellini family. Here, you’ll see traditional viticulture practices and learn how the wines are made, including the well-loved BarCa Cinqueterre DOC, a sea-wine that embodies the region’s character.
After touring the cellar and vineyards, the experience continues with a wine tasting in the vineyard itself, where you’ll sample three different wines: Rosaluna rosé, Memento cru white, and the flagship BarCa Cinqueterre DOC. What sets this apart is the off-the-beaten-path location and the opportunity to connect with a family-owned winery. The highlight is the combination of narrative, breathtaking views, and the chance to make fresh pesto with local ingredients — all with the backdrop of the Ligurian Sea.
With raving reviews praising the genuine hospitality and stunning scenery, this tour is perfect for those interested in authentic, hands-on wine experiences. It’s a reasonably priced option at around $68.78 per person for about 90 minutes of immersive activity.
Bottom Line: A small-group, authentic experience that combines vineyard knowledge, local wines, and pesto making — ideal for active travelers who want a taste of local life.
2. Cinque Terre by the sea with local wine
At number 2, this scenic boat tour offers a relaxed way to see the Cinque Terre’s iconic coastline. For about 2.5 hours, you’ll cruise along the coast from Riomaggiore, passing by Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza. This tour is especially well-loved for its peaceful setting and stunning sunset views.
During the trip, you’ll stop for a swim near Vernazza, with a small group of just 12 people. As you relax on board, enjoy local wine and fresh focaccia, making it a true aperitivo at sea. The guide provides commentary about the coastline and villages, adding a layer of local insight without overwhelming.
Reviews highlight how easy and enjoyable it is to hop aboard from Riomaggiore marina and how this tour allows for a more intimate, personal experience with Cinque Terre’s rugged beauty. The price of around $173.52 reflects the exclusivity and comfort of the boat, perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious, downtime escape from busy land-based tours.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a serene, scenic overview of Cinque Terre’s villages from the water, with the bonus of a swim and wine onboard.
3. Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Number 3 on our list is this hands-on pesto class combined with wine tasting in the charming town of Vernazza. Starting in a cozy, traditional cellar, you’ll learn how to make Ligurian pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle — a skill that’s rare in this fast-paced world.
The class kicks off with a wine tasting paired with focaccia, cheeses, and olive oils, setting the stage for the pesto lesson. You’ll grind fresh ingredients, tasting the different wines as you go, and then enjoy eating pesto gnocchi made right in front of you. The experience concludes with a limoncino toast and a chance to savor the results of your labor.
While the instructor’s accent may be strong, the overall fun and delicious outcome make this a standout. The small group size ensures plenty of personal attention, and reviewers appreciate the interactive nature and tasty accompaniments. Pricing at around $72.01 makes it a value-packed experience, especially if you’re eager to learn a regional craft and taste authentic wines.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and wine enthusiasts wanting an immersive, flavorful experience in a historic setting.
4. 2 Hr Shared Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop {wine inc!}
Number 4 features a short but memorable sunset boat cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline. With this tour, you’ll enjoy the best light of the day as the villages glow at dusk, passing by Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The highlight is the swim stop in front of Vernazza, offering a refreshing break from sightseeing.
The relaxed pace lets you take in the spectacular views from a Ligurian gozzo, a traditional boat, while sipping local wine and nibbling on focaccia. The small group of 12 ensures a cozy, personal atmosphere, with commentary from the skipper about the coastline’s history and geology.
Rated highly for its unique perspective of Cinque Terre from the sea and the chance to unwind at sunset, it’s a favorite among those seeking a tranquil, scenic experience. At $173.52 per person, it’s an investment in a memorable evening on the water that complements land-based adventures.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful, picture-perfect sunset sail with a swim and wine.
5. Private Tour of Cinque Terre’s Wine tasting with a local
Coming in at number 5, this private four-hour wine-tasting tour offers a personalized exploration of the region’s vineyards. Your local guide will take you through Cinque Terre’s five villages, highlighting each village’s unique character and wine production traditions.
The tour emphasizes intimate, in-depth tastings, with opportunities to meet winemakers and learn about the history of wine in this terraced landscape. While the description is brief, it promises a flexible, tailored experience that suits travelers who want to go beyond the standard tours. The price of $152.90 per person reflects its exclusivity and depth.
Though only one review is available, the guide’s reputation for making the experience memorable and engaging suggests it’s perfect for serious wine lovers or those seeking a customized, in-depth experience. It’s best suited for visitors with a little extra time and a desire for a more luxurious, private outing.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those wanting a personalized, detailed wine experience with local insight.
$152.90 per person
6. Cinque Terre Wine Tasting and Boat Trip
Finally, number 6 combines a boat ride with a wine tasting in a small group of three to four people. This tour offers a scenic half-day on the water with a visit to a local winery afterward. You’ll cruise past the villages, taking in 12th-century architecture and rugged coastline, before disembarking for a guided tasting in a local cellar.
The boat trip itself is rated highly for its personalized route and the chance to see Cinque Terre’s cliffs and caves from the water. The included wine tasting provides insight into the region’s terroir and winemaking traditions, making it a well-rounded experience. At $407.25, it’s the most expensive option but offers a premium, intimate journey for dedicated wine and boat enthusiasts.
The reviews highlight how much people appreciate the combination of land and sea exploration and the knowledgeable guide. This tour is ideal for those with a good budget who want an exclusive, comprehensive view of Cinque Terre’s landscape and wine culture.
Bottom Line: For travelers craving a luxurious, all-encompassing experience — combining scenic boat travel with wine tasting — this tour delivers.
How to Choose the Perfect Cinque Terre Wine Tour
When selecting your ideal wine experience, consider your interests, budget, and activity level. If you want an authentic, hands-on experience with pesto and vineyard walking, BarCa Winery offers a memorable small-group outing. Prefer relaxing with stunning coastal views from a boat? The Sunset Cruise is perfect for unwinding at the end of a day. For more in-depth wine tasting with local guides — especially if you’re interested in exploring each village’s character — the Private Wine Tour offers a tailored experience.
Price is also a key factor. For a value-packed outing, the pesto class and vineyard walk provides a lot of flavor for about $68.78. If you want a luxury experience, the Boat & Wine Combo offers a private, scenic adventure at a higher price point.
Booking early is recommended, especially in the busy summer months, to secure your preferred date and group size. Consider your activity level: vineyard treks and private tours require more walking, while boat cruises are effortless.
Final Thoughts
Cinque Terre’s wine tours offer a diverse range of experiences — from vibrant vineyard walks and hands-on pesto classes to serene boat cruises and private tastings. For active travelers, the vineyard trek with a pesto lesson is perfect. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic escape, the sunset cruise will not disappoint. And for those wanting an in-depth exploration of local wines, the private guided tour provides an excellent option.
No matter your style or budget, booking early guarantees a spot on these popular experiences. Pair your favorite tour with plenty of time to wander the villages, enjoy the views, and taste the region’s wines — you’re in for a true taste of Cinque Terre.