Asti may be famous for its sparkling wines, but this charming town offers so much more for curious travelers. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to explore the iconic Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards or someone interested in authentic Piedmont cuisine, Asti has a tour that will suit your interests. We especially love the Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour with a Sommelier for its deep dive into Italy’s most prestigious reds, and the Private Pasta-Making Class at a Cesarina’s Home for a hands-on culinary experience that feels like stepping into a local’s kitchen. These experiences connect you directly with the region’s traditions, making your visit truly memorable.
Asti’s tours are notable for their rich variety — from intimate tastings and historic city walks to full-day excursions with local winemakers. If you’re after a quick taste of culture, the Asti Historic Town Walking Tour offers a great overview, while the Alba Truffle Hunting and Wine Tasting combines culinary delights with the thrill of hunting for rare truffles. Whatever your pace or interests, Asti’s diverse tours promise genuine experiences in this enchanting area.
1. Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour with a Sommelier
At number 1, the Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour with a Sommelier offers a comprehensive introduction to Piedmont’s most prestigious wines. For around $319, you’ll spend about 7.5 hours exploring the rolling hills of Neive, Barbaresco, and Barolo, with guided tastings at two boutique wineries. An expert guide helps you navigate the region’s complex vineyards, while your visits include meet-and-greet sessions with winemakers—the kind of behind-the-scenes access hard to find elsewhere. The tour begins with a coffee in Neive, followed by winery visits, and includes a traditional Osteria lunch (own expense). Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide Alexa, who shares lively stories alongside wine expertise, making this a top choice for serious wine enthusiasts. The final aperitivo in Neive caps off a day filled with exquisite tastes and scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for those wanting an in-depth, personalized wine experience in a relaxed, scenic setting with expert guidance.
2. Langhe & Monferrato: Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
For just $23, the Langhe & Monferrato: Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting packs a punch for its price point, lasting roughly 1.5 hours. Led by Federico, an engaging guide, you’ll explore a vineyard owned by the Bussi Piero family, renowned fourth-generation winemakers. This tour emphasizes the local wine-making process, with a visit to the cellar and tastings of six different wines. Guests appreciate Federico’s ability to make complex details clear and interesting, with one reviewer calling him a “wealth of knowledge.” The experience offers stunning views of the rolling landscape, making it an ideal quick introduction for travelers on a budget or those short on time but eager to sample authentic Piedmont wines.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to experience Piedmont’s wine culture without a big time commitment or high price, ideal for first-timers.
3. Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour with a Local Winemaker
At number 3, the Barolo&Barbaresco wine tour with a local winemaker spans 8 to 9 hours and costs approximately $282. It offers a more intimate, insider view of the region, led by a local vintner. Your day includes visits to key towns like La Morra and Castagnole Lanze, with stops at scenic viewpoints and grape-growing plots. The tour emphasizes the terroirs and microclimates influencing the wines, including tastings at traditional cellars. Guests particularly enjoy the personalized insights from the winemaker, who shares stories about the area’s history and production techniques. The tour’s comprehensive approach, including transportation and visits to several wineries, makes it a top choice for those seeking a detailed look at Piedmont’s most renowned reds.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting a full-day, behind-the-scenes experience with a local expert’s perspective.
4. Classic Private Wine Tasting in Castagnole delle Lanze
Costing around $41, guests enjoy the Private Wine Tasting in Castagnole delle Lanze, lasting about 1.5 hours. Led by a sommelier, this visit includes a walk through UNESCO-listed vineyards and a visit to the cellars and aging rooms. The tasting features local wines paired with regional specialties, offering a well-rounded introduction to Piedmont’s winemaking crafts. The intimate setting and personalized attention make this a favorite among visitors who appreciate quality over quantity. Reviewers mention the delicious wines and informative host as highlights, making it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of authentic Piedmont wines without a lengthy tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, in-depth wine experience with expert guidance in a cozy setting.
5. Full Day Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour from Milano
For those staying in Milan, the Full Day Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tour offers a private, immersive experience lasting about 9 hours at $573. You’ll be picked up from your Milan hotel and transported into the heart of Piedmont’s wine country. Led by a local winemaker, the tour includes visits to multiple cellars, tastings of wines produced on-site, and the possibility of adding a 3-course lunch (own expense). It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a luxury, personalized day trip with expert insights and plenty of opportunity for photos and wine sampling. Reviewers note the guided experience “felt like a private tour,” emphasizing its exclusivity.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine connoisseurs ready for a full, guided day from Milan with flexible options.
6. Asti Historic Town Walking Tour
At $11, the Asti Historic Town Walking Tour provides a compact, two-hour stroll through the city’s key landmarks. Starting at Piazza Vittorio Alfieri, your guide highlights the baroque palaces, liberty houses, and quaint streets of Asti. This tour offers a cultural snapshot of the city’s past and present, with some reviews noting the guide’s engaging storytelling. It’s a great primer for first-time visitors who want a quick, informative overview of Asti’s architecture and history without investing a full day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers on a tight schedule who want a quick yet insightful introduction to Asti.
7. Fresh Pasta with a View near Asti – Langhe, Roero, Monferrato
Costing about $83 for four hours, this Pasta Cooking Experience is a delicious way to connect with Piedmontese culinary traditions. Andrea, the host, teaches you how to prepare tajarin, ravioli del plin, and pici, authentic regional pasta recipes. The location offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, making the class as scenic as it is tasty. Guests love the hands-on approach and the opportunity to learn regional techniques. It’s perfect for food lovers who want a practical, engaging activity that concludes with a meal enjoyed with local wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to learn authentic Piedmont pasta-making in a beautiful setting.
8. Turin: Reggia of Venaria Guided Experience
For around $83, the Reggia of Venaria Guided Experience offers a 3-hour tour of one of Italy’s most stunning Baroque palaces. The guided visit includes highlights like the Hall of Diana and the Great Gallery, with a focus on the palace’s architecture and furnishings. Visitors appreciate the detailed storytelling that brings the palace’s history to life. It’s suitable for history buffs and those interested in art and architecture, making it a worthwhile half-day trip from Asti or Turin.
Bottom Line: A perfect cultural complement to your wine adventures, especially if you enjoy art and historical sites.
9. Private Tasting Barbaresco Experience with Typical Products
This two-hour private tasting, costing around $53, shines for its personalized approach. Led by a Sommelier, you visit local vineyards and cellars, tasting Barbaresco wines paired with regional delicacies. Reviewers highlight the excellent wines and engaging storytelling, making it suitable for wine lovers who crave a more intimate experience. The host’s passion makes this tasting memorable, especially for those interested in the nuances of Piedmontese wine production.
Bottom Line: A great choice for intimate, expert-led tastings emphasizing local flavors and wines.
10. Authentic Piedmont Wine Tour with a Local Sommelier
For around $249, this 8-hour tour explores Monferrato’s most authentic wines and villages. Led by a local sommelier, you’ll visit small organic cellars, meet producers, and taste exceptional wines. The tour includes a recommended local restaurant for a meal, making it a well-rounded, immersive experience. Guests praise the personalized guidance and the opportunity to learn about native grape varieties.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a genuine, relaxed exploration of Piedmont’s lesser-known wine treasures.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour in Asti
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a deep dive into renowned reds, the Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tours are unbeatable. If you prefer a shorter, budget-friendly introduction, the Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting offers quick insight with excellent reviews. Foodie travelers should look at the Pasta Class for hands-on cooking, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the Reggia of Venaria for its architectural grandeur. For those coming from Milan, the Full Day Tour offers an exclusive, personalized experience.
In summary, Asti offers a variety of engaging tours suited to different tastes and budgets. Serious wine lovers will enjoy the comprehensive tastings and vineyard visits, while foodies should consider the pasta and cooking classes. History buffs can explore the local town and the palace at Venaria. Remember to book early, especially for popular experiences, and choose the tour that best matches your pace and curiosity level. With so many authentic options, your trip to Asti can be both delicious and memorable.