Winery tour with tasting of TrentoDoc and Grappa

A taste of Trentino’s spirit and wine culture in a personalized cellar tour

If you’re exploring Italy’s northern gem, the Trentino-Alto Adige region, and want to deepen your appreciation for local craftsmanship, this winery and distillery tour offers an engaging 1.5-hour peek into the world of TrentoDoc sparkling wine and traditional grappa. For just over $23 per person, you get a private visit that combines history, technique, and tasting, all in a small, intimate setting.

What really makes this experience stand out are the historic underground cellar—a relic from WWII used as an anti-aircraft shelter—and the modern distillery, with its eye-catching copper stills. We love how these two contrasting spaces showcase the evolution of local spirits and wines. Also, the flexibility to choose what to taste directly in the cellar makes it feel more personal and engaging.

A possible consideration is the specific duration—about an hour and a half—so it’s best suited for travelers with a bit of extra time and a love for authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences. This tour is an ideal fit for those who enjoy discovering local traditions, savoring well-crafted wines, and exploring historical sites with a story to tell.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Italy’s lesser-known artisanal spirits, this experience offers a genuine look at the craft of winemaking and distillation. It’s perfect for travelers craving a meaningful, intimate encounter with Italy’s culinary heritage.

Key Points

  • Authentic Experience: Combines visits to historic and modern cellars, offering insight into traditional and contemporary methods.
  • Personalized Tasting: Select what you want to taste directly from the cellar, adding a customized touch.
  • Historic Cellar: The underground cave, once a WWII anti-aircraft shelter, maintains a cool, constant temperature, adding ambiance and authenticity.
  • Value for Money: At just over $23, the tour delivers a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
  • Private Tour: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored and relaxed environment.
  • Expert Guidance: The reviews highlight engaging storytelling, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

A detailed look at what to expect during your visit

Starting at via S. Siro 7, in the hamlet of Pergolese, the tour begins with a warm introduction by your guide—likely Rebecca, from reviews—who shares the history and significance of this family-run operation. For many visitors, the real highlight is the visit to the underground cellar, dug into the mountainside. This space, originally a WWII anti-aircraft shelter, offers a cool, stable environment perfect for fermentation and aging. It’s a stark reminder of how history and tradition intertwine here.

Walking through the vaulted cave, you’ll notice the ancient Habsburg barrels, which are still used for aging spirits. This historic cellar is where the remuage (riddling) process for sparkling wine like TrentoDoc occurs, along with disgorgement—steps essential for clarity and quality. It’s fascinating to see how these time-honored practices still thrive in a setting that feels both secret and sacred.

Next, you’ll visit the modern distillery, characterized by copper stills that evoke the artisanal craft behind spirits like grappa. Here, you might get a chance to observe the distillation process and learn about the meticulous work involved. The guided commentary, as mentioned by a reviewer, “tells the story of the Pisoni distillery,” making technical details accessible and engaging.

The tasting segment is where the personalization shines. You can select from a variety of local spirits and wines—perhaps a sparkling TrentoDoc or a smooth grappa—to sample in a relaxed atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the quality of the tastings—”Ottima la degustazione del vino e della grappa,” as one visitor noted. This part of the experience offers a perfect chance to savor the flavors while reflecting on the craftsmanship involved.

Throughout the tour, the guide’s storytelling emphasizes the traditions and innovations shaping this family-run business. The balance between historic ambiance and modern techniques makes for a well-rounded experience that appeals to those interested in both the past and the present.

The practical details: what you need to know

The tour’s price of $23.15 represents excellent value, especially considering the private nature of the experience. With a duration of approximately 90 minutes, it fits well into a day of sightseeing, offering a break from busier tourist spots.

The meeting point is conveniently located at Via S. Siro, in Pergolese. Since the activity ends back at the start point, you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics afterward. The mobile ticket makes it easy to confirm your reservation, and most travelers can participate, including service animals.

Booking in advance—about five days ahead on average—ensures a spot, but last-minute bookings are possible with a 48-hour confirmation window. Cancellation is flexible, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours early for a full refund, making it less risky if your plans change.

The tour is private, so your group can enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience, which is especially appealing for couples, small groups, or families seeking an intimate look at local traditions.

Why this tour is worth considering

What sets this experience apart is its combination of history, craftsmanship, and personal interaction. For travelers interested in local traditions, it offers a glimpse into the art of winemaking and spirit distillation that has been practiced for generations. The unique underground cellar provides a sense of stepping back in time, and the modern distillery shows how tradition continues to evolve.

The review from Lucia_B highlights the storytelling of Rebecca, who makes the visit both educational and memorable. Visitors often praise the well-preserved cellar environment and the quality of the tastings, making this a worthwhile stop for those who want more than just a superficial glance at Italy’s beverage culture.

While the experience is brief, the depth of insight makes it feel substantial. It’s especially suited for those who crave a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path activity that doesn’t require a full-day commitment but still delivers a meaningful taste of the region’s heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, including families with older children. However, the focus on spirits may be less appealing for very young children.

Is the tour physically demanding?
Not particularly. Expect to walk through cellar spaces, some underground, but it’s generally accessible for most visitors.

Can I taste other products besides the ones I choose?
The tasting is personalized, so you select what you want to try in the cellar. The experience emphasizes quality over quantity.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, you meet at the specified location in Pergolese, and the tour ends there too.

What’s the best time of year to visit?
While the tour is available year-round, the underground cellar maintains a cool temperature, making it comfortable even in summer.

Is there an age limit for the spirits tasting?
While the tour is open to most travelers, minors are typically not served spirits but can enjoy the visit and non-alcoholic options.

How many people are in a typical tour?
Since it’s a private experience, only your group will participate, providing a personalized and relaxed environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and stepping into cellar environments. No special gear is required.

Final thoughts

This private winery and distillery tour offers a beautiful balance of history, craftsmanship, and customization. For those seeking an authentic, intimate experience with Italy’s regional spirits and wines, it delivers a memorable glimpse into the tradition and innovation that define the Pisoni family’s work. The underground cellar, with its evocative atmosphere, and the modern distillery, with its copper stills, create a story told through sights, smells, and tastes.

Priced affordably, the experience provides excellent value for travelers eager to connect with local culture in a meaningful way. The flexibility to tailor the tasting makes it especially appealing for those who want to savor what interests them most. Whether you’re a wine lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Italy’s small-scale producers, this tour fits well into a broader exploration of Trentino.

If you’re after a less touristy, more authentic activity that combines learning and tasting without a long time commitment, this tour is a solid choice. It’s ideal for those who appreciate storytelling, craftsmanship, and local flavor, delivered in a cozy, private setting. Just be prepared for a journey that’s as much about experience as it is about spirits—a true taste of Trentino’s soul.