Taste of Lake Como: 4 Wines Paired with Local Cheese Charcuterie

Wine first, lake views second. This small-group tasting in Como gives you four to five glasses of Italian wine, a generous board of cheese and charcuterie, and clear guidance from a professional sommelier. I like the friendly, social setup and the chance to compare wines from different Italian regions in one sitting. The main drawback is that extra wines may be offered at an additional cost, so you should ask what is included before the tasting moves beyond the core selection.

The setting is a wine shop called Capitan Drake, a little away from the busiest streets of central Como. That location can make it slightly harder to reach at peak times, especially on a Saturday, but it also gives the tasting a more local, relaxed feel. You should allow about 90 minutes, arrive on time, and come hungry.

Key points before you book

• Four wines are included: Expect four to five glasses, with the sommelier explaining grapes, regions, production, and tasting notes.

• The food is more than a token snack: The board includes prosciutto crudo, assorted cheeses, buffalo mozzarella, bread, and other typical Italian bites.

• A very small group: The maximum is 12 people, which makes it easier to ask questions and chat with the host.

• The atmosphere is social: You sit with other wine lovers, often from different countries, so this works well if you enjoy meeting people over food.

• Extra wine may cost more: Some tastings can continue with additional pours, including a higher option with more wines. Confirm the arrangement if you want to keep going.

• You can ship wine home: Bottles are available for purchase after the tasting, with worldwide shipping offered by the shop.

What happens at Capitan Drake in Como

The experience begins at Capitan Drake on Via Francesco Benzi, 19, in Como. It ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way across town afterward.

The tasting starts a few minutes after the scheduled meeting time. That small delay is normal for a group activity, but I would still arrive promptly. One couple was accommodated after arriving about 10 minutes late, yet you should not count on that, especially if the host is already pouring or explaining the first wine.

Inside, you are surrounded by bottles from Italy and other parts of the world. It is a shop as well as a tasting venue, which gives the room a practical purpose. You are not simply looking at a decorative display. You can taste a wine, hear its story, and then decide if it belongs in your suitcase or at home.

The group can include up to 12 people. That is small enough for personal attention without making the event feel like a private lesson. You may sit with a couple, a family, or a group of friends you have never met. The social side is part of the pleasure. Several tasting groups ended up chatting across the table and sharing laughs as the glasses progressed.

Four Italian wines, explained one glass at a time

The central feature is a guided tasting of four wines, usually served as four to five glasses. The exact bottles can vary, so you should think of this as a lesson in comparison rather than a fixed menu.

The sommelier explains each wine’s grape, region, winery, and production method. You also receive tasting notes, which are useful once you are back home and trying to remember which bottle had the lighter aroma or the longer finish.

This guidance matters because a wine tasting can otherwise become a series of small pours with little context. Here, the point is to notice how grape varieties and growing regions affect what is in your glass. The hosts also explain aging and fermentation, along with serving methods and food pairings.

Sandu receives particularly strong praise for her presentation, warmth, and ability to explain wine without making beginners feel out of place. Giuseppe is also singled out for his selections and explanations of the winemaking process. If you are new to wine, you can ask basic questions without feeling that you need a vocabulary lesson beforehand.

The wines often focus on Italian regions, including selections from northern Italy and Lombardy. The experience is not restricted to one local label or a single style. That wider selection is useful if you want a short introduction to Italian wine rather than a narrow tasting devoted only to the Como area.

Do not expect every glass to suit your personal taste. That is normal and, in a way, the reason to attend. A good tasting should give you contrasts. You may prefer one wine immediately and find another more interesting after food. The host’s explanations help you understand those differences instead of simply deciding that you like or dislike a bottle.

The charcuterie board is part of the lesson

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this experience. The included board features prosciutto crudo, a cheese selection, buffalo mozzarella, bread, and other typical Italian foods. The portions are substantial enough that you should not arrive expecting only a few decorative bites.

Food and wine are served together, not as separate attractions. A salty slice of prosciutto can change the way a wine tastes. A creamy cheese may soften a sharper note. Buffalo mozzarella brings a fresh, milky contrast to the wines, while bread helps clear your palate between pours.

You may also find extra touches during the tasting. One group enjoyed homemade tiramisu with a dessert wine, though you should not assume this is part of every session. The core inclusion is the Italian food board paired with the wines.

I like that the food has a clear purpose. It is not simply there to keep you from drinking on an empty stomach, although that is certainly helpful. It shows you how Italian wines are meant to work with familiar regional ingredients. You can take those pairing ideas home and use them at your own table.

Come hungry, but not ravenous. The tasting lasts about an hour and a half, and the food is generous enough to feel like a meaningful part of the afternoon or evening. It is not described as a full restaurant meal, so you may still want dinner later.

A friendly room with a useful social rhythm

This is a good choice if you like meeting people while you eat and drink. The maximum group size of 12 creates a shared table feeling, and the wine gives everyone an easy subject to discuss.

The tone is informal and welcoming. The hosts are praised for being friendly, professional, and clear in their explanations. Several groups found the atmosphere comfortable even when they had little prior wine experience.

That matters in Como, where many activities focus on scenery, boats, and grand villas. This tasting gives you a chance to sit down and talk. It can be a welcome change after a day spent moving from one viewpoint to another.

The social setup is also worth considering if you want privacy. You are likely to share the table and tasting with people outside your party. That is a strength for solo visitors and sociable couples, but less appealing if you want a quiet private tasting.

One practical point deserves attention. Different tasting options may be available, and a group at the same table may choose to add more wines. The standard experience covers the first part, while additional pours can cost extra. One past participant felt awkward when others received more wine. The host explained that an upgrade was available and that an additional pour was offered later.

The lesson is simple: ask exactly which wines and pours your price includes. If you want to continue after the four-wine tasting, ask about the extra charge before ordering.

Is $79.24 a fair price?

At $79.24 per person, this is not a cheap glass of wine with a plate of snacks. It is a guided tasting with several pours, food pairings, a professional host, and a small group setting.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise buy four or five glasses separately and still want an explanation of what you are drinking. You also receive tasting notes and the chance to compare wines from different parts of Italy in a single visit.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is simply to drink a large amount of wine. This is an educational tasting, not an open bar. Extra wines and tips are not included, and additional bottles purchased for home shipping are separate.

The included food improves the value. Prosciutto, cheese, buffalo mozzarella, bread, and related snacks can easily turn a tasting into a costly stop if ordered individually at a wine bar. Here, those pairings are built into the experience.

I would compare the cost with a good wine flight and light meal in Como. If the setting, guidance, and social side appeal to you, the price is reasonable. If you have little interest in learning about regions or winemaking, you may get better value from ordering one glass and a plate at a regular bar.

Finding the meeting point and planning your timing

Capitan Drake is at Via Francesco Benzi, 19, 22100 Como. The experience begins and ends there, and it is near public transportation.

It may feel a little off the main tourist path, but it is described as easy enough to find once you know the address. Build in extra time on a busy Saturday. One group had trouble getting a taxi after scheduling the experience on a crowded Saturday, so relying on a last-minute taxi is not ideal.

The activity lasts approximately 90 minutes, though the pace can vary. Some sessions may run longer if the group chooses extra wine or continues chatting. Do not schedule a train, ferry, or restaurant reservation immediately afterward.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Mobile tickets make the entry process simple, and the experience is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

The tasting is not a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are less important than arriving ready to sit, listen, eat, and drink responsibly. As with any alcohol-focused activity, arrange your later transport with care.

Who will enjoy this tasting most?

I would recommend it to couples, solo visitors, and small groups who enjoy food with a story behind it. It is especially useful if you are curious about Italian wine but do not know much about grapes, regions, or production.

It also suits people who want an easy social evening. The table setting gives you a natural way to meet others, and the wine provides plenty to discuss.

Families with older children may find the format comfortable, though the main content is adult-focused because wine is the subject. The host can adapt explanations for people with almost no wine experience, which is a real advantage.

You may want to skip it if you want a private tasting, a full dinner, or an unstructured afternoon of drinking. You should also think twice if you are very sensitive to differences in service between guests. The standard tasting and upgraded options need to be clear before the extra pours begin.

Booking, cancellation, and buying bottles

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The experience is often reserved about a month in advance, with an average booking lead time of 31 days. That suggests planning ahead, particularly if your Como visit falls in a busy season or you need a specific day.

After the tasting, you can buy bottles from the shop. Worldwide shipping is available, which is useful if you discover a favorite but do not want to carry it through Italy. Shipping costs and purchase details are not included in the tasting price, so ask before placing an order.

Should you book Capitan Drake?

Book this tasting if you want clear wine instruction, generous Italian snacks, and a friendly table of no more than 12 people. The best part is the host’s ability to explain grapes, regions, fermentation, aging, serving, and pairings in a way that welcomes beginners.

The main caution is to clarify the standard four-wine package and any upgrade before the tasting begins. Also allow extra time for the slightly out-of-the-way location and for a session that may run longer than 90 minutes if conversation and extra wine take hold.

For a first taste of Italian wine in Como, this offers more substance than a quick flight at a bar. It is a good value for curious drinkers who want to leave with a better sense of what they like, why they like it, and which bottle might be worth shipping home.

FAQ

How many wines are included?

The standard tasting includes four wines, described as four to five glasses. Additional wines may be available for an extra charge.

What food is served?

The tasting includes typical Italian food, including prosciutto crudo, assorted cheeses, buffalo mozzarella, bread, and other snacks to pair with the wines.

Where does the experience start and finish?

It starts and ends at Capitan Drake, Via Francesco Benzi, 19, 22100 Como CO, Italy.

How long does the tasting last?

The scheduled duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It may take longer if the group adds wines or continues talking.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Can I buy wine after the tasting?

Yes. Wines are available for purchase after the experience, and worldwide shipping is offered. Extra wines and purchases are not included in the tasting price.