Wine, cheese, and Como’s old walls. This tasting is based in a real wine shop at Enoteca Capitan Drake, a few meters from Como’s historic walls, where you sample 4 or 7 wines with a sommelier and get food pairing along the way. I like the small-group feel, and the guides can bring real personality, including cases where the sommelier is Sandu.

The experience runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, and it’s built for learning without turning into a lecture. You’ll taste wines from Italy and beyond, guided through what you’re noticing, plus you’ll hear the story behind the shop’s selection.

One thing to consider: not every tasting seems to feel equally “perfect.” In one negative note, a guest felt the wine came from bottles that had been previously opened, and they thought the price was too high for what they received.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the tasting

• 4 or 7 wines in a structured flight, so you can choose how much you want to sample
• Sommelier-led guidance in English/Italian, with clear explanations while you taste
• Cheese and cold cuts pairing (or a vegetarian dish option if requested)
• A setting that’s right by the old city walls, in a proper wine shop atmosphere
• The private tasting option lets you reserve the wine shop for exclusive use

Enoteca Capitan Drake: Where the tasting starts by Como’s walls

Your first move is simple: arrive at street level and find Enoteca Capitan Drake / Enoteca Wine shop. The meeting point is right on the street, so there’s no guessing through side streets for long. If you like starting a tour with an easy win, this one delivers.

The shop sits just a few meters from Como’s old city walls, which gives the whole event a real sense of place. Instead of stepping into some temporary tasting room, you’re in the sort of spot locals might actually pop into for a bottle and a snack.

Plan for a comfortable pace. You’re there for about 1.5 to 2 hours, and that’s long enough to taste multiple wines while still having time to ask questions and reset your palate between pours. Also, wear shoes you don’t mind walking in. It’s a normal city setting, not a formal indoor museum loop.

Choosing 4 vs 7 wines: what changes in your experience

The big decision is the tasting size: 4 or 7 fine wines. More wines usually means more opportunities to compare styles and regions, and it also changes the rhythm of the pairing.

A 4-wine format is great if you’re:

• short on time in Como
• new to wine tasting and want a manageable first experience
• looking for something fun that doesn’t take over your afternoon or evening

A 7-wine format is better if you want variety. You’ll get to taste representative wines tied to different vines and territories, which is where the sommelier guidance really matters. With more wines, you’ll notice differences faster because the comparisons come in quicker.

One practical thing: the tasting duration and even the tasting glasses can vary by option. So if you’re planning your schedule tightly, give yourself a little buffer before your next reservation.

The sommelier touch: learning wine without the awkward stuff

This tasting is led by an expert sommelier, and that changes everything compared to a self-guided flight. You’re not just drinking; you’re getting a guide to help you taste smarter—what to look for, how to interpret what you notice, and how to connect it to region and style.

I also like the way the experience includes the history of the wine shop and its selection. That turns the tasting into more than “here’s wine, good luck.” You learn why these wines are chosen, and that makes future tastings at home feel less random.

From the feedback, the guides can be especially strong at matching their teaching to the moment. One guest highlighted sommelier Sandu’s sympathy, kindness, and knowledge, and another described the guidance as not just informative but genuinely fun. If you care about the social side of learning—asking questions, talking shop, and not feeling rushed—that’s the vibe you’re aiming for.

Pairing cheese and cold cuts (or vegetarian) the way it should be

Wine tastings can be either thoughtful or just decorative. Here, the pairing is part of the point: you’ll pair your wines with cured meats and cheeses, or choose a vegetarian dish option if you request it.

The cold cuts and cheeses matter because they help you taste wine in layers. Fat, salt, and texture push your palate differently than plain crackers ever will. That means the sommelier’s explanations land better, because you can immediately connect taste impressions to something you’re eating.

One review specifically praised the charcuterie prepared on site, and another noted a generous platter. While you shouldn’t assume every element is identical for every group, the pairing is clearly meant to be substantial enough that you’re not left craving lunch after the tasting.

For vegetarians, request the vegetarian dish option in advance. The activity indicates it’s available upon request, which is ideal because it suggests they plan the pairing rather than simply swapping one item at the last second.

Small-group atmosphere in Como: why it feels easier than you expect

This is listed as a small group experience, and it shows in how the tasting can flow. In a larger group, sommelier attention often gets spread thin, and you end up waiting between pours. In a smaller group, you’re more likely to get quick clarifications and feel comfortable asking questions as you go.

Reviews also mention a friendly, positive group dynamic, with guests mixing and getting to know each other during the experience. That matters in Como, where you might be juggling sightseeing plans and wanting at least one evening that feels social without being loud or awkward.

Also, keep in mind this is a wine experience, not a long dinner. The food is part of the pairing, but it’s not described as an entire meal service. If you’re planning an evening out, think of this as the structured “tasting and bites” portion, then you can add your next stop afterward.

Private tasting option: when you want the shop all to yourself

If you’re celebrating something, traveling with friends, or just want more space to slow down, the private option is worth considering. The private tasting allows you to reserve the wine shop for exclusive use, so it stops feeling like a scheduled public event.

Even if you’re not thinking of a special occasion, private tastings can be valuable when you:

• want more time per wine
• prefer a quieter pace for learning
• have specific questions about the wines you’re tasting

Private experiences can also work well for couples or small friend groups who want the sommelier conversation to focus on their tastes. Just remember: reservation is required, and you’ll still be within the overall tasting timeframe.

Price and value at about $59 per person

At $59 per person, you’re paying for a package: expert sommelier guidance, a flight of 4 or 7 wines, and a pairing that includes cheese and cold cuts or a vegetarian dish. The value depends on which option you choose and how much guidance you’ll appreciate.

Here’s the honest way to judge it:

• If you choose the larger wine flight (7 wines), the price can feel more reasonable because you’re sampling more wines within the same time window.
• If you’re the kind of person who would otherwise buy wine and snack separately without learning anything, the guided pairing can make the cost easier to swallow.
• If you’re expecting the wine to feel flawless and perfectly “fresh,” the experience should be great when it’s run well—but one critical note mentioned previously opened bottles.

That last point is the only real red flag in the feedback you shared. Since wine quality and service style are central to the value, it’s smart to pick the right option for your expectations and plan to arrive with a curious, flexible mindset.

Practical flow: what your 1.5–2 hours likely looks like

This tasting has a clear structure, which makes it easy to fit into a Como day.

1) Meet at the shop

You’ll locate the wine shop on the street and check in with the host/greeter. Languages include English and Italian, which helps if you want to ask questions without hand signals.

2) Pick your tasting path

You choose the standard-style tasting or the higher tasting option, and that determines how many wines you’ll sample. The tasting typically lasts 1.5–2 hours depending on the option selected.

3) Taste and learn with the sommelier

You’ll sample wines representing different vines and territories. The sommelier guides you through what to notice, helping you connect taste to region and style.

4) Pair with cheese, cold cuts, or vegetarian

As you move through wines, you’ll eat your pairing option. This is where the tasting becomes more than sipping.

5) Wrap up and talk shop

You’ll finish with time to ask questions. Some guests mention leaving with favorites they wanted to take home, including one person who planned to order a case of bottles after the tasting.

Who should book this tasting in Como

This experience is a great fit if you want:

• a guided introduction to Italian wines (and a bit beyond)
• a fun way to spend an afternoon or early evening without committing to a full dinner
• food pairing that actually supports your wine tasting

It may not be for you if:

• you have food allergies (the activity lists it as not suitable)
• you need this to be kid-friendly (it’s not suitable for children under 18)
• you’re pregnant (listed as not suitable)
• you’re looking for a super casual, throw-away sip with no learning component

Also note: there’s wheelchair accessibility, and the host/greeter is available in English and Italian. That’s a good sign for comfort and communication.

Quick tips so you enjoy it fully

• Bring a form of ID. A copy is accepted.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. It’s a city walk to/from the shop, and you’ll likely stand and move a bit.
• If you’re vegetarian, request the vegetarian option ahead of time.
• Go in with patience. Wine tasting works best when you slow down and taste between bites.
• Don’t smoke during the experience.

And if you’re the type who cares about service details: one critical comment complained about bottles being previously opened and felt the price was too high. You can reduce disappointment by setting expectations: this is a tasting experience with planned flights, not a sterile lab setting where every detail is guaranteed in the same way every time.

Should you book this Como wine tasting experience?

I’d book it if you want a guided, small-group wine flight that’s paired with real food and tied to a real shop in the historic center. The biggest strengths are the sommelier-led learning, the 4 or 7 wine choices, and the pairing with cheese and cold cuts (or vegetarian option). If you end up enjoying one or two bottles, it often feels like the tasting “turns into a habit” for future orders.

Skip or reconsider if you’re extremely sensitive to service-style details or you know you won’t feel good paying around $59 for a tasting format. The one negative note about previously opened bottles is the main reason to be thoughtful.

If you’re deciding between the options, my practical advice is: pick the wine count that matches your energy. Short on time? Go 4. Want more comparison and more to talk about afterward? Go 7.