Wine Tours from Bologna: Elevate Your Tasting Experience
Are you eager to discover the finest Bologna wine tasting tours? You’ve landed in just the right spot.
As a native of Bologna, Italy, I carry the charm of Bologna in my heart. It’s not just a city I know well; it’s where I was born and raised, a city whose enchantment I’ve deeply experienced over the years.
In this article, I’m going to peel back the curtain on Bologna’s hidden wine tour gems, leveraging my insider’s perspective to guide you toward the most sublime wine experiences.
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Top Picks: Highest Rated Bologna Wine Tours
Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour
An insightful walking tour in Bologna’s heart, guided by a local wine connoisseur, featuring tastings of top Colli Bolognesi wines.
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The Wine Experience Bologna Hills
Experience the culinary delight and stunning landscapes, and meet top local wine producers on this Bologna Hills tour.
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Drinks & Bites in Bologna Private Tour
Discover Bologna’s vibrant nightlife, savor local delicacies, and experience its culture with a knowledgeable local guide.
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Bologna and other captivating Italian regions such as Veneto, Piedmont, and Tuscany proudly showcase some of the world’s most outstanding wine tasting tours.
To further enrich this unique experience, wine tours in Bologna are frequently combined with Bologna food tours, allowing you to simultaneously explore exceptional wines and the city’s finest local cuisine.
Indulge in the soul of Bologna with its emblematic wines, Pignoletto and Barbera. A journey to this enchanting city wouldn’t be complete without savoring a glass of Pignoletto.
Characterized by a golden hue, mild aroma, and a subtly bitter finish, Pignoletto is the perfect wine to accompany a delicate seafood or light poultry dish. Then, meet Barbera, a wine that bears the spirit of Bologna’s rolling hills and encapsulates the region’s rich heritage.
Related Reading: Is Bologna Worth Visiting? A Traveler’s Guide.
Top 10 Best Wine Tasting Tours in Bologna Italy
Join me as we embark on a journey through the top 10 Bologna wine tasting tours, helping you pick the one that aligns with your palate and spirit. Are you ready to uncover the various pleasures of Bologna’s wine tours?
1. Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1-3 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian, Spanish
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? This tour allows you to uncover the top vineyards in the heart of Bologna, with an experienced local wine connoisseur leading the way. It also introduces you to the exquisite wines from the Colli Bolognesi region.
The Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour includes:
- Depending on the chosen tour package, 2-5 wine tastings from Bologna and Emilia Romagna.
- An informative and enjoyable walking tour of the captivating city center led by a local expert.
- The unique opportunity to engage with other wine enthusiasts and discover unique wines.
- Visit a traditional wine bar as well as a local osteria.
- Delightful local cuisine at the town’s most historic tavern (included with the 3-hour package).
- An immersive experience in tasting Colli Bolognesi wines.
What past guests have said:
Our very friendly tour guide Filippo, was professional and enthusiastic about Bologna, local winemakers and wines. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day with Filippo and our fellow tour mates. We enjoyed 5 wines in 3 different venues. It was great to learn how local wines are created. Very enjoyable tour, thank you Filippo. 5+ stars, we will be back in the future. -Verified Booking (see more reviews)
2. Bologna Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian, Spanish
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Immerse yourself in Bologna’s rich wine culture with a tasting tour in one of the city’s historic inns. Your knowledgeable host will guide you through the region’s wine-making traditions while you savor three outstanding local wines.
The Bologna Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns includes:
- Guided tour from a knowledgeable local through one of Bologna’s oldest and most esteemed inns.
- A sampling of 3 distinct DOC wines sourced from Bologna’s key wine-growing areas.
- An insightful introduction to local grape varieties, including Pignoletto, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, and Lambrusco.
- Historical background on regional wine production practices.
- Local food pairings showcasing local culinary delights complementing each wine tasting.
What past guests have said:
Fun way to try different Italian wines, cheese, and Charcuterie. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed the wine cafe and the owners. I recommend this to get a taste of typical products and different Italian wines from the region. -Verified Booking (see more reviews)
3. The Downtown Bologna Wine Experience
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? This tour caters to wine enthusiasts looking for a relaxing and insightful experience in Bologna. Over two hours, our local sommelier will guide you through the city center, sharing interesting details about the Colli Bolognesi region.
Then, a transition from a cozy wine bar to a charming osteria, where you’ll savor 4 distinct wines from Colli Bolognesi, each meticulously explained to satisfy your curiosity.
The Downtown Bologna Wine Experience includes:
- A guided city walk led by a local wine expert.
- The city walk begins at the charming meeting point in the heart of Bologna, Piazza del Nettuno.
- An introduction to the Colli Bolognesi wine region.
- A visit to a downtown enoteca (wine bar) and a typical osteria.
- Tastings of 4 unique wines.
- Detailed descriptions of each wine by our local professional sommelier.
What past guests have said:
Happy memories of an amazing New Year in Bologna were enhanced with our fantastic wine tasting experience with Filippo. He took us to quaint wine bars, which we would never have found and tasted the most delicious wines. His personal service was so friendly and he is superbly educated on different wines. We would recommend this to anyone. -Beth (see more reviews)
Need to Rent a Car in Bologna? Check out our essential guide and tips on renting a car in Bologna.
4. Wine Experience Bologna Hills
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian, Spanish
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage and picturesque landscapes of the Bologna Hills on this food and wine tour. It’s an opportunity to meet the region’s top wine local producers, admire these majestic hills’ stunning views, and learn about the local winemaking process.
The Wine Experience Bologna Hills includes:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Bologna (or Modena).
- Dedicated private vehicle and driver.
- Bologna wine tour and tasting at two historical wineries.
- Gourmet lunch hosted at one of these fantastic wineries.
Through this tour, you’ll uncover the beauty of two historic wineries nestled in the Bologna Hills, stroll through vineyards, and gain insights into the art of winemaking.
Experience the flavors of the region as you taste delicious local wines accompanied by a selection of traditional foods. Top off the tour with a sumptuous lunch in one of the wineries, offering a true taste of the area’s rich culinary and wine traditions.
What past guests have said:
We highly recommend our Bologna wine tour, which featured two boutique wineries and excellent hosts for our group of four. The settings and wines were excellent. We were picked up at our hotel by a personal driver which was very convenient. -James (see more reviews)
5. Drinks & Bites in Bologna Private Tour
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Experience the dynamic energy of Bologna, a bustling university city known for its vibrant nightlife. This tour led by a local guide introduces you to the city’s hippest venues for food and drink.
Savor the taste of Lambrusco wine and local delicacies like local cheeses and cured meats while learning about the city’s culture. Take in some of Bologna’s iconic landmarks as you walk from one bar to the next.
The Drinks & Bites in Bologna Private Tour includes:
- Personalized guide.
- Tasting of local delicacies, including Mortadella.
- Three drinks (Lambrusco wine or non-alcoholic alternatives).
- A close-up view of Bologna’s bustling nightlife with your local guide.
- Stops at three popular city bars, one of which has a history dating back to 1465.
- A journey through iconic city landmarks such as Piazza Maggiore and Palazzo della Podestà.
- Inclusive non-alcoholic and vegetarian options ensure everyone can enjoy the tour.
What past guests have said:
Frederick was a true historian of the city he grew up in and loves, and did an excellent job between history, a fantastic food tasting and showing us some great night life spots near the university. A lot of fun, thank you! -Eric (see more reviews)
6. Bologna Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Dive into the centuries-old tradition of Italian wine-making on a visit to a family-run vineyard. Immerse yourself in the vineyard and cellar exploration, then indulge in tasting three signature wines, each paired with local cuisine.
Enjoy all these on a terrace overlooking the picturesque wine country. Select between morning and afternoon sessions for your convenience.
The Bologna Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the Winemaker includes:
- Guided tour of the vineyard and winery.
- Savoring three kinds of local wines along with regional food on a terrace with expansive vineyard views.
- Comprehensive understanding of the wine-making process through exploration of vineyards and cellars.
- Flexibility of choosing between morning and afternoon sessions.
- Exclusive insight into the Emilia Romagna region’s acclaimed wines, such as Pignoletto.
- A stroll through this magical corner of Bologna hill, touring both contemporary and traditional cellars amidst the oak barrels.
- Wine tasting session on a beautiful terrace offering splendid views of the surrounding hills and the heart of Bologna.
What past guests have said:
This was a great experience to interact with a winemaker that has an authentic connection to the land and history of the vineyard. It was great seeing how this vineyard aims to keep its history while reinventing itself for the modern world. -Sue (see more reviews)
7. Bologna Wine Tasting & Degustation Ebrezze
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Take a delightful detour from exploring Bologna by experiencing the distinct wines made in the encompassing hills of Emilia Romagna.
This unique wine tasting session situated in the heart of the city, gives you a chance to sample six diverse regional wines, each accompanied by a local specialty for a quintessential Italian “aperitivo.”
The Bologna Wine Tasting & Degustation Ebrezze includes:
- A sampling of six Emilia Romagna regional white and red wines paired with local snacks.
- An afternoon commencement, perfect for an Italian-style pre-dinner “aperitivo.”
- A private, intimate, and laid-back tasting atmosphere.
- Delicious bruschetta with tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano flakes, and Mortadella.
What past guests have said:
Luca is an encyclopedia of knowledge about wine regions, grapes, production etc. Wonderful host, generous pours, tasty nibbles and a great value. Vai (go)! -Sue (see more reviews)
8. Bologna Vineyard and Olive Grove Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Discover a remarkable site that spans over 300 hectares, including 150 hectares dedicated to olive trees and 42 hectares to vineyards. The farm boasts a broad spectrum of products, encompassing 5 types of extra virgin oil, wine, jams, juices, saffron strands, Goji berries, and herb-infused salts.
The Bologna Vineyard and Olive Grove Tour with Product Tastings includes:
- A guided tour of the estate.
- A sampling of Bologna wines and olive oils paired with various local delicacies.
- An enlightening journey through this prolific production area on the farm.
- An in-depth exploration into the renowned Bologna wine world.
- Over 300 hectares of land filled with olive groves and vineyards to admire.
- A chance to learn about all the estate’s offerings, such as jams, juices, salts, and berries.
What past guests have said:
It was a wonderful evening both for the guide in the cellar with detailed explanations and for the wine and oil tastings. The explanations taught us many things and we understood how much work is behind a good bottle of wine or oil. Congratulations for the organization. -Verified Booking (see more reviews)
9. Bologna Private Wine Tour
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Bologna, the largest city in Emilia-Romagna, brims with architectural marvels, from endless arcades to tilted towers. You can discover key sights within a few hours through this personalized walking food tour of the historic city center.
Traverse the expansive Piazza Maggiore and its vast, unfinished cathedral, the iconic Two Towers, the bustling historic market, and much more while your guide enriches your understanding of Bologna’s history and Italian culture.
The Bologna Private Wine Tour includes:
- Navigating Bologna with a guide, eliminating the need for a guidebook or map.
- A private, custom tour tailored to your pace and interests.
- Enlightening commentary from the guide on the city’s rich history and present-day life.
What past guests have said:
We did a customized Bologna highlights and mini food tour with Isadora. Was a great experience – Isadora not only gave us a great feel for the history and culture of the city but we were also able to taste some of the foods that Bologna is known for. Highly recommended! -TripAdvisor reviewer (see more reviews)
10. Wine Tour and Tasting on Bologna Hills
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars
⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
📢 LIVE TOUR GUIDE: English, Italian
👉 BOOK THIS TOUR
Why choose this tour? Take part in a once-in-a-lifetime wine tasting experience nestled within the verdant hills surrounding Bologna, guided by the winegrowers themselves. The intimate Manaresi wine estate offers a comprehensive exploration, which includes a tour of the vineyards and essential insights into the wine and its production techniques.
The Wine Tour and Tasting on Bologna Hills, Guided by the Wine Grower includes:
- A wealth of information about the wine directly from the vineyard proprietors.
- Sampling three to four different wines produced by the estate during the tasting.
- Insight into the award-winning artistry behind the winery’s label designs.
- Wine tasting featuring a selection of Pignoletto (sparkling or still), Merlot, and Barbera.
An immersive visit to the wine estate, replete with geographical and agricultural insights, visits to scenic viewpoints, a guided winery tour, a brief explanation of the wine production process, and a tasting of 3/4 wines on the breathtaking vineyard terrace or inside the historic cellar amidst oak barrels.
What past guests have said:
Perfect, Fabio was very fun but still a wonderful guide. Got four generous glasses of wine to taste, bread sticks and some charcuterie as snacks. Even got a extra wine to taste since we didn’t get the whole tour because weather. Everything was awesome. -Sebastian (see more reviews)
Recommended Reading: 35 Best Travel Guide Books for Italy.
Discovering Bologna Through Wine: Your Questions Answered
Is Taking a Wine Tour in Bologna Worth it?
Nestled in the northern part of Italy, Bologna sits at the heart of Emilia-Romagna, a region known for its world-class cuisine and deeply rooted wine traditions. As a thriving hub of Italian wine production, Bologna offers a myriad of delightful wine-themed experiences, from tastings of Italy’s renowned wines to immersive vineyard tours.
Which Wines Should I Try During My Bologna Wine Tasting Adventure?
No trip to Bologna is complete without relishing a glass of its signature white wine, Pignoletto. This wine captures the essence of the Bologna hills with its subtle fragrance, golden straw color, and a hint of bitterness at the end. It makes an ideal partner for seafood or light poultry dishes. Don’t miss out on Barbera, either. This vintage wine, made in Bologna’s picturesque hills, mirrors the region’s rich past.
Suggested Reading: Best Italian Wine Glasses.
Which Wine Spots in Bologna Should I Visit?
When the day turns into night in Bologna, the traditional taverns scattered across the city become a hotspot for small groups of wine enthusiasts. These charming spots are a great way to experience a wide variety of wines from around the world and those produced locally. Here are a few wine spots in Bologna that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Signorvino
Signorvino, positioned near Piazza Maggiore, is a celebrated wine venue boasting a collection of over 1,500 premium Italian labels and delicious Bologna cuisine. Apart from providing an array of exquisite wines, it offers a lunch and dinner menu featuring traditional Italian dishes and organizes lively wine and music events.
Location: Piazza Maggiore, 1c, 40124 Bologna
2. Osteria Del Sole
Experience a taste of history at Osteria Del Sole, the oldest wine tavern in Bologna, operating since 1465. Situated amidst the city’s cultural attractions, this unique establishment allows you to bring your food and enjoy it with a selection of Italian wines and drinks in a historical setting.
Location: Vicolo dei Ranocchi 1/D, 40124 Bologna
3. Ebrezze
Ebrezze is a first-stop destination for wine and gourmet food lovers, situated near various historic landmarks in Bologna. Apart from being a wine shop and cocktail bar, it offers a sophisticated dining experience with an excellent wine selection, hosting custom tastings for enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Location: Via Castiglione 11D, 40124 Bologna
4. Medulla Vini
Medulla Vini, located just steps from Piazza Maggiore and the Towers of Bologna, is a small wine bar known for its warm service, comfortable atmosphere, and organic, natural, and biodynamic wine selection. Medulla Vini is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a cozy place to pick up quality wines to take home.
Location: Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 18a, 40126 Bologna BO
5. Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna
Founded in 1970, Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna is a longstanding establishment dedicated to enhancing and showcasing the region’s winemaking traditions both domestically and globally.
It’s nestled in the medieval Sforza Castle’s basement in Dozza, south of Bologna, where you’ll find an extensive collection of Emilia-Romagna’s finest wines and receive expert advice from experienced sommeliers.
Location: Piazza Rocca Sforzesca, 40060, Dozza, BO
Looking to Discover Bologna’s Finest Wineries?
Uncover some of the most acclaimed wineries in and around Bologna, each radiating its unique charm and offering an unforgettable exploration of authentic Italian wine culture.
1. Umberto Cesari
Umberto Cesari, a Castel San Pietro Terme winery, has grown from a small vineyard into a revered wine-making venture with 170 hectares of scenic vineyard. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and personalized experiences or make use of their facilities for business events, turning work gatherings into memorable culinary journeys.
Location: Via Stanzano, 2160, Castel San Pietro Terme, 40024 Bologna
2. Vigneto San Vito
Federico Orsi, the owner of the Vigneto Orsi San Vito, operates his esteemed winery in the vibrant, undulating landscapes of Bologna. This special location is in the heart of Valsamoggia, an area steeped in a longstanding tradition of wine-making experience.
The winery is deeply committed to upholding this tradition, producing wines that truly encapsulate the essence of the terroir. Mister Orsi employs agricultural practices designed to rejuvenate the soil, invigorate the plants, and yield fruits that bear a strong connection to the land they come from.
Location: Via Puglie, 12, Pragatto di Crespellano, 40056 Valsamoggia Bologna
3. Cantine Zuffa
Situated in the serene hills of Imola, Cantine Zuffa is an organic winery maintaining a legacy of five generations. It offers a delightful fusion of excellent wines and delectable local cuisine and insightful wine tours that showcase their organic wine-making expertise. Regular special events offer additional cultural appeal.
Location: Via Sellustra, 9, 40026 Imola Bologna
4. Tenuta Santa Cecilia
Tenuta Santa Cecilia is an organic winery nestled in the hills of Croara, offering an idyllic retreat for private gatherings, wine tastings, and picnics. With a commitment to organic farming and sustainability, it offers a diverse portfolio of organic wines, honey, fruits, and olive oil, offering an enlightening tour of sustainable farming practices.
Location: Via Croara 7/H – Località Croara, 40068 San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna
5. Azienda Vinicola Golinelli
Established in 1956, Azienda Vinicola Golinelli is recognized for producing and distributing a diverse range of exemplary Italian wines from the Emilia-Romagna region and beyond. Aside from selling competitively priced wines, it also engages in regional events and on-site tastings, providing a rich experience for wine enthusiasts.
Location: Via Vizzani 57 / A, 40138 Bologna
6. Manaresi Agricoltura e Vini
Manaresi, based in Zola Predosa, is an inviting wine estate where visitors can interact, explore a curated wine collection, and deepen their wine knowledge. It offers a serene countryside setting, hosting art performances and tastings, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enrichment.
Location: Via Antonio Bertoloni, 14-16, 40069 Zola Predosa Bolognia
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Our deep dive into the intoxicating world of Bologna’s wine tasting tours has come to a close. If you find yourself yearning for the golden hues of Pignoletto, the robust flavor of Barbera, or the divine pairing of Italian wines with local delicacies, then a wine tour in Bologna is exactly what you need.
With professional guidance and unique insight that only an expert-led tour can provide, you’ll be well on your way to savoring the essence of Bologna’s viticultural heritage. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned sommelier, booking a wine tasting tour will unlock a world of flavors, history, and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
