Wine lessons in Como start at street level. At Enoteca Capitan Drake, just meters from the old city walls, you can choose 4 or 7 wines and pair them with cheese and cold cuts (or a vegetarian dish). It feels relaxed, but you still leave with real takeaways.

I like the way the sommelier explains the wine shop’s history and the logic behind the lineup, not just the flavor notes. If you get Sandu as your guide, expect a friendly, upbeat vibe that keeps questions coming.

One thing to consider: one booking flagged wine served from bottles that had been previously opened, so at $59 a person you’ll want to feel the value in every pour. Also, this is a tasting with pairing, not a full meal.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Choose 4 or 7 wines: same cozy format, more depth if you go for the longer option
• Cheese and cold cuts pairing: a classic match for Italian wine, handled as part of the tasting
• Sommelier guidance in English or Italian: learn what to notice as you taste
• Near the old city walls: easy to fit into a day exploring Como’s historic center
• Private tasting option: exclusive use of the wine shop for small groups
• Small group feel: questions and conversation stay part of the experience

Enoteca Capitan Drake in Como: finding it and why it matters

If you want a wine experience that doesn’t require a car or a long hike, this one makes sense. The tasting takes place at Capitan Drake Wine Shop (Enoteca Capitan Drake) in Como, located only a few meters from the old city walls. The meeting point is simple: look for the Enoteca wine shop right on the street, and you’ll be set.

I also like that the host or greeter speaks English and Italian. That’s not just comfort—it really affects how much you get out of a tasting. Wine gets way more interesting when you can ask follow-up questions and understand why a guide is steering you toward one wine and not another.

The setup is wheelchair accessible, and it’s offered as a small group experience. You’re not packed into a loud room with people who only want to finish fast. The vibe here is more “slow down for an hour” than “speed-run a checklist.”

4 wines or 7 wines: choosing the right tasting length

You’ll see two main options: a standard tasting with 4 wines, or a top option with 7 wines. The time window is 1.5 to 2 hours, and the number of glasses can vary by option.

So what should you pick?

• Choose 4 wines if you’re new to wine tasting, short on time, or you’d rather spend your day walking Como than sitting for a long session.
• Choose 7 wines if you want more variety and a stronger sense of how different grapes and regions taste side by side.

Here’s the practical angle: the bigger tasting isn’t only about more drinking. It’s also about more chances for comparisons—how the tasting notes shift with each pour, and how pairings with cheese and cold cuts change what you notice in the glass.

One more detail to keep in mind: you can expect a different pacing depending on the option. The longer route naturally gives you more time to talk through what you’re tasting and why it’s part of the selection.

How the sommelier-led format teaches you to taste

This tasting is built around a sommelier guide, and that’s the difference between a casual glass of wine and something that actually sticks in your brain later. You’re not left on your own with a menu of pours. The guide walks you through the wines and helps connect the dots between flavor, style, and origin.

I like that the experience includes insight into the history of the wine shop and its selection of wines. That matters because it gives context. When you understand how a shop thinks—what it wants to represent—you taste more actively. You stop guessing and start noticing.

Based on the people who’ve been guided at this shop, the energy can be especially strong when the sommelier is Sandu. In practice, that tends to mean you’ll get both clarity and warmth, and it doesn’t feel like you’re being judged for not knowing wine jargon.

Also, keep your brain switched on during the pairing. The guide’s comments often shift when cured meats and cheeses enter the mix. Those flavors can amplify sweetness, highlight acidity, or make tannins feel smoother. If you’re the type who enjoys learning while eating, this is a good match.

Pairing wine with cheese and cold cuts: what you’ll actually taste

Wine in northern Italy is a natural fit for salty, fatty foods, and that’s exactly what you get with the pairing. You’ll enjoy a selection of cold cuts and cheeses (or a vegetarian dish, if you choose that option). The point isn’t just food on the side. The pairing is part of the tasting plan.

In Como, this is a very “Italy” way to do things: simple ingredients, strong flavors, and a focus on balance. Cured meats bring salt and texture, cheese adds richness, and the right wine styling can cut through it or make it feel smoother.

A couple of details are worth knowing so you don’t get surprised:

• This isn’t unlimited food. The included platter is meant to match the tasting, not replace dinner.
• In some past tastings, people have described the measures of wine as generous, which makes the whole experience feel more satisfying.

If you’re picky about food pairings, the vegetarian option can help. But if you like classic combinations—cheese, cured meats, and Italian wine styles—you’ll likely feel right at home.

The vegetarian dish option: how to make it work for you

Not everyone wants cured meats, and the good news is that you can request a vegetarian dish. It’s available upon request, and it’s set up as an alternative pairing for the tasting.

Here’s the practical advice: think about what you enjoy alongside wine. Many vegetarian pairings lean on cheeses, spreads, or vegetable-based plates. Since the tasting includes both wine and food, you’ll get the best outcome if you’re clear about dietary preference when you book.

Also, note the boundaries: this experience is not suitable for people with food allergies. If you have an allergy, don’t gamble on a “might be fine” assumption. Stick to options where specific ingredients and cross-contamination risks are handled transparently.

Timing and pacing: getting the most out of 1.5–2 hours

The whole tasting runs about 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s a sweet spot: long enough for real comparisons, not so long that you lose your appetite or patience.

Group size is described as small, which affects pacing in a good way. You can ask questions, and you’re not just listening while someone else gets all the attention. That’s especially helpful because wine tastes better when you know what to look for.

A couple of “bring this so you’re comfortable” tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. You’ll be in a shop space, but you’ll still be doing some moving around as you arrive and settle.
• Bring an ID card (a copy is accepted). Since alcohol is involved, it’s smart to have documentation ready.

There’s also a clear rule: no smoking. If you’re meeting in the middle of a walking day around Como, plan your last cigarette stop accordingly.

Finally, if you’re planning your day, reserve your slot in advance. A reservation is required, and the tasting runs on set start times based on availability.

Private tasting in the wine shop: when exclusivity is worth it

Want a calmer experience, more control over the conversation, or a special occasion vibe? There’s a private tasting option where you can reserve the wine shop for exclusive use.

That’s not just about privacy. It changes the feel:

• You can ask more questions without worrying about crowd timing.
• The sommelier can tailor the flow to your group’s interest, whether you’re comparing styles or focusing on Italian selections.

If you’re traveling with a small group—friends, a couple, or a family group over the eligible age range—private can be a good value when you’d otherwise feel rushed in a shared format.

Just remember the basic boundaries: it’s not suitable for children under 18 and not suitable for pregnant women, and it’s not meant for people with food allergies.

Price and value: is $59 per person a fair deal?

At $59 per person for 1.5–2 hours, this isn’t “buy a glass and leave.” You’re paying for a guided wine experience in Como: 4 or 7 wines, plus the food pairing, led by a sommelier.

Here’s how I’d judge value:

• If you want structure, context, and someone helping you taste, the cost makes more sense. The guide’s role is the core product here.
• If you only want a casual drink and you already know exactly what you want, you might question whether the guidance is worth it.

There’s also a fairness check. One booking complained the experience felt mediocre and overpriced, specifically calling out wine served from bottles previously opened. That doesn’t mean it happens every time, but it does mean you should go in with clear expectations: you’re paying for quality in both taste and the overall presentation.

Also, food and drinks beyond what’s included aren’t part of the price. The pairing platter is included, but you won’t be getting a full dinner unless you plan extra time and budget for it.

Bottom line: $59 can be a good deal in a place like Como, especially when you choose 4 wines if you want a quick win, or 7 wines if you truly want the deeper comparison.

Who should book this Como wine-and-cheese tasting?

This experience fits best if you:

• Want an easy, walk-in-friendly activity in central Como (near the old city walls)
• Prefer a guided tasting where you learn what to notice
• Like the classic Italian pairing of wine with cheese and cured meats
• Appreciate a small-group feel and the chance to chat with your guide

You might skip it if you’re:

• Booking mainly for a full meal (this is tasting + pairing)
• Sensitive to food restrictions beyond the vegetarian option (allergies aren’t covered)
• Traveling with children under 18 or someone who is pregnant (not suitable)

If you’re a beginner, this is a friendly place to start because the sommelier-led format gives you a plan. If you’re more experienced, picking the 7-wine option gives you more variety to compare—and more chances to fine-tune what you like.

Should you book? My call for most people

Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward, well-guided wine tasting in Como with smart pairing. The combination of 4 or 7 wines, a guided sommelier experience, and the option to match it with cheese and cold cuts (or a vegetarian dish) is a solid mix for the time and price.

Do keep one caution in mind: since there’s at least one unhappy note about bottle freshness and value, don’t treat this as an automatic home run. If you’re the kind of person who cares deeply about how wine is served, you’ll likely feel happier choosing the option that gives you enough time to enjoy the experience fully and talk through what you’re tasting.

If you’re going to Como anyway, this is the type of activity that turns a short stop into something memorable—without turning your day into a complicated itinerary.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You should look for the Enoteca wine shop on the street (Enoteca Capitan Drake). It’s the meeting point for the tasting.

How much does the wine tasting cost?

The price is $59 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The tasting lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Do I taste 4 or 7 wines?

You can choose between tasting 4 wines or 7 wines, depending on the option selected.

What food is included?

The tasting includes pairing with cured meats and cheeses. A vegetarian dish option is also available upon request.

What languages does the host or guide speak?

The host or greeter and the guide are listed as speaking English and Italian.

Can I book a private tasting?

Yes. A private tasting option is available, and it allows exclusive use of the wine shop.

Is this wheelchair accessible and is it a small group?

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, and it’s described as a small group option.

What should I bring, and are there restrictions?

Bring a comfortable outfit and shoes, plus an ID card (a copy is accepted). Smoking is not allowed, and it’s not suitable for people with food allergies, pregnant women, or children under 18.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.