Taste of Venice Tapas and Wine Tour in Dorsoduro & San Polo
Savor five wine and cicchetti tastings across local eateries led by an expert foodie guide
Looking to experience Venice's off-the-beaten-path wine and tapas bars but don't have a local friend to lead the way? That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of an expert foodie guide, who’s a regular at the most delightful establishments in Dorsoduro district and San Polo neighborhood. Sip your way through five regional wines - including prosecco, natural wines, and a sweet wine - matched with traditional tapas, ensuring a memorable experience filled with fun, fantastic food, and wonderful company.
- Meet your guide in Campo dei Tolentini
- Prosecco tasting
- Dorsoduro district
- Second stop
- Cicchetti
- San Polo
- Local wine bar
- Seasonal food pairing
- Dessert wine
- Ending point in Campiello dei Meloni
Begin your unforgettable evening tour in the vibrant Dorsoduro district, a charming area less frequented by tourists, where you'll meet your local guide and fellow food enthusiasts at Piazzale Roma. From here, embark on a fun-filled culinary adventure, discovering fine Venetian wine and tapas and the captivating culture surrounding them.
Over three hours, you'll visit five unique establishments throughout the Dorsoduro district and the San Polo neighborhood, each providing a distinctive taste of Venice and a window into authentic local life. Begin with a renowned prosecco, then enjoy regional wines paired with an array of tapas, cured meats, and cheeses, before toasting to your adventure's end with a dessert wine.
Venice Wine Tasting and Tapas Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Walking tour through Dorsoduro district and San Polo
Prosecco, red or white wine, natural wines, and dessert wine
Traditional tapas, including bread, cured meats, cheese, fish, and vegetables
Dessert treat
Expert foodie guide
Small group size of 8, for more personalized experience
Welcome to the Dorsoduro District!
Your ultimate foodie adventure kicks off at Piazzale Roma, an easy-to-reach transport hub situated in Venice’s Dorsoduro district. While busy, your expert foodie guide will be easy to spot, waiting under the bridge of Ponte della Costituzione and eager to introduce you and your fellow foodies to the best of Venice. Be sure to arrive hungry and ready for fun, as over the next three hours, you’ll be living the Venetian dream—wine, tapas, more wine, more tapas… you get the idea!
Kick Off with Prosecco
Enough small talk, let’s get down to business! Follow your guide to a charming local eatery and toast the start of your Venetian adventure with a glass of exceptional prosecco. Not just any prosecco, mind you—this is a rare, certified variety renowned for its crisp, refreshing taste. As you sip, your guide will share how this bubbly delight is a quintessential part of Italian culture, often enjoyed as an aperitivo and a favorite at social events.
Sip and Taste Your Way Through Dorsoduro and San Polo
Eager for more, you'll make your way to the first of two charming bars in the area, where you’ll be treated to a dry red or white wine, chosen to complement the cicchetti (tapas) of the day. These could include delicious bites like marinated anchovies, savory polpette (meatballs), or crostini topped with creamy gorgonzola. Your next stop is a beloved wine bar that specializes in natural wines. Here, you'll enjoy two natural wines, paired with an array of cured meats and cheeses. Think delicate slices of prosciutto, flavorful salami, and savory local cheeses, accompanied by crusty bread and perhaps some sweet figs or nuts.
Between stops, your guide will introduce you to the enchanting landmarks and narrow streets of San Polo. Pause at the Rialto Bridge to admire stunning views of the Grand Canal, pass by lively markets brimming with fresh fruit and vegetables, and stand before imposing churches that hint at Venice’s long and storied history.
A Sweet Finale
All good things must come to an end, but not before a sweet treat! At your last stop, you'll be treated to a delicious dessert wine, perfectly paired with a mouthwatering Venetian confection. Picture yourself savoring a slice of buttery pastry or a spoonful of creamy panna cotta, a perfect end to your foodie adventure.
Afterward, it’s time to bid farewell to your guide, but there’s no need to hurry off. Feel free to linger and enjoy the company of your newfound friends, or head to a nearby bar to continue the fun. With a newfound appreciation and understanding of Venice’s tapas culture, you’ll be ready to navigate menus like a true local. And who knows? You might even have a new favorite wine or dessert to rave about back home!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Some comfortable shoes, a healthy appetite, and a valid photo ID!
What to bring?
Some comfortable shoes, a healthy appetite, and a valid photo ID!
What if I'm vegetarian, vegan, or have special dietary requirements?
Please contact us after booking to let us know your requirements. This tour is adaptable for vegetarians and pescatarians. However, due to the small eateries and bars we’ll be visiting, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are limited.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.
Can I bring my kids on this tour?
Children aged 10 and above are welcome on our Venice food tour. Only guests aged 18 and older will be served alcohol. All participants will be charged the same price, regardless of age.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
This is a walking tour, but an easy one, with plenty of stops and a gentle pace.
Can I still come if I don't drink alcohol?
Yes, you're welcome to come! Just reach out to us directly so we can work with our partners to accommodate your needs.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Please let us know beforehand if you have any doubts about your mobility. This tour includes walking and navigating busy streets.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Venice food and wine tour rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and a vendor is closed, we'll replace it with an equal or better stop.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible and work together on rescheduling or on a refund.
Is there a dress code to join this Venice food and wine tour?
While there is not a specific dress code, you will be expected to be wearing shoes and a shirt to enter establishments. We also recommend wearing clothing you'll be comfortable walking in.
Why do I have to pay the same price for my child who's between 10 and 17 years old?
The rate is the same for everyone aged 10 and up. This is because we limit the number of guests per tour, provide similar-sized dishes for all, and offer non-alcoholic beverages.
Do the food stops on this tour ever change?
Yes! We're always on the lookout for new and exciting local food, so some of the dishes you're served today may differ from the description. Rest assured, your guide will make sure that everything you try is utterly delicious!
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
Yes. Throughout your food tour, you'll enjoy numerous tastings. The majority of our guests find this enough food to replace a full meal.
Are drinks included in the price of the tour?
Five drinks are included in the price of this tour. If you'd like to purchase additional drinks, we recommend bringing cash along.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You'll meet your guide in the Dorsoduro district.