Venice like a local: Vini and Cichetti at Liuba and Hugo’s home

Imagine stepping into a Venetian home where the aroma of homemade bread fills the air, glasses of fine wine are poured, and laughter echoes around a cozy table. That’s exactly the vibe offered by this Venice like a local experience—an evening of tasting excellent wines paired with traditional Venetian cichetti, hosted by a passionate couple who live and breathe their city’s culinary delights.

What immediately catches your eye is the personal touch—Liuba, a sommelier with a genuine love for wine, and Hugo, a chef whose passion is evident in every bite of his homemade cichetti. Their home, tucked away in Venice’s charming streets, becomes your intimate tasting room for a memorable evening.

One thing to keep in mind is that their house is on the third floor, with no lift, so it’s not suitable for those who cannot climb stairs. This tour is ideally suited for those eager to get a taste of authentic Venetian hospitality in a relaxed setting, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, family, or colleagues.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Hosted in a genuine Venetian home, not a commercial restaurant.
• Personalized and Interactive: Guided by Liuba’s wine expertise and Hugo’s culinary skills.
• Tastings and Pairings: Four different wines paired with homemade Venetian cichetti.
• Flexible for Groups: Suitable for couples, families, friends, or team-building.
• Value for Money: Approximately $98 for an immersive 2.5-hour experience, including food, wine, glasses, and a personal host.
• Limited Group Size: Max 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate setting.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Setting: A Home Away from Commercial Venues

This experience takes place in Liuba and Hugo’s home, providing a rare chance to see Venice from a local’s perspective. The address is Calle Foscari, 3246, and the activity starts promptly at 6:00 pm. The house’s third-floor location means stairs are involved, a small caveat for those with mobility issues. However, this adds to the charm—being in a real Venetian residence makes the experience more authentic compared to visiting a busy restaurant or touristic bar.

The Hosts: Passionate and Knowledgeable

Liuba introduces herself as a wine enthusiast and sommelier, and her enthusiasm shines through as she guides you through each wine, sharing insights about their origins, characteristics, and what makes Venetian wines special. Hugo complements her knowledge with his culinary expertise, preparing all cichetti and local products from scratch—yes, even the bread! Guests consistently mention how welcoming and attentive they feel, with reviews describing the hosts as “warm,” “friendly,” and “going the extra mile.”

The Tasting Journey: Four Wines and Delicious Cichetti

Expect to indulge in a thoughtfully curated tasting of four distinct wines:

• A sparkling wine to start, adding a celebratory feel.
• A white wine that pairs beautifully with seafood or lighter bites.
• A red to complement heartier flavors.
• A sweet wine to finish on a high note.

Each wine is paired with Venetian cichetti, the small plates that are the city’s answer to tapas. Hugo’s homemade cichetti range from simple yet flavorful bites to more intricate preparations, all made with local ingredients. Reviewers highlight the “delicious food,” “mouthwatering” pairings, and the care put into each dish. Many note that the food and wine pairing made the experience feel both indulgent and authentic.

The Atmosphere: Casual, Lively, and Informative

Guests frequently mention the fun and engaging atmosphere. With a maximum of six people, conversations flow easily, and everyone gets a chance to ask questions or share their own wine stories. Liuba’s knowledge about Italian wines is described as “excellent,” and she happily shares little secrets that enhance the tasting—like how certain wines are made or the best ways to enjoy them.

Reviewers like Sandy_L, who calls it “a very memorable evening,” emphasize the laughter and warmth that make this more than just a tasting—it’s a genuine local experience. Kelly_K recommends it as “a must-do,” noting how Liuba and Hugo make everyone feel right at home with “delicious food and wine paired with lots of laughs.”

Practical Details and Value

At around $98.30 per person, this experience offers remarkable value. For this price, you get:

• A personal sommelier guiding the tasting.
• Four wines, carefully selected and explained.
• Homemade Venetian cichetti designed to complement the wines.
• Glasses, servingware, and an intimate atmosphere.

It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving ample time to savor each sip and bite while soaking in the friendly banter. The experience is timed to start at 6:00 pm, fitting well into an evening plan.

While tips are not included, the overall cost is quite fair considering the personalized service and the quality of food and drink. The reviews suggest that many guests feel this is a true highlight of their Venice trip—a chance to see the city through the lens of locals.

Special Considerations

• The house does not have a lift, so stairs are unavoidable.
• The experience is not available for minors, due to alcohol regulations.
• For visitors outside Venice on certain dates, a €5 access fee might apply, so plan accordingly.
• The group size is small, which enhances the intimacy but requires booking ahead, especially since on average, reservations are made about 48 days in advance.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple guests have described this experience as “fantastic,” “worth coming to Venice for,” and “the best time.” Many highlight the warm hosts, the delicious food, and the excellent wine selection. For example, James_U called Hugo’s dishes “mouth-watering and mind-blowing,” and Sarah_K appreciated the tips about Venice city life as well as the food.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic Venetian evening in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s ideal if you’re curious about local wines, enjoy tasting small plates, and like engaging with passionate hosts. It suits couples, small groups of friends, families (with no mobility issues), or colleagues on a team-building outing. If you crave a genuine, personal experience away from crowded tourist spots, this is a wonderful choice.

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives

If stairs are a concern, or if you prefer a more structured guided tour of Venice’s sights, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re traveling with minors or seeking a more formal wine tasting experience in a vineyard or wine bar, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

Venice like a local: Vini and Cichetti at Liuba and Hugo’s home offers an intimate, authentic taste of Venice’s culinary and wine culture. It’s more than just a tasting—it’s an opportunity to connect with genuine locals, learn about Venetian wines, and savor Hugo’s homemade cichetti in a warm, hospitable setting.

The combination of knowledgeable hosts, delicious food, and thoughtfully curated wines makes this experience stand out as a highlight for many visitors. Whether you’re celebrating, seeking a relaxed evening, or simply want to dive deeper into Venice’s local lifestyle, this tour offers excellent value and lasting memories.

The small group size, personalized service, and authentic atmosphere make it a truly special way to spend an evening. Just remember to book early and be prepared for stairs—the rest is all about good vibes, great wine, and tasty bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
The tour mainly features Venetian cichetti and local products, all homemade by Hugo. You might find some options are vegetarian, but it’s best to contact the hosts directly to request any specific dietary needs.

What time does the experience start?
It begins at 6:00 pm, making it an ideal way to kick off your evening in Venice.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is this experience good for groups?
Yes, it’s designed for small groups up to 6 people, ensuring an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
A personal sommelier, four wine tastings, Venetian cichetti, glasses, and table setting.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included and are at your discretion.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, experiences can be tailored to specific needs or special occasions—just contact Liuba on IG @liuba_personalsommelier.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the house does not have a lift, so stairs could be a barrier.

What if I need to cancel?
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 48 days ahead is common since the experience is quite popular.

In short, this is a delightful way to explore Venice through its flavors and hospitality—an experience blending genuine local life, expert guidance, and delicious bites that you’ll remember long after your trip ends.