Tenuta San Lorenzo: classic wine tasting and winery tour

This review explores the experience of visiting Tenuta San Lorenzo, a family-run winery in the heart of Piedmont, Italy. For just $41 per person, you’ll enjoy a guided tour with a WSET-certified sommelier, tasting three of their distinguished local wines within a beautiful panoramic setting. While the tour is relatively short—lasting around an hour—it offers an authentic glimpse into Piedmont’s wine-making traditions and the chance to appreciate the nuances of regional varieties.

What makes this experience stand out is the stunning view from the tasting room, overlooking lush vineyards that stretch to the horizon. We love how accessible and intimate the tour feels, especially given its private setup, making it an ideal choice for those looking to combine culture with a relaxed tasting session. A possible consideration is the limited accessibility—the tasting room isn’t suited for guests with reduced mobility—and the duration might be on the shorter side for serious wine enthusiasts. Still, overall, it’s perfect for travelers eager to connect with local winemakers and enjoy authentic wines in a picturesque setting.

This tour is best suited for casual wine lovers, cultural travelers, or those seeking an authentic Piedmont experience without a long, complicated schedule. Whether you’re passing through Novi Ligure, Gavi, or Serravalle Scrivia, this experience promises a genuine taste of Piedmont’s vinicultural heritage with a personal touch.

Key Points

• Authentic family-run winery providing a personal touch and detailed local insights
• Panoramic vineyard views enhance the tasting experience and create a memorable atmosphere
• Guided by a WSET-certified sommelier, offering expert insights into each wine’s nuances
• Includes tasting of 3 local wines, with food pairing suggestions and optional terrace views
• Accessible information on wine varieties like Cortese, Barbera, and Dolcetto, plus their unique Piedmont expressions
• Opportunity to purchase wines directly, with options for home delivery

An In-Depth Look at the Tenuta San Lorenzo Experience

The Setting and Arrival

From the moment you arrive at Tenuta San Lorenzo, situated just minutes from popular towns like Novi Ligure and Gavi, you’re greeted by the warm presence of a family-run operation. The estate is not overly large but beautifully maintained, with the panoramic tasting room offering a sweeping view of the vineyards. The estate’s location makes it easy to include in a regional trip—no long detours, just a simple drive to enjoy authentic wine tasting.

Parking is straightforward, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Since the experience is private, your group will be small, making it easier to interact directly with the guide and ask questions. The tour starts with a brief historical overview of the estate, giving you a sense of the tradition and passion behind the wines.

Winery Tour: A Glimpse into Piedmont’s Winemaking Techniques

The guided part of the tour, which lasts around 20 minutes, introduces you to the estate’s winemaking approach. The guide shares insights about the estate’s focus on local and indigenous grape varieties, emphasizing Cortese, which is the cornerstone of Gavi wines, and the reds like Barbera and Dolcetto.

As you walk through the winery, you’ll see the fermentation tanks, aging barrels, and perhaps some of the more traditional equipment still in use. The guide is knowledgeable, sharing details on how the estate vinifies both white and red wines using techniques suited to the region—like vinifying Cortese via the Martinotti method for Sparkling Brut.

The Wine Tasting: A Focus on Authenticity and Nuance

The tasting, which lasts about 70 minutes, is the highlight for many visitors. With a WSET-certified sommelier guiding the process, you get a deeper understanding of each wine’s profile. The three wines you’ll sample are:

• Spumante Brut “Tenuta San Lorenzo”: A sparkling wine vinified with the Martinotti (Charmat) method from Cortese grapes. This bubbly is light, crisp, and perfect as an aperitif, with a delicate foam and fresh apple and citrus notes.
• Gavi DOCG: The estate’s flagship white wine, made from Cortese di Gavi grapes. Expect a clean, refreshing profile with subtle minerality, a hallmark of this region.
• Red wine of your choice: Between Piedmont DOC Barbera or Monferrato DOC Dolcetto. Both are typical Piedmont reds, but they offer distinct profiles—Barbera being fruitier and more structured, Dolcetto presenting softer tannins and more approachable flavors.

The guide provides tasting notes and pairing suggestions, helping you understand how these wines can complement local dishes or any food you might have. If the weather cooperates, you can request to taste the wines on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, which would elevate the experience further.

Value and Additional Offerings

At only $41, this includes the guided tour, the wine tastings, breadsticks, and water—offering an affordable way to enjoy authentic Piedmont wines. You also have the option to purchase wines directly from the estate, with home delivery available, which can be a practical souvenir or gift.

Practical Considerations

The tour’s duration—about an hour—makes it a manageable addition to a day’s itinerary. However, groups larger than 10 must reserve three days in advance, so plan ahead if you’re traveling with a bigger party. The tasting room isn’t accessible for guests with reduced mobility, so if that’s a concern, it’s best to contact the estate beforehand.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience is perfect for those wanting a personalized, authentic look into Piedmont’s wine culture. It’s particularly suited for visitors passing through the region, looking for a relaxed, informative activity that combines history, beautiful scenery, and excellent wines. It’s less about heavy technical details and more about understanding regional styles and tasting wines in a charming setting.

Since the winery is family-run, expect genuine hospitality and a warm, informal atmosphere. It’s also a good choice for anyone interested in purchasing wines directly, often at good value, and enjoying a taste of Italy’s premier wine region without the fuss of larger commercial tours.

Final Thoughts

The Tenuta San Lorenzo wine tasting and tour offers an intimate, well-rounded experience for those wanting to connect with Piedmont’s wine traditions. The panoramic views, guided tasting by a knowledgeable sommelier, and the chance to buy local wines make this a solid choice for lovers of authentic, high-quality Italian wine experiences.

While the tour isn’t lengthy, it’s rich in detail and personal touches, providing a genuine insight into regional winemaking. The focus on local varieties like Cortese, Barbera, and Dolcetto ensures you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of Piedmont’s diverse wine landscape—and perhaps a few bottles to take home.

Whether you’re a casual wine lover, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a peaceful escape in the countryside, this experience offers excellent value and a memorable taste of Italy.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is not suitable for guests under 18. It’s focused on wine tasting for adults.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts about one hour, including the guided tour and tasting.

Can I buy wine at the estate?
Yes, you can purchase Tenuta San Lorenzo wines directly from the winery, with the option of home delivery.

Is the tasting room accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, due to architectural limits, the tasting room is not accessible for those with reduced mobility. Contact the estate if you have special needs.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the winery tour, three wine tastings, breadsticks, and water. It’s a good value for an authentic experience.

Can I request to taste the wines outside?
Yes, weather permitting, you can ask to taste on the terrace overlooking the vineyards for a more scenic experience.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
Allergies or intolerances should be communicated at booking. The estate cannot guarantee non-contamination of food items.

This detailed exploration shows that Tenuta San Lorenzo’s wine tasting offers a warm, authentic taste of Piedmont’s wine culture, perfect for those seeking an intimate and informative experience amidst stunning vineyard scenery.