Tenuta San Lorenzo: wine tasting and winery tour

A detailed look at the Tenuta San Lorenzo wine tour in Piedmont

For those craving a taste of Italy’s renowned wine scene without the crowds or hefty price tags, the Tenuta San Lorenzo experience offers a charming, authentic glimpse into Piedmont’s viticulture. This wine tasting and winery tour is a thoughtfully curated hour-long journey that combines history, expert guidance, and stunning scenery—all at an accessible price of just over $43 per person. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, this experience aims to deepen your appreciation for Italy’s white wines, especially the beloved Gavi DOCG.

One aspect we particularly love is the panoramic tasting room overlooking the estate’s vineyards. It’s the kind of setting that makes the tasting feel special, almost like visiting a friend’s vineyard rather than a commercial winery. The knowledge shared by the WSET-certified sommelier adds layers of insight that can elevate your understanding of the Cortese grape and its versatile expressions.

A possible consideration? The tour’s duration is quite short—about 1 hour—meaning it’s perfect for a quick stop but might leave those wanting a more comprehensive exploration a little craving more. Still, for visitors who enjoy concise, high-quality experiences with a personal touch, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially suited for travelers staying near Novi Ligure, Gavi, or Serravalle Scrivia, looking for a genuine, affordable, and memorable wine experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: The estate’s panoramic tasting room offers stunning vineyard views, creating an intimate wine tasting atmosphere.
• Expert Guidance: Tasting is led by a knowledgeable WSET-certified sommelier, enhancing the experience with professional insights.
• Focus on White Wine: Special emphasis on Gavi DOCG and Cortese grapes, perfect for those interested in Piedmont’s white wines.
• Flexible and Convenient: Located just minutes from popular towns, with flexible starting times and easy parking.
• Value for Money: At around $43, the experience includes a winery tour, two wines, breadsticks, and water—offering solid value for a taste-focused visit.
• Opportunity to Purchase: You can buy wines directly at the estate for home delivery, supporting local producers and bringing a piece of Piedmont home.

A comprehensive review of the Tenuta San Lorenzo wine tour

Location and Setting

Situated in the rolling hills of Piedmont, Tenuta San Lorenzo offers a taste of authentic Italian wine craftsmanship just a few kilometers from key towns like Novi Ligure, Gavi, and Serravalle Scrivia. The estate’s location is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful escape from busier tourist areas, yet close enough for a half-day outing. The panoramic tasting room, which overlooks the vineyards, provides a picturesque backdrop that immediately transports visitors into the heart of Piedmont’s wine country.

This setting isn’t just for show—it enhances every sip of the wines tasted here. Many visitors mention that the views alone make the visit worthwhile, especially if weather permits the tasting to be enjoyed on the terrace. The estate’s natural beauty combined with the neatly maintained vineyards makes it clear why Piedmont is celebrated for its wine.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The experience begins with a brief guided tour of the winery, lasting around 20 minutes. This part is ideal for those curious about the estate’s history and winemaking methods. While the full details of the history are not extensively outlined, the guide does an excellent job of sharing the estate’s background and approach to white wine production. Guests get to see the facilities and learn about the techniques used to craft the estate’s white and sparkling wines—an insight that can deepen your appreciation when you taste the wines later.

Following the tour, the main event is the wine tasting, which lasts approximately 50 minutes. During this time, you’ll sample two wines—each carefully selected to showcase the estate’s best offerings. The first is the Spumante Brut “Tenuta San Lorenzo”, vinified with the Martinotti method from Cortese grapes. It’s a sparkling wine that combines freshness with a lively, bubbly character—perfect for celebrating or just enjoying as an aperitif.

The second is the estate’s Gavi DOCG, crafted from Cortese di Gavi grapes. This white wine is the highlight for many visitors, as it embodies the classic citrus and floral notes that Piedmont’s whites are known for. The guide will help you understand the nuances of the Cortese grape, explaining how it can produce wines with diverse profiles while maintaining its signature aromas.

The Tasting Experience

What makes this tasting particularly engaging is the personalized guidance from a WSET-certified sommelier. They’re well-versed in explaining not only the wines themselves but also the best ways to appreciate their unique qualities. Several reviews note how approachable and knowledgeable the guide was, making the experience feel both educational and fun.

The tasting room itself is designed for comfort and intimacy, with the option to enjoy your wines on the terrace if the weather’s good. This outdoor space offers stunning views of the vineyards, making your sip of wine feel all the more special. The estate also provides breadsticks and water, which help cleanse the palate and enhance the tasting.

Value and Additional Purchases

For the price of about $43, you receive the guided tour, two wines, breadsticks, and water—making it a very reasonable option considering the quality of guidance and setting. Many visitors found it to be a good value, especially since the experience is private, meaning the guide can tailor some of the explanations to your interests.

If you fall in love with any of the wines, the estate offers the chance to purchase bottles directly. They also provide a home delivery service, so you don’t have to worry about lugging bottles home—though you might want to keep a few for your trip, because the quality of the wines is highly regarded.

Practical Details and Considerations

The experience lasts approximately one hour, which makes it suitable for travelers on a tight schedule. It’s important to check the availability for your preferred start time, as the schedule varies. The tour is conducted in both English and Italian, so language should not be a barrier. However, those with special needs should contact the estate in advance, as the tasting room isn’t accessible for guests with reduced mobility.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility is handy for travelers who need to adjust plans. Group sizes are generally small—perfect for a personalized experience—though larger groups over ten need to book a week in advance.

Who will love this experience?

This tour is perfect for white wine enthusiasts, casual wine lovers, and anyone interested in Piedmont’s wine culture. It offers a genuine, intimate look at the estate’s production methods, combined with stunning vineyard views and expert guidance. It’s especially suited for those staying nearby or passing through the region, looking for a short but meaningful taste of Italy’s wine-making traditions without breaking the bank.

Travelers seeking a quick, authentic experience with the opportunity to purchase and take home wines will find tremendous value here. However, if you’re after a comprehensive, multi-hour tasting or a deeper dive into red wines, you might want to look elsewhere.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately one hour, including the winery tour and tasting.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, tasting of two wines, breadsticks, and water. Additional wines can be tasted for €4 each.

Are there options to buy wines at the estate?
Yes, you can purchase wines directly at the winery, with the option for home delivery.

Is the experience suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for guests under 18 as it revolves around wine tasting.

Is the tasting room accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, unfortunately, the tasting room isn’t accessible for guests with reduced mobility. Contact the estate in advance for alternative arrangements.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible, with pay later options.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The experience is offered in both English and Italian.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The tour starts at the estate’s parking area, and the experience ends back at the same point.

Are there additional costs involved?
You may choose to taste more wines for an extra €4 each, but the main package covers the essentials.

To sum it up, the Tenuta San Lorenzo wine tour offers a charming, authentic insight into Piedmont’s white wine production. With its beautiful vineyard views, expert guidance, and approachable price point, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy’s wine culture in a relaxed setting. Perfect for short visits, intimate groups, and those eager to learn about the Cortese grape, this experience provides solid value and memorable visuals. Just remember, it’s a quick taste—so if you crave a deep dive, consider extending your wine journey elsewhere.