Wine Tasting and Winery Tour of Oltrepò Pavese Tradition
Step into the birthplace of Pinot Nero in Italy and discover a winemaking legacy rooted in 19th-century Lombardy.
This guided Oltrepò Pavese wine tasting invites you into a historic estate where Count Augusto Giorgi first planted Pinot Nero in 1850, importing vine shoots directly from France and laying the foundation for one of Italy's most distinctive sparkling wine traditions. The experience blends heritage, craft, and sensory discovery across 90 minutes.
The estate at Vistarino has maintained a single guiding philosophy since its founding: to express the character of Pinot Nero with precision and respect for the land. Every aspect of production, from vine to bottle, reflects a long-term commitment to terroir-driven quality rather than short-term commercial volume.
Guests are guided through the working winery before settling into a structured tasting of four selected wines. Each wine is presented with context about its origin, grape variety, and production method, giving visitors a grounded understanding of what sets Oltrepò Pavese apart from other Italian wine regions.
The format suits both experienced wine enthusiasts and those new to Italian viticulture. Staff are available throughout to answer questions, and the pace of the session allows for genuine conversation alongside the tasting.
Tour Highlights
Visit the estate where Pinot Nero was first planted in Italy in 1850, imported directly from France by Count Augusto Giorgi.
Taste four curated wines representing the breadth of the Oltrepò Pavese terroir, including a Classic Method Sparkling Wine.
Walk through the working winery and observe the full winemaking process from fermentation to bottling.
Receive detailed tasting notes and explanations for each wine, covering grape variety, origin, and production method.
Engage directly with knowledgeable winery staff in an informal, question-friendly setting throughout the session.
Gain insight into what makes Oltrepò Pavese a historically significant and underappreciated wine zone in Lombardy.
Itinerary
Arrive at the Vistarino estate and receive a brief introduction to the history of the property and the role of Count Augusto Giorgi in establishing the Pinot Nero tradition in Oltrepò Pavese.
Walk through the production facilities with a guide who explains each stage of the winemaking process, from grape selection and fermentation to aging and bottling.
Before the pour begins, the guide presents the selection of four wines and outlines the characteristics of the Oltrepò Pavese appellation and its primary grape varieties.
Taste four wines in sequence, starting with a Classic Method Sparkling Wine known for its fine bubbles and layered complexity. Each wine is accompanied by tasting notes and context from the staff.
The session closes with open time for questions and conversation with the winery team, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of specific wines or production choices.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided tour of the winery and production areas
- Tasting of four selected wines
- Tasting notes and explanations for each wine
- Classic Method Sparkling Wine as part of the selection
- Access to knowledgeable winery staff throughout
Not Included
- Transportation to and from the winery
- Food pairings or snacks
- Additional wine purchases
- Gratuities
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces on this guided tasting are limited to preserve the quality of the experience. Secure your place at one of Oltrepò Pavese's most historic estates.
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