As we entered the cellar, all anyone could say was, “oohhhh,” “wow,” “so cool!” That pretty much describes the entire wine tasting we experienced in Sorrento, Italy.
Private Cellar?!
Let’s back up a bit first. How did we end up in a well-known local restaurant’s private cellar for a wine tasting? Before we left for Italy, I had been looking for a food tour, but it seemed we were visiting about two weeks too early for most things to start running in the beautiful Amalfi Coast area, and Sorrento was no different.
Just Roll With It
Sometimes I love how things turn out when they don’t go my way! I’m so glad we got in touch with Tamara, who runs a food tour and wine tasting right in the center of Sorrento. This time, we didn’t go to a bunch of different shops and try bites like we did in London, Amsterdam and Berlin, but who wouldn’t want to go to a wine and cheese tasting…in ITALY?
That’s a no-brainer! The super cool part about this tasting was that the wine and cheese were all from the Campania region. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s basically the region that surrounds Naples and down the Amalfi Coast. I could have wine and cheese every day…actually…while we were there, I think I did!
The Tasting/Tour
No Spoilers! We met up at a well-known spot in the center and had a quick tour with some cool facts and history that really makes you appreciate the area, people, and the culture. Then we walked to an unassuming alley you probably wouldn’t otherwise notice. You’d never guess what’s behind the big wooden door. It’s the perfect hiding spot!
To start the evening, though, we weren’t tasting wine or cheese. The first taste was…olive oil! There’s a few ways you can taste the oil (sip from a glass, eat with bread, etc) and Tamara will talk you through it. This was one of those experiences that really helps you to understand why the products with the best quality are usually done in smaller quantities. The difference in flavor is obvious and being able to taste such quality is a treat.
Back to the wine and cheese, because those were definitely the highlights. Two whites and two reds flowed around the table. Each had their own specific glass to match the personality, flavors, and scents of the wines. I’m more of a white wine fan, and I absolutely LOVED the two we tasted, but one of the reds blew me away as well!
The cheese was an “I just can’t even” experience. It was one of those few times when you put a piece of food in your mouth and you just never want the flavor the leave. Fresh ricotta from this area is amazing and I’d happily eat a bucketful. But have you ever had real, fresh buffalo mozzarella? In this area, it’s a MUST EAT. My opinion of cheese is forever changed.
The whole tasting was a treat. The best part about it was that it showcased the best of the region and THAT is one of my favorite parts of travel–experiencing the best food and drink in the area. It was a flavor journey through Campania that won’t soon be forgotten.
Thank You!
Huge thanks to Sorrento Food Tours for inviting us for this just-before-the-season-starts tasting experience. We loved every bit of it! Even though this was a complimentary tasting, all opinions are our own and we’d highly recommend the wine tasting to anyone who loves wine and cheese!
Video is below!
Wine tasting and cheese – my kind of blog! The venue looks wonderful, stylish and well presented with a good ambience. I will definitely ‘pop in’ if I’m down that far South in Italy.
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I hope you do! Such a delicious introduction to Sorrento.
I love the Amalfi Coast and whenever we visit Positano we always drive to Sorrento for dinner. Will have to try this – looks fabulous!
Kirsty Marrins recently posted…Tasty Thai at Banana Tree
I would love to stay in Positano for one of our trips. What a cute town. Bought a perfume I LOVE there!
Yummy! Always a fun time trying wine and cheese 🙂
Tarah Vongbouthdy recently posted…The Oregon Coast: A Scenic Road Trip from Portland
Not a bad way to spend an evening 😉
Love the plating of the food. And the way the wine rack is so cool on the wall.
Hi Sean and Jessica, Sorrento is a wonderful place for dinner. And Fresh ricotta from this area is totally amazing. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Ohhhh that ricotta was amazing. I could just go back to eat. Seriously 🙂
How could you manage many bottles in this rack? This is amazing i never saw before this kind of wine cabin. I just have simple wine cabinet. I think this is very expensive rack and bottles looks huge brand 🙂 I want to see your rack.
I love wine country and since I live in Washington I’ve visited winey country here and in Oregon, plenty of times. The last time I was in Napa I was very young and would love to return as I really loved the landscape. Domaine Carneros is quite grand and I’d love to see the winery -Grgich Hills Estate- that put California wines on the map. I also like train rides and that would be such a fun way to taste wines and see the scenery pass by slowly.