Is the tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?

Yes, guests can enjoy the vineyard walk and learn about viticulture even if they choose not to participate in the tasting.

Are children allowed on the tour?

The tasting portion is limited to participants 18 years and older, but check with Arbaspaa about children attending the vineyard walk.

What languages are the tours offered in?

Tours are conducted in English or Italian, depending on group composition.

How steep is the vineyard terrain?

The vineyards are on steep slopes that descend sharply to the sea, so moderate mobility is needed for walking safely.

Can I purchase wine after the tour?

Yes, Arbaspaa offers wines for sale directly from their cellar, including their organic varieties.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour incur no penalty; later cancellations are subject to a full charge.

Wine and Vineyard Tours with Arbaspaa in Riomaggiore

Perched along the rugged coastline of Liguria, Riomaggiore offers more than just dramatic sea views—it is home to Arbaspaa’s distinct “vertical” vineyards tour, a rare blend of steep terrain and meticulous winemaking. This experience plunges visitors right into the heart of Cinque Terre’s iconic terraced vineyards, where nearly vertical slopes rise sharply from the Mediterranean to heights of 250 meters. Here, the landscape shapes not just the view but the wines, famously framed by centuries-old vines clinging to rocky terraces.

The tour is led by Heydi, a passionate local winemaker whose methods fuse deep respect for tradition with a keen drive for innovation. Guests receive a guided walk through the vineyard and cellar, gaining insight into the challenges of cultivating vines on such a sheer incline amid the maritime climate. Heydi’s wines capture the essence of the land — from the syrupy sciacchetrà, a sweet DOC wine made from dried grapes, to fresh organic rosés and reds that carry the salt-kissed scent of Mediterranean scrub.

Tasting five thoughtfully curated wines, visitors sip within arm’s reach of the Ligurian Sea, allowing each glass to be accompanied by breathtaking coastal panoramas. The tour balances education with sensory pleasure, making it a highlight for travelers who appreciate terroir-driven wines and want to connect to the artisanal roots of the region.

Arbaspaa stands apart by specializing in immersive small-group experiences that highlight the interplay between nature and craft in one of Italy’s most challenging vineyard landscapes. This tour is a rare offering that places outdoor adventurers and wine lovers alike on the steep ridges where soil, sun, and sea converge to produce wines found nowhere else. Riomaggiore’s vertical vineyards are as demanding as they are rewarding, making Arbaspaa’s experience a standout in the outdoor recreation and wine tourism scene of Liguria.

About Arbaspaa

Arbaspaa is an activity and tour operator based in Manarola, Liguria, offering a broad range of guided experiences across Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets. Specialties include cooking classes, marine activities, photographic workshops, wine and food tastings, boat and kayak tours, e-bike routes, and diving sessions inside protected marine areas.

Arbaspaa collaborates with qualified local instructors and professionals: sea activities are led by marine biologists and certified diving instructors, photography tours are taught by a professional Nikon photographer, and some wine tastings are guided by an AIS professional sommelier. Experiences range from short, focused sessions—such as a three‑hour cooking lesson and two‑hour photo walks—to multi‑hour boat trips, half‑day kayaking, and full e‑bike excursions. Activities depart from Manarola, Monterosso, La Spezia, and Porto Venere depending on the trip.

Many tours include provided equipment, local ingredients, or onboard meals like BBQ fish lunches and aperitivi with wine and focaccia. Arbaspaa also offers private tours, self‑guided hiking packages, and specialty courses such as pesto and kneading classes in nearby towns. Safety and respect for local environments are emphasized through operations in Marine Protected Areas and guided snorkeling and diving protocols. Booking options cover small groups and private bookings. For travelers seeking authentic Ligurian food, coastal exploration, photography coaching, or active sea adventures, Arbaspaa provides locally grounded, professionally guided options across the Cinque Terre and surrounding Liguria coastline. Sample activities include cooking lessons, snorkeling, diving, kayak and boat tours, photography walks, e‑bike routes, pesto and bread courses, and guided wine tastings across Liguria.