Siena: Sensory wine lesson, a unique blindfolded experience

Planning a trip to Tuscany and eager to deepen your wine knowledge while having a bit of fun? This sensory wine lesson in Siena offers an intriguing twist on traditional tastings. Instead of simply sipping wine and reading labels, you’ll be guided through a blindfolded journey that challenges your senses and reveals the secrets of some of Tuscany’s finest wines.

What we love about this experience is how it turns tasting into a playful, educational adventure—perfect for couples, friends, or curious travelers looking for an authentic, memorable activity. The intimacy of a small group enhances this sense of discovery, making it both personal and engaging. Plus, the opportunity to learn from a dedicated sommelier, who shares stories and secrets about Tuscan wines, adds real value.

However, a potential consideration is that this experience lasts only 1.5 hours and doesn’t include transportation, so planning your day accordingly is wise. It’s best suited for those with a genuine interest in wine, sensory experiences, or seeking a fun, interactive activity that’s a little different from the usual wine tasting tour.

If you’re looking for an innovative way to experience Tuscany’s renowned wines, this sensory lesson could be just the ticket. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hands-on learning, a bit of laughter, and a deeper appreciation of what makes Tuscan wines so special.

Key Points

• Unique Sensory Approach: Discover wines through touch, smell, and taste with your eyes closed.
• Expert Guidance: A dedicated sommelier leads the experience, sharing regional secrets and stories.
• High-Quality Wines: Tastes include four DOCG Tuscan wines, including Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants for a more intimate and personalized session.
• Includes Food Pairings: Pecorino cheese and breadsticks accompany the wines.
• Flexible Booking: Full refund available with 24-hour cancellation notice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect from This Unique Wine Lesson

As you arrive at the cozy wine shop at No. 66 in Siena, you’ll be greeted by your sommelier, who sets a welcoming tone with a brief introduction to Tuscan wines. You’ll find yourself around a solid wood table, surrounded by bottles—some of which might be quite rare—adding an element of exclusivity to the experience. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, making it easy to focus on the sensory journey ahead.

The session begins with a short lesson on the basics of wine tasting—how to evaluate aromas, textures, and flavors. This foundation helps you sharpen your senses and prepares you for the blind tasting challenge. Once you’re seated and equipped with eye bandages, the real fun begins. The sommelier guides you through tasting four different wines: Chianti Classico, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, and Supertuscan—each representing the best of Tuscany’s viticultural talent.

Each wine is poured into a distinctive glass, and you are encouraged to explore without sight. You’ll smell, sip, and feel textures, trying to decipher the type, vintage, and regional characteristics based solely on your other senses. This process isn’t just about identification—it’s about learning to recognize what makes each wine unique.

In between tastings, your guide shares fascinating trivia and stories about the wines, helping you understand the regional context and what makes these DOCG wines so special. For instance, you might learn about the aging process of Brunello or the significance of the Chianti Classico seal. The wines are complemented by tasty Tuscan pecorino and breadsticks, which help reset your palate and enhance the tasting experience.

The highlight, of course, is the moment when your sommelier removes the blindfolds, revealing which wines you’ve been tasting. This reveal often sparks surprise and laughter—many participants claim it’s harder than they expected to recognize wines without sight. The experience ends with an opportunity to purchase your favorite bottles from the shop, including some exclusive selections.

Why This Experience Stands Out

Unlike standard wine tastings, this session is crafted to stimulate all five senses—except sight—making it particularly memorable. We loved the way it encourages active participation rather than passive drinking, transforming wine tasting into a playful puzzle. The small group size ensures personalized attention and makes it easier to ask questions or share your impressions.

Another notable feature is the educational value. The sommelier doesn’t just pour wine; they teach you how to discern subtle differences and understand regional nuances, turning tasting into a practical skill. The stories woven into each wine add flavor (literally and figuratively), making the experience both fun and informative.

Some reviewers mention how much they appreciated the relaxed, intimate ambiance—feeling more like a gathering of friends than a formal class. One said, “It was a different way to enjoy wine, full of laughter and surprises,” which captures the lighthearted spirit of the activity.

The inclusion of food pairings—pecorino and breadsticks—is a thoughtful touch, enhancing the tasting without overwhelming the palate. It’s a small but meaningful detail that adds to the overall value.

What Travelers Should Know

Duration: 1.5 hours, with check-in for various starting times—be sure to check availability when booking.

Location: The activity begins and ends at the wine shop at No. 66 in Siena, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing or dining plans.

Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for more personalized guidance.

Price and Value: While the specific cost isn’t stated here, considering the inclusion of four high-quality wines, expert instruction, and food pairings, this offers good value for wine lovers seeking an interactive activity.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, but not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18.

Booking and Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Language: Conducted in English and Italian, accommodating a range of visitors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sensory wine lesson is perfect for couples looking for a romantic, memorable experience, groups of friends eager to share laughs and learn together, or anyone curious about Tuscan wines but who prefers a playful, hands-on approach. It’s especially suitable if you’re tired of traditional tastings and want to challenge your senses in a fun way.

Because it’s a small-group experience with a focus on interaction and storytelling, it also suits those who appreciate personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. However, if you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant, this may not be the ideal activity.

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Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to explore Tuscany’s wines beyond the usual vineyard visits, this blindfolded sensory lesson offers a memorable, engaging twist. It’s not just about tasting—it’s about training your palate, learning regional secrets, and sharing a few laughs along the way. The experience’s intimacy, combined with expert guidance, makes it a standout option for those who want to go beyond bottles and labels.

While it doesn’t include transportation, the activity’s location in Siena makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or wine touring. The price, considering the quality, guidance, and food, offers good value—especially if you’re keen to deepen your understanding of Tuscan wines in a fun, relaxed setting.

If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a playful, educational activity that sets your trip apart, this sensory wine lesson is well worth considering. It’s a chance to appreciate Tuscan wine in a completely different light—literally—and walk away with new skills and stories to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this experience?
No, transportation to and from the activity is not included. You’ll need to plan your own way to the wine shop at No. 66 in Siena.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with various starting times available. Be sure to check availability when booking.

What wines are tasted during the session?
You will taste four DOCG wines from Tuscany: Chianti Classico, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, and Supertuscan.

Are the wines included in the price?
Yes, the four wines are part of the experience, along with pecorino cheese and breadsticks.

Is this experience suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption.

Can I buy the wines I taste afterward?
Yes, at the end of the session, you can purchase the wines you’ve tasted or browse the selection available in the shop.

This sensory wine lesson in Siena offers a delightful way to understand Tuscan wines through a playful, educational lens. With a focus on tasting with the senses, it transforms a simple activity into a memorable highlight of your trip—perfect for those wanting to add a touch of fun and learning to their Tuscan adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: