Swiss Gastronomy Tours: The Best Local Flavors in Ticino and Beyond
Discover the Authentic Taste of Switzerland
Switzerland is well-known for its mountains and lakes, but its food culture remains a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. In Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, gastronomy is an expression of tradition, simplicity and connection to the land. Through Swiss gastronomy tours, travelers can discover this region’s rich variety of flavors, visiting local producers and tasting authentic dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Wine Tasting in Ticino: Where Tradition Meets Quality
Ticino’s hillsides are home to some of Switzerland’s best vineyards, where Merlot is the star. The sun-soaked slopes and mild climate make this region ideal for producing smooth, elegant wines.
During a wine tour, you’ll meet local winemakers who have been cultivating their vines for generations. Walking through vineyards, you’ll hear stories of family traditions and sustainable methods.
Tastings often include visits to small, family-run wineries, where you’ll sample a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, all paired with artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
Typical Dishes That Tell a Story
Food in Ticino is simple but full of character. Polenta is a staple in every home and grotto, traditionally slow-cooked over an open fire in a copper pot. It’s often served with hearty dishes like brasato al Merlot, a slow-cooked beef stew, or with grilled luganiga and luganighetta sausages.
These dishes reflect the region’s rural roots and are best enjoyed in a grotto, where meals are served in rustic stone dining areas, often surrounded by chestnut forests.
Cheese is another highlight of Ticino’s food scene. Local varieties like Formaggio d’Alpe and Zincarlin are produced in mountain dairies during the summer months. Zincarlin is a soft, fresh cheese flavored with pepper and white wine, often made in small batches using traditional methods.
Visiting the Alpine pastures where these cheeses are crafted is an experience in itself.
Cold Cuts and Sweet Treats
Ticino’s salumi are handmade using old recipes passed down through generations. Raw ham, coppa and pancetta are often served alongside freshly baked bread and pickled vegetables. These cured meats are simple yet flavorful, offering a taste of Ticino’s agricultural heritage.
For dessert, ciambelle are a local favorite. These soft, ring-shaped cookies are often flavored with anise or lemon zest and are typically enjoyed during village festivals.
Paired with a glass of nocino, a traditional walnut liqueur, they make the perfect ending to a meal.
Custom Private Culinary Adventures
At Noi Due & Events, we offer private culinary adventures that are tailored to your tastes. You can participate in hands-on cooking classes where you’ll learn to prepare risotto alla ticinese, polenta taragna and traditional desserts. Our experiences include private dinners in historic villas or lunches at hidden grotti, with menus designed around seasonal, local ingredients.
During the autumn, we offer tours that include chestnut harvesting in the Valle di Blenio or Valle Verzasca, followed by tastings of chestnuts, honey and cakes. Every tour connects you with local artisans and producers who share their knowledge and passion for preserving Ticino’s culinary traditions.
Sustainable and Authentic Experiences
Supporting small farms and local producers is at the heart of our Swiss gastronomy tours.
Many of the vineyards, dairies and farms we visit are committed to eco-friendly practices and biodiversity. These experiences are not just about food but about understanding the connection between the land, tradition and community.
Whether you are visiting a winemaker in Mendrisio or a cheesemaker in the Alps, you will see the care that goes into every product.
Agriesperienze: a selection of experiences with a local flavor. The perfect way to discover everyday rural life in Ticino.
The Agriesperienze have been developed to promote Ticino’s cultural heritage and support the development of sustainable activities in the area. These authentic experiences, carefully designed to welcome guests accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, were awarded with the prestigious Global Best of Wine Tourism 2025 recognition. Here, visitors can discover and visit farms, wineries, and dairies, learning about cultivation, winemaking, and cheesemaking techniques before tasting the delicious products. The most intrepid visitors can even participate in one or more agricultural activities, getting their hands dirty!
Ticino’s agrifood producers are opening their doors to offer experiences with a local flavour linked to the land. Immerse yourself in Ticino’s beautiful rural landscapes, with their vineyards, chestnut woods and green meadows. Discover places of particular interest off the beaten track.
Despite being small, Ticino is home to a vast range of enthusiastic farmers, including livestock farmers, market gardeners, winegrowers, and artisans of flavour. This has led to the creation of some real gastronomic delicacies, including wines, cheeses, cold meats, and desserts. Here are some ideas for learning more about the area and its products.
Book Your Swiss Gastronomy Tour
If you’re ready to discover Switzerland through its genuine flavors and traditions, contact Noi Due & Events today. We’ll create a Swiss gastronomy tour designed around your interests, offering unforgettable moments and authentic experiences in Ticino and beyond.
