I know, I know – “ooh you’re telling us a story about the time you went to Lake Como”. And now you think I’m a pretentious world traveller. I’m okay with all that.
I learned that when you don’t understand a culture things can appear tacky that really aren’t. Cantina Follie seems like such a ridiculous name in English and their logo, a laughing wine cask, seemed like a SNL parody of German humour (Mike Meyers as Dieter in his talk show Sprockets).
However, this Cantina was my highlight of Lake Como. We walked past a narrow alleyway with lots of steps in it and my daughter noticed the silly barrel with a funny face on it. What we found was a great wine store with a tasting room and our host, Joost. Originally from Holland, Joost was as enthusiastic about his wine as I was to listen. It was Joost that introduced me to Salice Salentino – I now pick up a bottle every time Vintages carries one.
Here is my review for TripAdvisor.com
Despite the unfortunate barrel logo, this wine bar was the highlight of our dining in Lake Como.
Up the stairs from the main street, hidden in a cave is the Cantina Follie.
The staff knew their wine and had over 300 Italian labels.
The patio had a nice selection of wines by the glass at a very inexpensive price (2.50 Euro per glass) which included tapas. Let the owner suggest his favorites and buy a bottle on your way out. You MUST visit this wine bar if you are in Como.
On your way out stop at the Red and White Bar and order the pita with brie, rocket, and speck to take back to your hotel (you might want to order 2).
May 13th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Sounds like fun to me!
May 27th, 2010 at 7:51 am
As we speak, my family are actually in the cantina, trying the wines!!! I have stumbled upon this site as I am trying to find hidden gems to visit in Como itself! We are in Tremezzo, staying for a week.
May 27th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I trust it is as I described it – the Salice Salentino that we tried hooked me for good