Until the 19th Century, Como was known as an area where to be treated with a therapy based on grapes. Tolstoy spoke of it after being treated on the hills of Tavernola which, at that time, were covered with vineyards.

Many excellent wines are produced in the area surrounding Lake Como. Fine white wines are produced with Verdese, the typical white vine grown in the area. It is the difficulty of growing grapes in a territory whose considerable temperature variations are only mitigated by the Lario that gives the wines of Lake Como a special flavor.  In 2008, the IGT (typical geographical indication) mark ''Terre Lariane'' was awarded to wines produced in the area in recognition of their specific quality and characteristics.
The niche production that embraces the provinces of Como and Lecco includes local wines such as Sorsasso (white, red and rosé) and  Domasino (from Domaso, upper Lario), which are the white wines that have received more awards to date.