Chianti Wine Tours
This wine region is world-famous and its wine is probably the most well known of all the Italian reds if you asked people all over the world. With a very distinctive black rooster as its symbol, the Chianti Classico has a proud heritage which we will explore on our Chianti wine tours based out of Florence, or from your villa, vineyard or farm stay. The Chianti wine region is very close to the beautiful renaissance city and after driving just 45 minutes or so you will find yourself in the heart of Chianti.
To be honest, when you are here you will feel that one day is not enough to fully experience the wine region, there is so much to do, see, and taste. Try to find two or three days and therefore you can also add Brunello di Montalcino to your Tuscany schedule.
Not many cities can rival Florence for its beauty and historical importance
Highlights – Chianti Wine Tours:
- Private tour (just your party) or in an intimate group (max 8 people)
- Option to be driven around the Chianti countryside in a tuk-tuk!
- Visits to Chianti Classico wineries – tours and extensive tastings
- Chance to taste a selection of Super Tuscan wines also
- Lunch of local ingredients included at one of our wineries
- Visit the lovely town of San Gimignano (showcased in the photo above)
- While in Florence add the Uffizi Gallery, the Piazza Della Signoria, etc.
What to Expect?
We will take you to three Chianti Classico wineries during the day, in a private vehicle should you wish, or as part of a small group if you would like to mix with other wine enthusiasts and your budget is slightly lower. You will also visit the beautiful town of San Gimignano during the day, having some time to wander around and eat something. We also have the fun option to use a novel method of transport while in the local area; a customized tuk-tuk (explained below).
Poggio Alloro is one of our favorites as it is not just a winery but also a working farm where you can see and learn about the famous Chianina cows. These beasts are huge and are generally raised to provide the cuts of meat for the iconic Florentine steak.
We will tour the winery and cattle farm, view the vines close-up, and then enjoy a tasting with a truly spectacular view of San Gimignano on the hill opposite. We will taste a range of wines from Poggio Alloro, accompanied by local cheese and salami, learning lots about this famous wine and the regulations governing its production.
Add a stay on vineyards or farms in the Tuscan countryside
Particularly interesting is an introduction (assuming you have not tasted it before) to the Vernaccia di San Gimignano grape which is not very widely known. This dry white grows on the slopes around the town and which is quite striking with strong floral and herbal notes and in the case of Poggio Alloro certainly, noticeably salty. Poggio Alloro also produces a Charmat method sparkling from part of its Vernaccia di San Gimignano crop.
Mormoraia winery is on our list too and, if your budget allows, this can also be an option of a place to stay if you fancy a rural location with a touch of luxury. During a short visit here will enjoy a tasting and enjoy the beautiful views from the gardens of the property. We will give you time to wander San Gimignano either before, during, or after lunch depending on how our schedule unfolds today.
San Gimignano is a jewel of a place in the heart of Tuscany
Then it is off to the Torciano estate for a great lunch and extensive wine tasting. Tenuta Torciano produces a wide range of wines and we will taste 6 or 7 examples while we eat. Salads, cheese, and salami are backed up by a pasta dish. You will need the food with the range of wines we taste here, admittedly the last 2 or 3 glasses may not be remembered so vividly but they will be fun, that is for sure. We will taste and eat “al fresco” if the weather permits or inside in the cellar if you prefer.
The Tuk-Tuk option means that once you arrive at your first winery in the Chianti area you leave your “normal” transport behind and are driven between wineries and San Gimignano in this rather bizarre but fun chariot. Granted it is not exclusively Italian, but you do see transport like this in the south of the country, not just in Asia. This option provides a unique viewpoint on Tuscany. Plenty of photos will be taken that is for sure.
Remember that this is your Chianti tour and you can tell us if you have a preference of which wineries you would like to visit, we can arrange almost anything, even if a certain winery is not normally open to the public we may be able to get you in. If you do not have any specific requests let us suggest where to take you and you will have a great time, the wineries mentioned above are superb and highly recommended.
Note: If you are an experienced wine enthusiast or wine professional and would like tastings that are a little more technical, or very technical – just let us know and we can arrange an expert Sommelier or winemaker to be on hand and lead a tasting.
