EXPLORING BEAUTIFUL CHIANTI WITH WINE TOURS IN TUSCANY

Last Updated on 29th August 2024 by Bejal

When you’re a Malbec aficionado, it will take something very very special to convert you to an alternative variety of red wine, despite the abundant supply of Chianti present on every menu in Tuscany!

We were told no trip to Tuscany could be complete without a wine tour to the region of Chianti so not doing things by halves, we arranged two different vineyard tours; one with a small group on our day out in Tuscany and the other a more private trip with just us. We were quite lucky to be visiting towards the end of September as this is traditionally the season of harvesting grapes. Read on for our best experiences of exploring the region of Chianti and tasting the wines of the region.

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Focussing on authentic experiences, we chose our vineyards based on the fact that they were relatively small family run establishments, which gave a personable service explaining the story behind the production of each bottle of wine. What we were really interested in was the process from the time of the pruning to the vendemmia (harvest) through to the fermentation and ageing but also the tour of the cantina (cellar) and sampling their produces.

Why Visit Chianti & What to Expect

One. of the best reasons to visit Chianti is to experience the wonderful wines of the region and see the lovely little medieval walled towns and villages that make up this popular area, a short drive from Florence. It’s the perfect day trip option from Florence too with many easily bookable guided tours.

The region of Chianti is quite special in the fact that it has a real commitment to sustainable viticulture methods where local tradtions are upheld thus giving wine enthusiasts a real authentic taste of this region in Italy’s wine culture and production.

Chianti wimes are know for their ruby red colour and traditionally best served with hearty Tuscan dishes of the region. Mnay of the Vineyards in the region offer a wonderful tasting session, where their sommeliers will take you through four or five varieties of their wines, which guests try by the glass accompanied by cheese, cold meats and other snacks. Some vineyards will also incorporate balsamic vinegar and olive oil tasting with bread. The tastings are usually done. after a visit to the vineyard it self to look at the grapes as well as the process and production of wine.

Finally the estates will give guests the chance to purchase wines should they wish or these days the majority can also arrange the wines to be shipped to your residence via courier.

When is The Best Time to Visit Chianti

We would recommend June to the middle of September, July and August are also the hottest in cities like Florence so getting out into the Tuscan hills will be much cooler and comfortable. We visited on the second week of September and this is when the grapes are harvested traditionally..

The Region of Chianti

Historically, the wine area of Chianti was pretty small and included the towns of Radda, Castellina and Gaiole in Chianti. These days the region also comprises the areas Castelnuovo Berardenga and Poggibonsi (Siena), San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Greve in Chianti and part of Barberino Val d’Rlsa (Florence). These towns are known as Chianti Classico producing areas and our visit concentrated on this region of Chianti Classico, which lies between the provinces of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. It is an area where the wines are recognised by the Gallo Nero or Black Rooster on a pink label. This represents the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, which was funded in 1924 to protect and promote this type of wine also to prevent fraud.

The Grapes

Chianti classico wine has to respect strict rules such as its blend and must be 80% Sangiovese red grapes native to this area. The other 20% of grapes can include other grapes such as Canaiolo, Colorino and other international varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The characteristics of Chianti Classico are a ruby red colour with floral notes with a dry flavour. 30 months of aging are required including three months of bottle aging.

The crème de la crème of Sangiovese grapes are used in producing Chianti Classico Riserva. This has a deep ruby red colour and requires a minimum maturation of 24 months again including three months of bottle aging.

Now that you’re armed with the background, it’s time to hit the vineyards…

Poggio Ai Laghi (Poggio Amorelli Vineyard)

This is one of three vineyards owned by the Mazzarini family and is located in the centre of Chianti, a short distance from Castellina. The ground floor of the purpose built property offers the vinification process and bottling, whereas the top floor houses the wine tasting facility and shop.  The familiy’s main vineyard, Poggio Amorelli  is also worth a visit if you have time and has a traditional farmhouse offering Tuscan food and wine tastings.

 As mentioned previously, this was a group wine tour and although a little hurried, we were taken through all the steps involved in the wine production process. There were examples of food pairings with different varieties of the wines produced here as well as sampling some very good quality truffle oil and a ten year aged balsamic vinegar, which was literally thick like treacle and worked well with ice cream and cheese!

Hastened to add we did make a few purchases namely of their 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva, which has the most opulent red rich colour and flavour to match (more of a special occasion wine for me but then again I drink wine so infrequently that waiting for a special occasion could be a too longer wait!). We accompanied this with a bottle of ten year matured Balsamic vinegar and some pretty rich tasting Truffle oil, since Dr. C found out from the Sommelier that it is has aphrodisiac properties as it mimics a male pheromone! I am yet to have it slathered on my spaghetti! But lucky me eh!

It was recommend that all purchases be shipped. In actual fact I am glad that we didn’t bring anything back with us in our cases as can you imagine that super opulent indulgent truffle oil being wasted? Or even that Riserva wine staining my brilliant white smalls pink? No, it doesn’t bear to think about. Delivery took about 7-10 days and everything arrived via FEDEX in one piece, very well packaged.

The Details

• Location: Poggio Amorelli. 53011, Castellina in Chiani. Siena, Italy I Tel. +39 0577 741373 I Website & Tastings.
• Find it Here: Google Map.

Montefioralle & Greve: Seeing the Chianti Region

 

For our second Chianti wine tour and this time it was a private tour one afternoon in the Tuscan countryside. An incredibly romatic spot, we envision honeymoons in Tuscany being full of wine, cheese, olives and plenty of truffle oil…leading to lots of rolling around in those never ending lush green hued hills! Jokes, aside this is a beautiful part of the Chianti region and is the postcard perfect image of rolling Tuscan hills!

Montefioralle

We had a private driver and guide, Simon for this trip, who accompanied us for the afternoon and en route to our vineyard we made stops at Montefioralle and Greve, both in Chianti. The drive to our first stop was around 50 minutes and the other locations were 15-20 minutes apart.

This was literally a very short pit stop but this charming little village high up in the hills, Simon informed us this is a magnet for the paparazzi! Apparently it’s where all the journalists hang out but we didn’t see any! It’s one of Tuscany’s ancient medieval towns and definitely has all the charm of this region. This is the perfect place on a sunny afternoon to relax and reflect on the busy city life we lead because it literally feels like you have been transported back in time.

Related Article: How To Best Explore Tuscany’s Medieval Villages

Greve in Chianti

This is the chief market town in the Chianti Classico producing zone and the place where the annual largest Chianti festival is held every September. Piazza Matteotti is the town’s main square, which is surrounded by a Portico, which is almost like a framework for some delightful boutique shops, artisan workshops and eateries. Simon told us a couple of the shops are quite famous, the Antica Macellaria Falorni, is a butchers shop that has occupied that location since 1729 including  the Bottega dell’Artigianato, a hand-woven basket shop.

Castello Monterinaldi

Our final stop was to be the vineyard Castello Monterinaldi, and I have to say it was quite special that this was a private tour as we were able to ask as many questions as we wanted and having studied microbiology at university it was fascinating learning all about the infection prevention process of wine maturation.

Castello Monterinaldi is located between Panzano and Radda in Chianti on a hill that aerially resembles a tortoise shell, where at the highest point stands a castle dating back to medieval times. The vineyards mascot is a tortoise bearing the slogan ‘slow and steady’, which I assume is what is involved in producing a winner wine.

The vineyard is spread across 50 hectares, mainly comprising the Sangiovese grapes with a few other varieties.

Being a private tour we pretty much spent a couple of hours with the oenologist (I didn’t know there was a special name for someone who has studied the science of wine making!) named Beatrice. An extremely knowledgeable woman who studied oenology at Pisa University and who has worked in France, New Zealand and Argentina and also once had the view that Malbec is the best red wine!!

Again, we sampled some of the produce and were given a fantastic tour of the surrounding area and cellars looking at the French oak barrels used to mature the wines and then undergoing the bottling process for a year after finally being available to drink. But for the best taste they would need to be consumed within eight to ten years max! I guess you learn something new everyday.

As well as the wine tasting they have on offer here, there is a cookery school in the main house of the property and they also have a beautifully renovated chicken coup, which will shortly be turned into private wine tasting rooms.

The Details

• . Radda in Chianti. Siena, Italy I Tel. +39 0577 733533 I Website & Tastings.
• Find it Here: Google Map.

Book Wine Tours in Chianti

Here are some options of wine tours to book in Chianti, Tuscany. It’s possible to take full day tours as well as half day tours. We would recommend, either way, go with a guide who is also the designated driver. Best to be safe than sorry with all the wine tastings on offer. It also means every one in the party can enjoy themselves and not have to worry about driving.

Another great way to book a guided Chianti wine tasting tour is to combine it with some of the medieval towns in Tuscany, such as San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti itself. Many tours cone with lunch or dinner if you wish to make. a day of it.

Tips For Visiting Chianti

• Book a Guided Tour – This is a great way to visit and means that you already have a driver and guide who can provide lots of insider and local knowledge of the area as well as the wines of the region.
• Take Snacks – If you are on a half day tour and plan not to eat, we’d recommend taking snacks like some bread, to help mop up some of the wine, just incase the tastings only provide smaller snack plates.
• Carry Drinking Water – Take some water with you as after all that wine tasting, especially if you are going to a couple of vineyards, you may become quite thirsty. The heat can also make you dehydrated so best to have some water ready to sip on.
• Take Credit Cards – Virtually all vineyards in Chianti, accept credit cards and it’s best in our opinion to have the wines shipped back home to avoid any accidents or issues at customs with weight restrictions. We have had count less bottles shipped over to England and they have always been well packaged and boxed.
• Never drink & Drive – Just a reminder that drinking and driving on those windy Tuscan roads is a massive risk to yourself, tour party and others on the road It’s against the law so just don’t take the risk and opt for a driver, taxi or a guided tour. This will enable you to expereicne and enjoy your time at the vineyards at leisure.

Chianti Wine Tours & Tasting FAQ’s

Is it best to book wineries if doing independent visits?

Yes, be sure to contact the wineries and vineyards before hand and book a time of arrival. Get clarification of the experience as well as rates. Make sure you have booked transport to and from the wineries too.

What is a Cost Effective Way to visit Chianti

Our recommendation would be to get a half day tour which incorporates vineyards with tasting with transport included. Small group tours are great for this. Look at the suggestions above under ‘Book Wine Tours In Chianti’,

Can Children Go on Wine Tours?

This is an adults only activity and of course in order to partake, and consume alcohol, you have to be 19 or over. We’d also suggest asking the vineyards if you can take children as they may be able to make adjustments so they are also catered for with juices and other non alcoholic beverages..

Chianti Wine Tours in Tuscany Round Up

Although both the small group tours and the private tour were very informative and provided a fantastic bucket list experience, personally we preferred the private tour. Group tours are better value for money and good if you have a larger party with different budget expectations. However, private tours are more personal and you can have a one to one experience where you can ask all the questions and focus on the areas of the wine processing you’re interested in.

Either way, the choice is yours but when you do find a vineyard you fancy visiting, make sure you book ahead or at least call up to ensure there is sufficient availability as you can imagine there are busy times during the harvesting months. Remember that heading to the vineyards can also double up as visiting some of the medieval towns, which is especially good if you’re short of time.

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Resources To Help Plan Your Trip

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