You know Tuscany is famous for wines, right?
But is that about the extent of your knowledge?
You are not alone!
Let’s dive into this delicious topic together and make sense of Tuscan wines and, most importantly, where to try them!
The Nitty Gritty
Tuscany has 3 principal wine areas.
- Chianti south of Florence
- Montalcino south of Siena
- Bolgheri on the coast
Sangiovese (although different varieties) is the main grape grown in the Chianti and
Montalcino areas.
International grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, are the main grapes grown in the Bolgheri area.
The primary wines produced in the three areas are Chianti (min. 70% Sangiovese) in Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino (100% Sangiovese) in Montalcino, and Super Tuscans (a blend) in Bolgheri
Planning Your Visit
The Chianti area is a nice day trip from Florence or Siena. The nearest wineries are 15-20 minutes away and the farthest parts of the area can be reached within an hour from either city.
Montalcino is an excellent destination in itself, and the surrounding area of the Val D’Orcia is a perfect home base for a weeklong Tuscan stay. Alternatively, the area can be visited during a day trip from Siena. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Montalcino from Siena.
Bolgheri is an hour and fifty minutes from Siena or Florence, the roads from Florence are more direct and easier to navigate than those from Siena. The area can be visited as a day trip, but an overnight or two is recommended for wine lovers.
Wineries to Visit
Chianti
This sustainable winery which has been organic since 2012, is a family affair!
Laura and her husband, Giorgio, purchased the 15th century estate and turned it into an agriturismo with vacation apartments, covered the grounds with olive groves, and worked to improve the vineyards, and Laura started her cooking school.
“I’m not a chef, just an Italian Mom who loves to cook,” remarks Laura.
In 1998, their son, Jacopo, founded the winery and produced the first vintage of Querceto di Castellina wine. His wife and brother now work for the winery too.
Here you can do unique tastings focusing on wine and gastronomy, such as a cheese and wine tasting or a lunch and wine tasting.
The winery has become renowned for its beautiful summer dinner series.
Their wine and cheese bar is open in the summers for impromptu visits.
A visit to Castello di Ama is as much about art as wine.
The beautiful hamlet combines art and wine. A walk through the borgo reveals the art installations created by the resident artists that have spent time at the property. They range from subtle and playful to grandiose and bold. As is often the case, each piece of art tells a story, and your guide will share with you information about the artist, their inspiration, and their message.
At the end of the hamlet tour, you are sure to be inspired and thirsty. That’s when the visit turns towards the wine side of things. Enjoy a tasting of the estate’s highly regarded wines.
Montalcino
As you wind up the winery’s drive, you are immediately immersed in the stunning views out across the rolling hills of vineyards to the majestic looming Mount Amiata.
From the views, you tuck into the winery to visit the production and aging area, and then it’s on to the tasting.
Hospitality is not a central aim of the wineries activities, so the tasting is simple, sat around a big wooden table, but the wine speaks for itself.
Admittedly wine is subjective, but I won’t be shy in sharing that Poggio di Sotto has my favorite Brunello di Montalcino. Their wines are great year after year, and the hefty price tag for the tasting is worth it to get to immerse yourself in these outstanding wines, even if just for a while.
Are you looking for an authentic Brunello experience?
This is it.
Driving from the historical center of Montalcino, exit the historical Porta Burelli and make your way down the dirt road. There is no shortage of outstanding views here either.
Go slow, or you risk missing the discreet Podere Canalino on the south side of the road.
You will be greeted by Alberto, whose family has worked on this land for generations. His dad’s passion turned the agricultural estate, traditionally used for growing fruits and vegetables, into a winery, and Alberto has carried on the tradition.
Tour the beautiful estate, where you will still see an impressive array of fruit trees growing and soak in the overwhelming stunning views. Visit the small production area. Alberto will share how he carefully tends to the wines as though they are his third child.
Then it’s on to the tasting. Alberto’s wines are impressive and don’t tell him I said so but underpriced for the quality. This is your chance to stock up and get a great bargain on notable Brunello.
Bolgheri
Castello di Bolgheri is the perfect option if you haven’t made a reservation or don’t want to do another winery tour. Pop into their tasting room in the center of Bolgheri to taste their wines. The tasting is a casual, sip while standing type affair.
After the tasting, stop in next door at Enoteca Tognoni for a great lunch and an even greater wine list!
Admire the Viale dei Cipressi, the main road in and out of the town of Bolgheri lined with Cypress trees. Once a year, all of the producers from Bolgheri have dinner in the middle of the street! Search for pictures – it’s a dream experience!
For a complete winery visit and tasting, make a reservation at Tenuta Argentiera.
Their winery is perched on a hill, up a long, winding dirt road. The views over the vineyards to the sea are spectacular.
If you have not reserved ahead, their tasting room, located just off the main road, offers walk-in tastings of their wines.
Where to Stay
Chianti
Montalcino
Bolgheri
Things To See & Do - when you've had enough wine
Chianti
Florence and Siena are about an hour away.
In Chianti, don’t miss the small villages of Greve, Castellina, Rada, and Gaiole. Many have weekly markets which are fun to browse, and of course, there are ample opportunities for wine tasting and great eats.
If shopping, especially for big-name brands, is what you are after, you are perfectly positioned to visit the outlet malls: The Mall (a mix of luxury brands) and The Space (Prada and its brands).
If art is more your style, head to the Parco Sculture del Chianti. The sprawling grounds have work from contemporary artists from five continents.
Montalcino
Make sure to visit the thermal town of Bagno Vignoni, and if you’re the spa-type, reserve a soak in the thermal pools. Pienza is a quintessential Tuscan town. Stroll through the village and stop into the various cheese shops selling Pecorino di Pienza, sheep’s milk cheese made in the surrounding countryside. If you are there at the end of the day, Pienza is excellently positioned for outstanding sunset views. If you like your sunset colors paired with artisan cocktails, you’re in the right place, head to Idyllium.
If you’re in the mood for more active pursuits, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all options in the area.
If you’re all about the food, cheese, and olive oil tastings, cooking lessons are also possibilities.
Bolgheri
The beauty of the Bolgheri wine area is you’re directly on the Etruscan Coast, so water activities and adventures abound, including private catamaran excursions or touring the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Outdoor adventures, including biking, hiking, and horseback riding, are also available in the beautiful countryside and along the coast.
There is a lot to discover when it comes to Tuscan wines.
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