You don’t have to be a wine buff to appreciate the natural beauty and history of the Chianti region. Located in the center of Tuscany, between the cities of Florence, Siena, and Arezzo, this esteemed wine-region provides travelers with stunning views of a luscious green countryside, scattered with patches of vineyards and olive groves, rows of trees, and old farms, castles, and fortresses. As we make our way through the winding roads of the vast countryside you will have the chance to discover for yourself the unique history of the region, taste the local food and wine, and capture breathtaking panoramics.
Our first stop is a medieval castle, where a guide will be waiting to take you on a tour of the reception rooms, flourishing gardens, and the cellars of the wine farm, where enormous barrels of Black Rooster Chianti are preserved. Here you will get a glimpse into the wine-making process that has distinguished the Chianti region as a wine-region since the 13th century.
We will stop for a wine tasting and snack as we head south into the center of the Chianti region. Divided into 7 sub-zones, each area produces its own Chianti wine with a specific name and label, all donning the familiar Black Rooster symbol. Maybe you will sip on a glass of Chianti Classico – a Super-Tuscan that has been produced in the area for over 2000 years – or the Chianti Montalbano, produced near Vinci, hometown of Leonardo da Vinci.
After tasting the finest wine of the region, we will travel into Grieve in Chianti, the first major town heading south from Florence to Siena. You will be fascinated by the culture of this town, which served as a marketplace in the 13th century, and continues today in the Piazza Matteotti with food and wine festivals all year round. Be sure to stop into one of many small shops, where local artisans produce hand-woven baskets and products made in olive wood, or grab a bottle of distinguished olive oil from one of the restaurants selling home-made products. For a taste of medieval history, take in the mesmerizing architecture of the Santa Croce Church and Museum of Sacred Art.
We then drive to the Castellina in Chianti, located atop a hill and surrounded by ancient walls that were destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during the battles between Florence and Siena. The rich history of the town can be seen in important palaces such as Palazzo Banciardi, Pallazo Squarcialupi, and the Fortress, where you can capture a stunning view of the countryside.
As we travel further into the winsome countryside of the Chianti region, we will stop in San Donato in Poggio, a small medieval village at the top of a hill. The heart of the town is surrounded by defensive walls built in the 12th century, and a watch tower still stands strong above the western edge of the town. Appreciate the ancient peace treaties signed here between the republics of Florence and Siena while walking the calm streets. Our last stop on the tour is an enchanting tavern in the village where we will enjoy a fine traditional Chianti dinner served with excellent Chianti wine.
Discover the taste of the Chianti region! Tours are held every Tuesday and Friday from April to the end of October. This adventure-filled half day tour costs 79,00 euro per person, and includes transport by luxury coach, a multilingual tour escort, snack and wine tasting, and dinner and drinks. Children 2-8 years of age pay a reduced ticket of 39,00 euro; children under 2 years of age are free.
For any questions and/or concerns, please contact Italy Travels at the number 0039 055 2670402, or email info@italy-travels.it. To book your Chianti tour, please visit www.ticketsflorence.com.