The ancient wine country of Chianti is a “must-do” for wine lovers. Chianti Classico lies between Florence and Siena, in a familiar Tuscan landscape of castles, hilltop villages and vine-covered valleys. Its finest wines are Sangiovese-led reds, ranging from the freshness of Chianti Classico Annata to the greater depth and maturity of Riserva and Gran Selezione. Many estates have occupied the same land for centuries, with atmospheric cellars, vaulted barrel rooms and tasting rooms overlooking the vineyards.
Signature journey
Highlights include a privately chauffeured day through Chianti Classico, with two pre-arranged winery visits, a leisurely Tuscan lunch and time in a hill town selected to suit the day’s route.
Day 1Florence - Chianti Classico - Florence
Felsina winery
Morning: You can begin this tour in Florence. Your private chauffeur will collect you from your hotel, and you will enjoy a very scenic drive through the delightful Tuscan wine country. Your first winery appointment will be one of the prestigious producers in the whole Chianti Classico region, including Castello di Volpaia or Fontodi. The visit is arranged privately for your party, and the family owners will greet you. You will begin in the vineyards and receive an explanation of the terroir- the combination of local climate, soils, and grape varieties that are the components that make wines so unique from region to region. A tasting of their prestigious wines will follow.
Lunch: After all this hard work, you will be ready for lunch. Your chauffeur-guide will take you to a fantastic local Trattoria for a leisurely Tuscan lunch, beginning with a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano as an aperitif. Dishes in this meal include fettunta, bruschette, and other seasonal Tuscan antipasti, pappardelle al ragù di Lepre (long, flat pasta with wild hare), rosticciana alla griglia (grilled pork ribs), and various regional specialties. Lunch is accompanied by a selection of regional wines, which includes Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. To finish, enjoy cantucci served with Vin Santo.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue to a second distinguished Chianti Classico estate. Depending on the route and timings, this may be Fèlsina or San Giusto a Rentennano. You will enjoy a walk through the vines and a full tour of the vinification rooms and barrel chambers, followed by a superb tasting of wines. We have a special treat for olive oil lovers: a guided tasting of the estate’s virgin olive oils.
Late Afternoon: If time permits, you can take a short detour to a charming Tuscan village before returning to your hotel. If staying in Florence, you can visit the medieval walled town of Radda in Chianti on your return journey. Radda is lovely and has plenty of gourmet shops, should you want to pick up some nice bottles or decanters on your gourmet day out. Also, we suggest you take in the fantastic walled village of Monteriggioni, a gorgeous little town, another “must-see.” Your chauffeur-guide will show you around the town, and you can relax at a wine bar, go gourmet shopping, or enjoy the atmosphere.
Return transfer to Florence or Siena.
Hotel pickup and return in a privately chauffeured Mercedes
Two pre-arranged Chianti Classico winery visits and tastings
A leisurely Tuscan lunch with regional wines
Route and appointment planning based on your wine interests
Support from Cellar Tours before and during the tour
This private day tour includes transportation with a chauffeur-guide, two pre-arranged winery appointments and tastings, a leisurely Tuscan lunch with regional wines, itinerary planning and support from Cellar Tours.
Yes. Although this itinerary is particularly convenient from Florence, it can also be adapted for guests staying in Siena or elsewhere in the Chianti countryside.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences and pacing needs early so that we can adapt the transport, restaurants and visits wherever possible.
Terry, Johanna & Portia Abernathy, Iowa
Our Gourmet Wine Tour was absolutely FANTASTIC!
Natalie, our guide, was very knowledgeable, very friendly, and extremely enthusiastic. Our ‘hosts’ at each winery were very cordial and made us feel very welcome. They were very relaxed and did not try to rush us through and out the door. Our ‘lunch’ was more like a five-course dinner than lunch. Everything was excellent. Our daughter and Natalie are vegetarians, and the owner/chef came out from the kitchen to make sure the vegetarian dishes were acceptable. The wine tour was definitely a highlight of our trip. We all enjoyed it immensely and would highly recommend it to anyone.
