The ancient wine region of Chianti is a “must do” for wine lovers. Chianti Classico, the most highly regarded subregion of Chianti, is located halfway between the gorgeous Tuscan art city of Florence. Chianti is an idyllic wine region, exactly as you imagine fairy-tale wine country, complete with castles, hilltop villages, and vine-covered valleys. The best wines of Chianti Classico are rich reds made from the native Sangiovese grape. Many of the cellars date back hundreds of years and are incredibly atmospheric, with wine caves and pretty tasting rooms.
Signature journey
Highlights include Privately Chauffeured Wine Tour of Chianti Classico, Exclusive VIP Winery Tours and Tastings, Traditional Tuscan Dining in the Chianti Wine Country, and Charming Medieval Hamlets.
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 will be one of the prestigious producers in the whole Chianti Classic region, such as Castello di Volpaia or Fontodi. Unlike other tours, where you are one of a group of 20 guests, on this VIP tour, you will be privy to a private visit to the estate, greeted by the family owners, and you will enjoy a professional VIP tour. You will begin in the vineyards and receive an explanation of the terroir- the combination of local climate, soils, and grape varietals that are the components that make wines so unique from region to region. A tasting of their prestigious wines will follow. Before leaving, you will receive a gourmet gift.
Lunch: After all this hard work, you will be ready for lunch. Your guide will take you to a fantastic local Trattoria to taste the best cuisine Chianti has to offer, beginning with zippy whites Vernaccia from San Gimignano as an aperitif. Dishes in this meal include Fettunta and Bruschette (rustic bread dripping with extra-virgin olive oil, basil, and ripe tomatoes), Pappardelle al ragù di Lepre (long, flat pasta with wild hare), Rosticciana alla griglia (grilled pork ribs), and various regional specialties. Each mouth-watering course will be paired with Chianti Classico Gran Selezione style wine. Then for dessert, Tuscan cookies washed down with Vin Santo and Cantucci dessert wines, finishing off this fantastic meal.
Afternoon: Following your delicious wine lunch, visit a fabulous cellar such as Felsina or San Giusto a Rentennano, both stellar estates. 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 professional and fascinating olive oil tasting.
Evening: You can take on an excursion 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 guide will show you around the town, and you can relax at a wine bar, go gourmet shopping, or enjoy the atmosphere.
Evening transfer to Florence or Siena.
“A VIP Deluxe Wine Tasting Excursion!”
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, 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.
