The Chianti Wine Region of Tuscany is extremely popular because it is so beautiful and there are many wonderful things to do in Chianti. The landscape is one of rolling hills and graceful cypress tress that dot the landscape and draw your eyes to the beauty.
Clearly one of the best things to do in Chianti involves exploring the wonderful Chianti wine of the region.
There are many wineries in Chianti that are friendly and open to visitors. However, this isn’t like paying a visit to a winery in California or even in France. You can usually stop by for a taste, but if you want a full tour, to visit Chianti wineries and see the operations, most Chianti wineries require a reservation. Most require you to make reservations several days in advance of your visit.
Some of the best Chianti wineries will give you a full experience that can last a day or half a day. You can take a walk in the lovely vineyards, learn about the varieties of grapes grown here and then finally taste the wine alongside food. The seasonal aspect of these tours can vary. Spring and fall can be good times to go, because many people don’t come then – so the groups are small and very intimate. You should be sure you ask for a tour in English.
Another approach to visiting Chianti wineries is to hop from vineyard to vineyard and spend just a few hours at each one. This can be a popular approach for those who want to see more than one place. A good place to start is a local tourist office, where you can get Chianti maps, Chianti information, Chianti advice and some personalized input on what might work best for your group. Good tourist offices include those in Greve in Chianti, Montalcino in Chianti and Montepulciano in Chianti. You can also get good information at wine bars, or Enoteche.
If you are even more daring you might just look for signs on the back roads that announce direct sales, or “vendita diretta,” or tastings, “degustazioni.” You can expect to pay a nominal fee for a tasting that includes three glasses.
Vineyards Worth Noting:
Badia a Coltibuono
Località Badia Coltibuono, 53013, Gaiole in Chianti Sienna, Italy (39 0577 74481)
Castello di Fonterutoli
Via Puccini 4, Castellina In Chianti, Italy
Castello di Volpaia
Loc. Volpaia-Coltassala, 53017, Radda in Chianti, IT (39 0577 738066)
Castello di Verrazzano
Località San Martino in Valle, 12, Greve in Chianti, Italy (39 055 85424)
Villa Vignamaggio
Località Petriolo, 5, 50022, Greve in Chianti, Italy (39 055 85 46 61)
Rocca delle Macie
Loc. Le, Castellina in Chianti Sienna, (39 0577 7321)
Castello di Brolio
Gaiole in Chianti, 53013, Siena, Italy (39 0577 7301)
