Chianti is a region in central Tuscany where the iconic Chianti and Chianti Classico wines are produced. It is one of the best places for oenophiles to visit and learn about the wine culture of Italy. But keep in mind that wine tasting in Italy is a little different than in the US because you will have to make reservations in advance for tastings and things move much slower in Italy so you will likely only see one. or two vineyards a day.
How to plan where to go
First, choose a region or a wine producer in Chianti that you particularly like. The Chianti region of Tuscany has seven distinct areas, each of which produces a specific type of Chianti wine. The wines of the Chianti Classico region between Florence and Siena are the best known options in the area.
Chianti Classico wine has been produced for over 2,000 years, but the region really became famous for its wine from the 13th century to the present day. Some of the popular wine towns to choose from include Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Barberino Val d’Elsa, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, and Castelnuovo Berardenga.
Get in touch with your favorite wineries
When you’ve found a few wineries that you think you might like, the next step is to contact them and make an appointment for a tour or tasting. Some even offer small bites, wine and cheese, or a full meal. Only the largest wineries have the ability to handle walk-in tours and tastings; others are small family wineries that require reservations.
Choose no more than two or three wineries. Things are slower in Italy than Napa Valley, so it’s better to enjoy it than rush. Be aware that too many tours can also be repetitive. There are only a few variations on the fermentation theme.
Some of the favorite wineries to visit and tour include Barone Ricasoli Brolio Castle, Casa Emma, and Castello di Verrazzano.
Wine tasting in a wine bar
You can also find wines to taste, drink or buy at an enoteca (a local wine shop in Italy). One of the largest in the Chianti Classico area is Le Cantine di Greve in Chianti, where you can taste wine, cheese, salami, grappa (grape-based brandy), and olive oil. Just make sure you keep up; There is also a wine museum and more than 140 wines to try. Almost every small town in Italy has a wine bar, so if you want to stop by more of them, they are not difficult to find.
Guided tour of the Chianti region winery
If you prefer to visit the wineries without having to worry about drinking and driving, Viator offers full-day and half-day guided tours that include visits to Chianti villages and wineries with wine tastings. There is a lot to see and do, and many good restaurants. Where there is good wine, it never fails that there is also good food.
accommodation
The Chianti region is full of high-end hotels, farms, and bed and breakfasts. Do you want to sleep in a castle? Try the Hotel Castello di Spaltenna in Gaiole. This four-star ranch is located within a historic villa overlooking the lush countryside and vineyards.
