Taste Sangiovese among the cypress hills of Chianti and Val d'Orcia
Sip acclaimed Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino in historic stone cellars, looking across rolling hills lined with cypress avenues, olive groves and medieval hamlets.
At a glance
May to June (lush green hills) or September to October (grape harvest and golden foliage)
Afternoon tastings and sunset aperitivo
Half-day (2 wineries) or full-day tour
Cellar visit & vineyard wine tasting
Easy
Advance booking recommended
Why taste wine in Tuscany?
Tuscan viticulture dates back to Etruscan settlements over 2,500 years ago. At the heart of Tuscan wine identity is the noble Sangiovese grape, which expresses vibrant acidity, red cherry fruit and structured tannins on the limestone and galestro soils of Chianti and Montalcino.
Visiting these hillside cantine offers an intimate connection to Italian agricultural landscape aesthetics: Renaissance villas, subterranean barrel cellars and panoramic terraces overlooking hills shaped by centuries of gentle cultivation.
What to expect
Vineyard and cellar walk
Walk through orderly rows of spur-pruned Sangiovese vines, followed by a visit to cool vaulted stone cellars holding large Slavonian oak casks.
Guided technical tasting
Sample Chianti Classico Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione alongside aged pecorino cheese and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Tuscan lunch with vineyard views
Enjoy a leisurely lunch of ribollita or wild boar ragù paired with estate vintages on an open terrace.
Plan your experience
When to go
The harvest (vendemmia) in September and October fills cellars with the aroma of fermenting must. Late spring brings mild weather and green hillsides.
Getting there
Drive the panoramic SR222 Chiantigiana road between Florence and Siena. For relaxed tastings without driving, book an authorized NCC driver or guided tour.
Booking & permits
Historic family estates require booking online 1 to 2 weeks in advance. Small enoteche in towns like Greve or Radda offer drop-in tastings by the glass.
What to bring
- Smart-casual attire
- Light jacket for cool underground barrel cellars (14°C–16°C)
- Flat, comfortable walking shoes
Before you go
- Designate a driver: Italy enforces strict zero-tolerance drink-driving limits.
- Most reputable wineries provide reliable international shipping directly to your home.
Official information
Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:
Official consortium representing Gallo Nero producers, estate registries and tasting events
Ways to experience it
Drive the scenic SR222 and visit certified wineries with pre-booked appointments.
Join a small-group sommelier tour from Florence or Siena with included door-to-door transit.