The Tuscan region in Italy is known for its artistic masterpieces, beautiful scenery with unique landscapes and medieval hilltop towns. Tuscany is in the west central region of Italy with Florence as the capital. There are ten provinces including Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. This region boasts some of the best Italian wines, including Chianti.
Chianti Region
The Chianti region exists between the northern city of Florence and the southern city of Siena. Many of the vineyards that reside alongside the curvy roads stretch for miles. One of the main roads, referred to as Chianti Road, travels through multiple small villages in the Tuscan countryside. Along the way, the landscape opens up to ancient castles, olive groves, cypress tress, and country farmhouses. Most of the vineyards in this region, as well as all over Italy, are family-owned and have been family run for decades or longer.
The Sangiovese Grape
The Sangiovese is the primary grape in Chianti. The Sangiovese is considered a medium bodied grape and is usually aged five to eight years to produce Chianti. Chianti Classico requires a minimum of 80% of the Sangiovese grape and the rest of the wine consists of various blends. Most of the vineyards allow visitors to take a look at the grape vines and possible taste the grapes.
The Tours
- Di Vine Tours (Via Pozzo dei Birri, 1, Radda in Chianti) offers private one day wine tours that include private transportation, a bilingual guide, wine tours and tastings, local Tuscan town visits, and lunch. They also have group tours that include dining and lodging. Prices vary depending on tour and group size.
- Tuscan Wine Tours (Piazza Cavalleggeri, Florence) is another company that provides a local licensed tour guide who offers private and groups tours. The expert guide will take tourists to the family run, lesser known wineries. Prices vary depending on tour and group size.
- Companies like Viator and Artviva, The Original and Best are two other larger companies that offer not only wine tours, but other tours as well. This is a great option if accommodations, dining, or other city tours are desired.
No Advance Booking Required
If booking in advance is not an option, there is no need for concern. There are so many companies offering wine tours, it is easy to book a tour when already in the local area. Many times, those tours will be cheaper because they are offered by smaller, local companies that do not even have a web page.
Purchasing the Wine
Many people will want to buy the wine after tasting it. If a bottle or two is purchased, remember to check country regulations about carrying liquids and alcohol home. If more than a couple bottles are purchased, shipping is an option, but that can be quite pricey.
Also, check out an introduction to Tuscany!
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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