I'm looking to book an all day wine tour based out of Florence from AirBNB experiences. What's everyone's favorites? Small group preferred (10 people max). I'd like to visit 2-3 wineries.
AirBNB has a surplus of really great experiences, so I'd like to narrow it down. Thanks in advance!
I'm looking for the exact same thing. It seems there are two choices....a tour of Chianti which is closer, but not sure if it is better. The other is farther away and longer with Brunello winery, but I was trying to find a small group tour which includes the good wineries and maybe olive oil and lunch or even dinner. Rick Steve's recommends Tours by Roberto. Here is what they told me.
The cost for our joinable tours is 110 euros per person, plus approximately 25 euros per person for food and wine. (Rick Steves clients receive a 10 euro discount per person). Considered there is already 4 of you, there will be 4 more seats for other joiners if you like the idea of a small group tour.
Option 1 We begin with a scenic drive through the rolling, vineyard covered hills of the Chianti region which stretches from Florence to Siena and beyond, and which set the stage for the rise of city-states to power and the rivalries of the powerful medieval noble families.
The soil and the Chianti microclimate combine in perfect harmony to produce one of the best red wines in the world, and the area is known for its expanses of grapevines, charming stone villages and magnificent hilltop castles.
Typically, we begin at a small medieval village of immaculate alleys and flower-adorned stoops, after which we stop to tour the cellars of a small, exceptionally good vineyard where wines have been made for generations, where we will learn about the making of Chianti and Super Tuscan wines, and of course tour the 18th c. cellars where we will raise a glass of their wine to toast our hosts.
Afterwards we continue on to the Madonna Bella Farm, right outside Siena with views on the city and out over the countryside, where we will we’ll sit own to learn about food and wine pairing and enjoy an abundant tasting of all the products of the farm - fresh pasta, dishes graced with our olive oil, and 2 types of wine, a Super Tuscan from the winery we visited vs the Madonna Bella Chianti (extra cost of €25)
Finally, we’ll visit the olive groves and vineyards, and learn how olive oil and fresh/dried pasta is processed, after which it’s back to the town where the tour originated.
Option 2 We begin with a panoramic drive through the Val D’Orcia, one of the most unique landscapes in Tuscany, so exquisitely plotted and planned that the human effect on the natural environment is a positive improvement for once, even recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. We start with a stop for photographs and a look at the lovely city of Montalcino. Then it’s on to a “boutique” family-owned organic wine operation for a tour and to raise a glass with the owners, before going to on to have a visit of our own Madonna Bella Farm, right outside Siena with views on the city and out over the countryside, where we will visit the olive groves and vineyards, and see how olive oil and fresh/dried pasta is processed. Finally we’ll sit down to learn about food and wine pairing and enjoy an abundant tasting of all the products of the farm - fresh pasta, dishes graced with our olive oil, and 2 types of wine, in a friendly competition between the Madonna Bella Chianti vs the Brunello di Montalcino from the family winery we visited in the morning, after which it’s back to the town where the tour originated.
