Hi friends, Any tips for driving the pretty road between Siena and Firenze? I understand its best to make a reservation at vineyards, does anybody have a favorite? I plan to stop in Greve, Castelina and anywhere else that looks fun. I would love any shared experiences or advice if you have them.
Thanks :)
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16234 posts
There are lots of vineyards where you need no reservations, just stop where you feel like. Look for those gray arrow signs pointing at driveways leading to them. Be aware that many of those driveways are quite long from the main Chiantigiana Highway (a couple of Km at times) and often are unpaved driveways.
Posted by
OP
Paia, HI, USA
154 posts
Thanks Roberto! I'll be exploring there tomorrow :).
BTW-I absolutely loved Firenze! Siena is great, but Florence, for sure, takes the cake for me! Ciao!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16234 posts
When you are in Greve there is a tasting room in the back of the main street near the parking lot, that serves all kinds of wines. Just buy a card and go through as many automatic dispensers as you like. You can buy a card of any denomination amount you wish.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
320 posts
Cat: Right between Florence and Siena are three of our favorite winery/vineyard experiences. 1. Volpaia - a lovely hilltop village that has been entirely subsumed into the winery operations. Great wines - particularly their Super-Tuscan "Balifico". 2. Panzanello - just outside of Panzano - really nice people with good wines. 3. Vignamaggio - this is the estate where the actual Mona Lisa lived. Very special wines. All three have websites with English translations. Arrange a tour and tasting ahead of time. They can all arrange a luncheon or dinner as part of your tour and tasting. Have fun!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1433 posts
Cat, I am really enjoying your posts as you travel. To answer your question here, and I hope I am not too late, I loved my tour and lunch at the Verrazzano Winery in Greve. Fabulous wine and very entertaining guide. The food was also very delicious. Have fun Cat! Ciao, Linda.
Posted by
OP
Paia, HI, USA
154 posts
Thanks everyone! I am sitting at a little outdoor cafe in Castelina With perfect weather, and jus logged in with my cappuccino to get some ideas. Big thanks, I'm checking all the suggestions out, and wil let you know where we end up!
We started the sa222 from Siena and this is our first stop. :) loving it so far. Grazie!
Posted by
London
23 posts
This family run vineyard is 5 minutes drive from Greve and one of the prettiest I know- http://www.aziendamontefioralle.com/ They do not accept drop-ins, you must make a reservation beforehand and it costs about 15 Euros. This is because you get to sit down and chat with the vineyard owner, have a tour of their cellars and vines. It is well worth it for the price!
Posted by
Castellina, FI, Italy
15 posts
There's a good summary of the Via Chiantigiana road from Florence to Siena here: http://www.chianti-italy.com/chiantigiana.htm Regarding wineries - you restrict yourself considerably and probably waste time find the place and/or waiting for your appointment if you make reservations. The roads throughout Chianti are lined with signs offering "Degustazione" - just drop in, try the wine, and if you like it, buy some.