Will be in Firenze for a few days in early October, and one of those is a Monday when the museums are closed. Does anyone have experience with a day trip where you meet up as a small group in Firenze and then are taken to one or more wineries? The ones I have viewed on Trip Advisor are uniformly rated excellent, but I like to turn to the Rick Steves community for the best advice. I will not have a car at all in Italy, so this could be an opportunity to see the countryside as well as learn about wine.
Thanks,
Cynthia
Posted by
3245 posts
My husband and I took the Tuscan Trails Chianti tour in April 2014. The owner Todd will remind you of the best history teacher you wish you had in high school, and he doesn't care how much you drink! He is an American married to an Italian. The winery where the Pazzi family planned its Easter revolt against the Medici was especially interesting. We were the only group at both of the wineries. The included lunch is a delicious multi-course affair with more wine. The same meal in Napa would have cost a fortune. The maximum number of guests is 6 - I think.
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
557 posts
Thank you--this is one I saw on TA and it is highly rated. An endorsement from a Rick Steves reader is encouraging. A history lesson is a bonus to me.
Cynthia
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11322 posts
Tours By Roberto also does this. He is extraordinary, also featured in Rick's book and on TV.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1673 posts
I did the Super Chianti tour with Tuscan Wine Tours by Grape Tours. It was excellent. We had two lengthy visits at small wineries with food and opportunity to buy (but no pressure to buy). We had lunch in Panzano at Dario, the butchers restaurant. The driver/guide was great. She was educational and I learned a lot about Tuscan wine. I also did not have a car so it was a great way to see some of Tuscany without having to drive. I think this tour was the highlight of my 2 1/2 week trip.
Posted by
824 posts
While in Italy last October, my wife and I booked the 'Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch from Florence' through Viator. I believe this tour was operated by Walks Inside Itay.
First of all, my wife and I really aren't the 'escorted tour' type but our situation dictated we use a tour operator. This was a "small group" (~20 people) tour that looped through the Chianti region before returning to Florence.
Our first stop was the Principe Corsini winery and olive oil plant. After touring the vineyard and winery, we sampled 3 superb Principe Corsini wines accompanied by paired cheeses. Outstanding! This is a truly beautiful winery and the tour and wine tasting were both very educating.
Next, we drove deeper into Chianti and stopped for lunch at the agroturismo La Cantinette in Regnana. We were given plenty of time to wander around and stretch our legs before being served an incredible gourmet 3 course lunch (served family style) accompanied by their own (very fine) wines (paired to each course). I must say, this lunch fair exceeded my expectations!
After lunch, we visited the town of Greve in Chianti for a little 'out of the van' exploring time. Greve in Chianti is a charming little town with several interesting shops.
Our last stop of the day was at the Osteria 1126 in Cinciano winery. While in Greve in Chianti, our tour guide purchased several cured meats to go with our final wine taking at Cinciano. (This stop was a new addition/replacement for a dairy/cheese farm stop originally advertised but discontinued due to new EU regulations.) The wine at this stop was incredible and our guide moderated an outstanding wine tasting.
Although my wife and I do not normally go for "escorted tours", this tour was the highlight of out Italy vacation. We learned a lot and the wine and food was outstanding. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and we had a wonderful time. I would recommend this type of tour without reservations.
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
557 posts
Thank you all for these suggestions. It looks like I have several excellent choices. I appreciate the help and intend to book early due to the small size of the groups.
Grazie,
Cynthia
Posted by
80 posts
We also did Grape Tours and had a wonderful time. They start at their wine school in Florence where they teach you about Chianti and how to taste, and then take your (small) group into Tuscany. Book early--we were hoping to do a full day tour, but waited too long (about a month out) and all that was available was a half day. We still had a wonderful time!