I know it isn't the preferred way, but my husband and I will be staying in Florence city center for 1 week with our 1 year old and after hearing all the ticket horror stories I'm not sure I want to even attempt parking a car. How feasible is it to see the Chianti area by bus? Are there stops on the way to Siena? Would it be better to just rent the car for a day and return that night? Any ideas...
I found a lot of info on this site http://www.welcometuscany.it/trasportations/index.htm
There are 3 bus companies out of Florence, each in a different direction, so follow each of the links: Sita, Cap & Lazzi. You can download bus schedules. There is also general info on other transport options.
From what I've read here in the past couple of weeks, parking can be a major problem in the minor towns.