wine tours Tuscany

http://www.verrazzano.com/en/ Try this web-site. You get a small tour by one of the wineries managers, wine tasting and a pretty good multi course meal for about 50.00 euros (say hi to Gino for me). The place is beautiful and everyone was very nice. If you want to buy wine, great, if not they won't pressure you to buy (shipping to the US is about 100.00 euros for half a dozen bottles. If you want to, buy a bottle and enjoy in Piazza de Michael Angelo). You can get there by bus or car from Florence to Greve de Chianti. If you go by bus, they have a welcome area with a mini bus that will take you up and down the mountain to the winery and back. The bus stop is about a block or two from the welcome area. If you go by car, go to Greve de Chianti and when you get to their welcome area, just drive up to the castle (contact them for better instructions, but this is pretty close). We had a really good time, wine was excellent, food was great and the views; ohhh... the views. They also have a small restaurant in Florence called "La Cantineta di Verrazzano". They serve sandwiches and wine there. If you need any further help, contact me.

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I have been on their site. The Saturday tour with wine and food tasting sounds good to us. Or Monday with lunch. It is more reasonably priced for us. Thanks Also looking for Brunello wineries. Would it be feasible for a day trip out of Florence?

Castello di Verrazzano is good to visit, has some good wines (the Riserva in particular 2007 is worth the trip alone). It is quite a slick production and no stranger to tourists which you may love or loathe. Ask when Elena is giving a tasting; but others are equally professional. Wine tours can seem expensive, but when you break it down you will often find there is a reason- having a driver pick you up from the hotel, visiting more than one vineyard, usually lunch, plus a bilingual guide of the area. It all adds up. For me the main benefit would be being able to sample the wines without having to drive a car; for others it might be the chance to meet people. http://www.slow-days.com have a day in Tuscany and vineyard tours which I would highly recommend. But however you get to the vineyard Tuscany itself is the main attraction! Enjoy the scenery!

Thanks for your reply. I am still considering a day tour from Florence. And yes the idea of driving oneself or public transport has some definite drawbacks. All this will be considered. Thanks

I second Miguel's suggestion. DH and I did a tour and lunch (also with Gino) this past May. We loved it. It was one of the many highlights of our 19 day trip. Not only did we learn about the wine, but you can really get a sense of the love and pride that Italians put into the winemaking process (and Gino is quite animated :) As Miguel said, there was no pressure to buy at all. But we decided to buy a case (shipping was 140 euros). After opening the 1st bottle from the case last night, I can confirm it was well worth it :)

Thank you all. Booked the tour, tasting and lunch 48 euros. We are very pleased with this choice. Will continue to search for more recommendations,ie, Montalcino, Brunello.