Exploring Tuscany, whether by car or by train, is all about three things: people, place, and pace. You’ll notice that travel slows down in Italy’s most picturesque countryside, and it seems to be by design. The roads twist and turn around hilltops, so you can’t quite drive fast, and every attraction seems to be separated by a distance of no less than ten miles.
People simply cannot plow through crazy itineraries here, and that’s why you’ll love your adventures in Tuscany so much more. These 9 wineries in Chianti will deliver on those three P’s’.
For people, many of these wineries are family-owned and operated, which means you get to learn first-hand from the people cultivating the land. For place, learning about wine production (or let’s be so honest, enjoying a glass of the end product) will bring you a little closer to one of Italy’s biggest agricultural exports, wine. And lastly, for pace, the Chianti region is slow travel friendly.
Out of these locations, I had the best wine tour at Poggio Amorelli, and really enjoyed their lunch, but all of these spots bring a certain merit. Let’s get into them.
What’s In This Article
- A mix of 9 iconic and underrated wineries in Italy’s Chianti wine region.
- Experiences beyond wine tasting, including farm-to-table lunches, agriturismo stays, and olive oil tastings.
- Most of these spots are family-run and managed, giving you an opportunity to meet the folks who love (and live) the wine making craft.
TL;DR: This guide highlights our nine favorite wineries in Chianti and ranges from upscale and international operations to micro-vineyards. Find out where you can sip Chianti while chatting with the people who made it.
Poggio Amorelli
Wine tasting comes with complementary snacks, and you can also enjoy lunch on the terrace. I loved the homemade pasta made with eggs from their own henhouse, and organic vegetables grown on the premises. So, you get a great example of Italian culinary traditions paired with a stunning natural backdrop.
Key things to note: Family-owned and operated. Upscale without being snooty
Casa Ruffino – Tenuta Poggio Casciano
Although we’re only focusing on one place to drink wine in Tuscany, Casa Ruffino actually has six estate locations all throughout the Chianti wine region.
What makes this location so special is that it’s a true agriturismo, an agricultural business that welcomes the public for tours, meals, and an overnight stay. There are eight double bedrooms, so the place is never overwhelmed by a crowd, and you as a visitor get the pleasure of staying in a Renaissance villa surrounded by vineyards.
Ruffino’s RISERVA DUCALE 2021 just made #17 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list.
Key things to note: Larger operations, on the more expensive side, luxurious experience
Casa di Monte
Casa di Monte is sorely underrated, and I believe it’s because the visit will bring you to a less popular side of Tuscany. No less beautiful, but you don’t find the same number of visitors here as you would near San Gimignano or Panzano, where many travelers pay a visit to Dario Cecchini’s Macelleria.
What I like most about Casa di Monte is they keep their operations in the family. While nonna (grandmother) cooks dinners in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy a wine tour with another family member.
In my article about day tripping to Davinci’s birth home, I mentioned tacking Casa di Monte onto the excursion for a bit of lunch or a quick wine tour. For travelers in the area, it’s a must-visit.
Key things to note: Casa di Monte is a bit more low-key and casual.
Antinori nel Chianti Classico
Antinori nel Chianti Classico is by far one of the most architecturally unique buildings I’ve seen in Italy. It’s a far cry from the typical ancient structures you’ll find while spending a few days in Florence.
The structure has a giant spiral staircase connecting to what looks like it could be a wood-slatted UFO hovering just over the lawn. The interior consists of the warm textures of wood and stone, marrying contemporary design with the organic tones of the surrounding area.
By the way, they were recognized and given the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards award in 2022.
Key things to note: Upscale but delicious; a little on the pricey side (50 euros and up), but the environment makes it worth it.
Casaloste
Rustic, refined, and truly Tuscan—these are all words that seem to define Casaloste perfectly. The owners, Giovanni Battista d’Orsi (an agronomist and oenologist), and his wife Emilia, take operations into their own hands.
If you can’t get enough of Casaloste during the day, they have two accommodation options for those who want to stay overnight. Both apartments on the premise have direct access to the lawn, one of which with its own terrace for morning coffees.
Key things to note: Casual, husband-and-wife team, super friendly and jovial. A truly wonderful experience for families or couples looking for a calm stay in Tuscany.
Montecalvi Winery
While roadtripping on the Chiantigiana (read about that experience here), be sure to stop at Montecalvi, a winery just north of Greve in Chianti. The Montecalvi estate has been producing wine since the 1400s.
What I love about this winery is that they are an ICEA-certified organic winery, meaning they do not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents in the harvest process. In turn, their wine grapes and olive oils are minimally processed with few (or no) additives.
Key things to note: Family owned and smart-casual. Not quite upscale, but serious about high quality wine.
Azienda Agricola Podere Bucine Winery
Podere Bucine will not only serve you great wine, they will feed you well, too. When you come for a wine tasting, you’ll enjoy it either inside within the cozy stone walls of the villa, or outside on the terrace with a light Tuscan breeze tousling your hair. Either way, it’s a joy to be there.
This woman-owned vineyard generally accepts walk-ins for a wine tasting, but it’s generally best practice to call ahead.
Key things to note: The environment is very calm and non-performative. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon full of sampling Tuscan specialties.
Terre di Perseto
Terre di Perseto is a family-run operation, first started in the 1950s by Metello Sabatini and then passed down to his two grandsons, who manage it now. Niccolò and Daniel, both brothers and business owners, will gladly walk you through the history of wine-making in the region as well as their estate.
Key things to note: Family-run and a fun environment. They have dogs that will come greet you, and a neighboring cat or two.
Villa il Pozzo
Villa il Pozzo has one of the nicest vineyard atmospheres. Their outdoor terrace sits on a hill and overlooks the sprawling rows of grape vines. The horizon is dotted by other villas and cypress trees. No doubt, you will enjoy the view with a glass of wine.
What really makes this place special is the knowledge and friendliness of the owners. Although I didn’t meet them there, there are a total of 7 siblings who now manage the estate, which was purchased by their grandfather in 1966.
When you’re looking for a day trip from Florence, Villa il Pozzo is a place to visit for the olive oil and wine tastings, but you’ll end up staying for the vibe.
Key things to note: The absolute best social experience (in my opinion), very friendly locals who own this place and truly have a passion for wine.
Tips for Visiting Vineyards in Chianti
Getting around Chianti’s nooks and crannies does take some pre-planning. Here’s how to get the most out of your visit.
Rent a car
Let’s face it: sometimes getting off the beaten path requires a set of wheels. I do highly recommend you rent a car for a few days, because that will open up the possibilities of visiting a whole lot of interesting places in Tuscany.
However, you can also get pretty far by public transportation. A few of my train-friendly favorite day trips from Florence include Bologna, Lucca, and Siena.
Take a guided tour
If you don’t mind going with a group, another great way to explore Chianti is with a guide. Most guides will actually pick you up from your hotel in Florence and will stop at a few places.
But be warned, guides will often bring you to large wineries that are equipped to handle multiple tour groups. If you’re looking for an intimate winery experience, then you’re better off renting a car.
Beware the Riposo
Similar to the Spanish Siesta, many Italian businesses close for a mid-day break from 1 PM – 4 PM. The mid-day riposo (meaning “rest”) often affects restaurants and shops, but some smaller vineyards may also close in the afternoon. If you’re traveling between these times, you should call ahead or make a reservation before showing up.
Other Wine Regions in Italy
Did you know that Italy has 20 distinct wine regions? Spread all through the country, there are seemingly unlimited opportunities to explore different types of wine. Here are a few of my favorites.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a lesser-known wine region in the northern part of the country. It sits alongside Lake Iseo and gets special flavor distinctions from the rocky, rugged Alps and the cool air circulations. Franciacorta is a special Champagne-esque wine, noted for its double fermentation and snappy bubbles.
Sicily
Sicily is another under-the-radar gem for Italian wine, and my personal favorite. Sicilian wine is not mass-produced, and often comes from small family-run estates. Try white wines from the Grillo grape, a varietal native to Sicily.
Veneto
Veneto is the wine region near Venice, also in the northernmost part of Italy. Veneto is the largest producer of Italian wines, and much of what you may find internationally comes from this region.
