no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Some of Italy’s best wines are produced in the DOCG Chianti Classico, 177,500 acres of undulating, vine-striped land stretching between Florence and Siena. Dozens of wine estates share this fertile terroir, many of which offer tastings and vineyard tours and an opportunity to buy wines from source. Some also have very good restaurants and accommodation.

The history of wine-making in the region dates back hundreds of years. Early Chiantis were a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia Bianca grapes; today, a DOC Chianti must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese.

The main Chianti growing area is divided into eight sub-zones. The most famous is Chianti Classico, located between Florence and Siena, which produces some 25 million bottles a year, including some of the region’s greatest wines. Most bottles sport the image of a black rooster on a gold background, a guarantee of quality.

While you’re there

Many of the wine estates in Chianti also produce excellent olive oil, which you can taste along with the wines and purchase on site. Among the best are Castello di Ama, Dievole, Fonterutoli, Badia a Coltibuono and Borgo San Felice.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The ‘wine towns’ of Greve-in-Chianti and Castellina-in-Chianti are good starting points and the tourist offices have maps. The Chianti Classico Consortium’s website has information about the opening hours of each estate and the tours and tastings they offer.

Most tastings and vineyard tours need to be booked ahead. The distances between the northern and southern confines are longer than expected and the roads are winding; choose three or four to visit that are close together.

Self-drive means you can stop and start when you like, but organised tours are often a simpler option, with tours and tastings all pre-arranged.

When to do it

Wine estates are open all year round seven days a week. It’s interesting to visit during September when the vendemmia (grape harvest) is underway although some smaller estates discourage visitors in this period.

Brancaia
Experience

Brancaia

Radda, Tuscany, Italy

A Swiss-owned Brancaia winery located near Castellina-in-Chianti. As well as cellar tours and tastings, they offer a ‘Blending Experience’ with the sommelier.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Castellina in Chianti
Experience

Castellina in Chianti

Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Lying directly on the SS222, hill-top Castellina was once a bastion of Florentine dominance as seen in the imposing fortifications and tower. It’s a very pleasant town to wander around and there are lots of places to buy and taste wine.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Castello di Ama
Experience

Castello di Ama

Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy

Ama is a tiny stone hamlet near Gaiole in a glorious setting. Apart from superb wines, Ama has an excellent restaurant, four lovely suites and one of the most important collections of site-specific artworks in Italy.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
View of the picturesque village of Fonterutoli, province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and cypresses.
Experience

Castello di Fonterutoli

Fonterutoli, Tuscany, Italy

The aristocratic Marchesi Mazzei family have been making wine at Fonterutoli since the 11th century; it now boasts a state-of-the-art wine cellar where you can book tours and tastings. The superb wines pair well with the elegant-rustic dishes on offer at the Osteria.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Discover Chianti Through its Wines

Discover Chianti Through its Wines

Florence

Located between Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, Casa Sola is a family owned boutique winery, ideal stop for those who want to discover th...

€29 | Rating 4.98 / 5 [65 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Skip the Line: Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour

Skip the Line: Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour

Siena

Immerse yourself in Italy’s history on this 2-hour sightseeing tour. Explore Siena's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town; discover Siena's...

€35 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [294 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Chianti Wine Tour from Florence

Chianti Wine Tour from Florence

Florence

Combine Chianti wine with blissful Tuscan countryside on a Wine tour from Florence! With your tour escort, travel out of Florence and spend ...

€39 | Rating 4.18 / 5 [1877 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Tour and Tasting at an Organic Winery in the Heart of Chianti Classico Area

Tour and Tasting at an Organic Winery in the Heart of Chianti Classico Area

Chianti

Visit an organic estate that organizes guided tour and tastings in the heart of Chianti Classico area, between Radda and Panzano in Chianti....

€40 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [84 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Como Castello del Nero

Tavernelle, Tuscany, Italy[11.6 miles]

A converted 12th century castle, with superb spa and restaurant. A perfect Tuscan countryside retreat, but close enough to the attractions of Florence, Siena and the Chianti Wine Region.

Official star rating:

AdAstra

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[22.6 miles]

An aristocratic mansion set in a magnificent private garden, AdAstra offers 16 beautiful rooms filled with antiques, up-cycled retro pieces and quirky design touches.

Official star rating:

Hotel Palazzo Guadagni

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[22.8 miles]

Set on lively Piazza Santo Spirito, this charming three-star hotel has bags of character in addition to modern facilities and services. The top-floor loggia is a magical spot for an aperitivo.

Official star rating:

Borgo Pignano

Pignano, Tuscany, Italy[22.9 miles]

A beautifully-renovated 18th-century villa and its surrounding hamlet, set on a 750-acre estate in the middle of rural Tuscany.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

HZERO Model Railway Collection
Experience

HZERO Model Railway Collection

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[23.5 miles]

An ex-cinema houses the fabulous private model railway collection belonging to the late Marchese di San Giuliano. The centrepiece is a 280-square metre model, one of the largest in Europe; the landscaping (from mountains to seascapes) is exquisite.

Best for ages: 4+ | £12

Website >
Overview >

Round-ups that include this experience

13 Best wine regions

Multiple countries

The world’s greatest wine regions – where you can sip the world’s greatest wines at source, and tour the vineyards to learn how they’re made.

Website >
Overview >