With a rich and illustrious history,
Tuscany is renowned for its breathtaking architecture and landscapes, intriguing landmarks and monuments, as
well as its romantic and inviting atmosphere. Among the many tourist attractions that travellers can visit to
experience the Toscana culture, the Italian region’s viticulture provides some of the most delightful and
decadent food and wine in the world. Tuscany allows travellers to indulge in an informative yet idyllic
escape to a destination that provides the perfect summer getaway.
As Tuscany’s most well-known
wine region, Chianti is a gateway to some of the most historic wineries found in Italy. Located south of
Florence and north of Siena, the Chianti wine region encompasses a significant amount of land in Tuscany and
produces more than eight million cases of wine each year. With other wine regions found throughout Tuscany,
many of the wineries outside of Chianti have vineyards in the Chianti region to produce their leading red
wines.
A tour of Chianti would include
stops in its region of Chianti Classico. The region’s villages of Greve, Gaiole, Radda and Castellina were
among the first to produce Chianti wines, with each town given the distinction of Chianti Classico to
showcase their significance in Tuscany’s wine history. Although the Chianti area has now expanded, the
villages located in Chianti Classico are perfect for wine enthusiasts who are looking for the best in quality
Chianti wines.
Greve in Chianti
The town, located
approximately 30 kilometres from Florence, provides a rural travel destination with wine tours available at
vineyards in agricultural farms and castles. Greve is home to the historic Castello di
Verrazzano winery, housed in a late-Renaissance castle. Other wineries in Greve such as
Azienda Agricola
Panzanello and Podere
Campriano exhibit a breathtaking architectural landscape as well as a unique wine heritage in its
vineyards. In addition to the wineries, local shops and wine bars, Greve is also home to the
Museo de la Cultura del
Vino, a
wine museum, and Le
Cantine,
a historical winemaking residence, both providing an educational, historical background on the region’s
wine production.
Gaiole in Chianti
In Gaiole, vineyards
can be found in an open and spacious atmosphere. Formerly a marketplace, the town is ideal for scenic tours
and walks to experience the outdoor surroundings and historical attractions. In addition to the various
wineries, travellers can visit the beautiful Parish Church of Spaltenna for historical monuments, and the
Abbey of Coltibuono wine estate for an educational tour. The Badia a Coltibuono winery even provides travellers with the option of a complete stay within the winery’s
adjacent villa, offering bed and breakfast-style accommodations with wine tours, cooking classes and dining
in its sophisticated restaurant. Castello di Ama is a historic wine estate that produces some of
the region’s finest Chianti and Chianti Classico wines, as well as olive oil. Barone
Ricasoliis known for
being the oldest winery in Italy, with its founders having had an active role in the early production of
Chianti wines. The Ricasoli castle retains its historical architecture from the 12th century and is situated
among 240 hectares of vineyard making it the largest winery in Chianti Classico. In addition to its
historical significance, the winery provides guided tours of its castle, cellars, vineyards and even a museum
tour of the “Ricasoli Collection,” which features rare items from the Ricasoli family history.
Castellina in Chianti
Castellina
exhibits remnants from the Etruscan age, when it was first settled, as well as its Middle Ages history as a
significant military outpost. The town, located just 15 km northwest of Siena, is also home to various
wineries, all producing the region’s famous Chianti Classico varietals. Wineries such as
Tenute
Piccini,
which has been producing wine since 1882, provide travellers with a variety of styles of wine, with its
Chianti varieties exhibiting some of the best in both tradition and taste. The Poggio Al
Sorbowinery provides a bed and breakfast-style of accommodations for wine enthusiasts looking
to extend their stay at the winery’s luxurious yet historical estate. In addition to wine tours, travellers
can also participate in cooking lessons, horseback riding and other recreational
activities.
Radda in Chianti
A stop in Radda
allows travellers to embark on a journey through the medieval town. In addition to the historical
architecture and landmarks, the town also offers wine tours at its nearby Chianti Classico wineries. The
Castello
d'Albolawinery has a long history of producing wine, dating back to the Etruscan period, with
its ancient vine agriculture. The castle’s property was also owned by historical Tuscan political and royal
figures. Travellers can embark on guided tours and visit the winery’s tasting room. The
Fattoria di
Montemaggio is a winery known for its production of Sangiovese, Pugnitello, Merlot and Chardonnay
grapes to create some of the terroir’s highest quality wines. In addition to wineries found in Radda, the
town is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops for savoury Tuscan fare, making it the perfect stop
for a relaxing respite. •
Splash Photo Courtesy:
Castello Di Verrazzano
Gallery Photo
1: Barone Ricasoli
Gallery Photo 2:
Tenute Piccini
Gallery Photo 3:
Castello D'Albola
