Wine tasting in the Chianti region of Tuscany: a personal experience

Chianti is not just a wine region, it’s one of the symbols of Tuscany, with a winemaking history that spans centuries and roots that can be traced back to ancient times. During my visit for a wine tasting, I not only learnt a great deal about Chianti Classico wine but also immersed myself in the local traditions, discovered the nuances of winemaking in the region, sampled a variety of wines, and soaked up the cosy atmosphere of Tuscan wineries.

In this post, I’ll delve into the history of the region, highlight the unique aspects of Chianti Classico production, and offer tips on booking and organising a wine-tasting trip from Florence. Additionally, I’ll share my experiences visiting two wineries, Il Molino di Grace and Tenuta Risecolli, which left me with unforgettable impressions.

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Chianti Classico is a special wine from the very heart of the Chianti region, crafted according to strict regulations to preserve tradition and ensure quality. This wine is produced exclusively in the historical centre of Chianti, where the grapes grow in carefully selected areas with ideal soil and climate. These vineyards are located on hills with soil composed of limestone and clay, which contributes to the wine’s rich flavour. At least 80% of Chianti Classico must consist of Sangiovese grapes, with up to 20% allowed for other varieties, but only local ones such as Canaiolo, Colorino, and others.

Chianti DOCG is the simplest wine from the Chianti region. The production rules for this category are less strict, and the grapes can be grown throughout the Chianti region, not just in its historical centre. In contrast, Chianti Classico DOCG is produced in the heart of the region, where the highest quality grapes are cultivated. Chianti Classico is distinguished by its complex flavour profile, longevity, and rich taste. Bottles of Chianti Classico often feature a black rooster as a mark of quality. This wine must be aged for at least 12 months. Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is aged for a minimum of two years before bottling. Thanks to prolonged aging in oak barrels, Chianti Riserva develops a deep and rich flavour with subtle notes of spices and oak. Wines in the Gran Selezione category are aged for more than 30 months to achieve an even more intricate and luxurious taste.

As part of a tour organized by CiaoFlorence, we visited two wineries: Il Molino di Grace and Tenuta Risecolli.

The winery Il Molino di Grace is located in a picturesque area of the Chianti region, near the town of Greve. This family-run estate is renowned for its high-quality wine production. The winery is celebrated for crafting wines exclusively from grapes grown on its own vineyards, where eco-friendly practices are employed. Particular emphasis is placed on Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and other local grape varieties. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings here, sampling a range of wines while taking in the stunning views of vineyards and the rolling Tuscan hills.

Address: Località Il Volano, SP di Lucarelli, 50022 Panzano in Chianti FI, Italy

Tenuta Risecolli is another remarkable winery in the Chianti region, celebrated for its high-quality wines and unique terroir. The winery is surrounded by scenic hills and olive groves, creating a quintessential Tuscan backdrop. At Risecolli, the focus is on traditional winemaking methods and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The estate produces both classic Chianti wines and more experimental varieties, offering a diverse selection for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings, where they can savor exquisite wines paired with traditional Tuscan snacks.

Address: Via le Convertoie, 9, 50022 Greve in Chianti FI, Italy

Wine tastings in the Chianti region follow several stages and typically last around two to three hours at each winery.

The experience usually begins in the vineyards, where you’ll learn about the different grape varieties and the specifics of their cultivation. You can enjoy breathtaking landscapes while discovering how the climate and soil influence the wine’s flavour. Next, the tour moves to the cellar, where barrels of wine are stored. Here, you’ll hear about the fermentation and ageing processes, as well as how the wood of the barrels impacts the wine’s aroma and taste. This part of the tour is especially engaging, offering a glimpse into how the wine is prepared for bottling.

The highlight of the visit is the tasting itself. Usually, guests sample 3–4 types of wine, each accompanied by a detailed explanation of its characteristics, aroma, and flavour. Hosts often provide guidance on how to properly evaluate wine, focusing on its colour, smell, and taste. As for food, wine tastings frequently include a selection of traditional dishes and snacks that enhance the wine's flavour. These may include cheeses, olives, bread with olive oil, and a variety of cured meats.

At the end of the tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase the wines you enjoyed and savour a glass of your favourite variety on-site. You can also explore the winery grounds, soak in the atmosphere, and take photographs with the vineyards and historic buildings as a backdrop. Photography is generally allowed during tastings, although this can vary by winery. Many wineries also offer private tastings, allowing you to explore the vineyards and production areas on your own for a more intimate experience.

— Plan your visit for the afternoon. I recommend scheduling your wine tasting for the later part of the day. It’s usually cooler then, allowing you to enjoy the winery’s atmosphere more comfortably. After the tour, you can relax and savour a glass of wine at your leisure.

— Eat beforehand. Keep in mind that the snacks offered during tastings are typically small, while the wine servings can be generous. Having breakfast or lunch beforehand will help you better appreciate the wine’s flavours and avoid any unpleasant sensations.

— Dress comfortably. Choose comfortable clothing and footwear, as the tour may involve walking through vineyards and cellars. If you plan to take photos, consider wearing something that will look good in pictures.

— Don’t delay purchasing your favorite wine. If you find a wine you love, buy it on the spot. It’s likely you won’t find it anywhere else, and you’ll regret missing the chance to take it home. Keep in mind that shipping wine directly from the winery to your home can be very expensive!

The best time to visit wineries in Tuscany is from September to November. In September, the grape harvest begins, offering you the opportunity to witness vineyard activities in full swing. Autumn weather is usually still warm but no longer as hot as in the summer. However, be aware that some wineries may close during this period due to the busy harvest season. November is also a great time to visit, as various wine-related festivals and events take place throughout the month. We visited the vineyards at the very end of August, so the vines were still adorned with large, ripe clusters of grapes, creating a truly picturesque experience.

Before your trip, you may wonder whether to join a group tour or opt for a private tasting. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question—both options have their pros and cons.

In a group tour, the focus isn’t entirely on you. You’ll receive an overview of the wine, visit the vineyards, cellars, and the main tasting hall. This option is perfect if you’re looking to learn the basics and gain a general understanding of the wine. Additionally, group tours are more budget-friendly, costing around €50 per person, while private tastings can cost up to €200.

Private tastings, on the other hand, offer a more intimate experience. You can enjoy the winery with just your friends or family, receive more personalised attention, and have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss details, and delve deeper into the winemaking process. Private tours often include access to areas not shown on group tours, such as special cellars or other fascinating spots. You can also stroll through the vineyards in peace. A private tour is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a unique, tailored experience and prefer a one-on-one guide. However, it’s worth noting that this option comes with a significantly higher price tag.

If possible, I’d recommend trying a private tour at least once on a future visit to wineries. Each winery typically has its own website with all the necessary information for planning your visit. Some travel agencies also offer private tastings, which you can book in advance. This provides greater flexibility in choosing your itinerary and timing, making your trip more personalised.

Also, consider how you’ll get to the wineries. Many are located far from cities, and public transportation options aren’t always convenient. Most tours include a transfer, which simplifies the logistics. However, if you’re visiting wineries independently, you might want to rent a car or book a transfer to the location.

Below, I’ve included tours from CiaoFlorence, the company we used for our tasting. Highly recommended—the organisation was excellent! They offer a 5.5-hour group tour with wine tasting, a 6.5-hour group tour with dinner, and a private tour of wineries in the Chianti region:

Additionally, you can visit a winery with them as part of other tours:

Visiting wineries in Italy is very easy! I usually book tours or tastings through aggregator websites. In the past, I used Airbnb Experiences (I'm not sure if it’s still working?), but the last time I chose an English-speaking tour on GetYourGuide. This was my first experience with the site, and everything went smoothly! I spent quite a while choosing a tour, even creating an Excel spreadsheet to compare options. In the end, I went with the tour operator CiaoFlorence.

Once you’ve booked your tour on the website, you’ll receive an email or be contacted via WhatsApp. The tour representatives will provide all the necessary details, such as the start time and location. In our case, the meeting point was the square behind the Santa Maria Novella train station, which is close to the city centre. We arrived at the specified spot, registered, received stickers with the tour name, and then waited for our bus. As soon as we got on the bus, the tour began. The guide not only talked about the vineyards but also shared interesting facts about Florence.

The Chianti region is one of Italy’s most famous wine-producing areas. It is located in Tuscany and has an ancient history dating back to the Etruscans. In the Middle Ages, monasteries and noble families actively developed winemaking here, and by the 13th century, Chianti was already famous for its wines, particularly among the Florentine aristocracy. In 1384, the Chianti League was even established — an alliance of cities that protected the quality and reputation of the local wines.

The Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) is the symbol of Chianti Classico wine and the historical emblem of the Chianti League. The legend goes that, during the Middle Ages, there was a dispute between Florence and Siena over the lands of Chianti. To determine the boundaries, a competition was arranged: riders from both cities were to set off towards each other at dawn, when the roosters crow. Where they met, the boundary would be drawn. The Florentines chose a black rooster and kept it hungry. On the day of the contest, the rooster crowed before dawn, allowing their rider to leave earlier and cover a much greater distance than the Sienese rider. As a result, most of Chianti remained with Florence. Since then, the black rooster has been the symbol of Chianti Classico, and its image on a bottle confirms that it is genuine wine from the historical centre of Chianti.

In 1716, Duke Cosimo III de' Medici officially established the boundaries of the Chianti region and set standards for winemaking — among the first of their kind in the world. In the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli proposed the classic formula for Chianti: the base was the Sangiovese grape, complemented by Canaiolo and white varieties such as Malvasia and Trebbiano. By the mid-20th century, the quality of Chianti began to decline due to the high proportion of white grapes. Only by the end of the century did Chianti Classico wines regain their prestige, after production rules were tightened and quality and ageing were improved. The Sangiovese grape is the foundation of all wines produced in this region. It gives the wine a cherry aroma, a slight acidity, and a pleasant bitterness. Sangiovese-based wines can range from light and fruity to strong and robust when aged in oak barrels.

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