Have you been dreaming of visiting the historical Tuscany and the world-famous Tuscany wine routes? If so, let your experience begin with a journey through the renowned Chianti region.
Taking in its rolling hills, clifftop castles and endless vineyards is a must-do when it comes to an idyllic Tuscan getaway. Why not take matters into your own hands by renting out a car and beginning the true exploration of Chianti’s wine route! Stop at one of hundreds of wineries along the way for some top quality Chianti Classico tasting – trust me, you won’t regret it!
Get ready to experience the best Tuscan wine activities and vineyards with Winalist. We offer the best Tuscan wine tours in Italy and partner with some of the country’s most amazing, authentic, and passionate wine producers. We can’t wait to see you!
Discovering the Tuscany Wine Routes
Visit the sumptuous monuments of Florence, stroll the streets of the charming city of Siena, discover San Gimignano, enjoy the translucent waters of the Mediterranean or admire the Tower of Pisa. Among these innumerable discoveries, do not miss the grands crus which can be savored just as much as the landscape. In the heart of the Tuscan countryside lie some of the most famous vineyards in the world.
Chianti, Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino or Morellino di Scansano, all these sumptuous red wines will delight your palate and your gastronomic discoveries. To discover them, nothing better than walking the wine route in Tuscany.
1. Chianti Classico wine route
First on our list of Tuscany wine routes is the Chianti Classico wine route. Between Florence and Siena lie the vineyards of Chianti Classico.
Chianti is an iconic Italian wine, and your journey throughout the Tuscan region will offer you breathtaking views of rolling hills and lush groves peppered with quaint villages including Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, San Casciano Val di Pesa and Barberino Val d’Elsa.
The Classic type of Chianti originates between Siena and Florence; however its production continues to expand beyond this area. Furthermore, a visit on the same wine route yields Cepparello grapes – renowned for their excellence! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to explore Tuscany’s celebrated vineyards!
2. Etruscan wine route
For your next exploration of the best Tuscany wine routes, journey to Elba. Here on the Etruscan Coast you can explore lush vineyards and sample superb Super Tuscan wines such as Sassicaia – a renowned Italian crus!
Delight in picturesque Bolgheri village or take time to marvel at Mario Botta’s architectural masterpiece – Petra estate. And don’t forget to visit Castello del Terriccio where you may meander among their vines, followed by an informative cellar tour.
3. Maremma Wine Route
The Maremma region has many grape varieties. Start your journey around Grosseto. You can visit the vineyards and cellars of the famous Maremma Toscana Baffo Nero or Maremma Toscana Ciliegiolo. Another option to discover the region’s grape varieties: take the paths around Monte Amiata and taste, in moderation of course, a few glasses of Montecucco.
4. Brunello di Montalcino wine route
In the province of Siena, in the lands of the Montalcino region, a world famous red wine is produced, Brunello di Montalcino. Originally, the best-known wine from the region was a sweet white wine, Moscadello di Montalcino. Stop to taste the local specialties and in particular the famous Pecorino de Pienza, the Tuscan cheese par excellence.
Tuscany wine routes FAQs
When is the best time to explore the Tuscan Wine Route?
The best time of year to visit Tuscany, and especially the Chianti wine route, is during the September harvest or just before to see the vines bow under the weight of ripening Sangiovese grapes – the variety whose comes from the Chianti Classico.
Another good time to visit Tuscany is in September to take part in one of the local festivals that celebrate the grape harvest, such as Vino al Vino, which is held the third week of September in the small town of Panzano, where many wines premises can be tasted.
Where to do wine tasting in Tuscany?
Castello di Ama
This castle, in addition to producing wine, hosts works of art by the greatest contemporary artists of the moment such as Buren, Anish Kapoor and Louise Bourgeois.
Badia Abbey in Coltibuono
The visit to the Badia Abbey in Coltibuono allows you to learn about the management of a wine estate and the process of making and preserving Chianti Classico. This is the best wine in the region, recognizable by the black rooster (“gallo nero”) on the cork.
