Wine Tasting & Lunch in Florence city centre

If you’re visiting Florence and looking for a way to combine your love of good wine, delicious food, and the city’s historic charm, this wine tasting and lunch tour might just be your perfect match. Offered by Hidden Experiences, this activity promises a relaxed afternoon of tasting four exquisite Tuscan wines, paired with a hearty lunch, all in the very heart of Florence’s city center. With glowing reviews and a reputation for quality, it’s clear that this experience aims to give travelers a taste of authentic Tuscany—minus the long trips out of town.

What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting and focus on local wines and traditional dishes. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy four different wines, carefully selected from extensive cellars, offers a lovely insight into the region’s wine heritage. One aspect we particularly appreciate is how accessible it is—most travelers can join, and it’s conveniently located within walking distance of Florence’s major sights, including the Duomo.

That said, it’s worth noting that the experience is quite focused on wine and food, so if you’re after a broader tour of Florence’s landmarks or a more active sightseeing schedule, you might want to pair this with other activities. This experience is most suited for wine lovers, foodies, or anyone craving a relaxed afternoon savoring authentic flavors in a cozy setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Tuscany wines: Four carefully selected wines are tasted, giving a genuine taste of the region’s best.
• Traditional pairing: The lunch features regional dishes that highlight local ingredients and cooking techniques.
• Intimate setting: The tour caps at 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Accessible location: Situated near Florence’s main attractions, making it easy to incorporate into your day.
• Value for money: For around $74, you get a 1.5-hour tasting, a substantial lunch, and the chance to learn about Tuscan wine and cuisine firsthand.
• Highly rated: With a 5-star rating from two reviews, guests praise the quality of the wines and the overall experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Florence Wine Tasting & Lunch Experience

The Meeting Point and Logistics

The experience begins at Enoteca Alessi on Via dell’Oche, 27/red, just a short stroll from Florence’s iconic Duomo. Starting at 1:00 pm, you’ll find yourself in a cozy, traditional enoteca—an ideal setting to get comfortable and ready to savor the afternoon. The small group size, with a maximum of 15 travelers, promises a relaxed environment where questions are welcomed, and the atmosphere feels more like sharing drinks with friends than a structured tour.

The tour features a mobile ticket, which makes the check-in process straightforward, and the activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re free to continue exploring Florence afterward.

The Wine Selection

Participants are treated to four glasses of wine, each 60 ml, carefully chosen from what appears to be an extensive cellar. Reviewers have noted that the wines are among the best Tuscan varieties, and the selection caters well to both casual wine drinkers and those with more refined palates. A guest mentioned that if you enjoy the sampled wines, the staff can arrange shipment for further enjoyment back home, which hints at a curated, quality-focused approach.

While the specific wines aren’t listed, the emphasis on the “best Tuscan wines” suggests a mix of reds (possibly Chianti, Brunello, or Vino Nobile) and perhaps some whites or rosés typical of the region. The tasting experience is designed not just to be about drinking but to tell the story behind each wine—its origins, what makes it unique, and how it pairs with Tuscan cuisine.

The Lunch Experience

Paired with the wines is a light but satisfying lunch featuring regional specialties. The focus is on traditional Tuscan dishes, likely including bread, white meats, ancient cereals, and spices reminiscent of the Renaissance period. Guests have described the meal as “great” and “wonderful,” emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the food. The meal complements the wine tasting perfectly, making for a well-rounded experience that satisfies both palate and curiosity.

Guests have also appreciated the generous charcuterie board offered during the tasting, which adds a savory touch to the afternoon. The lunch is considered more than just a snack—it’s an integral part of experiencing Florence’s culinary heritage in an approachable setting.

The Atmosphere and Experience

What sets this tour apart is the casual, friendly environment. Reviewers have described it as “relaxing” and “fun,” with the staff being knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the wines and dishes. The experience seems to strike a good balance between education and enjoyment, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn about Tuscan food and wine traditions.

The intimate group size fosters a convivial atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a more personal experience over large, impersonal tours. Plus, being located near major sights makes it easy to slot into a leisurely afternoon in Florence.

Authenticity and Value

Many reviewers noted that this experience offers authentic tastes of Tuscany, not just touristy gimmicks. Kim_S, for instance, called it a “great introduction to the food and wines of the area,” highlighting its value for those wanting to understand more about regional produce. Wayne_B appreciated the “wonderful Charcuterie board” and mentioned that if you like the wine sampled or any from their cellar, they can even arrange shipment—adding a touch of personalized service.

At approximately $73.64 per person, the tour offers good value, considering it includes four wines, a substantial lunch, and expert guidance. It’s a chance to relax, taste fine wines, and savor the flavors of Tuscany without leaving Florence.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Tuscan wines in a relaxed environment. It’s also perfect for food lovers interested in regional dishes or travelers seeking a break from sightseeing to enjoy a cozy, intimate tasting session. If you enjoy learning about local traditions and pairing food with wine, you’ll find this activity fulfilling.

However, it’s less suited for those looking for a comprehensive sightseeing tour or a highly structured, fast-paced experience. Since it focuses on taste and conversation, travelers wanting a broader historical or cultural tour of Florence might want to combine this with other activities.

The Sum Up

In essence, this Florence wine tasting and lunch experience offers a taste of authentic Tuscany without leaving the city. It’s a chance to enjoy carefully curated wines, paired with traditional dishes, all within a friendly and intimate setting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about regional flavors, this tour provides a genuine and relaxed way to connect with Florence’s culinary soul.

Perfect for small groups, this experience delivers a memorable afternoon of flavor, learning, and local charm. It’s especially ideal for those who value quality over quantity, and who love discovering new wines in a casual, welcoming environment.

For anyone wanting to combine wine, food, and Florence’s vibrant atmosphere into one enjoyable session, this experience is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy four glasses of wine (60 ml each), bottled water, and a lunch featuring regional dishes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Enoteca Alessi on Via dell’Oche, 27/red, and ends back at the same location.

What time does the experience start?
The tour starts at 1:00 pm, making it a perfect post-lunch activity or a gentle way to begin an afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The group size is limited to 15 for a more personal experience.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but the whole experience, including tasting and lunch, spans about 4 hours.

What is the main focus of this tour?
The main focus is on Tuscan wines and regional cuisine, with an emphasis on authenticity and quality.

Can I purchase wines after the tour?
Yes, if you enjoy the wines sampled or any in the extensive cellar, the staff can arrange for shipment.

Is this a highly rated experience?
Yes, it has a perfect 5-star rating based on two reviews, highlighting its quality and guest satisfaction.

What is the cost and is it worth it?
At approximately $74, it offers excellent value for a curated tasting, lunch, and guided experience in Florence’s city center.