SMALL GROUP Chianti 2 wineries & meat feast @ Dario Cecchini

Discover Tuscany’s Best on a Small-Group Chianti Wineries & Meat Feast Tour from Florence

This highly-rated tour offers an immersive journey into the heart of Tuscany’s wine country, combining visits to two organic wineries with a legendary meat feast at Dario Cecchini’s butcher shop. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances wine education, authentic food, and picturesque landscapes—all within a relaxed, small-group setting.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on personalized attention—limited to just eight travelers—ensuring you get more than just a rushed tasting. Plus, the stop at the famed butcher shop promises a unique, up-close look at Tuscan meat traditions.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point. It’s best suited for those who appreciate good wine and food, enjoy small-group intimacy, and want an authentic taste of Tuscany without the crowds.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small group of up to 8 travelers provides more personalized guidance.
• Authentic Wine & Food: Visits to two organic wineries with around 10 wine tastings and a meat feast lunch at Dario Cecchini.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Clemente and Matteo are praised for their passion and storytelling.
• Scenic & Cultural: Stops include a walk in Greve in Chianti, showcasing classic Tuscan views and town charm.
• Value for Money: The tour combines tastings, an informative experience, and a memorable meal, offering great value at $359.
• Convenience & Practicality: Mobile tickets and fixed meeting points make organizing your day straightforward.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Group Size

The adventure begins at the Grape Tours office in Florence, conveniently located near public transportation. Meeting 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start, and with a maximum of eight guests, the atmosphere stays friendly and relaxed. As one traveler noted, the small group makes for a more intimate and engaging experience, especially with guides like Clemente, whose passion for wine is contagious.

The Winery Visits: Grape Tours & Casa Erta

The first stop is Grape Tours’ office, which doubles as the starting point and drop-off location. From there, you’re whisked away in a comfortable, private setting to two carefully selected organic wineries: Casa Erta—Fattoria Corzano e Paterno. Each winery offers a tour and tasting session lasting about an hour and a half.

At Casa Erta, you’ll learn about “terroir”, a fundamental concept in winemaking that explains how soil, climate, and vineyard practices influence flavor. Guides are eager to share insights, making the tasting more than just sipping—it’s about understanding what makes Chianti wines from this region so distinctive. Reviewers mention that the guides’ knowledge is top-notch, with Clemente and Quentin often highlighted for their enthusiasm and depth of expertise.

The wines sampled are around 10 different varieties, primarily Chianti and Chianti Classico, giving you ample opportunity to notice the subtle differences—floral, fruity, or earthy notes—that set each apart. Travelers frequently comment on the quality of wines and the guide’s ability to explain how to distinguish their characteristics.

Lunch at Dario Cecchini’s Butcher Shop

Midway through the tour, everyone gathers at the renowned Antica Macelleria CECCHINI, Dario Cecchini’s legendary butcher shop in Chianti. The experience here is a true highlight—more than just a meal, it’s an immersion into Tuscan culinary culture.

While some reviews mention that the service can be slow or less attentive, most agree that the meat feast itself is memorable, showcasing the region’s love of high-quality, locally sourced meats. Dario Cecchini’s reputation as a master butcher lends an authentic and lively atmosphere to the meal.

The menu includes a variety of cuts and meat-based dishes, paired with local wines. Reviewers like LindaLavery praise the superb food and spectacular scenery, noting that the experience feels like a special occasion rather than just a meal.

Exploring Greve in Chianti

After lunch, the tour takes a brief 15-minute stroll in Greve in Chianti, a picture-perfect town with a charming square and a relaxed pace. This is a great chance to stretch your legs, browse local shops, or simply soak up the Tuscan vibe.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: About 7 hours—enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
• Price: At $359.16 per person, the tour offers solid value considering the included tastings, lunch, and guided experience.
• Transport: The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at the designated location or arrange your own transportation.
• Age & Accessibility: Minimum age is 18, making it suitable for most wine lovers, but check accessibility if needed.
• Booking: The tour is popular, typically booked 67 days in advance, emphasizing its appeal.

The Authentic Charm of This Tour

From the knowledgeable guides to the carefully selected wineries, every aspect of this experience is designed to give you a genuine taste of Tuscany. Reviewers frequently mention how guides like Clemente and Matteo make learning about wine fun and approachable, with infectious enthusiasm that keeps the group engaged.

The two wineries are praised for their welcoming atmosphere and high-quality wines—a perfect combination for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Chianti’s terroir and winemaking traditions. One guest noted that the visit to Casa Erta was particularly informative, with the guide explaining how different factors contribute to wine flavor.

The lunch at Dario Cecchini’s butcher shop, although occasionally criticized for service, is generally seen as a culinary highlight, offering a chance to savor authentic Tuscan meats in a lively setting. This isn’t just a quick bite; it’s a culturally immersive experience that adds a hearty, flavorful dimension to the day.

The final stop in Greve provides a relaxed way to unwind and enjoy the scenery, making the overall experience well-rounded.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love wine and want an intimate, authentic experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small-group intimacy, expert guides, and good value. The combination of wine, food, and scenic towns makes for a well-balanced day.

However, if you prefer private transportation or have mobility concerns, you may need to consider additional arrangements. Also, if you’re a vegetarian or have specific dietary restrictions, the meat-focused lunch might require planning ahead.

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to indulge in Tuscan flavors and learn about the region’s wine culture in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, hotel transfers are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point or arrange your own transportation.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, including winery visits, lunch, and a brief town stop.

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. Guides like Clemente and Matteo are praised for making wine approachable and fun, regardless of your experience level.

Are the wines tasted at the wineries included in the price?
Yes, around 10 wines are sampled at each winery as part of the guided tasting experience.

What is the lunch like?
Lunch is a meat feast at Dario Cecchini’s butcher shop, featuring local, high-quality meats and wines. It’s considered a highlight by most guests, though service can sometimes be slow.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Minimum age is 18, so it’s geared toward adult wine enthusiasts.

How many people participate in this tour?
It’s a small-group experience, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring more personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and a relaxed setting. Don’t forget sun protection if it’s a sunny day.

Can I customize this tour or choose vegetarian options?
Since the lunch focuses on meat, vegetarians might want to contact Grape Tours in advance to see if accommodations can be made.

To sum it up, this Chianti small-group tour offers a well-rounded and authentic slice of Tuscany, perfect for wine lovers eager to deepen their appreciation for local wines, savor fantastic meats, and enjoy beautiful scenery with a knowledgeable guide. It balances education, flavor, and ambiance in a way that feels genuine, memorable, and worthwhile.