Chianti: Lunch with Wine Tasting at Poggio ai Laghi Winery

If you’re dreaming of a genuine taste of Tuscany, this experience at Poggio ai Laghi offers a delightful blend of fine wines, delicious homemade food, and warm hospitality. The tour, rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews, combines an authentic winery visit with a thoughtfully curated meal that captures the essence of Chianti. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a relaxing, authentic day in Italy’s famous wine region, especially if you appreciate detailed explanations, quality products, and a cozy atmosphere.

What makes this tour stand out is the expert guidance during tastings, the chance to sample top-tier wines and oils, and the intimate group size—max 15 travelers—making it feel more like a visit to a friend’s home than a large-scale commercial tour. One point to consider is that this experience is primarily focused on wine and food, so if you’re after a more active sightseeing day, you might want to pair it with other excursions.

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of authentic Tuscan culture in a relaxed setting. If you’re looking for a memorable, value-driven experience that combines education, culinary delights, and beautiful scenery, Poggio ai Laghi’s lunch and tasting might just become a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Tuscan hospitality in a cozy winery setting.
• Expert-led tastings featuring top wines, oils, and vinegars.
• Hearty, traditional lunch with local cured meats, pasta, and desserts.
• Value for money with a comprehensive experience at a moderate price.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Ideal for wine and food lovers wanting a genuine taste of Chianti.

A Deep Dive into the Poggio ai Laghi Experience

What the Tour Offers

This experience invites you into the heart of Chianti, at Poggio ai Laghi, a winery that exudes warmth and authenticity. Starting at the meeting point in Monteriggioni, just a short drive from Siena, you’ll be greeted at the farm, where the focus is on sharing the passion and craftsmanship behind their wines and food products.

The group remains comfortably small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring you get personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides, including Aurora and Valeska, who go out of their way to tell stories that bring the wines and products to life. Many reviews highlight how engaging and passionate the guides are—one reviewer praised Aurora for being “very good at telling the story of wines,” which enhances the tasting experience dramatically.

Exploring the Winery and Tasting Journey

Once inside the winery, you’ll be introduced to the different wines, starting with sparkling options like Arella (Spumante Cuvèe Extra Dry Oletta) and Firmina (Spumante Rosé Extra Dry). These bubbly selections set a festive tone, and you’ll learn how traditional and modern methods blend to create these sparkling wines.

Moving on to reds, you’ll sample Lucilla, a Chianti Classico DOCG, and Oletta, a Chianti Riserva DOCG. Both are representative of the region’s high standards in winemaking, with reviewers pointing out how the wines are skillfully crafted and full of character. The tasting also includes a Supertuscan IGT, Aranda, offering a richer, more complex red for those interested in bold flavors.

The oils and vinegars are equally noteworthy. Small-batch crafted, the extra virgin olive oils come in flavors like white truffle and chili pepper, adding depth and variety. The balsamic vinegars, especially the Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP ORO, are described by reviewers as so delicious they could be eaten straight from the spoon—highlighting their exceptional quality.

The Food: A Made-to-Share Tuscan Feast

The lunch is more than just a meal; it’s a showcase of local flavors. The offerings include salame toscano, finocchiona, prosciutto crudo, and pecorino—rich, flavorful cured meats that are staples of Tuscan antipasto tables. Paired with bruschetta topped with fresh tomato and basil and crispy cialda di pane drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, the appetizer set the tone for a hearty, satisfying experience.

For the main course, you can choose between penne al ragù or penne al pomodoro, both simple but delicious pasta options that highlight the quality of local ingredients. The second course features arista (a roasted pork loin) accompanied by perfectly roasted potatoes—a favorite among reviewers who say the food was “absolutely phenomenal” and “one of the best lunches in Italy.” The meal ends with Cantuccini, traditional Tuscan almond biscuits, perfect for dipping into dessert wine or just enjoying on their own.

The Verdict: Authentic, Flavorful, and Educational

Many reviews emphasize how knowledgeable guides like Aurora and Valeska make the experience fun and educational, explaining the nuances of each wine, oil, and vinegar. One reviewer called it a “sensory experience,” praising the mix of aromas, textures, and flavors that kept everyone engaged.

The value for money is particularly noteworthy. For $57.32 per person, you get a generous tasting, a full meal, and insightful commentary—something many comment on as “great value” for a memorable day in Tuscany.

Practical Considerations

While the tour’s duration is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, it feels quite leisurely, allowing ample time to enjoy each tasting and the delicious meal. The meeting point is accessible via public transportation, and service animals are permitted, making it suitable for various travelers.

However, keep in mind that this experience is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather will offer a refund or alternative date. Also, since the tour caps at 15 travelers, booking in advance—average booking is 54 days ahead—is recommended to secure your spot.

The Authenticity and Personal Touch

What really elevates this experience is the genuine warmth of the staff and the hands-on approach to tasting and eating. Several reviewers mention how the guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling make the experience memorable, turning a simple winery visit into a true slice of Tuscan life.

Some highlights include tasting balsamic vinegar so delicious that one reviewer said, “I could just eat it by the spoonful,” and a guide who “made it an exciting afternoon filled with amazing wine and food.” These moments make this tour stand apart from more commercialized wine tastings.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This tour is perfect for wine lovers eager to understand more about Chianti wines from passionate producers. It also suits foodies wanting to indulge in local flavors while learning about olive oils and balsamic vinegar production. If you’re after a relaxed, intimate experience that combines education with delicious eating, you’ll find this immensely satisfying.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a fast-paced, sightseeing-focused day or those seeking large-group buzz. Instead, expect a cozy, engaging afternoon with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and savor authentic flavors.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children or service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the experience is generally suitable for most travelers, although the focus is on wine and food tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, giving enough time for tastings, a sit-down meal, and relaxed conversations.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features a generous assortment of Tuscan antipasto (salami, prosciutto, pecorino, bruschetta), a pasta course (penne al ragù or pomodoro), roasted pork with potatoes, and Cantuccini for dessert.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Booking is recommended about 54 days in advance on average, but last-minute spots might be available if the tour isn’t fully booked.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included—your meeting point is at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi in Monteriggioni, which is reachable by public transport or private transfer.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking a genuine taste of Tuscany, Poggio ai Laghi’s lunch and wine tasting delivers authentic charm, top-quality products, and a warm, personalized atmosphere. The combination of expert guides, delicious local food, and a thoughtful selection of wines and oils makes this experience well worth the investment—especially if you’re a lover of good wine, good food, and heartfelt hospitality.

This tour suits travelers who want to deepen their appreciation for Chianti wines, enjoy a relaxed meal in a cozy setting, and learn about Tuscan culinary traditions firsthand. It’s a lovely way to spend a morning or early afternoon, leaving you with tasty souvenirs and beautiful memories of your Tuscan adventure.