Lucca – Natural wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli

Lucca – Natural wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli

If you’re exploring Tuscany and craving an authentic, laid-back experience that combines wine, food, and a touch of countryside charm, the Lucca Natural Wine Tasting at Tenuta Mareli might just be your perfect day out. This tour offers a chance to sample organic and biodynamic wines produced right in the scenic hills near Lucca, paired with local delicacies — all in a relaxed outdoor setting.

One of the standout features of this experience is the opportunity to converse with other guests from around the world while enjoying your wine under a shady pergola. The chance to learn about the winemaking techniques—from organic farming to biodynamics—is another big plus. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is a full-day experience, so it’s best suited to those who enjoy a more leisurely pace and are happy to be outdoors.

What might give some pause is that the experience does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation. Still, if you’re staying in Tuscany and appreciate genuine, small-scale wine tasting with local produce, this tour is a delightful and educational choice. Perfect for wine lovers, foodies, or anyone curious about organic farming methods, it promises a memorable immersion into Tuscany’s countryside.

Key Points

• Authentic organic/biodynamic wines produced on-site
• Relaxing outdoor setting with views of the vineyard
• Educational insights into wine, honey, and oil production
• Tasty local food pairing with wines, including cheeses and cold cuts
• Opportunity to meet international guests and share experiences
• Self-arranged transportation necessary, no hotel pickup included

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

From the moment you arrive at Tenuta Mareli, you’ll notice the peaceful vibe of this family-run winery. The outdoor pergola where tastings take place provides shade and a scenic backdrop of the rolling hills, making it an ideal spot for savoring your glass of wine while soaking up the Tuscan countryside. As noted by earlier visitors, the relaxed environment and friendly hosts create a welcoming atmosphere. Julia, who praised Francesca’s hospitality, mentions that the experience was “toll,” and highlights how the delicious wines and food made it memorable.

Tour of the Vineyard and Winery

Your journey begins with a gentle walk through the vineyard, where you’ll learn about the history of Tenuta Mareli and their commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. The hosts are keen to share their passion, explaining how they cultivate grapes without chemicals, emphasizing sustainability. During certain times of the year—especially in September—you might witness grape harvesting or foot treading, which adds a hands-on feel to the experience.

Next, you’ll visit the winery itself, where the process of transforming grapes into wine is explained in simple, engaging terms. If you’re visiting in March, you might see bottling and labeling, all done manually, which underscores the meticulous craftsmanship involved. The reviews confirm that guides like Francesca and the owner (who is described as friendly and knowledgeable) bring a genuine enthusiasm to their explanations, making complex topics accessible and interesting.

Tasting and Local Products

After the tour, the real treat begins. You’ll sip four different glasses of wine, each reflecting the character of the terroir and the winery’s commitment to organic practices. The tasting takes place under the pergola, enhancing the sensory experience, but in case of rain, it’s moved indoors.

Alongside your wine, you can sample extra virgin olive oil, three types of honey, and pollen—all produced locally. The inclusion of cold cuts, pecorino cheese, and focaccia creates a well-rounded tasting platter that complements the wines perfectly. Julia’s review emphasizes that the delicious wines and tasty food made the experience stand out, and Monique appreciated the knowledgeable owner and the quality of the wines served.

Production Insights and Seasonal Variations

Depending on when you visit, there’s a chance to see some of the production processes firsthand. September visitors might witness grape harvesting or vinification, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience. In March, you might observe bottling and labeling, all performed by hand. This seasonal variation keeps the experience fresh for repeat visitors and offers an intimate look at the winery’s cycle.

The Food and Drink

The tasting platter, which includes local pecorino cheese and cold cuts, offers a taste of traditional Tuscan flavors. The focaccia adds a comforting touch, and the honey varieties provide sweet contrast. The combination of wines and local produce is thoughtfully curated, ensuring you enjoy a flavorful journey through Tuscan countryside products. Reviewers frequently mention how these accompaniments elevate the tasting, making it more than just about wine.

Practicalities and Value

The experience lasts roughly a day, with the duration and start times subject to availability. The price includes the vineyard tour, four glasses of wine, oil, honey, pollen, and the local food platter—all at a value that’s justified by the quality of the wines and the personalized nature of the experience. It’s worth noting that no transportation is included, so plan to reach the winery on your own, whether by car or organized transfer.

The flexibility of “reserve now, pay later” and full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds to the ease of booking, especially if your plans are still flexible.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about organic and biodynamic practices, foodies curious about local Tuscan products, and travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic activity away from crowded tourist spots. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy outdoor settings and engaging conversations with hosts who are passionate about their craft.

If you appreciate small-scale, family-run wineries where you get a personalized touch and genuine insights, you’ll find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s also perfect for visitors with a flexible schedule who are comfortable arranging their own transportation in Tuscany.

The Sum Up

The Lucca Natural Wine Tasting at Tenuta Mareli offers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s countryside, combining quality organic wines, local produce, and a friendly atmosphere. The emphasis on biodynamic farming and handcrafted products makes it stand out from more commercial wine tastings. Guests leave with not only a full glass but also a deeper understanding of sustainable wine production and Tuscan flavors.

This experience is especially valuable for those who enjoy educational yet relaxed tours, appreciate delicious food pairings, and prefer a more intimate setting over large, impersonal tastings. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Tuscany’s rural roots while sampling some of the region’s best organic wines.

If you’re after a memorable, authentic experience that’s rich in flavor and friendliness, this tour will not disappoint. Just remember to arrange your transport and prepare for a leisurely, flavorful day in the Tuscan hills.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, the tour does not include pick-up or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the winery.

How many wines will I taste?
You will enjoy four different glasses of wine during the tasting session.

Can I see the wine production process?
Yes, depending on the time of year, you might observe activities like grape harvesting, foot treading, vinification, or bottling and labeling.

Are other products like honey and oil available?
Absolutely, the tasting includes three types of honey, extra virgin olive oil, and pollen produced locally.

What food accompanies the wine?
A platter with cold cuts, pecorino cheese, and focaccia is included, enhancing the tasting experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for spontaneous plans.

This tour balances educational insights with authentic flavors, making it well worth considering if you’re seeking a meaningful taste of Tuscany’s organic wine scene.