Chianti Wine Tour with Tuscan Lunch Open Top Van

This highly-rated Chianti Wine Tour with Tuscan Lunch offers a delightful way to explore the stunning countryside of Tuscany. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll hop into a charming open-top minivan—perfect for soaking up the scenery—and visit two family-run wineries, two picturesque hilltop villages, and enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal paired with local wines. With a consistent 5-star rating from 86 reviews and a recommended status of 99%, this tour seems tailor-made for lovers of wine, scenic drives, and authentic Tuscan charm.

What we love most about this experience is the intimacy it offers—small group sizes, friendly guides, and the chance to really connect with the local culture through tasting and sightseeing. However, one thing to consider is that the tour starts early at 9:30 am and lasts around 7 to 8 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet immersive day outside Florence, especially those eager to taste some of Italy’s best wines while exploring charming villages.

Key Points

• Intimate, small-group experience with only a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a personal touch.
• Expert guides and drivers like Farus and Firas, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Beautiful scenery from the open-top van, providing perfect photo opportunities and a sensory experience.
• Visit two family-run wineries with guided tastings of Chianti wines, olive oils, and local delicacies.
• Authentic Tuscan villages like Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle, offering free time to explore artisan shops and historic streets.
• Generous tastings and multi-course lunch paired with carefully selected wines, making it a true culinary adventure.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Scenic Drive in an Open-Top Van

One of the standout features of this tour is the open-top minivan. It’s a casual but fantastic way to take in the rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages of Chianti. Several reviewers mention how the van’s design makes the experience feel personal and relaxed, almost like a road trip with friends rather than a large tour bus. The breeze, the sounds of birds, and the unobstructed views are what many describe as the best parts of the trip. Some advice from reviewers? Bring a jumper or light jacket, especially if you visit in cooler months, since the open vehicle can get chilly.

Visit to Castellina In Chianti

The first stop is a beautiful winery located in the heart of Chianti. Here, guests can taste some excellent wines, with the option to buy or send bottles home. The guide typically explains the wine-making process and what makes Chianti wines special, which adds depth to the tasting experience. Reviewers like Nancy_K highlight how they loved the wines and appreciated the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the winery.

Exploring Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle

After the first winery, the tour makes a stop at Piazza Matteotti in Greve, a bustling, scenic square filled with artisan shops and the famous butcher shop, Falorni. Guests get about 30 minutes of free time to wander, shop, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Many reviewers comment on how charming and authentic Greve feels—far from touristy, more like a glimpse into everyday Tuscan life. The nearby hilltop village of Montefioralle is another highlight, known for its well-preserved medieval charm. While not all reviews mention Montefioralle specifically, the inclusion of these villages means you’ll experience real local culture.

The Second Winery and Tuscan Lunch

The second stop is Fattoria di Luiano, a family-run estate where guests enjoy a multi-course Tuscan lunch paired with wine. The meal is often described as substantial and delicious, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Reviewers mention it being more than just a snack—some describe it as a proper sit-down meal with several courses, including cheeses, cold cuts, bread, and of course, wine. The guided wine tasting here emphasizes the quality and careful pairing of wines with the meal, making it a true gastronomic treat.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Apart from the scenic drives and authentic wine tastings, many reviewers praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Firas, in particular, is lauded for his helpfulness, humor, and willingness to go the extra mile—like stopping at extra sites or taking photos. The tours’ small size means more personalized attention, which many find makes the experience more memorable.

Value for Money

At $231.05 per person, this tour may seem a bit on the premium side, but considering the all-inclusive nature—two wineries, a guided cellar tour, multiple tastings, and a full Tuscan meal—it offers excellent value. Guests often remark that the quality of the wine, the authentic stops, and the personalized experience justify the cost. Plus, the flexibility to buy wine on-site and the opportunity to explore villages at leisure add to the overall value.

Practical Tips

• The tour departs at 9:30 am from Florence, so plan your morning accordingly.
• Bring a light jacket or jumper, especially if visiting in cooler months, since the van is open.
• Small group size means a more intimate experience, so early booking—on average booked 46 days ahead—is recommended.
• The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.
• Since tips are not included, consider bringing some cash for gratuities if you feel the guides made your day special.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers who appreciate authentic, family-run wineries rather than large commercial vineyards. It’s also well-suited for those who want a scenic, relaxed day outside Florence without the feeling of rushing through multiple stops. If you enjoy small-group settings, friendly guides, and beautiful countryside, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially great for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for an intimate and immersive taste of Tuscany.

However, if you prefer a more structured or busier tour, or are traveling with young children who may not enjoy the walking or wine tastings, you might want to consider other options. Also, given the full day’s duration, those with limited mobility may want to confirm accessibility details.

The Sum Up

This Chianti wine tour offers a well-rounded experience combining spectacular scenery, authentic wine tastings, and a delicious Tuscan meal, all delivered in a small, friendly group. The open-top van makes it stand out, providing memorable views and a genuine sense of the countryside. The guides’ expertise and personable approach ensure that you’ll leave with more than just photos—likely some new knowledge and perhaps a bottle or two of your favorite wines.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic escape from Florence that combines wine, culture, and food in a single day, this tour is a superb choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value intimacy, authenticity, and a bit of adventure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
The tour features a multi-course Tuscan lunch, but the provided information emphasizes wine and local cuisine. It’s best to contact the provider directly for specifics on dietary needs.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers visits to two wineries, guided cellar tastings, a multi-course lunch with wine pairing, and free time in Greve in Chianti.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included in the price. Travelers can tip guides at their discretion.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 46 days ahead, as the tour tends to fill quickly, especially in peak seasons.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor sightseeing is recommended. Bring a jumper or light jacket if visiting during cooler months.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, at the wineries you can purchase bottles directly, which many guests do to take home a piece of Tuscany.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most adults, the focus on wine tasting and walking in villages might make it less ideal for young children.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This detailed review should help you decide whether this Chianti wine tour aligns with your Tuscan dreams. With its balance of scenic drives, authentic experiences, and intimate group size, it promises a memorable slice of Italy that you’ll cherish long after the last drop of wine.