Essence of Chianti Small Group Tour with Lunch and Tastings from Florence

Experience the Best of Chianti with a Small Group Tour from Florence

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping world-class wines while soaking in breathtaking Tuscan scenery, this Essence of Chianti small group tour might just be what you need. Offering visits to three carefully selected wineries, a delicious Tuscan lunch, and a stroll through the charming village of Greve, it promises a well-rounded taste of what makes this region so special. With consistently rave reviews and a reputation for knowledgeable guides, it’s a popular choice for those looking to combine wine, culture, and scenic beauty in one day.

One thing we particularly love about this tour is the personalized feel—thanks to its small-group size, you’re unlikely to feel lost in a crowd. Plus, the stops are thoughtfully curated to showcase different styles of Chianti wine, giving you a broader understanding of the region’s offerings. That said, one potential consideration is the early start time and pace — with a packed itinerary, it’s best suited for those eager to maximize a single day. This tour is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, or anyone wanting an authentic, relaxed taste of Tuscany without the hassle of organizing transport or tastings on your own.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.
• Visit three wineries to learn about tradition, taste different varietals, and compare approaches.
• Includes a Tuscan lunch featuring local products like bruschetta, pasta, cheeses, and salami.
• Stroll through Greve in Chianti, a picturesque medieval village with authentic shops and vibrant town life.
• Panoramic views of vineyards, olive groves, and countryside from the comfort of air-conditioned transport.
• Expert guides and friendly drivers make the day informative and enjoyable.

What to Expect: An In-Depth Look at the Chianti Small Group Tour

Starting Point in Florence and Transport
Your day begins promptly at 9:00 am from Piazzale Montelungo. The group is limited to 25 guests, which is a real advantage for those who prefer a more intimate experience. The journey to Chianti is smooth, with an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, making it easy to relax or ask questions during the roughly 45-minute ride. As you leave Florence behind, your guide will set the tone with insights into the day’s plan and some historical tidbits about Italy and Tuscany.

First Stop: Tenuta Riseccoli
After about 45 minutes, you arrive at Riseccoli, a family-owned organic winery perched atop a hill. Here, the views are picture-perfect: rolling hills dotted with vines, olive trees, Mediterranean forests, and rustic farmhouses. This estate exemplifies the classic Tuscan landscape — and the experience lives up to its beauty. The visit includes a tour of the cellars, where you’ll see traditional production methods in action and learn about the estate’s focus on organic practices.

Complimenting the visit, a tasting session offers a selection of Riseccoli’s wines and olive oil. Guests praise the wines’ quality and the storyteller guides, like Francesco, who is appreciated for their depth of knowledge and friendly manner. One reviewer raves, “The vineyards were beautiful, and the wine was excellent,” with plenty of generous tastings that allow you to really savor each varietal.

Exploring Greve in Chianti
Next, you’ll head to Greve, the quintessential medieval town of the Chianti region. This stop offers around 30-45 minutes to wander the lively Piazza Matteotti, famous for its gentle slope and bustling local shops. It’s a great chance to soak in the local vibe, peek at the historic butcher shop Falorni, and maybe pick up some souvenirs. Reviewers note that this village is a “very quaint” spot, perfect for a quick exploration and photos.

Second Winery: Casa Emma
Your adventure continues with a scenic 30-minute drive along Chianti’s famed wine road, the Strada Statale 222 Chiantigiana. The landscape here looks like a living postcard: endless vineyards stretching to the horizon, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads.

At Casa Emma, the focus is on education and tasting. The estate’s hosts share their insights into Tuscan wine and olive oil production, emphasizing traditional methods and indigenous varietals like Sangiovese. You’ll sit down to a light, authentic Tuscan meal featuring handmade pasta, cheeses, and cured meats, all paired with a core selection of Chianti wines and riserva. The reviews highlight the generous wine pours, with many noting the value of the included lunch as a perfect pairing for the tasting. One guest mentions, “The wines were beautiful, and the lunch was delicious, making it a truly authentic experience.”

Final Winery: Poggio Torselli
The last stop takes you to Villa Poggio Torselli, a family estate with stunning views over Florence on clear days. This site is renowned for its gorgeous Italian gardens and traditional approach to winemaking. The tasting here emphasizes indigenous varietals like Sangiovese, allowing you to compare different approaches from the three wineries. Guests often comment on the breathtaking garden and the warm hospitality of the hosts.

Return to Florence
After a leisurely 45-minute drive back, the tour concludes at your original meeting point around 5:00 pm. Throughout the day, reviews consistently praise the professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of the guides—many of whom are singled out for their engaging personalities and depth of expertise.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Wine and Food Quality
The key highlight is the chance to taste wines from three different estates, each with its distinct style and philosophy. Guests rave about the “fantastic selection of wines,” and the fact that tastings include Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Super Tuscans offers a broad spectrum of flavors. The olive oil tastings complement the wines beautifully, giving a rounded taste of Tuscany’s culinary richness.

Authentic Tuscan Experience
This isn’t just about drinking wine; it’s about understanding the land, the traditions, and the people behind the products. The wineries are family-owned, focusing on indigenous varietals and traditional methods, which makes each sip more meaningful. The inclusion of a typical Tuscan lunch, featuring regional products like prosciutto, cheese, and handmade pasta, elevates the experience from simple tasting to a genuine culture.

Stunning Scenery
The scenery along the Chianti road is what many travelers come to Italy for. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by historic villas and charming villages. The last estate’s garden views and Florence overlook are often cited as breathtaking highlights.

Expert Guides and Friendly Service
Multiple reviews mention guides like Leo, Rafael, and Francesco, who are praised for their humor, knowledge, and personal attention. One reviewer sums it up: “Leo is the best guide I’ve ever had in Italy—so funny, engaging, and passionate about his country.” Such guides make the day feel relaxed, informative, and fun.

Value for Money
At $173 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the transportation, three winery visits, tastings, and a full Tuscan lunch. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making the experience more intimate than larger tours.

Considerations and Who It’s Best For

While the experience is exceptional, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a fair amount of driving and walking at each stop. The early start (9:00 am) might be a long day for some, especially those with limited time in Florence. Also, the included lunch is quite simple—cold pasta and regional products—which may not satisfy all tastes. If you’re after a gourmet meal, you might want to seek other options.

This tour suits wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those eager to explore Tuscany’s countryside in a relaxed yet curated setting. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who prefer a small, intimate group and personalized service over large, bus-style tours.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at Piazzale Montelungo in Florence. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, which helps ensure a more personal and relaxed experience.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features regional specialties like assorted cold cuts, cheeses, bruschetta, and usually handmade pasta. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Are there any time restrictions?
Yes, the tour departs at 9:00 am and returns around 5:00 pm. Timings for each stop are planned to give ample time but keep in mind it’s a full-day experience.

Can I store luggage during the tour?
Yes, luggage can be stored on the bus if needed.

What if I don’t want to visit all the wineries?
The itinerary is fixed, but in case some estates are unavailable, the tour operator will choose similar estates to ensure quality and experience.

Final Thoughts

This small-group Chianti tour combines the best elements of a Tuscan wine adventure: beautiful scenery, authentic family-owned wineries, and a welcoming, knowledgeable guide. The inclusion of a regional lunch and visits to three different estates ensures you get a comprehensive taste of Chianti’s diversity. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for Italian wines while enjoying the landscape and culture of Tuscany.

Perfect for those who love wine, good food, and scenic drives, this tour promises a memorable day out from Florence. You’ll leave with new knowledge, a full belly, and perhaps a few bottles to bring home—if you can resist buying more at the wineries.

For anyone wanting an authentic, well-organized, and friendly introduction to Chianti, this tour delivers in spades.

Note: Since reviews highlight the guides’ exceptional personalities and knowledge, you’ll likely find that the experience is as much about the storytelling as the tasting. The vistas, the estate visits, and the overall vibe make for a classic Tuscany memory worth investing in.