SMALL GROUP Chianti 2 wineries & meat feast @ Dario Cecchini

Exploring Tuscany’s wine country often feels like stepping into a postcard, with rolling hills, ancient vineyards, and charming villages. This small-group tour from Florence offers a carefully curated taste of the region’s wine and culinary traditions, combined with the unique experience of visiting two organic wineries and a legendary butcher’s shop.

What makes this tour truly special is the personal touch — with a maximum of eight travelers, you’ll enjoy insightful guidance from knowledgeable hosts, along with the flexibility to ask questions and soak in the scenery at a comfortable pace.

One aspect to consider is the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off, which means you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point. This tour is particularly well-suited for those who love wine, good food, and authentic Tuscan charm, and who appreciate a small, intimate group experience over large bus excursions.

Key Points

• Intimate small-group setting ensures personal attention and more meaningful interactions
• Visit two organic wineries to learn about terroir and wine-making processes specific to Chianti and Chianti Classico
• Enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch at the renowned butcher Dario Cecchini, complete with local specialties
• Taste around 10 wines during the tour, gaining tips on how to identify wine characteristics
• Beautiful stops in Greve in Chianti and other scenic spots, perfect for photos and strolling
• Expert guides like Clemente and Matteo add depth with their passion and knowledge
• Price reflects value, offering a mix of wine, food, and stunning views in just 7 hours
• Tour operates with mobile ticketing and confirmation within 48 hours, making planning straightforward

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Via dei Renai in Florence, a convenient spot near public transportation. Meeting there about 15 minutes before departure, you’ll find Grape Tours’ office serves as both the start and finish point. As this is a small-group experience, you’ll be traveling comfortably in a vehicle that allows for easy conversation and scenic views.

The tour duration is approximately 7 hours, which is well-balanced to give you a full taste of Chianti without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Be aware that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transport accordingly — most travelers find the meeting point accessible, with options to arrive by bus or taxi.

First Stop: Grape Tours

The journey kicks off with a brief meet-and-greet at Grape Tours’ office, where you’ll receive your introduction to the day’s agenda. This initial stop is more about setting expectations and getting comfortable in the small group environment.

Visiting Casa Erta – Fattoria Corzano e Paterno

Next, you’ll head into the heart of Tuscany to Casa Erta, part of Fattoria Corzano e Paterno. Here, you’re in for a comprehensive tour and tasting session that lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes.

This winery specializes in organic practices, meaning you’ll learn how sustainable farming and terroir influence the wines. Expect to sample around five to six wines, with guides explaining the characteristics that define Chianti and Chianti Classico. From the vivid wine colors to the aromas and flavors, this part of the experience offers a deeper understanding of what makes Tuscan wines so distinctive.

Reviewers frequently mention the warm welcome and passionate guides. Briangialluco’s review highlights that the winery was “extremely welcoming and kind,” emphasizing the personal attention and knowledgeable staff.

Lunch at Dario Cecchini’s Butcher Shop

After the first winery, the group heads to Antica Macelleria Cecchini, a famous butcher shop in Tuscany. Here, you’ll indulge in a meat feast that is both hearty and flavorful, paired with local wines.

While some reviews note that the lunch experience can vary — one reviewer found the service somewhat inattentive — the overall consensus is that the food is memorable and authentic. Anthony_C described his experience as “magnificent,” praising the excellent food and the guide’s commentary.

The lunch lasts about 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Expect a Tuscan meat platter, featuring local specialties, with wine flowing throughout the meal, adding to the convivial atmosphere.

Exploring Greve in Chianti

Post-lunch, the tour makes a brief stop in Greve in Chianti, a picturesque town famed for its piazza, quaint shops, and lively vibe. With about 15 minutes here, you can stroll, snap photos, or grab a quick coffee before heading back to the final winery.

Second Winery Visit: Casa Erta

The second stop is at another organic winery, continuing the theme of sustainable, terroir-driven wine production. This visit is similar in structure to the first, with a tour of the vineyard and cellar, followed by tastings. The second winery’s setting allows you to appreciate different aspects of Tuscany’s diverse landscapes and wine styles.

Multiple reviews mention the passion and friendliness of the guides, with Briangialluco praising Clemente’s infectious joy and extensive knowledge. The emphasis on personalized attention makes this part of the tour particularly engaging.

Final Stop: Scenic Stroll in Greve

The tour wraps up with a quick stroll in Greve, giving you time to absorb the rustic charm and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two from local artisans. This brief break also helps digest the wine and food, leaving you relaxed and satisfied.

The Value of the Tour

At $359.16 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending wine education, culinary indulgence, and culture. When you consider the cost of tastings, meals, and guided tours separately, the package provides excellent value, especially given the small-group setting that guarantees personal attention.

The inclusion of around 10 wines and a hearty Tuscan lunch means you leave with not just memories but also new knowledge about wine-making and food pairing. The expert guides — praised for their passion and humor — significantly enhance the experience, making complex topics approachable.

What We Love

We particularly appreciated the authenticity of visiting organic wineries, which means you’re supporting sustainable practices. The personalized approach allows for deeper insights and genuine conversations, which are often missing from larger tours. And of course, the scenery — with rolling hills and vineyards — offers some of the best photo opportunities in Tuscany.

A Few Considerations

One potential downside is the lunch service at Dario Cecchini’s. While the food is highly praised, some reviews mention that the wait staff can be a bit inattentive, and the experience might feel rushed or impersonal, especially during busy times. Plus, since hotel pickup isn’t included, travelers will need to plan their transportation to the meeting point.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Chianti wines, or those who appreciate small-group intimacy over large bus excursions. Foodies and fans of authentic Tuscan flavors will also enjoy the meat feast and the chance to visit a legendary butcher.

It’s best suited for adults over 18 who want a balanced day of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural exposure without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. If you’re looking for more than just a bus stop at a winery — seeking genuine stories, fantastic wines, and delicious food — this tour offers real value.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts and ends at the designated meeting point in Florence. Travelers need to arrange their own transportation to Via dei Renai.

How many wineries will we visit?
You’ll visit two organic wineries, each offering a tour and tasting. Both are focused on sustainable practices and terroir.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers wine tastings (about 10 wines), a hearty Tuscan lunch at Dario Cecchini’s butcher shop, and guided tours at each winery.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the sights, tastings, and meal without feeling rushed.

Are wine tastings free-flowing?
Yes, during the tastings, you can sample around 10 wines, guided by hosts who share insights into flavor profiles and wine-making techniques.

Is this suitable for children?
No, the minimum age for participation is 18 years, primarily because of the alcohol consumption involved.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small-group setting, personalized guides, visits to organic wineries, and the unique meat feast at Dario Cecchini are key highlights.

Can I expect to meet Dario Cecchini himself?
No, Dario Cecchini is in Sicily during the tour, but you’ll experience the atmosphere of his famous butcher shop and enjoy the meat feast prepared in his style.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and some outdoor touring. Layers are recommended since weather can vary.

Final Thoughts

This small-group Chianti wine tour from Florence offers a well-balanced mix of wine education, authentic Tuscan cuisine, and scenic beauty. With knowledgeable guides, a cozy group size, and a focus on organic vineyards, it provides a deeper, more meaningful experience for travelers who truly want to connect with Tuscany’s rich wine and food culture.

The inclusion of a famous butcher’s meat feast adds a hearty, local touch that many travelers find memorable. Despite some minor service hiccups during lunch, reviews consistently praise the overall value and authenticity of the experience.

Ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking personalized, immersive tours in Tuscany, this experience delivers a taste of the region that’s hard to replicate on your own.

In short, if you’re after a genuine, well-organized taste of Chianti’s wines and flavors in a small, friendly setting, this tour is a fantastic choice.