Tuscany Wine tour & San Gimignano from Florence

Our review of this popular Tuscany wine tour from Florence highlights a full-day experience filled with beautiful landscapes, delicious wines, and a charming medieval town. Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or just looking to escape the city for a day, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of tasting, sightseeing, and culture.

One of the standout features is the opportunity to visit authentic, family-run wineries in the Chianti and Vernaccia regions, where you’ll learn about traditional winemaking processes and sample some of Italy’s most famous varietals like Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans. Plus, the visit to San Gimignano is a highlight, giving you plenty of free time to wander its narrow streets and artisan shops.

A possible consideration is the group size, which can go up to 40 travelers, making it sometimes crowded, especially during peak seasons. However, many reviews highlight how smoothly the day runs and how knowledgeable guides make the experience personal despite the number of guests.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of wine tasting paired with cultural exploration without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about regional products and love a scenic drive through Tuscany’s iconic landscapes.

Key Points

• Authentic wineries: Visits to family-run estates offer genuine insights into Tuscan winemaking.
• Variety of tastings: Sample a total of 9 wines, plus balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and truffle oils, for a true taste of Tuscany.
• Stunning scenery: The scenic drive along Chianti Road and views from wineries provide picture-perfect moments.
• Charming San Gimignano: About 1.5 hours of free time to explore the medieval towers and artisan shops.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, personable guides like Francesca and Kristina enhance the experience.
• Good value: For around $110, you get multiple tastings, guided tours, and free time in a beautiful town—an excellent deal for wine enthusiasts.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Your day begins with a pick-up from Piazza della Calza in Florence at 9:45 am, where you’ll meet your guide, easily recognizable in a purple T-shirt. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, heading out of Florence toward some of the most scenic parts of Tuscany.

The drive itself is a highlight. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass through rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Your guide, like Francesca or Kristina, will keep you entertained with stories about Tuscany’s landscape, wine culture, and local traditions. The drive takes about an hour, giving you a relaxed start and a taste of what’s to come.

Stop 1: Ulignano Winery – A Family Affair

The first stop is a family-run estate in Ulignano, near San Gimignano. This stop is beloved for its warmth and authenticity. The hosts guide you through tastings of four different wines, including Chianti, Super Tuscans, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, paired with regional delicacies like balsamic vinegar and truffle oil.

Guests appreciate the personal touch here, with one reviewer calling it a “welcoming atmosphere” and “an entertaining & educational host.” The tasting lasts about an hour and a half, giving you ample time to ask questions and savor each drop.

Stop 2: Vernaccia White Grape Region

Next, you head to a winery near San Gimignano in the Vernaccia white grape region. The setting offers spectacular views that make for memorable photos. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard and cellar, followed by tastings of Vernaccia, a rosé, and a Colli Senesi wine. Guests note that this winery’s scenery is “stunning,” and many mention how much they enjoyed the personal attention from the winemakers.

Free Time in San Gimignano

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its skyline of well-preserved towers. You have approximately 1.5 hours of free time to wander its narrow cobblestone streets, visit artisan shops, and maybe indulge in a scoop of the town’s famous gelato.

Reviewers like Elizabeth and Jill highlight how special this town is, with one saying, “San Gimignano is just beautiful, try their world-famous gelato.” The town’s historical sites, such as the Piazza del Duomo and Torre Grossa, are accessible at your own pace.

Return to Florence

By approximately 5 pm, you’ll be back in Florence, tired but full of new knowledge, photos, and, of course, wine.

The Practicalities

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is by a private air-conditioned minivan or coach, offering comfort and a smooth ride. The tour accommodates up to 40 guests—large enough for a lively atmosphere but often manageable enough for guides to keep it personal. Many reviews praise the driver, Emanuele, and the guides, like Francesca or Kristina, for their friendliness and wealth of knowledge.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $110.30, the tour includes wine tastings at two wineries with a total of nine different wines, plus regional tastings like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and truffle products. The guide’s insights and the scenic drive are part of the value, as well as the free time in San Gimignano.

However, meals are not included, so you might want to bring a snack or plan to buy lunch in San Gimignano. Tips for guides and drivers are also not included.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book about 51 days in advance, showing how popular this experience is. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing some flexibility for changing plans.

What Reviewers Loved (and a Few Caveats)

Many reviews emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Francesca and Kristina, making the experience feel personal despite the group size. The scenic drive and stunning views resonate with travelers, highlighting Tuscany’s undeniable beauty. The wine tastings are praised for their variety and quality, with guests mentioning the “delicious” wines and regional products.

San Gimignano’s free time gets rave reviews, with many noting how beautiful and charming the medieval town is. Guests also appreciated the well-organized itinerary and the comfort of the transportation.

The value for money is consistently highlighted. For just over $100, you get a full day of activities—multiple tastings, scenic drives, and free time in a UNESCO World Heritage site—making it an excellent choice for those wanting a mix of wine, culture, and scenery.

A few guests mention that wineries are also places of business, so some visits might involve purchasing wines if you wish to take home bottles. One reviewer described a winery experience as “more like a shopping tour,” but overall, most found it authentic and enjoyable.

The Sum Up

This Tuscany wine tour from Florence offers a comprehensive taste of Italy’s famous wine country. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines guided tastings, scenic drives, and free time in one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval towns. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy learning about wine, savoring regional products, and exploring charming towns at a relaxed pace.

The guides’ local knowledge, the stunning landscape views, and the chance to try multiple wines make this tour a good value for the price. It’s especially suited for those who want a hassle-free day with interesting insights and a lively group atmosphere.

If you’re after an authentic, engaging, and scenic introduction to Tuscany’s wine region, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes. You travel in a private, air-conditioned minivan or coach, making the journey comfortable and scenic.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 51 days in advance, which indicates high demand. Booking early helps secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Are lunch or meals included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll visit wineries with tastings and regional products, but you should plan to purchase lunch in San Gimignano.

How much wine will I taste?
You’ll sample a total of 9 different wines across two wineries, from Chianti and Super Tuscans to Vernaccia and rosé.

Can children participate?
No, the minimum age is 18. This tour is designed for adults to enjoy wine tasting experiences.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour balances scenic beauty, cultural charm, and delicious local flavors—making it an ideal day trip for those seeking a genuine taste of Tuscany’s famous wines and medieval allure.