Wine Tour of two Chianti wine estates on the hills of Florence

A detailed look at a wine tour of two Chianti estates near Florence

If you’re dreaming of sipping some of Italy’s finest wines while soaking up stunning Tuscan landscapes, this tour promises an intimate, authentic experience. Offering access to two esteemed Chianti wineries, guided tastings, and a delicious Tuscan lunch, it’s designed for those eager to understand what makes Chianti wines so special—and how they’re crafted from vine to bottle.

What really caught our attention is the tour’s focus on niche, high-quality estates producing award-winning wines, not just the typical mass-market brands. The fact that it’s private means you get tailored insights from knowledgeable guides, making the experience personal and educational. However, the cost might be a consideration for budget travelers, as at around $370 per person, it’s a premium experience.

This tour suits wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or anyone who appreciates a blend of culture, scenery, and fine wine in a relaxing setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to deepen your appreciation for Tuscany’s vinicultural heritage, this tour offers a thoughtful, well-rounded day away from the city hustle.

Key Points

• Authentic Estate Visits: You’ll explore two prestigious, historically significant Chianti producers, both in scenic hillside locations.
• Expert-guided Tastings: Knowledgeable agronomists and wine curators lead the tastings, providing insights into the nuances of Chianti wines.
• High-Quality, Awarded Wines: About 10 wines are sampled, including reds, whites, rosés, and some unique blends, all with a focus on quality.
• Cultural and Culinary Experience: The tour includes a Tuscan lunch plus snacks, carefully paired with the wines — a true taste of regional flavors.
• Private Transportation: Air-conditioned transfers ensure comfort and flexibility, with pickup and drop-off from Florence’s city center.
• Educational and Authentic: The focus on non-touristic, small estate wines gives you a genuine, less commercialized experience.

An In-Depth Review of the Chianti Wine Tour

This tour offers a wonderful balance between educational insight and sensory pleasure — a comprehensive introduction to Chianti’s wine-making craft, set against the rolling hills of Florence. It’s designed to be both an enjoyable day and a learning experience, especially for those interested in high-quality, less commercialized wines.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First stop: Agriturismo Ulivello in Chianti

You’ll start your day with a private transfer from Florence, heading into the Chianti Classico area. The first estate, Agriturismo Ulivello, is a family-run farm with a modern cellar situated among lush vineyards. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at their wine-making process, guided personally by the landlord in a cozy setting.

The cellar visit is a highlight — the estate’s modern approach is balanced with respect for tradition. The attached historic villa adds a charming backdrop to your tasting. You’ll sample between 4 and 7 wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, all awarded and carefully curated. What’s especially nice here is the food pairing: traditional Tuscan snacks like cheeses, salami, and breads, served alongside each wine. It’s a relaxed yet informative tasting, where the enologist shares stories about the farm’s history and winemaking techniques.

What we loved: The chance to taste wines directly from a family estate, with the owner explaining their methods and philosophy. The food pairing enhanced the wine experience without overwhelming it.

Potential consideration: This part lasts about 3 hours, so it’s a good idea to pace yourself, especially if you’re not used to multiple tastings.

Second stop: Castello di Volognano

Next, you’ll visit another historic estate, Castello di Volognano, with its own character and history. The guided tour of the estate’s cellars offers a glimpse into traditional wine production alongside modern techniques. Accompanied by a professional wine curator, you’ll taste four of their Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines, both red and white, paired with snacks.

The estate’s setting and the curator’s knowledge make it a memorable stop. The wines have been carefully selected to showcase the region’s diversity, from classic Sangiovese-based reds to well-made whites. The pairing of snacks ensures you appreciate the wines’ flavors in a balanced way.

What we loved: The expert guidance from the wine curator, who shared detailed insights into each wine’s characteristics and the estate’s winemaking history.

Potential consideration: The second visit is about two hours, so it’s a relatively relaxed pace but still substantial.

What’s Included — and What’s Not

This tour is quite comprehensive for the price, which at $368.77 per person, includes private transfers, tastings, a Tuscan lunch, snacks, bottled water, and olive oil tastings. The all-important transportation is in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort during the scenic drive through the hills. The pickup and drop-off from Florence’s city center add to the convenience.

The meal component is significant — a well-curated Tuscan lunch plus snacks, which isn’t always included in wine tours. This means you get a proper taste of regional cuisine alongside the wines, making the experience more authentic and satisfying.

It’s worth noting that tips are not included, so if you feel the guides and staff provided exceptional service, a gratuity would be appreciated.

Authenticity and Educational Value

Unlike some larger, more commercial tours, this experience emphasizes niche, high-quality estates producing award-winning wines, often from the same vines used centuries ago. The guides’ expertise adds depth to the visit, transforming a simple tasting into a mini-course on Tuscan winemaking.

Reviewers have praised the guides’ knowledge and the wines’ quality, with one noting that the estate “produces a limited range of high-quality wines.” Another appreciated the personalized welcome at the estates, which enhanced the authenticity.

The Experience’s Strengths

• The small-group/private nature ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The focus on lesser-known, high-quality wineries gives you access to wines that aren’t mass-produced or heavily touristed.
• The expert-led tastings provide valuable insights into the nuances of Chianti wines, including how they’re made from vine to bottle.
• The food pairings elevate the tasting, allowing you to understand how regional ingredients complement the wines.
• The scenic estate locations combine wine tasting with stunning views and classic Tuscan architecture.
• The inclusion of olive oil tastings adds a sensory element beyond just wine.

Possible Drawbacks

• The price point might be high for some travelers, especially when compared with more generic wine tours.
• The tour length of around five hours is substantial, so it’s best suited for those with a serious interest in wine or a full day to spare.
• Some might find the focus on small estate wines limits exposure to more widely known Chianti labels.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers seeking depth and authenticity. It’s perfect if you’re keen to learn about high-quality, award-winning Chianti wines from niche estates, and enjoy pairing wine with regional cuisine. It also suits travelers who value personalized attention and want to avoid overly commercialized tours.

Those with a passion for Tuscan scenery and culture will also find the estate visits worthwhile. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a shorter, more casual tasting, you might want to explore other options.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into the world of Chianti wines, set in stunning hillside estates just outside Florence. The combination of expert-guided tastings, regional cuisine, and scenic views makes for a memorable day. It’s evident from reviews that the guides’ knowledge and the quality of the wines stand out, adding real value to the experience.

While the price might be a barrier for some, the opportunity to taste award-winning wines from niche, traditionally crafted estates makes it a worthwhile investment for serious wine enthusiasts or those looking for an authentic Tuscan experience. The private transfer and inclusion of a full meal also enhance the value, turning this into a true taste of Tuscany’s vinicultural charm.

In summary, if you’re eager to deepen your appreciation of Chianti wines — especially those that are less commercialized, high-quality, and story-rich — this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a perfect mix of education, scenery, and sensory delight, best suited for travelers who appreciate the finer things in life and want a genuine connection to the region’s wine heritage.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guides’ explanations are clear and educational, making it accessible for those new to wine tasting while still being enriching for connoisseurs.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 5 hours, including visits, tastings, and lunch, making it a full but manageable day trip from Florence.

Are the tastings extensive?
Yes, you can expect to taste around 10 different wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, with expert commentary on each.

Does the price include transportation?
Yes, private transfers by air-conditioned vehicle are part of the package, with pickup and drop-off from Florence’s city center.

What is included in the meal?
A delicious Tuscan luncheon, plus snacks paired with the wines and bottled water, offering a full regional culinary experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included, so if you feel the guides did a great job, gratuities are appreciated.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, enhancing intimacy and personalized service.

This private Chianti wine estate tour near Florence offers a perfect blend of authentic wine tasting, regional food, and scenic beauty. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to discover the true essence of Chianti in a relaxed, educational setting.