The Complete Wine Tour Brunello, Nobile, Chianti wine experience

Discover the Charm of Tuscany’s Famous Wine Regions in a Small Group

The Complete Wine Tour Brunello, Nobile, Chianti offers a full-day journey through some of Italy’s most celebrated wine towns, all from Florence. Priced at $449.43 per person, this 10-hour experience is designed for intimate groups limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The tour features visits to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Greve, with stops at local wineries and wine bars to taste Brunello, Nobile, and Chianti Classico wines.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive wine tasting experience paired with sightseeing in charming medieval villages. While it offers many highlights, it’s worth noting that tastings at two of three wineries often turn into full glasses, making this a day for wine enthusiasts comfortable with tasting multiple pours. The tour departs from Piazza Adua in Florence at 8:30 AM, and the entire experience is conducted in smart casual attire. Booking well in advance, often 55 days ahead, is recommended to secure a spot.

Key Points

• Full-day experience exploring Tuscany’s renowned wine towns
• Limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience
• Visits to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Greve with historic sights
• Tastings of Brunello, Nobile, and Chianti wines at local wineries
• Includes a stop for free time in each village to explore independently
• Optional wine or olive oil tastings in Greve are available for an additional fee

Visiting Tuscany’s Iconic Wine Towns: Montalcino and Brunello

The tour kicks off with a scenic drive into Tuscany’s rolling landscapes, setting the stage for a day of wine and sightseeing. The first stop is in Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wines. Here, visitors make a quick stop at a local winery, where they can sample Brunello and explore the town’s winding streets. The castle offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, making it a favorite spot for photos.

Montalcino’s historic charm is on full display, with its medieval architecture and quiet piazzas. The stop in this town blends a taste of both wine culture and history, giving guests a chance to appreciate the area’s significance in Italian viticulture. The tour emphasizes learning about the cultivation of Brunello grapes, adding an educational element to the tasting.

Exploring Montepulciano’s Nobile Wines and Historic Center

Next, the journey continues to Montepulciano, a town famed for its Il Nobile di Montepulciano. Visitors have free time to wander the city center, known for its stunning architecture and narrow streets. The Church of San Biagio is a highlight, offering impressive views and a chance to see Renaissance artistry.

Tasting Nobile wines in Montepulciano provides insight into one of Italy’s most revered red wines, made from Sangiovese grapes. The relaxed free time allows for independent exploration, whether to browse local shops or enjoy a coffee in the town’s atmospheric squares. The emphasis on local wine tasting means guests leave with a deeper understanding of this historic wine.

Lunch in a Tuscan Restaurant (Own Expense)

After exploring Montepulciano, the tour pauses for lunch at a local restaurant. While this meal is not included, guests can enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine at their own expense, adding a taste of regional flavors to the day. This break provides a moment to relax and reflect on the morning’s discoveries before heading into the afternoon.

Discovering Chianti and Visiting a Classic Winery

The afternoon begins with a drive into the Chianti region, where guests visit a well-established local winery. Here, the focus is on Sangiovese grapes, which produce the renowned Chianti wines. Guests taste wines directly at the winery, learning about the cultivation and production processes from an on-site guide. The tasting experience emphasizes quality and tradition, showcasing some of Tuscany’s finest.

Descending into Greve, the tour offers free time to explore the town’s market square. On Saturdays, the vibrant weekend market presents opportunities for local tastings and souvenirs. The guide can also arrange an optional wine or olive oil tasting (additional expense), providing a deeper dive into Tuscany’s culinary heritage.

Visiting the Historical Town of Greve and Its Market

Greve stands out as a lively spot for independent exploration. Its market square buzzes with vendors on weekends, offering local foods, wines, and artisan crafts. Visitors can stroll through the town, soaking in the rustic Tuscan atmosphere. If interested, an additional wine or olive oil tasting can be arranged, giving an extra layer of flavor to the visit.

The town’s authentic charm and the optional tastings make Greve a perfect place for a leisurely late-afternoon stop before heading to the final winery.

Final Stop at a Classic Tuscan Winery

The last winery visit is a highlight, focusing on Sangiovese grape cultivation and the wines produced in the region. The onsite guide provides in-depth information about the vineyard practices, and the tasting emphasizes quality and tradition. Guests leave with a better understanding of how Tuscany’s signature grapes flourish and produce celebrated wines.

The Tour Logistics: From Florence to Tuscany and Back

The entire tour begins at Piazza Adua in Florence, with a pickup at 8:30 AM. Transport is in a private vehicle, ensuring comfort for the small group. The return to Florence occurs after a 10-hour day full of sightseeing and tastings.

The group size is limited to 8 travelers, fostering a personalized experience. The tour includes group discounts and the convenience of a mobile ticket, simplifying the booking process. Participants are advised to dress in smart casual attire and arrive prepared for a full day of walking and tasting.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

Booking this tour typically requires planning around 55 days in advance, especially during peak seasons. The experience is suitable for most travelers, provided they are over 18 years old and comfortable with wine tasting. Confirmations are guaranteed upon booking unless made within 4 days of travel, in which case confirmation is received within 48 hours.

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility for unforeseen changes. Since the experience depends on good weather, poor conditions may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

Why Choose This Tuscan Wine Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining wine tastings, scenic towns, and cultural insights. The visits to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Greve highlight the diversity of Tuscany’s wine landscape and historical towns. The small-group format ensures attentive guides and personalized attention, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, educational, and tasty day.

However, the tastings becoming full glasses at certain wineries may not suit those who want light tasting or are not comfortable with larger pours. The own expense lunch and optional tastings in Greve also mean some additional costs should be anticipated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
While the focus is on wine tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing and exploring the charming towns. However, participation in tastings requires being over 18.

How long are the stops in each town?
The tour includes a stop in Montalcino for wine and sightseeing, free time in Montepulciano for exploration, and free time in Greve for market browsing. The exact duration at each stop is flexible, especially for independent wandering.

Are the wine tastings at every winery included?
Yes, tastings occur at each winery visited during the day, with full glasses often served at two of the three wineries.

What should I wear on this tour?
Guests are advised to wear smart casual attire suitable for walking and comfortably exploring historic towns.

Can I customize or add extra tastings?
Additional tastings, such as wine or olive oil tastings in Greve, can be arranged for an additional fee with the guide.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves walking around towns and some uneven surfaces, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. Check with the provider for specific accessibility options.

This complete wine tour provides a satisfying taste of Tuscany’s celebrated wineries, charming towns, and scenic landscapes, making it a rewarding choice for wine lovers and cultural explorers alike.