Chianti: Lunch with Wine Tasting at Poggio ai Laghi Winery

A visit to Poggio ai Laghi Winery offers a charming glimpse into Tuscan winemaking, combining a wine tasting, delicious local cuisine, and an insightful guide. For $57.32 per person, this 1 hour 45-minute experience provides an authentic taste of Chianti culture in a cozy setting just outside Siena. The tour is well-suited for those who appreciate quality wines, tasty regional dishes, and learning about handcrafted oils and vinegars. Keep in mind that the tour typically books 54 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. This experience is designed for most travelers, with most activities accessible and a maximum of 15 participants ensuring personalized attention from the guide.

While the experience offers rich wine and food pairings, it’s not a large-scale commercial operation but rather a warm, authentic visit to a family-run winery. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the delicious pairing of wines, oils, and vinegars, making it a memorable addition to any Tuscan itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic Chianti experience with wine tasting and Tuscan lunch
• Includes a variety of finest wines, oils, and vinegars crafted on-site
• Duration of approx. 1 hour 45 minutes, with small group size (max 15)
• Meeting point at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi near Monteriggioni
• Booking well in advance (average 54 days) offers better availability
• Highly rated for friendly guides, delicious food, and quality wines

Starting at Poggio ai Laghi: The Meeting Point and Atmosphere

The tour begins at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi, located at Strada di Sant’Antonio 56, Monteriggioni. This small, family-run winery provides an intimate setting, perfect for those wanting a genuine Tuscan experience away from large tourist spots. The approach to the winery is scenic, with views typical of the Chianti countryside. Guests are welcomed into a cozy, authentic environment where the passion of the winemakers shines through.

The mobile ticket feature makes check-in straightforward, and the location’s proximity to Siena makes it an easy addition to a day trip. The group size remains limited, ensuring plenty of opportunities to engage with the guide and ask questions about the winemaking process or the local oils and vinegars.

The Expertise and Style of the Guide

The guide leading this experience is known for friendly, knowledgeable storytelling. They walk guests through the tasting journey, sharing insights about each wine and the passion behind its creation. Reviewers highlight Valeska and Aurora as especially engaging hosts, known for their energy, warmth, and expert explanations.

Guests appreciate how the guide explains the winemaking process and discusses the art of pairing wines with regional foods. This approach transforms a simple tasting into a learning experience that enhances the enjoyment of each sip. Their enthusiasm helps make the pairings of wines, oils, and vinegars more meaningful.

Wine Tasting: A Selection of Fine Tuscan Wines

The wine tasting features a carefully curated selection, showcasing the dedication of Poggio ai Laghi’s winemakers. The sparkling wines include Arella, a Spumante Cuvèe Extra Dry, and Firmina, a Rosé Extra Dry Spumante. For red wines, guests sample Lucilla, a Chianti Classico DOCG, and Oletta, a Chianti Riserva DOCG. The highlight is the Aranda, a Supertuscan IGT, offering a richer, bolder taste.

Guests often praise the quality and variety of the wines and the knowledgeable explanations about each. The passion of the winery team is evident in the skillful craftsmanship of the wines, which receive stellar reviews for their balance and flavor.

Oils and Vinegars: Exquisite Flavors from Italy

Alongside wine, the tasting includes exquisite oils and vinegars made on-site. The Olio Extravergine di Oliva is complemented by specialized flavors such as Al Tartufo Bianco (white truffle oil) and Al Peperoncino (spicy chili oil). The Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP ORO and Cipolla Lacrime Viola vinegars offer intense flavor profiles that elevate dishes.

Guests consistently remark on the deliciousness of the balsamic vinegars, with some stating they’ve never tasted such high-quality vinegar that they could eat it by the spoonful. The oils and vinegars are crafted with care and attention to detail, making them perfect souvenirs or special ingredients for home cooking.

The Tuscan Lunch Menu: From Appetizers to Dessert

The lunch included in this experience features a generous selection of Tuscan specialties. Appetizers include Salame Toscano, Finocchiona, Prosciutto Toscano, and Pecorino, served with fresh bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil and toasted bread with extra virgin olive oil.

The first course offers a choice between Penne al Ragù or Penne al Pomodoro, both prepared simply but with authentic flavors. The second course features Arista, a roasted pork dish, accompanied by roasted potatoes. To finish, Cantuccini, traditional almond cookies, are served as dessert.

Guests praise the quality of the food and how well it pairs with the wines. The generous portions and local ingredients make the meal feel like a genuine Tuscan feast.

Pacing and Group Experience During the Tour

The tour’s pacing is well-regarded, allowing enough time to enjoy the wine, oils, and food without feeling rushed. The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere, making it easy to interact with the guide and ask questions.

Guests note that the length of approx. 1 hour 45 minutes strikes a good balance between education and enjoyment. The relaxed pace makes it ideal for those who want to savor each aspect of the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The meeting point at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi is near public transportation, making it accessible for many visitors. Service animals are allowed, and the experience caters to most travelers.

A helpful tip is to book well in advance, as the experience is popular and on average is booked 54 days ahead. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing flexibility in case of changing plans or weather issues.

Why This Tour Excels: Quality, Authenticity, and Personal Touches

The overall value of this experience lies in its authenticity and small-group format. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who enhance the visit with storytelling and explanations. The quality of the wines, oils, and balsamic vinegars is another highlight, with many stating they would ship products home.

The culinary experience is often described as delicious and generous, with many noting it as one of the best meals they’ve had in Italy. The atmosphere is warm and personal, making it a relaxing and memorable outing for lovers of wine, food, and Tuscany.

The Sum Up: A Genuine Taste of Chianti at Poggio ai Laghi

Poggio ai Laghi’s lunch and wine tasting tour offers an authentic, enjoyable experience that combines fine wines, regional oils and vinegars, and a delicious Tuscan meal. Its small group size, friendly guides, and authentic setting make it an ideal choice for those who want to explore Chianti in a relaxed, personal atmosphere.

While the experience is not overly commercial, it delivers high-quality products and warm hospitality. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or anyone curious about Tuscan traditions. Advance booking is recommended given its popularity, and the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind in case plans change.

This experience stands out as a delicious, educational journey into Tuscan winemaking and cuisine—a true highlight for anyone visiting the Siena area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the experience is accessible for most travelers, making it suitable for families or those with special needs.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch includes appetizers, a pasta course, a second course of roasted pork, and dessert with regional wines, oils, and vinegars.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi, Strada di Sant’Antonio 56, Monteriggioni, near Siena.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking typically occurs about 54 days in advance, but early reservations are recommended due to popularity.

What are the wine options?
The selection includes Arella (sparkling), Firmina (rosé sparkling), Lucilla (Chianti Classico), Oletta (Chianti Riserva), and Aranda (Super Tuscan).

Can I buy products after the tour?
Yes, guests often enjoy shipping their favorite products home, including wines, oils, and vinegars.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What makes this tour stand out?
The authentic setting, small group size, knowledgeable guides, and high-quality products make this a delightful way to experience Chianti.

Is this experience suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely, the guides make the winemaking process accessible and engaging, suitable for all levels of wine knowledge.