Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting – San Quirico Winery

Discover the Charm of San Quirico Winery in San Gimignano

For those seeking an intimate and authentic Tuscan wine experience, the Gourmet Wine Tour at San Quirico Winery offers a delightful journey into Italy’s renowned wine culture. Priced at $38.16 per person, this 45-minute private tour provides a perfect blend of guided tastings, cellar exploration, and local food pairings. The winery is located just 2 miles (3 km) from the center of San Gimignano, set on a scenic hill that offers a peaceful setting away from the bustling town.

This small-group experience is highly recommended, with a rating of 5.0 based on 26 reviews and 96% of visitors suggesting it to others. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate quality wines, learn about winemaking, and enjoy sampling delicious local foods in a relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind that bookings are usually made 13 days in advance, making it accessible but popular. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with options throughout the day to fit different schedules.

Key Points

• Private, guided 45-minute wine tasting at a highly-rated winery near San Gimignano
• Sample four Tuscan wines paired with bruschetta, salami, and cheese
• Explore the winery cellar and learn about traditional winemaking techniques
• Enjoy local food accompaniments included in the tasting
• The location is on a picturesque hill with scenic vineyard views
• The experience is family-friendly, with children allowed if accompanied by adults

The Location of San Quirico Winery Near San Gimignano

The winery is situated on a scenic hill just outside the historical center of San Gimignano, offering a peaceful, countryside setting. Its proximity to the town makes it easy to include as part of a day trip or a broader exploration of Tuscany. The start point is Località Pancole, 35, where visitors are welcomed into a warm, family-run environment known for producing quality wines and organic extra virgin olive oil.

The winery’s extended vineyards cover 12 hectares, with six dedicated to Vernaccia di San Gimignano and more than seven hectares for Chianti Colli Senesi and other DOC wines. The location’s tranquil, picturesque setting enhances the tasting experience, giving visitors a true taste of Tuscany’s landscape and wine heritage.

Exploring the Winery and Cellar

The tour includes a visit to the winery cellar, where the process of winemaking is explained in clear, friendly English. Visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at how wines like Vernaccia di San Gimignano, including Riserva “Isabella”, are produced, aged, and bottled. The cellar tour offers insight into traditional methods, such as fermentation in barrels and aging in oak, which contribute to the wines’ character.

The owners of the winery are known for their kindness and knowledge, making the experience both educational and personable. This part of the tour appeals especially to those curious about the craftsmanship behind their favorite wines, adding depth to the tasting session.

Tasting Four Premium Tuscan Wines

The core of the experience is the sampling of four different wines, carefully chosen to showcase the winery’s best offerings. These include the Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG and its Riserva “Isabella”, aged for about 24 months in barrels for a complex flavor profile. Other options include Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, made entirely from Sangiovese grapes, and San Gimignano Rosso “Botticello”, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah, aged for about two years in oak.

The tastings are accompanied by light food pairings featuring bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, salami, and cheese. These offerings are designed to enhance the wine flavors and provide a true taste of local Tuscan gastronomy.

Food and Drink Pairings for a Gourmet Experience

Included in the 45-minute tour are snacks and light lunch elements, with bruschetta, cheeses, and cold cuts. The olive oil used on the bruschetta is a high-quality, organic extra virgin olive oil, pressed from the winery’s own olives, with an acidity of 0.1%. This pairing enriches the tasting, allowing visitors to appreciate how the wine complements local ingredients.

While alcoholic beverages are central to the experience, coffee, tea, and dinner are not included. The focus remains on the wines and regional foods, offering a balanced tasting without overwhelming the senses.

Booking and Practical Details

The tour departs from Azienda Agricola San Quirico at Località Pancole, 35, with the end point back at the same location. The experience is offered as a private activity, ensuring an exclusive and personalized atmosphere for your group. A minimum of two people is required to book, and the activity is suitable for most travelers, including children when accompanied by adults.

The tour includes a visit to the wine store at the end, where visitors can purchase wines and oils at special discounted prices. The group discounts and mobile tickets make the plan easy and flexible. This tour is not inclusive of coffee, additional alcohol, or dinner, but the tasting provides enough variety to satisfy most wine aficionados.

The Expert Guides and Customer Satisfaction

According to reviews, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, explaining winemaking techniques and characteristics of the grapes clearly in English. The private setting is often highlighted for its intimacy, allowing guests to ask questions freely and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Visitors appreciate the quality of wines, with several reviews emphasizing the deliciousness and authenticity of the tasting. The owners’ warm hospitality and attention to detail stand out as key factors for the high satisfaction ratings.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This Gourmet Wine Tour excels in providing a personalized, educational experience in a scenic setting. The cellar visit paired with tastings of premier wines and local foods creates a comprehensive introduction to Tuscan winemaking. Its private, small-group format guarantees an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those wanting a detailed look into Tuscany’s wine culture.

On top of that, the focus on quality wines produced from the estate’s own vineyards, including organic olive oil, offers a true local, artisanal experience. The flexible schedule with multiple sessions throughout the day adds convenience for travelers fitting the tour into their broader itinerary.

Who Will Enjoy This Wine Tour Most

This tour is especially suited for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Tuscan winemaking techniques while tasting high-quality wines. Food lovers will enjoy the pairing of wines with local cheeses, salami, and bruschetta. The private setting makes it perfect for couples, small groups, or families with children, provided they are accompanied by adults.

Travelers interested in organic products will also find the olive oil tasting and production process particularly interesting. The value for money and excellent reviews suggest this experience offers a rewarding and memorable glimpse into Tuscany’s wine heritage.

Final Thoughts on the San Quirico Winery Gourmet Tour

The Gourmet Wine Tour at San Quirico Winery combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and high-quality wine tasting in a short but enriching experience. The 45-minute duration makes it accessible for those with limited time but still seeking a meaningful introduction to Tuscan wines.

The private format, knowledgeable hosts, and exceptional wines set this tour apart, especially for visitors wanting a relaxed, educational experience. While not a full-day activity, it offers just enough to deepen appreciation for Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Chianti, and regional specialties.

Most importantly, the warm hospitality and attention to detail ensure that guests leave with not only great wines but also a better understanding of the craftsmanship behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this wine tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by adults, but the focus remains on tasting wines for those of legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
The Gourmet Wine Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Can I buy wines or olive oil after the tour?
Yes, at the conclusion of the tour, visitors can visit the wine store to purchase wines and oils at special discounted prices.

What wines are included in the tasting?
The tasting features four selected wines including Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Riserva “Isabella”, Chianti Colli Senesi, and San Gimignano Rosso “Botticello”.

Is the tour private or shared?
The experience is private, with only your group participating, ensuring a personalized visit.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $38.16 per person, offering good value for the intimate and educational experience provided.