Embarking on an Italian food and wine tour is a dream for many, and Tuscany is undoubtedly a jewel in this culinary crown. With its rolling vineyards, historic estates, and exceptional wines, Tuscany offers an enchanting experience for wine enthusiasts. Join us as we unveil our curated selection of the foremost Tuscan wineries, a must-visit for every oenophile.
CAPEZZANA
Nestled just a short distance from Florence towards Prato, Capezzana is a historic and rustic gem offering cellar tours showcasing traditional wines from the Carmignano DOCG. This estate has been producing wine and extra-virgin olive oil since 804, with the Contini Bonaccossi family overseeing operations since the 1920s. The estate's newest addition is La Vinsantaia, a wine bar created by the youngest family members, where guests can enjoy informal wine tastings along with delectable food. Capezzana is a sprawling estate with 650 hectares of forests, organic vineyards, olive groves, and even a cookery school. During the summer months, be sure to savor the view of Florence's Duomo from the terrace and indulge in vin santo, a dessert wine made from grapes dried on racks. For wine collectors, Capezzana offers a splendid selection of library vintages of Villa di Capezzana, starting from the 1930s, with the 1968 and 1988 vintages standing out.
Via Capezzana 100, 59015 Carmignano| +39 055 8706005| capezzana.it
CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO
Indulge in the quintessential Tuscan experience within the walls of a 1,000-year-old castle, surrounded by vineyards owned by Florentine nobility. This castle, initially built to safeguard Florence, boasts a rich history, having once supplied wine to renowned artists like Donatello and Michelozzo Michelozzi. Although partially destroyed in 1944, it has been lovingly restored, and visitors can explore the original cellar in the Renaissance villa. Nipozzano is not just a picturesque backdrop but a fully operational farm, spanning over 600 hectares, complete with olive groves and an onsite olive press. While exploring, you might spot Chianina and Angus cows grazing freely in the fields. A visit here includes a tour of the monumental cellars where Chianti Rùfina, from the higher-altitude Chianti appellation, ages. Don't miss the tasting room, set in an old kitchen, and the breathtaking views of meticulously maintained vineyards stretching across the valley. For collectors, Nipozzano offers old vintages dating back to 1864, with special mentions for the 1960, 1974, and 1981 selections.
Via di Nipozzano, 50060 Pelago, Florence| +39 055 8311050| frescobaldi.com
ANTINORI, CHIANTI CLASSICO
Experience modernity and sleek architecture at the Antinori Chianti Classico winery, located less than 20 kilometers from Florence. Situated amidst olive groves and meticulously aligned vineyards, this winery's primary structure is cleverly concealed underground, giving it an air of mystery. The Antinori family has been involved in winemaking since 1385, and this winery showcases more than 600 years of history in its wine museum. The facility also houses a bookstore, an art collection, wine bar, and tasting rooms. The use of local terracotta in its construction helps maintain ideal wine storage conditions, and an iron spine running through the building creates a sense that the floor is suspended above the foundation.
Via Cassia per Siena 133, 50026 Bargino, San Casciano in Val di Pesa| +39 055 2359700 |antinori.it
CASTELLO DI AMA
Castello di Ama is a legendary Chianti wine estate blending history with contemporary art. Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti revitalized this 12th-century castle, once abandoned, into a thriving winery. The estate showcases an impressive contemporary art installation and produces exceptional wines, including the Haiku Chianti Classico. Visitors can immerse themselves in artworks such as Daniel Buren's mirror wall, reflecting the vineyards, and Anish Kapoor's 'Aima,' with its pulsating red light in the tiny church of San Venanzio. Castello di Ama also boasts a state-of-the-art olive press, producing some of the finest olive oil in the region. For wine connoisseurs, Castello di Ama offers a journey through three decades of l'Apparita.
Località Ama, 53013 Gaiole in Chianti| +39 0577 746069| reservation@castellodiama.com| castellodiama.com
LE MACCHIOLE, BOLGHERI
Venture to Bolgheri, renowned for its 'Super Tuscan' wines, and discover Le Macchiole, a family-run winery where the focus is on international, single-varietal wines. Cinzia Merli and her two sons, Elia and Mattia, run this winery, which exudes a laid-back atmosphere despite its imposing gates. As you explore the organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Merlot vineyards, you'll notice a large mural by Italian street artist Ozmo, offering a glimpse of the family's creative spirit. A tour of the cellar precedes a tasting in one of two rooms, where you can savor one of Italy's finest Cabernet Francs, along with single-varietal Merlots and Syrahs.
Strada Provinciale 16B Bolgherese, 189/A – 57022 Castagneto Carducci (LI)| +39 0565 766092| info@lemacchiole.it| lemacchiole.it
PRIMA PIETRA, RIPARBELLA
For a tranquil escape away from the bustling crowds, head to Riparbella, where Massimo Ferragamo, known for his ownership of another winery (see below), purchased Prima Pietra. Bordeaux blends have been crafted here since 2007, and the winery now offers tours of its small vineyard. The drive to Riparbella leads to the gates of Prima Pietra, where the serene Tuscan coast unfolds before you.
Loc. I Prati – 56046 – Riparbella (PI)| +39 0586 1948 001| info@tenutaprimapietra.com| tenutaprimapietra.com
COL D’ORCIA, MONTALCINO
Col d’Orcia is an endearing, old-fashioned organic farm boasting a tasting room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. This winery is one of the largest in the renowned Montalcino area and is owned by the Cinzano family, known for their Vermouth legacy. Visiting Col d’Orcia feels like stepping back in time, offering a stark contrast to the modernity of Castiglion del Bosco. You'll embark on a quick tour of the organic farm, followed by a tasting in a space that resembles the Cinzano family's dining room. The selection includes Tuscan Pinot Grigio, Sant’Antimo wines, and, of course, Brunello, along with a range of back-vintage wines. A small wine shop is available for purchasing these remarkable older vintages, as well as the farm's olive oil.
Località Via Giuncheti, 53024 Montalcino SI, Italy| +39 0577 80891| coldorcia.com
CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO, MONTALCINO
Experience sophistication and luxury at Castiglion del Bosco, an estate owned by Massimo Ferragamo. Nestled in the heart of the Orcia valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes, this ancient hamlet dates back to 1100. Massimo Ferragamo has transformed the estate, featuring a beautiful winery producing modern-style Brunello, the exquisite Rosewood resort, two outstanding restaurants, a spa, and a prestigious golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf.
Castiglion del Bosco, 53024 Montalcino Siena| +39 0577 1913750| wine@castigliondelbosco.com| castigliondelbosco.com
SALCHETO, MONTEPULCIANO
Salcheto is an organic estate known for its IGT wines and commitment to sustainability, boasting stunning views from its enoteca. The winery reached self-sufficiency in 2011, setting an early example in Europe by relying on renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, including water reclamation and solar panels. Certified organic, Salcheto produces exceptional wines while respecting the environment. The winery, completed in 2011, overlooks the picturesque town of Montepulciano, making it one of the most scenic wineries in Tuscany.
Via di Villa Bianca 15, 53045 Montepulciano| +39 0578 799031| salcheto.it
MONTEVERRO, CAPALBIO
Monteverro represents a new chapter in Tuscan winemaking, combining ambition and innovation to create Bordeaux varietals in the southern reaches of Tuscany. Located an hour south of Grosseto, near Monte Argentario and some of Tuscany's finest beaches, this project was initiated in 2003 by Julia and Georg Weber. Upon entering Monteverro, you'll be greeted by Tuscan-style buildings adorned with motifs paying homage to the local wild boar. However, once inside, the scale of ambition becomes apparent, with immaculate winemaking facilities and a barrel room that speaks to the commitment to excellence. The prices of their wines reflect this dedication, with their top wine exceeding €100 per bottle. The wine tour offers an immersive experience, covering everything from the bug hotel designed to attract beneficial insects to the vineyards to the barrel room and tasting room, where you can sample their remarkable wines.
Monteverro Srl Società Agricola Strada Aurelia Capalbio 11 I-58011 Capalbio (GR)| +39 564 890721| info@monteverro.com