Explore the iconic city of Florence and nearby wine regions of Tuscany on exclusive wine tours in Firenze, Italy. Italy certainly holds the crown when it comes to a great mix of food, wine and culture in Europe. There’s luxury around every corner and for those who consider travel a true passion of theirs, few regions can compete with beautiful Tuscany. The city of Florence is its beating heart and the surrounding countryside forms its soul.
The rhythm of life here is both exciting and laidback, both sophisticated and understated, and both forward-moving while remaining true to tradition. Florence is often described as the “Cradle of the Renaissance” and that’s why we love to begin our luxury wine tours here. From the stunning art and architecture inside the city, you’ll get to journey further out for postcard-perfect countryside vistas and amazing vineyards.
Many of our tours can be easily customized for you and your group or family. Whether you’re all connoisseurs who know their Sangiovese from their Trebbiano grapes or beginners who are passionate about learning more about wine in Italy, Wine Paths can design a dream holiday for you. And if it’s lavish hotels, Michelin star restaurants and luxury wine tastings that inspire you, Florence is the place that will capture your imagination.
The city of Florence is the heart of the Tuscany wine region, and it’s arguably one of the most indulgent destinations in Europe.
The wider region is home to some of the most scenic vineyards, and this makes Florence the perfect base for exploring. The winemaking region is also prolific, with varietals that are appreciated worldwide. There is no place better for a tasting experience than the fabulous city of Florence, where the region’s top DOCG wines can be found in restaurant cellars and exclusive bars.
There are 70 DOCG wines in Italy, and 11 of these are found in Tuscany alone. This Chianti wine country happens to be the nation’s oldest region, with its history of wine production going as far back as the 8th Century BC. So a rich heritage puts Florence on the map for enotourism and gastronomy fans. The wine bars are always well-stocked and the city’s top restaurants take a farm-to-table approach with excellent wine pairings.
Beyond its wine and high gastronomy, the city of Florence has so much to offer its guests. The Renaissance architecture forms the regional capital’s main attraction, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo being one of the country’s historic treasures.
Other sights not to miss include Battistero di San Giovanni, Piazzale Michelangiolo, Uffizi Palace and Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and the Loggia dei Lanzi, Galleria dell'Accademia, San Lorenzo and Michelangelo's Medici Tombs, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, and the pretty Ponte Vecchio.
If you are staying in Florence for a few nights, make sure you sample the cuisine at one of the eight Michelin star restaurants or another fine dining venue in the city. Be sure to witness the famous artworks such as The Florentine Pieta by Michelangelo or the Madonna della Seggiola painting by Raphael.
Tours setting off from Florence will take you to some of the most charming locations in the Tuscan landscape. Here, you will learn everything there is to know about Chianti wine country and the different grapes used in the local wines, as well as some of the other small sub-regions of Tuscany.
The most popular grape to get to know is the native Sangiovese, often recognized by connoisseurs for its tannic and acidic taste. In almost all of the wines made in Tuscany and around the Florence area, there’s a fruity and aromatic fragrance created by the presence of Sangiovese.
Some of the best varieties you’ll get to taste include Chianti (made from 70-100% Sangiovese grapes), Carmignano (made from 50-90% Sangiovese grapes), Brunello di Montalcino, Montecucco, Morellino di Scansano, and Elba Aleatico Passito (made with 100% Aleatico grapes).
Our tours from Florence journey to the area of Chianti, along its wine routes around Greve, Panzano, Radda, Gaiole and Castellina. We also take our guests to the Maremma Toscana region to uncover the mysteries of Italy’s ancient civilization and the traditional wine made with unique spices and flavours. There are also areas such as Montepulciano and Montalcino that we can add to your wine tour.
Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters. And although it’s a temperate climate with few extremes generally, the summer can get very hot, particularly in regions like Tuscany where it can easily be 33°C or higher in the months of June, July and August.
The spring and autumn months are ideal if you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds. However, do bear in mind that Tuscany’s vendemmia period (the grape harvest) starts quite early in the backend of August and runs all the way to mid-October time. During this time, wineries and vineyards can get quite busy. During this time, harvesters spend the whole day out in the vineyards and cab be seen picking the grapes then hand-selecting only the best ones to process.
The months of March to May promise the best scenery for a lot of vineyards as this is when they will be lush. For the quietest period, plan your wine tour with us during the winter (in January and February).
One of the most important things you’ll find about dining in Tuscany is authenticity. Even in the busiest tourist areas in this region, such as Florence and Pisa, restauranteurs and chefs are extremely dedicated to the slow food movements and sourcing the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The farm-to-table approach is embraced by restaurants at every price range, so you’ll find great food everywhere you go during your wine tour.
Tuscany fuses together the warmth and satisfaction of Italian comfort food with fine dining, making it easy to enjoy your favourites in the most luxurious ways. And because good food and even better wine are bedfellows in cities like Florence, you’ll be able to enjoy the ultimate pairings every time you join a table.
If you want to experience classic Tuscan cuisine, the beautiful Sala dei Grappoli on the Castello Banfi Estate is a great little spot to check out. For an intimate dining experience that caters for gluten-free diets as well as offering a children’s menu for families, we recommend somewhere like Poggio Rosso near San Felice. Or for incredible Michelin-star dining, you simply cannot miss Osteria di Passignano, located just outside Florence.
Wine Paths creates deep and meaningful connections between wine, gastronomy, history and culture on a tour of Italy. To find out more about tailor-made luxury wine holidays in Florence, contact our local expert Filippo.