“Must-Visit Wineries: Top Wine Experiences Near Florence”
Florence is surrounded by some of Tuscany’s best wineries that offer immersive wine-tasting experiences. Here are some top aziende vinicole (wineries) near Florence that offer tours, tastings, and a chance to dive into the heart of Tuscan winemaking:
1. Antinori nel Chianti Classico
Location: Bargino, about 30 minutes from Florence
Highlights: This iconic winery by the renowned Antinori family offers a modern, architecturally stunning estate. The tour includes the winemaking cellars, tastings, and a view of their vineyards.
Specialty Wines: Tignanello, Chianti Classico
Extras: Restaurant with local Tuscan dishes, art exhibitions
2. Castello di Nipozzano (Frescobaldi)
Location: Pelago, about 40 minutes from Florence
Highlights: Set in a historic castle, this winery by the Frescobaldi family offers a picturesque estate, an in-depth look at their cellars, and tastings.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Rúfina, Mormoreto
Extras: Castle tours, vineyard walks, food and wine pairings
3. Castello di Verrazzano
Location: Greve in Chianti, about 45 minutes from Florence
Highlights: Set in the Chianti hills, this historic castle was once home to the explorer Verrazzano. The tour covers the castle’s history, vineyards, and cellars, ending with tastings of wines and olive oil.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Classico, Super Tuscans
Extras: Wine and food tastings, beautiful terrace views, traditional Tuscan meals
4. Tenuta di Nozzole (Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari)
Location: Greve in Chianti, about 45 minutes from Florence
Highlights: This scenic estate offers tours of its vineyards, cellar visits, and wine tastings. It’s a great spot for those interested in Chianti winemaking traditions.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Classico, Super Tuscans
Extras: Vineyard picnics and dining options
5. Badia a Coltibuono
Location: Gaiole in Chianti, about 1 hour from Florence
Highlights: This former abbey turned winery is a peaceful and historic estate. Tours include visits to ancient cellars and tastings of wines, olive oils, and even locally produced honey.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Classico Riserva, Vin Santo
Extras: Tuscan cooking classes, on-site restaurant, and the possibility to stay in the historic rooms
6. Il Palagio (Sting’s Estate)
Location: Figline Valdarno, about 45 minutes from Florence
Highlights: Owned by musician Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, this organic estate offers a unique tasting experience. The estate’s wines are celebrated for their quality and ties to nature.
Specialty Wines: Sister Moon, Message in a Bottle
Extras: Tastings paired with honey and olive oil from the estate, yoga and wellness programs
7. Castello di Ama
Location: Gaiole in Chianti, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Florence
Highlights: This unique winery combines contemporary art installations with winemaking. The estate offers guided tours of their vineyards, winery, and modern art collection.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Classico, Super Tuscans
Extras: Art installations throughout the estate, vineyard tours, exclusive tastings
8. Mazzei – Castello di Fonterutoli
Location: Castellina in Chianti, about 1 hour from Florence
Highlights: This historic estate offers a complete winery experience with tours that cover the cellars, vineyards, and a family history that dates back over 600 years.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Classico, Siepi Super Tuscan
Extras: Wine tastings with olive oil, gourmet restaurant with wine pairing options
9. Isole e Olena
Location: Barberino Tavarnelle, about 45 minutes from Florence
Highlights: Known for high-quality Chianti, this family-owned winery offers intimate, informative tours led by knowledgeable staff who cover the wine-making process and the estate’s philosophy.
Specialty Wines: Chianti Classico, Cepparello Super Tuscan
Extras: Small-group or private tastings, limited production wines
Each of these wineries offers a unique experience, whether you’re looking for traditional estates or modern vineyards with a twist. Remember to book in advance, as reservations are often required.