Guided Wine and Walking Tours in Tuscany
Wine and Walking Tuscany 9 Day Tour

Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the oldest traditional estates of Montalcino and visiting the home of Brunello wine would not be complete without visiting the cellars of the Fattoria dei Barbi.  The estate has been the property of the Cinelli Colombini since 1790.  On the death of her father, Lady Francesca Colombini became head of Fattoria dei Barbi.  She is called “The Lady of Brunello” for her dedication to the wine industry.

Tonight is wine tasting and dinning with the Machetti family; linen table clothes, fresh flowers and Anna’s food – pure Montalcinese.  Mario or Michele will introduce Montalcino Brunello and Rosso wines from their extensive cellar and present Anna’s food.

This morning walk is via the Etruscan fortress of Poggio Della Civitella to the finest Romanesque religious building in Italy, Abbazia di Sant’ Antimo and the opportunity to hear a beautiful Georgian chant.  

Abbey di Sant’ Antimo originally owned the estate and in 1877 sold it to a family from Castelnuovo del Abata.  Castelnuovo del Abata perches on the hill above the Abbey where the original family’s Renaissance palazzo and 17C wine cellar remains.

Stunning views over the Val D’ Orcia as we drive to the start of our walk departing from Montalpulciano, a large and well-preserved hilltown and the home of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  The main street running along a ridge is lined with fine palazzos built in 15C by the Florentines.  After exploring and savoring coffee or tea in the elegant 1868 Cafe Poliziano, we will begin our walk.  An introduction and tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano will be followed by lunch, superbly cooked and presented.  Next either private transport or walk into the fascinating Renaissance town of Pienza.  After exploring the town, enjoy a cheese tasting in Pienza, the home of Pecorino cheese. 

A most enjoyable walk down a steep, little used gravel road out of Montalcino passing by shady chestnuts, ancient stonewalls and into prime Sangiovese grape country for the premium Brunello di Montalcino wine. A tour of the winery’s cellars and wine tasting followed by lunch.After lunch an optional walk through the estate’s Brunello vineyards following an art trail for 1.5 km. The family heritage is deeply imbedded in the history of Montalcino and Italy. A fascinating example of this is the red label on their 2006 Brunello di Montalcino in honor of their ancestors and others who fought for a unified Italy.  The label represents the red shirts worn by Garibaldi and his soldiers and “honors the generosity and courage of those who fought to create a free and unified Italy”.

Dinner is at an historic family run Osteria.  The menu is uncomplicated, earthy and completely true to the cuisine of peasant Montalcinese.  Dinner will be accompanied by local wine to match.

No tour of Tuscan wineries would be complete without a visit to Castello Brolio one of the historic estates of Chianti and one of the oldest wineries in the world.  The home of the Ricasoli family since 1167 and also where Barone Bettino Ricasoli created the forerunner of the modern Chianti.  Behind the imposing gates and walls is a formal Italian garden.  Pathways lined with box hedges wind around the castle leading to large dramatic terraces with even more dramatic views.  The tour of Castello di Brolio ends with a visit to the cellars, wine tasting and a light lunch.

Before dinner we explore the village of Radda in Chianti.

Dinner will set the scene for the following days. A palate change, as Chianti Riserva, Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan will be introduced followed by authentic Chianti dinning.

Chianti’s famous classic walk to the charming 11C fortified village of Volpaia.  It has been producing wine since this time.  This lovely walk from one medieval hilltown to another gives you the perfect snap shot of Chianti.  Fabulous views, vineyards, shady woods via Santa Maria Novella and up and into Volpaia. 

This fascinating tour by Castello di Volpaia of their wine and olive oil fattoria and cellars culminates in an excellent wine and olive oil tasting.  The Stianti Mascheroni family are leaders in Tuscany’s organic viticultural movement.  In 1250, Volpaia and Radda were founding members of the Lega del Chianti (Chianti League).

Late afternoon wine tasting.  An opportunity to compare a range of Tuscan wines introduced by an expert in both Italian and international wines.

A historically interesting walk to the hamlet of San Donato as it passes some of the best examples of original stonewall and terracing.  Along the way in a tranquil setting is one of the three ancient Priories in Chianti, San Giusto in Salcio.  Santa Maria Novella on the walk to Volpaia is another.

The serene scene of Badia a' Colitbuono, surrounded by beautiful oaks and pinewoods is spectacular.  Badia a' Colitbuono means Abbey of Good Harvest. The tour begins in the villa's garden after the bells finish ringing, continues into the villa and ends in the ancient musty cellars originally the crypt, sampling wine; such a treat.

In the early 11C the monks of the Vallombrosan Order, a splinter group from the Benedictines, established a tradition of viticulture. There are records of the monks planting vines in 1080, and include the earliest reference to Sangiovese.

Shady oak forests, panoramic views, a well-preserved fortified village, fascinating winery ending in Gaolie one of the three towns forming the Chianti League with Radda in Chianti and Castellina.  The small town was once an important market town and trading route.

Here in the heart of Chianti is a beautifully restored 16C farmhouse that blends contemporary Italian design with rustic simplicity.  Underground are the most elegant and modern cellars.  “An armored caveau hosts 8000 bottles of vintage wine for the most demanding clients”.  The wine and olive oil are made from grapes and olives grown on the estate, and are cultivated without the use of chemical’s.

Tonight you will dine on a wide terrace toasting a farewell to the Tuscan sun as it slips behind the Chianti hills.  The restaurant is a quiet icon in Chianti.

Return to Siena by private transport or Florence by direct bus from Radda in Chianti.