Practical advice and useful tips to set off on a food and wine tour in the heart of Tuscany and discover the traditional flavours and aromas of the area.
Wine and food tours in Tuscany: 8 hints and tips
A food and wine tour in Tuscany is an evocative and emotional journey that invites lovers of good food and wine to immerse themselves in an all-embracing and multi-sensorial experience, discovering the culinary and wine excellence of the region. Indeed, Tuscany, with its fascinating cultural and scenic richness, stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for this kind of activity, attracting travellers from all over the world with its renowned culinary tradition.
Tourists embarking on a food and wine tour in Tuscany of two days or more are enveloped in a symphony of flavours, aromas and panoramas, guided by expert sommeliers, chefs and local guides who passionately unveil the territory's hidden treasures. But what is the most interesting wine and food itinerary in Tuscany of all? What are the activities associated with this new form of tourism? Here are some tips for a truly unforgettable wine and food weekend in Tuscany.
Wine and food tours in Tuscany: the wine routes
Very popular is the wine and food tour in the Chianti region, along the scenic Chiantigiana road connecting Florence and Siena and winding through the majestic Tuscan countryside, past flourishing vineyards and fairytale villages such as Castagnoli, Greve in Chianti and San Gimignano.
Another 2-day wine and food tour in Tuscany not to be missed by wine lovers is a day in Montalcino and a day in Montepulciano. These two medieval villages, less than an hour's drive from each other, are authentic jewels set amidst lush hills, and offer an unforgettable journey to discover the flavours and traditions of yesteryear.
A Montepulciano, famosa per il Vino Nobile, il tour enogastronomico in Toscana si arricchisce di ulteriori delizie. La città vanta splendidi palazzi rinascimentali e suggestivi vicoli, tra cui spicca Piazza Grande, teatro di eventi storici e culturali di grande risonanza. A Montalcino, cuore pulsante del celebre Brunello di Montalcino, i visitatori avranno l’opportunità di visitare le antiche cantine, come quelle di Banfi, di esplorare la Fortezza di Montalcino, maestoso baluardo del XIV secolo, che regala una vista panoramica spettacolare sul paesaggio circostante, o di degustare i migliori prodotti tipici locali in una bottega d’altri tempi, come l’Enoteca.
Food and wine tour in Montalcino: departure from Castello Banfi Wine Resort
Nei pressi di Montalcino sorge anche il prestigioso Castello Banfi Wine Resort, un’oasi di tranquillità e pace circondata da vigneti, e luogo ideale in cui soggiornare per un tour enogastronomico a Montalcino. Qui, oltre a vivere la magica esperienza di soggiornare in un autentico castello medievale, avrete l’occasione di scoprire le prelibatezze culinarie della Toscana, di esplorare antichi borghi e di rilassarvi lontano dal caos cittadino, grazie alla vicinanza del resort ai principali punti di interesse per un tour enogastronomico della Toscana e alle numerose attività ad esso connesse.
Visit to cellars
The cellar, which opens its doors to wine connoisseurs, is the most intimate area of any winery, its beating heart where, as in the case of Cantine Banfi, the variety and excellence of the grapes is preserved and enhanced through the fusion of state-of-the-art technology, technical experimentation and traditional knowledge.
È possibile optare per una tour mattutina con pranzo o una visita pomeridiana con cena, costituita da un menu degustazione con diverse portate. Oppure, se preferite un tour privato, avrete la possibilità di visitare, oltre alla cantina, anche i vigneti e la prestigiosa Balsameria, dove si produce il rinomato Condimento Balsamico Etrusco; una degustazione guidata di tre delle migliori etichette e un pranzo con menu degustazione di 4 portate presso il La Taverna Restaurant.
Tasting and Wine Bar
For connoisseurs, a food and wine tour of Tuscany mainly follows the wine-tasting route. We offer several thematic wine tasting menus, which will make you fall in love with the incredible variety of Sangiovese or take you by smell and taste on a journey through the authentic flavours of Tuscany and Piedmont.
Starred dinner
Se siete alla ricerca di un luogo dove mangiare durante il vostro tour enogastronomico in Toscana per poter gustare le prelibatezze locali preparate ad arte secondo la tradizione, ma anche di un’esperienza all’insegna del lusso, della cortesia e dell’arte dell’ospitalità, vi consigliamo di prenotare una cena stellata al La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, presso l’incantevole Castello Banfi.
Wine and food weekend in Tuscany: not only food and wine
But a food and wine itinerary in Tuscany is not only linked to food and wine, but also to relaxation, culture and knowledge of the territory. The culinary tradition is in fact deeply linked to the history of the villages and towns, and only by visiting them is it possible to understand the true origin of the most delicious dishes.
During your food and wine weekend in Tuscany, you can dedicate a few hours to relaxing at the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni, a unique village with a free-access thermal pool in the centre of the main square; explore Monte Amiata with its suggestive trekking itineraries; or visit the enchanting Abbey of San Lorenzo al Lanzo, also known as Badia Ardenghesca, in the municipality of Civitella Paganico.