Chianti wine region★★★
The hills between Florence and Siena are the heart of Tuscan wine production and one of Europe's most beautiful cultural landscapes. Cypress avenues, olive groves, stone houses, and endless vineyards — here, Tuscany looks exactly like it does on postcards.
Chianti Classico
The core area between Greve in Chianti, Radda, Gaiole, and Castellina produces the Chianti Classico DOCG — recognizable by the black rooster (Gallo Nero) on the bottle. The best wineries offer tastings with tours (10–30 € per person, often with olive oil, bruschetta, and local salumi). Recommended wineries: Castello di Verrazzano, Castello di Volpaia, Fontodi, Badia a Coltibuono.
Greve in Chianti
The unofficial center of the Chianti region. The Piazza Matteotti with its arcades is charming, the Antica Macelleria Falorni (butcher shop since 1729) is a temple of salumi — Finocchiona, Prosciutto, Lardo di Colonnata. In September, the Expo del Chianti Classico takes place.
Other wine regions of Tuscany
- Brunello di Montalcino — One of Italy's noblest and most expensive red wines. The small town of Montalcino sits atop a hill south of Siena. Tastings from 15–40 €, wines from 30–300 € per bottle.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano — Montepulciano is a beautiful Renaissance town with wine cellars directly under the streets. Palazzo facades, thermal springs in nearby Bagno Vignoni.
- Bolgheri / Super-Tuscans — On the coast: Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto — Italy's most expensive wines. Tastings by appointment only and not cheap.
💡 Tipp
The most beautiful way to experience Chianti: Book an agriturismo (farm accommodation) for 2–3 nights, rent a car, and visit a different winery each day. Many agriturismi offer their own wine, olive oil, and dinners made from farm products — from €80–120 per night for a double room.