When considering the most popular wine regions of the world, very few compare to Tuscany! It is almost impossible to think of Tuscany without thinking of Chianti and the beautiful Sangiovese grapes it is made from. Tuscany is one of the most popular regions for wine tasting in the world. When wine tasting in Tuscany one not only has the opportunity to taste many different wines but to learn about the history of the winemaking process as well. Tuscany is home to many of Italy’s most popular wines including Chianti Classico, Vin Santo, Carmignano, and Bolgheri. Below are 5 great wineries in Tuscany to visit!
- Barone Ricasoli Winery
Location: Barone Ricasoli Spa loc. Madonna a Brolio 53013 Gaiole di Chianti
Barone Riscasoli is known as Italy’s oldest wine estate. Chianti was invented in 1872 by Baron Bettino Ricasoli in the Brolio Castle which is located in the region of Tuscany, Italy. After over 30 years of experimentation and research, Baron Bettino Ricasoli wrote down the formula of Chianti which he addressed to a professor at the University of Pisa by the name of Cesare Studiati. The letter read:
“I verified the results of the early experiments, that is, that the wine receives most of its aroma from the Sangioveto (which is my particular aim) as well as a certain vigour in taste; the Canajuolo gives it a sweetness which tempers the harshness of the former without taking away any of its aroma, though it has an aroma all of its own; the Malvagia, which could probably be omitted for wines for laying down, tends to dilute the wine made from the first two grapes, but increases the taste and makes the wine lighter and more readily suitable for daily consumption…”
Barone Ricasoli is currently the largest winery in the Chianti Classico region. This winery is applauded for its capability to produce wines that vary although they come from the same area, which is extremely rare. Barone Ricasoli offers a variety of different tours that explain the history of Barone Ricasoli including the castle, and different grape varieties. Culinary tours are provided as well, such as a picnic day and a sunset tour. Popular wines include Brolio Chianti Classico Reserva, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 
- Castello di Ama
Location: Localita Ama SNC, 53013, Gaiole in Chianti, Italy
- Montalcino Wine Tours
Location: Piazza Cavour 6, 53024, Montalcino, Italy
Montalcino is a hill town in Tuscany just south of Sienna, famous for Brunello di Montalcino wine. This wine is considered to be one of the most highly valued wines of Italy. The elevation of Montalcino is ideal for sunlight exposure which ripens the grapes. The grapes produced are perfect for aging. What makes Brunello wine different from various other wines, is the fact that the grapes used to produce it must be 100% from Sangiovese. Furthermore, the grapes must be aged for a minimum of five years resulting in a bold flavor and aroma. During your wine tasting experience, you will be given a history of the region, the wines produced, and the winemaking process.
- Antinori Chianti Classico
Location: Via Cassia per Siena, 133, 50026 Bargino FI, Italy
The Antinori family, who are lovers of Chianti, have been in the winemaking business since 1385. This winery is known for its production of two of Italy’s most favorited wines, Tignanello and Solaia. Although the history of this winery dates back over 600 years, or 26 generations, it is surprisingly very new. It was designed in 2013 by one of Italy’s most talented architects, Marco Casamonti. Not only does this winery contain history and over 600 years of wine, it also includes a wine bar, tasting room, and a bookshop. The cellars were created for ideal temperatures in order to preserve wine in the most organic way possible. It was constructed of materials including terracotta, wood, and weathered steel. The top wines include Pèppoli Chianti Classico, Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva, and Vin Santo Chianti Classico. The tour explains how each wine is produced and shows the advanced architecture of the winery.
- Capezzana
Location: Via Capezzana, 100, 59015 Carmignano PO, Italy
Capezzana is located just a few miles away from Florence, Italy. It overlooks a beautiful valley that extends from Pistoia to Florence. Capezzana has been producing extra virgin olive oil and various wines since 804! Over 1200 years of winemaking means that there is an abundant amount of history that goes along with the winery. Since the 1920s, the Contini Bonaccossi family has been running the estate after Count Alessandro Contini Bonacossi purchased it. The family is originally from Venice but came to Carmignano. Capezzana contains vineyards and olive groves that are entirely organic. The tours include wine tasting with a delicious lunch. The tour also includes cooking classes, where individuals have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes, some of which include pasta, zucchini, and gnocchi. Popular wines include Vin Santo and Rosé.
