CHIANTI

Information and tips on the famous Chianti wine area of Tuscany

Chianti is one of the most famous areas of Tuscany. Made famous by the red wine of the same name. It is a beautiful area with wonderful scenery, charming hilltop villages, great food and wine. It makes a great base for exploring Central Tuscany.

ACCOMMODATION

We have a wide range of fantastic Chianti villas to suit all tastes and budgets. Browse our site or get in touch if you need our advice choosing your perfect villa in Tuscany.

ABOUT CHIANTI

Here is a map of the area.

Chianti has much to offer a visitor interested in wine, food and natural beauty. Chianti is above all a wine zone. It is not an administrative region and includes parts of the Tuscan provinces of Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Pisa. The Chianti DOCG appellation is divided into seven subregions (Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano and Rufina), of which Classico is the most famous.

The Chianti Classico region in turn is defined by the towns between Florence and Siena: Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Gaiole and Radda. Almost all the famous Chianti estates are located near to one of these towns, although Rufina is to the East of Florence.

The  landscapes in this region are breathtaking, gently rolling hills covered with rows of vines stretching into the distance. Tiny hilltop medieval villages. Fantastic food and wine. Bordered by the art cities of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. The area is perfect for lovers of good food, wine and art. This video shows the local lanscapes from a hot air balloon, as it glides over the hills and vineyards. An experience not to be missed!

GET AROUND

Chianti is easiest to explore with a car. The most likely place to begin the trip is Florence, where rental services are abundant. The most important road to know is the Chiantigiana from Florence to Siena, as it penetrates the heart of the region, Chianti Classico.

If you don’t want to drive, the region is accessible with SITA buses from Florence. The nearby hills are a magnificent place for bike tours. You will rarely be cycling in flat roads, but you will also seldom have to climb steep passes (only, be ware of the hot hours of the day in the Summer). You can start from Greve, for example, where you can rent a bike.

SEE

For someone interested in museums, churches and such things it is not necessary to leave Florence or Siena. However, the Chianti area can be an excellent base from which to explore Tuscany as whole without having to stay in these crowded cities. The countryside is beautiful, and absolute gems that should be visited are the hamlets of Montefioralle and Volpaia, and the beautiful towns of Greve, Panzano, Radda and Castellina.

DO

The region is an invaluable treasure for those who are interested in exploring the eno-gastronomic culture of Tuscany. Chianti is one of Italy's prime wine regions. The best way to tour the wineries and sample their products is on the last Sunday of May when many producers throughout Italy open their doors for the festival of “Cantine Aperte”. Tastings are free and reservations unnecessary, so if you like wine and happen to be in Tuscany at the time, this is a fantastic opportunity for you.
Olive groves are also the region's pride, and olive oil can be purchased directly from some producers. Olives are pressed in November and December and the “olio nuovo” or new oil, which is very piquant for the first several months, is especially prized on bruschetta and ribollita.

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