Lucca – Wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli

If you’re in the Lucca area and craving a genuine taste of Tuscany’s organic and biodynamic wine scene, the wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli offers a rewarding experience. This private tour, rated a perfect 5.0 based on glowing reviews, takes you to the beautiful hills near Camaiore, where a family-run vineyard produces wines, oils, and honeys using natural methods. For just around $34, you’ll get approximately 1.5 hours of tasting, exploring, and learning, with the chance to taste four different wines along with local cheeses, honey, and extra virgin olive oil.

What I love about this experience is the personal touch: Francesca, the guide, shares her family’s passion for natural wines and their sustainable approach, making it more than just a tasting. You’ll appreciate their openness—allowing visitors to witness the manual processes like harvest and bottling depending on the season. Plus, sitting under a pergola to sip these handcrafted products makes for a laid-back, memorable afternoon. The downside? Because it’s a private tour limited in size and duration, it might feel a bit brief if you’re looking for a lengthy, extensive wine voyage. Still, the intimacy and authenticity more than compensate.

Key Points:
– Authentic Family-Owned Operation: You meet the passionate owners and learn about their sustainable, natural approach.
– Personalized Experience: Small group or private format ensures dedicated attention and in-depth answers.
– Tasting in a Scenic Setting: Savor wines, oils, and honey under a pergola amid stunning vineyard views.
– Educational and Engaging: Get insights into organic farming, biodynamics, and traditional methods, often demonstrated seasonally.
– Excellent Value: For around $34, you get a genuine, hands-on experience with knowledgeable hosts and quality tastings.
– Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect if you enjoy learning about wine making or local food traditions in an authentic environment.

Visiting Tuscany often means tasting the region’s famous wines, but a trip to Tenuta Mareli near Lucca provides a different kind of experience—one rooted in sustainable farming, family tradition, and small-scale craftsmanship. I’ve reviewed this tour based on multiple positive reviews, and I can confidently say it warrants a spot on your itinerary if you appreciate genuine, artisan products.

This experience typically lasts about an hour and a half, with the opportunity for guests to witness the vineyard and cellar, engage directly with the producers, and sample their carefully crafted organic wines. Pricing is modest at around $34.39 per person, which is a fair investment given the quality of the experience and the depth of knowledge offered.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

First, the family’s passion shines through in every part of the visit. Francesca, the host, is frequently praised for her engaging manner and thorough explanations. In one review, Edwin B. describes her as “such a delight,” highlighting how her stories about honey, wine, and the family business made the experience memorable. Yet, what really sets this apart is the chance to see traditional wine-making techniques in action, especially during the harvest or bottling seasons when manual labor is on display.

Second, the scenic setting—a vineyard cradled in the hills near Lucca—provides a perfectly rustic backdrop. Sitting under a pergola to taste wines, extra virgin olive oil, and local honeys like millefiori and acacia offers a peaceful, picturesque environment. As Betsy C. notes, the delicious wines and memorable food make it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Their tasting includes four wines, perfectly complemented by cheeses and croutons, offering an authentic taste of Tuscan culinary simplicity.

What Can You Expect on the Tour?

The itinerary begins with a walk around the vineyard, where your guide will explain the harvesting process, vineyard management, and winemaking philosophy—focusing heavily on biodynamic and organic practices. Depending on the season, you might even see the hand-harvesting, foot-pressing, or bottling processes, which are done manually and with love—a rare glimpse into artisanal methods.

Next, you’ll visit the cellar and storage areas, where Francesca or her family members show how they produce their wines without chemicals, preserving natural flavors. This is not a slick commercial operation but a lean, family-run farm, making the experience more intimate and meaningful.

Finally, sitting outside under a pergola, you’ll taste the wines, along with local olive oil and honey. Guests are invited to ask questions, and Francesca’s enthusiasm makes it easy to get immersed in their philosophy—the love and passion that go into every bottle.

The Tasting Experience

The wines themselves are highly praised for their quality and authenticity. Reviewers mention “delicious” wines, with one noting that Francesca’s explanations helped them truly understand the art of traditional wine making. The accompanying foods—cheeses, croutons, and honeys—are described as memorable, making every sip and bite a small celebration of local produce.

Practical Details and Considerations

Access is straightforward, starting at the meeting point in Montemagno. The tour is private, which means you won’t be jostled by crowds, and your group gets individualized attention. Public transportation makes this accessible, and service animals are allowed, adding convenience for travelers with pets.

While most travelers can participate, those under 18 won’t be served alcohol—something to keep in mind for families or younger visitors. The tour is flexible—lasting from just over an hour to more than two hours, depending on group size and seasonal activities.

Who Will Love This?

This experience suits food and wine lovers who enjoy authentic, hands-on encounters. It’s ideal if you’re curious about biodynamic farming, natural wines, or just want to relax in a beautiful setting with engaging company. If you’re looking for a straightforward tasting at a winery, this might seem more detailed than some; if you prefer commercial wine tours with large groups and sales pitches, this may be too intimate. But for those seeking true craftsmanship and a genuine slice of Tuscany, it’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For less than $40, you gain access to a family-run vineyard, immersive insights into organic wine production, and a chance to taste some of the purest wines Tuscany has to offer. The personalized attention, the scenic environment, and the educational aspect make this tour stand out from cookie-cutter tastings.

If you value quality over quantity, and love understanding how your food and drink are made with care and tradition, this experience is a genuine treasure. It offers a taste of Tuscany’s modern sustainable approach that doesn’t compromise on flavor or authenticity. It’s perfect for curious travelers, small groups, or those who simply want a memorable afternoon with excellent wine and even better company.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it can extend depending on the season and group size.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste four wines accompanied by croutons, local cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, and honey like millefiori and acacia.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the experience is booked as a private activity, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate setting.

Can I visit if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, non-drinkers and those under 18 are welcome; alcohol is not served to minors.

What makes this vineyard special?
It’s a family-run operation focused on organic and biodynamic practices, with demonstrations of manual harvest and traditional wine-making methods.

How accessible is the location?
The meeting point is near public transportation, making it fairly easy to access from nearby towns or cities.

What should I wear or bring?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking outdoors. Bringing a hat or sunscreen is advisable in sunny weather.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply eager to experience authentic Tuscan culture, a visit to Tenuta Mareli offers a refreshingly genuine taste of Italy’s small-scale, sustainable wine world.