San Gimignano: Wine Tasting in an Organic Family Winery

Exploring Tuscany often means savoring its legendary wines and hearty cuisine, but this experience at Casa Lucii offers something a little different—an intimate look into the soul of a family-run, organic winery. Located just outside the medieval towers of San Gimignano, Casa Lucii hosts a 3-hour tour that combines tasting, a guided estate visit, and insights into organic farming. Although it’s a bit pricey at $169.93 per person, the depth of the experience and personal touches make it well worth the investment.

What I appreciate most about this tour is how it emphasizes authenticity. You’re not just tasting wines—you’re learning about the land, the process, and the family behind it all. Plus, they feature long-aged white wines that can only develop their unique flavors after many years in the bottle, offering a rare glimpse into nuanced winemaking. The other highlight? The opportunity to delight in a variety of local foods alongside the wines, creating a full sensory experience.

That said, a potential consideration for some is that the location is in the countryside and not accessible by public transport, meaning you’ll need to plan your transfer in advance. If you’re someone who prefers a relaxed, small-group setting with a knowledgeable guide, this will be a highlight. However, if you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a more extensive tour, you might find the 3-hour duration a bit brief. Still, the experience’s intimacy and focus on quality make it stand out.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic family-run estate: Casa Lucii offers a personal look into organic farming and winemaking tradition.
• Extensive wine tasting: Enjoy at least 11 wines, including 5 vintages of Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva, showcasing long aging potential.
• Gourmet Tuscan food: Pair wines with local specialties like tomato bruschetta, mozzarella skewers, cold cuts, and cheeses.
• Educational value: Learn the entire process from grape harvest to bottling, emphasizing organic and sustainable practices.
• Beautiful estate: Visit vineyards, olive groves, a vegetable garden, and a historic cellar, gaining context about the land.
• Exclusive and small group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and relaxed conversation.

The Experience at Casa Lucii: What to Expect

Starting at Casa Lucii

The tour begins at the estate’s main house—Casa Lucii, located in the peaceful countryside just outside San Gimignano. As you arrive, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and an aperitif that sets the tone for a relaxed, immersive afternoon. The location itself is a highlight, with views of rolling vineyards and olive groves that speak to Tuscany’s pastoral charm.

Guided Tour of the Estate

Your host, likely a member of the Lucii family or a knowledgeable guide, will lead you through a comprehensive tour of the estate. Expect to see the vegetable garden and orchard, which contribute to the farm-to-table ethos. The visit includes the vineyards, where you’ll learn how the grapes are grown organically—no chemical sprays here—and why that matters for the quality of their wines.

You will also explore the historic cellar and the vinsantaia (where Vin Santo is made), gaining insight into traditional winemaking methods. One reviewer notes that the estate’s collection of agricultural tools gives a tangible sense of the time-honored techniques used to produce their wines.

Tasting the Wines and Food

After the tour, it’s time for the main event—the tasting. You’ll sample a total of 11 wines, starting with the highly prized Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva, with at least five different vintages. This long-aging white wine is a real treat, revealing complex flavors that only develop over years of bottle aging. As one guest pointed out, “Discovering our aged white wine that can express the best only after very long aging in bottle” is a rare opportunity.

The tasting also includes other whites, a rosé, red wines, and the famous Vin Santo, paired with Tuscan cantuccini and artisanal chocolates. The accompanying food—local cold cuts, cheeses, garden produce, and baked goods—complements the wines perfectly, offering a true taste of Tuscany.

Learning and Relaxing

Throughout the experience, your guide explains the organic and sustainable farming practices that distinguish Casa Lucii from industrial wineries. This educational component offers added value, especially if you’re interested in how organic farming influences taste and quality.

Guests have praised the informative and friendly guides, who make learning about wine approachable and engaging. One reviewer appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, noting that “an impassioned journey to discover intense and unique flavors in the utmost relaxation and enjoyment” is exactly what you get.

Final Notes

The experience wraps up with a special pairing of Vin Santo with Tuscan cantuccini and artisanal chocolates, a sweet way to conclude your visit. The estate’s small group size (limited to 8) ensures intimate conversation and personalized attention, though it’s worth noting that transfers aren’t included—so plan your transport in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love wine and want to deepen their understanding of organic farming and traditional winemaking. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate long-aged whites and are eager to explore lesser-known Tuscan specialties. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy relaxed, educational outings, this tour offers a perfect blend of information, taste, and scenery.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer larger, busier tours, you might find the 3-hour length and intimate setting less fitting. Also, those relying on public transport should consider logistics carefully, as the estate is in the countryside and not accessible by public transit.

Price and Value Analysis

At nearly $170 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest in Tuscany, but it reflects a focus on quality, authenticity, and personal experience. The inclusion of 11 wines, local foods, and a guided estate tour makes it a solid value for those interested in a deep dive into organic Tuscan wines. For wine enthusiasts, the chance to taste multiple vintages of a long-aged white wine and explore a family estate makes the price justifiable.

Final tip: consider this experience if you’re genuinely interested in learning about organic winemaking and enjoying authentic Tuscan flavors in a relaxed, small-group setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including the estate visit and tastings. Check availability for specific starting times.

Are transfers included?
No, transfers are not included. Casa Lucii is in the countryside, so you’ll need to arrange your transport in advance.

What wines are tasted?
Guests sample 11 wines, including 5 vintages of Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva, rosé, Chianti reds, Vin Santo, and others, paired with Tuscan foods.

Is the experience suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Italian, with a small group size ensuring personalized attention.

What food is included?
Local cold cuts, cheeses, garden vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal chocolates accompany the wines, enhancing the tasting experience.

Is this experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to know about wine to enjoy this?
Not at all. The guides make the process approachable, and everyone can enjoy discovering new flavors and the stories behind them.

How many people are in each group?
Small groups are limited to 8 participants, fostering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your travel plans.

To sum it up, this experience at Casa Lucii offers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s wine and land, especially for those interested in organic practices and traditional methods. You’ll love the chance to sample a variety of wines, including some that age beautifully in the bottle, all in a welcoming family setting far from the tourist crowds. The estate’s scenic location, combined with thoughtful food pairings and engaging storytelling, makes it a worthwhile addition for anyone seeking a calm, authentic glimpse into Tuscany’s winemaking heritage. Perfect for wine lovers, curious foodies, or travelers who want to support sustainable practices while savoring local flavors.