Wine Tour of two Chianti wine estates on the hills of Florence

Introduction: An Authentic Taste of Chianti

Imagine yourself wandering through the rolling hills of Tuscany, stopping at two historically significant wineries producing high-quality Chianti wines. This tour, offered by Florence Country Life, promises a deep dive into the world of award-winning wines, guided by knowledgeable experts who share their passion and expertise. It’s designed for travelers eager to explore beyond tourist traps and taste wines crafted with care from hand-harvested grapes.

What I especially like about this experience is how it combines intimate visits to two unique estates—Agriturismo Ulivello and Castello di Volognano—with personalized guidance. The fact that the guides are highly knowledgeable agronomists and wine curators means you’ll get insights that make each sip more meaningful. Plus, the tour includes a Tuscan lunch and snacks, which makes it a well-rounded day of indulgence and education.

One potential consideration is the price point of $368.77 per person. While it’s a premium experience, the inclusion of private transportation, multiple tastings, and a full meal helps justify the cost for those looking for an authentic, educational wine adventure. If your goal is to learn about niche Chianti producers and enjoy motivated, expert-guided tastings, this tour offers excellent value.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Tuscany experience with visits to two traditional, off-the-beaten-path wineries.
• Expert guides provide personalized insights, elevating the tasting beyond just sipping wine.
• Focus on genuine, high-quality Chianti from niche estates, not mass-produced bottles.
• Includes a Tuscan lunch and snacks, providing a delicious pairing for the wines.
• Private transport ensures comfort and flexibility, with pickup and drop-off from Florence center.
• Tasting variety includes red, white, rosé, and even some high-quality extra virgin olive oils.

When it comes to tasting Chianti, the hills around Florence are the place to be. This private tour offers a taste of Tuscany’s wine-making soul through visits to two distinguished, historic estates producing wines from Sangiovese and other local grapes. As someone who loves finding real, less-commercialized wine experiences, I found this tour to be both instructive and delicious, with guides who genuinely know their stuff.

Why This Tour Stands Out

First, the personalized nature of the experience makes a difference. Unlike crowded group tastings, this is a private affair, with your own guides leading you through cellars and vineyards. The guides—highly knowledgeable agronomists and wine curators—are eager to share details about the winemaking process, from hand-harvesting to bottling, which adds depth to the tasting.

Second, the focus on niche, award-winning wines rather than mass-market brands is a breath of fresh air. Several reviews mention how well the wines are presented alongside traditional Tuscan foods, like cheeses, salami, and bread, making each sip even more enjoyable. The quality of the wines is clear; the estates produce limited, high-quality selections you won’t find in local wine shops or touristy spots.

A Small Caveat

The main consideration is the cost—at roughly $368 per person, this is a premium experience. However, the price includes transfers, tastings at two estates, a full lunch, olive oil tastings, and personalized attention. If you’re after a comprehensive, educational, and authentic wine day in Chianti, many feel it’s money well spent.

Entering the First Estate: Agriturismo Ulivello

Your experience begins at Agriturismo Ulivello, situated within the vineyard-rich hills of Chianti Classico. The owner guides you through a modern cellar, nestled among expansive vineyards—a setting that feels very authentic, not overly commercialized.

Here, you’ll see the winemaking process up close. The estate’s cellar is a perfect mix of tradition and innovation, offering a glimpse into the high standards they maintain. The tasting takes place in their historic villa, where the enologist serves a selection of 4 to 7 wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. One reviewer notes, “Very nice wine tastings and winery tours. Excellent wines are well presented and served with great traditional Italian cheeses, salami, and breads.”

What makes Ulivello special is their dedication to quality—you get a real sense of their craftsmanship. The estate also offers pairings with typical Tuscan food, which enhances the tasting experience and helps you understand how these wines work with local cuisine.

Highlights of Ulivello

• Private visit to a modern cellar amid vineyards.
• Tasting of award-winning wines from a small but quality-focused estate.
• Guided by a passionate enologist who explains each wine and pairing.
• Opportunity to taste reds, whites, and rosés made from Sangiovese and other grapes.

Exploring Castello di Volognano

Next, you’ll head to Castello di Volognano, a historic estate with a medieval castle feel and a long tradition of winemaking. The cellar tour here offers another perspective on Chianti wine production, emphasizing the estate’s heritage and craftsmanship.

Guided by a professional wine curator, you will sample four wines, both red and white, paired with snacks carefully chosen to complement each wine. The estate is praised for its authenticity and quality, with visitors noting the welcoming atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides.

This stop highlights the difference between high-quality niche estates and larger commercial wineries, demonstrating that small-scale, dedicated producers often craft some of the most memorable Chianti wines.

Highlights of Volognano

• Guided tour of historic cellars and estate grounds.
• Tasting of four Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines, with snacks.
• Guided by a professional wine curator with a passion for Tuscan wines.
• Opportunity to learn about local viticulture and winemaking from a true expert.

The Food and Olive Oil Tasting

A major plus for me was the inclusion of Tuscan cuisine—a lunch and snacks that perfectly complement the wines. Expect a varied Tuscan lunch with local ingredients, along with extra virgin olive oil tastings. The pairing of these local products turns a simple wine tasting into a full sensory experience.

Guests have appreciated how this added element enhances the understanding of Tuscan food and wine pairing—a key part of Italian culture. One reviewer mentions how the wines are “served with great traditional Italian cheeses, salami, and breads,” making the experience both flavorful and educational.

The Value of the Food and Olive Oil

• Included lunch and snacks make this a full day adventure, not just a tasting.
• Extra virgin olive oil tastings offer a glimpse into Tuscan culinary craftsmanship.
• Food pairings elevate the wine experience and deepen your appreciation.

Transportation and Logistics: Comfort and Convenience

The tour includes private transfers with air-conditioned vehicles, which is crucial given Italy’s summer heat or winter chill. Pickup and drop-off are arranged from Piazza dei Cavalleggeri in Florence, making it convenient without the hassle of navigating on your own.

The tour lasts around five hours in total, with ample time at each estate for a relaxed experience. The vehicle’s sanitized environment and hand sanitizer stations reflect the tour provider’s attention to safety.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers wanting a deeper dive into Chianti, foodies eager to pair local cuisine with authentic wines, or those seeking a personalized, off-the-beaten-path Tuscany adventure. It’s best suited for adults who appreciate quality and are willing to spend a bit extra for a comprehensive, educational experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for an intimate, expert-led wine journey that takes you to small, family-run estates with authentic wines, this is a standout choice. It’s ideal if you want more than just tasting, but also to learn about local terroir, production methods, and the subtleties of Chianti.

Travelers who enjoy delicious Tuscan food will appreciate the included lunch and snacks. Plus, those interested in olive oils will find the extra tastings a bonus for understanding regional culinary traditions.

On the flip side, if your main priority is budget-friendly wine tasting or quick visits, this experience might feel somewhat pricey. However, the personalized guides and quality of the estates justify the higher price for many.

This wine tour offers a balanced combination of education, flavor, and culture. It’s well-suited for those seeking authentic, high-quality Chianti wines from niche producers—not mass-market brands—and want to learn from local experts.

The private transportation, expert guides, and inclusive meals make for a comfortable, fulfilling day. While the price is on the higher side, the focus on authenticity and depth makes it a worthwhile investment for serious wine enthusiasts or connoisseurs eager to expand their Tuscan wine knowledge.

In essence, this experience is more than just a wine tasting; it’s an educational journey into Chianti’s diverse terroirs and craftsmanship, wrapped in a relaxing day in Tuscany’s beautiful hills.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the private nature of the tour makes it perfect for solo travelers wishing for a personalized experience without feeling out of place.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers pick-up and drop-off, private transfers, tastings at two estates, a Tuscan lunch, snacks, olive oil tastings, and taxes.

Are there vegetarian options for the meal?
The tour description doesn’t specify, but given the focus on local Tuscan cuisine, it’s best to inquire directly to accommodate dietary preferences.

How long is each estate visit?
Ulivello is about 3 hours including cellar visit and tasting, while Volognano is approximately 2 hours for estate tour and tasting.

Can I buy wines at the estates?
Most likely, yes. These estates often sell their wines directly, giving you a chance to bring home some bottles.

Is physical distancing maintained?
Yes, the vehicles are sanitized, hand sanitizer is available, masks are offered if needed, and physical distancing is generally respected.

What kind of wines will I taste?
Expect a variety of red, white, and rosé wines, plus olive oils—all from niche, award-winning estates.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Primarily for adults, as tastings are involved. However, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery, food, and educational aspect.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How do I book this experience?
Through the provided link or by contacting Florence Country Life directly—be sure to check availability and ask about any special requests.

This wine tour provides a genuine, in-depth look at Chianti’s best-kept secrets. It’s a perfect day for those who want to learn, taste, and experience Tuscany at its most authentic—and the memories of these flavors will linger long after you’ve returned home.