10 Best Wineries In Tuscany

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As a wine enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the beautiful vineyards and many wineries of Tuscany. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the world's most famous food and wine regions with lots of wine tourism. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Tuscany, as a major wine tourism destination, has something on offer for every wine lover.

Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino are just a few of the famous appellations of the region. Tuscan wineries are excited to welcome visitors for wine tastings and tours so as to share their wines and wine making history. From small family-run Tuscan vineyards to large estates, there are countless wineries to choose from. In this article, I will share some of the best wineries in Tuscany to visit, along with tips on how to make the most of your Tuscany wine experience.

1. Antinori Chianti Classico

I had the pleasure of visiting the Antinori Chianti Classico Winery in Bargino during my tour of Tuscany's best wineries. The winery is a futuristic structure of great architectural value, inaugurated in 2012, and houses the Antinori Art Project collection as well as a sleek rooftop restaurant.

The winery is located in the Chianti Classico region, just 20 minutes from Florence and 30 minutes from Siena, making it a must-see attraction for visitors to Tuscany. The Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar is a tribute to the community and the Chianti Classico territory.

The winery offers a variety of tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the history and production of Antinori's wines. During the tour, I learned that Antinori Chianti Classico produces a range of great wines, including Chianti Classicos Riserva, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Carmignano. The winery's signature wine is made from the Sangiovese grape, which is grown in the region.

The winery's wine shop offers a selection of Antinori's wines, as well as other local products. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the winery's restaurant, Rinuccio 1180, which offers traditional Tuscan food paired with Antinori's wines.

Contact:

Address: Via Cassia per Siena, 133, 50026 Bargino FI, Italy

Phone: +39 055 235 9700

2. Castiglion del Bosco

If you're looking for an exceptional winery experience across Tuscany, Castiglion del Bosco in Siena is one of the best wineries to visit and book a wine tour. This winery is one of Tuscany's most notable estates and a leading Brunello producer.

The winery offers a range of exclusive tours and tastings, guided by their expert staff. You can explore the vineyards and learn about the wine-making process, from grape to bottle. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience informative and enjoyable.

Castiglion del Bosco Winery is recognized for its top-tier winery hospitality and has been named one of the top ten wineries to visit in Tuscany by international wine magazine Decanter. The winery offers a variety of Tuscany wine tours and tailored tastings, providing a unique way to explore Tuscany at its most beautiful.

The winery's focus is on producing high-quality Brunello di Montalcino, made from the Sangiovese grape, which is famous in the region. They also produce super tuscan wines, which are a blend of Sangiovese and other grape varieties. Their wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and balance.

Castiglion del Bosco Winery is located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Natural Park, surrounded by Tuscan hills, acres of forest, and gorgeous ridge-lines. The winery's vineyards sit in magnificent serenity, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and informative wine-tasting experience.

Contact:

Address: Località, 53024 Castiglion del Bosco SI, Italy

Phone: +39 0577 191 3750

3. Avignonesi

As I was exploring the beautiful Tuscan countryside, I stumbled upon the Avignonesi Winery in Montepulciano. This winery is one of the best Tuscan wineries near Florence to visit for any wine lover looking for a unique experience.

Avignonesi is known for its commitment to transparency, ethics, and eco-friendliness. The winery is located just outside the quiet village of Valiano di Montepulciano, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. The winery is comprised of nine vineyard plots, a villa, a chapel, and historic wine cellars.

One of the most exciting things about Avignonesi is its focus on the Sangiovese grape, which is the backbone of Tuscan winemaking. Avignonesi produces several wines made from Sangiovese, including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico wine.

The winery offers several tours and tastings, including a unique experience called "Life through a Glass." This experience takes visitors on a journey through the winemaking process, from grape to glass, with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Avignonesi also offers a "Vineyard Tour," which takes visitors on a walk through the vineyards, explaining the different grape varieties and the winemaking process. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the vineyards, with a selection of Avignonesi wines and local Tuscan delicacies.

If you're looking for a more in-depth experience, Avignonesi offers a "Reserve Tasting," which includes a selection of their top wines, including their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva.

Contact:

Address: Via Colonica, 1, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy

Phone: +39 0578 724304

4. Barone Ricasoli

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Barone Ricasoli Winery in Sienna, and I must say, it was an amazing experience. This winery, located in the heart of the Chianti region, is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Tuscany.

The winery is situated on a beautiful estate that spans over 1,200 hectares, with almost 240 hectares dedicated to vineyards and 26 hectares to olive groves. The vineyards are home to a variety of grapes, but the Sangiovese grape is the star of the show here. The winery produces a range of wines, including Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Vin Santo.

One of the highlights of my visit was the wine tasting. The wine tour guides at Barone Ricasoli are knowledgeable and passionate about their wines, and they took the time to explain the different characteristics of each Italian wine we tasted. I particularly enjoyed the Chianti Classico Riserva, which had a complex flavor profile with notes of cherry, leather, and tobacco.

In addition to the wine tasting, the estate also offers winery tours of the estate and the cellars. The tour was informative and gave me a better understanding of the production of wine and olive oil. The highlight of the tour was visiting the cellars, which are housed in the historic castle on the estate.

Contact:

Address: 53013 La Madonna Province of Siena, Italy

5. Capezzana

As one of the oldest wine estates in Tuscany, Capezzana Winery has been producing wine in Carmignano since 804 A.D. The winery offers guided tours of the estate and its historic cellar, followed by a tasting of its best wines. The suggested duration of the tour is 1-2 hours.

Capezzana is run by the Contini Bonacossi family, who have been carrying on winemaking work that dates back to the Renaissance times while continuing to innovate with new bottlings. The winery is famous for blending Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes, which results in a unique and delicious taste.

The vineyards of Capezzana are located in the heart of Carmignano, which is known for its rich history of winemaking. The vineyards are situated on the hillsides of Montalbano, which provides a perfect environment for the Sangiovese grape to grow. The winery produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and dessert wines.

Capezzana Winery offers tours and wine tastings, which are a great way to experience the reality of the estate. The wine tasting takes place in the wine bar overlooking the vineyards and the surrounding countryside, which provides a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. The winery also offers daily cooking classes, wine tastings, and light lunches during the week, which are perfect for those who want to experience the local cuisine.

Contact:

Address: Via Capezzana, 100, 59015 Carmignano PO, Italy

Phone: +39 055 870 6005

6. Castellare di Castellina

Castellare di Castellina is a renowned winery located in the heart of Chianti Classico, Tuscany. As a wine enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting this vineyard for an unforgettable wine tasting experience.

The winery is situated on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the best Sangiovese grapes in the region. Castellare di Castellina is known for its exceptional Chianti Classico Riserva, made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The wine has a rich ruby color, with a bouquet of ripe red fruit, spices, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a long and elegant finish.

The winery offers various tours and tastings, including a guided tour of the vineyards, cellar, and tasting room. During the tour, you will learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. You will also have the opportunity to taste different wines, including the Chianti Classico Riserva, paired with local cheeses and cured meats.

If you are looking for a more in-depth experience, the winery also offers a cooking class, where you can learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes, paired with Castellare di Castellina wines.

Contact:

Address: Località Caselle, SP130, 53011 Castellina in Chianti SI, Italy

Phone: +39 0577 742903

7. Salcheto

Salcheto is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts touring Tuscany. Located in Montepulciano, this winery offers an authentic experience of the region's wine culture.

As I walked through the vineyards, I was captivated by the incredible views of the Tuscan countryside. The winery's dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices is evident in the lush greenery and healthy vines.

Salcheto Winery produces a wide range of wines, including red, white, rose, and dessert wines. Their Sangiovese grape is the star of the show, and they have several Sangiovese-based wines that are worth trying. The Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is a standout, with its bold flavors and smooth finish.

The winery offers wine tastings and tours that are informative and enjoyable. During the tour, I learned about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyards. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and they answered all my questions with enthusiasm.

If you're looking for a unique experience, the Salcheto Winery also offers accommodation. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and they offer a perfect retreat after a day of wine tasting and exploring the countryside.

Contact:

Address: Via Villa Bianca, 15, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy

Phone: +39 0578 798046

8. Castello Sonino

For an authentic wine experience in Tuscany, I highly recommend visiting Castello Sonnino in Montespertoli. This winery is situated in the heart of the Chianti Classico region and offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and wine.

Castello Sonnino is a preserved historic estate that dates back to the 13th century. The estate is composed of a 16th-century mansion and a medieval fortified tower. The winery overlooks the beautiful Chianti Hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.

The winery is known for its Sangiovese grape, which is the primary grape used in the production of Chianti Classico. Castello Sonnino Winery produces a range of wines, including Chianti Classico Riserva, Avignonesi, and Carmignano.

During your visit, you can take a tour of the vineyards and the winery, where you can learn about the wine-making process. The tour includes a tasting of the winery's wines, which is a great opportunity to taste some of the best wines in Tuscany.

The Sonnino Castle also offers a restaurant that serves traditional Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant is located in the estate's old cellar, which has been beautifully restored. The restaurant offers a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

Contact:

Address: Via Volterrana Nord, 6, 50025 Montespertoli FI, Italy

Phone: +39 0571 609198

9. Camigliano Castle

If you're looking for a unique wine tasting experience in Tuscany, Camigliano Castle in Montalcino is the place to be for a top producer in the wine business. The castle is located in the heart of the Montalcino subregion, which is famous for producing the world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine.

At Castello Camigliano, you can indulge in a wine tasting tour that celebrates the Sangiovese grape, which is the main grape variety used to make Brunello di Montalcino. The castle produces unique Sangiovese Grosso wines that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

The wine tasting tour at the  Camigliano Castle has two sections. The first section takes you on a tour of the castle's vineyards, where you can learn about the wine making process and the history of the castle. The second section takes you to the castle's wine cellar, where you can taste some of the castle's finest wines.

During the wine tasting, you'll have the opportunity to sample a range of wines, including Camigliano's Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, which is aged for at least five years before being released. You'll also get to taste some of the castle's other wines, including their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello. So, if you're planning a trip to Tuscany, be sure to add the Camigliano Castle to your itinerary.

Contact:

Address: Via d'Ingresso, 2 - 53024 Camigliano, Montalcino (Siena),Italy

Phone: +39 0577 816061

10. Castelo Tricerchi

Last year I had the pleasure of visiting Castello Tricerchi, a winery located on the northern side of Montalcino hill town. The estate is situated on 400 hectares of land, with 13 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of Sangiovese Grosso, the vines which produce Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.

Upon arrival, I was struck by the beauty of the castle in the middle of the estate. The castle has a rich history, dating back to the 14th century. The winery offers a variety of experiences, including wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and visits to the castle.

I opted for the wine tasting and visit, which cost €38.50. The tasting included three wines: Rosso di Montalcino DOC, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva. The wines were paired with local cheeses and meats, which complemented the flavors of the wine perfectly.

During the visit, I learned about the winemaking process and the history of the estate. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about the wines they produce, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

I highly recommend visiting the Tricerchi Castle if you're in the Montalcino area. The wines are exceptional, and the castle and vineyards are stunning. It's a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

Contact:

Address: Località Altesi, 53024 Montalcino SI, Italy

Phone: +39 0577 191 2361