Val D’ Elsa Wine Tasting in Tuscany, Siena

Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the Tuscan countryside, vising the picturesque hilltop town of San Gimignano and the Fortress of Monteriggioni. At the end of the day, you’ll tour vineyards and cellars, taste Chianti Classico varietals, and savor a fresh farm-to-table lunch with local Vernaccia wines.

You’ll start with a scenic transfer to the medieval “town of towers,” San Gimignano. Enjoy views of beautiful Tuscany and take a detour to explore the fortress of Monteriggioni. This perfectly preserved castle features a complete ring of walls and turrets built in the 13th century and mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy.

Once in San Gimignano, you’ll stroll through the streets and admire the landmarks. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire town is a testimony to medieval architecture, with many austere towers that have survived the centuries. Follow your guide along the ancient Via Francigena route, the road that travelers and pilgrims from all over Europe once used to reach Rome and St Peter’s tomb. Stop to visit churches, towers, and museums, and enjoy free time to peruse artisanal boutiques filled with local products. Many shops sell saffron, known as the town’s “red gold,” and the centuries-old Vernaccia white wine, Italy’s first white wine to obtain DOCG status.

After lots of exploring, it’s time for lunch at a quaint family-run farm. Enjoy a spread of wholesome, traditional dishes prepared with seasonal products, including local saffron spice and Vernaccia wine. Afterward, head toward the Chianti region, where you’ll visit a winery and meet the local producer of Chianti Classico DOCG wines. Explore the cellars, discover the wine-making process, taste the various flavors and blends, and distinguish these traditional wines.

Read more about unique and interesting activities in Tuscany and culinary experiences in Italy.