Uncover the Secrets of Five Famous Wine Estates in Tuscany

The rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany have been producing some of the finest wines in Italy for centuries. With so many wine estates scattered throughout the region, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. To save you time and effort, here are five of the most famous and picturesque wine estates near Tuscany that are worth a visit.

Wine Estates in Tuscany

1 - Castello di Verrazzano - Chianti Classico

Located just north of Florence in Greve in Chianti, Castello di Verrazzano has been producing wines since 1354. This wine estate is particularly known for its Chianti Classico wines, which are made from Sangiovese grapes grown on terraced vineyards located around the castle. Visitors can take guided tours and tastings of Castello di Verrazzano's wines as well as explore the estate’s beautiful gardens and grounds. Founded in the 11th century by the noble Verrazzano family, it has been producing some of Italy’s finest wines for centuries. The property covers over 50 hectares of vineyards that are planted with traditional Tuscan varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among others

2 - Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - Bolgheri Superiore

The Tenuta dell'Ornellaia estate is located in Bolgheri, a small coastal town near Livorno on the western coast of Tuscany. It is renowned for its Bolgheri Superiore DOC red blend, which consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah grapes. At Tenuta dell'Ornellaia they combine traditional viticultural techniques with modern technology to produce exceptional quality wines. Each vintage is carefully monitored in order to achieve the perfect balance between fruit, acidity, tannins and structure that determine a great wine. The results speak for themselves: some of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia's best wines have been awarded prestigious accolades such as Tre Bicchieri by Gambero Rosso or 4 stars from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. The estate offers visitors daily guided tours as well as private tastings with winemakers available upon request.

3 - Fattoria della Ioria - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

This family-run winery has been producing top-quality wines since 1844 in Montepulciano, a hilltop town just south of Siena. Fattoria della Ioria is known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano—an exquisite red wine made from Prugnolo Gentile grapes harvested from their own vineyards at an altitude between 350 and 400 meters above sea level. It is aged for two years in large oak casks before being bottled and released for sale. This ageing process helps to refine the flavours of the wine while allowing it to develop further complexity with time. The result is a robust yet mellow red wine that offers great depth, structure and elegance on the palate as well as excellent ageing potential when stored properly over time. Private tours and tastings are available by appointment only but open days with live music events also occur regularly during harvest season.

4 - Avignonesi - Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOCG

Founded by Countess Eloise Avignonesi in 1975, this estate produces some outstanding Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOCG sweet dessert wines made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes dried on wooden racks called "volte" suspended over pans or trays lined with rush mats (called mattoni). At 13-14% ABV, Avignonesi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOCG has just enough body to make it enjoyable without feeling too heavy. Its acidity helps balance out the sweetness while adding some complexity to its flavour profile as well. The estate also produces several other award-winning reds like their Grand Cru 2007 vintage that was recently awarded a Gold Medal at Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. Open days are available throughout the year where visitors can enjoy live music while tasting Avignonesi’s delicious wines paired with local Tuscan delicacies. Whether you're looking for a special bottle of Italian dessert wine to share with friends or simply want something different than your average after-dinner beverage, Avignonesi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Docg will not disappoint!

5 - Fèlsina Berardenga - Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Located just southeast of Siena in Castelnuovo Berardenga lies Fèlsina Berardenga—one of the oldest wineries in Italy that dates back to 1966 when it was founded by brothers Franco Biondi Santi and Piero Biondi Santi who were both passionate about making classic Tuscan wines using traditional methods with modern technology innovations added along the way to make sure each bottle produced maintains its high quality standards every year without fail. Fèlsina Berardenga produces several excellent Chiantis including their iconic “Rancia” Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG—one of the few Italian appellations that guarantee quality production every time! Open days available throughout summer months offer visitors an opportunity to explore this historic winery while tasting some amazing Tuscan wines accompanied by local cheese platters or light snacks served up by staff at one or two nearby restaurants or cafes present on site during these open days only!

Wine Tours in Tuscany

Tuscany's rolling hillsides boast some truly breathtaking views as far as the eye can see with row upon row of lush vineyards carpeting almost every inch of land present in this enchanting part of Italy! With so many amazing wine estates scattered across this magical landscape, it can be hard to pick out which ones you should visit during your stay but hopefully, our selection will help make your decision easier!

From legendary estates like Castello di Verrazzano to modern-day marvels like Tenuta dell'Ornellaia there is something for everyone here whether you're looking for robust red blends bursting with flavour or delicate dessert whites that will leave you wanting more! So grab your glass and go explore all these amazing wineries have to offer! Visit tabl.’s Wine Tours in Tuscany page and sample some of the fabulous tours on offer!