Tuscany’s Chianti area is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. Since it's not an official region or province, it is not possible to define its precise borders. In general, Chianti stretches over the provinces of Siena and Florence. It covers the area between the two cities reaching to the west towards Val d'Elsa and the east to the Valdarno. However, the wine-producing zone of Chianti extends even further beyond all around the city of Florence as well as toward Arezzo, Pistoia, and Montepulciano. The area has a long and eventful history. Home to Etruscan and Romans respectively, the lush woods, an abundance of water, and a lot of game to hunt made Tuscany popular since its early beginning. Furthermore, since Chianti is not accessible except through its main roads, it avoided the violent barbarian invasions which followed the fall of the Roman Empire.
Chianti is one of the most famous areas with strong wine-making traditions and high-quality produce. Not going for a wine tasting in Chianti is like visiting the Vatican and saying no to the Sistine Chapel - unthinkable! You can either sign up for a tasting of best Chianti wines at a small “enoteca” (wine bar) offering a wide selection of local wines and snacks or indulge in an organized wine tasting with a full-course meal at a traditional restaurant. However, the most profound and well-rounded experience sign up for tours of local wineries, vineyards and traditional estates. Don’t ponder too much about what to do in Chianti! Let's go
One of the most delightful things about Chianti is its never-ending selection of fairs and festivals. Each season comes with its own perks. For instance, spring treats you to “Festa della stagione bona” (the beginning of the "good season") in Panzano with a parade in period costumes, a medieval play, and food. Summer offers a “Ferie delle messi” harvest celebration with folkloristic fanfare in San Gimignano. The fall brings “Festa dell’Uva” - grape harvest celebrations with large market including music, shows, and local food and wine tasting in Impruneta. With all these fairs, you can hardly run out of ideas on what to do in Chianti. Let's go
Chianti, more than any other part of Tuscany, is sprinkled with sleepy ancient villages, medieval forts, and rustic estates. You are bound to discover magical places. For instance, there is Montefioralle, one of the loveliest villages in all of Italy which grew in rings around a medieval fortress. Be sure to visit Panzano, famous for out-of-this-world delicacies appreciated most by carnivorous customers; Gaiole, home to Italy's oldest winery; Greve, the biggest small town of Chianti; Radda, once Chianti’s capital, and many others. “Village crawl” is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Chianti. Let's go
Tuscany’s Chianti area is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. Since it's not an official region or province, it is not possible to define its precise borders. In general, Chianti stretches over the provinces of Siena and Florence. It covers the area between the two cities reaching to the west towards Val d'Elsa and the east to the Valdarno. However, the wine-producing zone of Chianti extends even further beyond all around the city of Florence as well as toward Arezzo, Pistoia, and Montepulciano. The area has a long and eventful history. Home to Etruscan and Romans respectively, the lush woods, an abundance of water, and a lot of game to hunt made Tuscany popular since its early beginning. Furthermore, since Chianti is not accessible except through its main roads, it avoided the violent barbarian invasions which followed the fall of the Roman Empire.
However, the region did have the unlucky “honor” of being a medieval battlefield. It was caught between the ever-fighting Florence and Siena. When Florence won the final battle, people cleared the damaged areas for cultivation. Olive groves, vineyards, as well as chestnut and oak woods, took over the landscape once and for all.
Chianti charms its many visitors with a picture-perfect landscape. Its defining features include rolling hills, vast fields, lush vineyards, ancient olive groves, medieval villages as well as quaint farmhouses and Renaissance villas. The valley creates a perfect climate to produce the world-famous ruby-red wine Chianti and Chianti Classico.
All in all, Chianti is a small clandestine paradise for those curious to savor the authentic taste of Tuscany. Just driving through the region in the Vintage Fiat 500 or on a stylish Vespa is an adventure in itself. However, there is something for everyone. You can explore ancient wineries and take part in intimate wine tastings; enjoy authentic Tuscan dinners at old estates; immerse yourself in the exploration of medieval castles, or access the excluded areas of nature on an exciting Safari ride. Scroll below for suggestions on places to visit and things to do in Chianti!