Chianti & Super Tuscan Wine Tour from Florence

The distinction comes down to regional regulations, grape varieties, and winemaking philosophy:

• Chianti Classico DOCG: Produced exclusively within the delimited historic territory between Florence and Siena, certified by the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) seal on the bottle neck. By law, it must be crafted from at least 80% Sangiovese (up to 100%), with only authorized local red grapes (such as Canaiolo or Colorino) permitted. Classically aged in large traditional oak casks, Chianti Classico is prized for its bright ruby color, crisp acidity, refined tannins, and delicate aromas of wild violet, red cherry, and earthy herbs.

• Super Tuscan Wines: Emerged in the 1970s when pioneering Tuscan winemakers rebelled against restrictive official formulas to pursue world-class quality. Classified under the flexible IGT Toscana designation, Super Tuscans give winemakers complete artistic freedom. They frequently incorporate international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, either blended with Sangiovese or bottled as single-varietal expressions. Typically aged in small French oak barriques, Super Tuscans deliver deeper color, richer concentration, velvety tannins, and complex notes of dark berries, cocoa, and sweet spice.

On this tour, you will visit both boutique traditional producers and modern cellar rooms, allowing you to taste and compare Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans side by side.

To learn more about the appellation rules and history, explore our guide to Chianti Classico DOCG — a genuine Sangiovese wine.

It's the Gallo Nero, the historic seal of the Chianti Classico Consortium, guaranteeing the wine was made under the appellation's stricter rules. Look for it on the neck of every authentic bottle.

Yes, a traditional Tuscan lunch with estate wines is included in the price. It takes place at our second winery stop, where the focus turns to the intimate dialogue between fine Tuscan wine and regional gastronomy.

• The experience: You will sit down for a traditional, multi-course family-style Tuscan lunch featuring seasonal dishes, cured meats, handmade pasta, and cheeses, thoughtfully paired dish-by-dish with the winery's estate wines.

• The setting (Barriccaia or Restaurant): Whenever seasonal conditions and cellar work permit, lunch is hosted directly inside the historic barrel cellar (barriccaia) surrounded by aging French oak barrels. Otherwise, it is served in the welcoming dining room of the estate's small restaurant. The choice of setting depends on seasonal temperatures and ongoing cellar operations such as harvest, racking, or bottling.

• Dietary needs: Vegetarian and special dietary requirements are gladly accommodated if requested in advance at booking.

Yes — let us know when booking and we'll arrange a vegetarian option with the restaurant or winery.

Yes, absolutely. Shipping wine home — particularly to the United States — is very common, straightforward, and organized directly by each winery where we stop.

• How it works: Every winery we visit is fully equipped and works with licensed international wine couriers that handle door-to-door, temperature-controlled shipping, US customs clearance, and local state taxes. The system is simple: you select your bottles or cases, provide your US shipping address, and pay for both the wine and shipping directly to the winery with your credit card.

• Company policy disclaimer: Please note that all wine purchases, shipping arrangements, transit insurance, and deliveries are contracted directly and exclusively between you and the respective winery. Italy and Wine acts purely as your tour operator and is not a party to these transactions, nor do we handle wine sales, shipping fees, or delivery tracking.

For more details on typical transit times, customs rules, and packaging, read our guide on Shipping Wine from Tuscany to USA.

Yes — this is a small-group tour with a maximum of 8 participants, typically a mix of couples, friends and solo travelers. It is a good option if you would rather not book an entire private vehicle.

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are best for walking through vineyards and cellars, plus a light layer — mornings in the Chianti hills can be cool even when afternoons are warm.

Tipping is not included and is entirely at your discretion. Many guests tip their driver-guide directly at the end of the day if they enjoyed the experience, but there is no fixed expectation or amount.