'''Chianti''' is an area of Tuscany, Italy made famous by the red wine of the same name. It has much to offer for a visitor interested in wine, food and natural beauty. Many of the wineries are open for a tour and a tasting, and some offer accommodation services as well.
Cities
Florence
Siena
Greve (Greve in Chianti)
San Casciano in Val di Pesa
Radda
Castellina
Gaiole
Panzano
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Understand
Chianti is above all a wine region. The Chianti DOCG appellation is divided into seven subregions (Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano and Rufina), of which Classico is most famous.
The Chianti Classico region in turn is defined by the towns between Florence and Siena: Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Gaiole and Radda. Almost all the famous Chianti estates are located near to one of these towns.
In addition to the red wine, many producers make the dessert wine Vin Santo del Chianti as well as "Super Tuscan" wines that do not adhere to the DOC regulations. Some also make olive oil.
Get in
From abroad, usually the best way to reach Chianti is to fly to an airport in Tuscany, such as the Pisa or Florence airport, or some other major airport in Italy. Alternatively, from Central Europe one might want to take a train to Italy. Once in Italy and preferably in Tuscany, you have to find your way to Florence; this will be easy as the city has good train connections to the rest of the country. From Florence there are several alternatives to get to Chianti: rental car, bus, taxi, etc.
Precise instructions are difficult to give since it depends so much on from where you are departing and exactly where you will be staying (in Florence, in Siena, in Greve, or some other place in the region).
Get around
Chianti is easiest to explore with a car. The most likely place to begin the trip is Florence, where rental services are abundant. The most important road to know is the ''Chiantigiana'' from Florence to Siena, as it penetrates the heart of the region, Chianti Classico.
Without car, the region is accessible with SITA buses from Florence. When in Greve, for example, it is then possible to rent a bike.
See
For someone interested in museums, churches and such things it is not necessary to leave Florence or Siena. However, the Chianti area can be an excellent base from which to explore Tuscany as whole without having to stay in these crowded cities. The countryside is beautiful, and absolute gems that should be visited are the hamlets of Montefioralle and Volpaia, and the beautiful towns of Greve, Panzano, Radda and Castellina.
Do
The region is an invaluable treasure for those who are interested in exploring the eno-gastronomic culture of Tuscany.
''See also: Wine tourism#Italy''
With serious competition only from a few neighboring regions in Tuscany and from Piedmont, Chianti is one of Italy's prime wine regions. The best way to tour the wineries and sample their products is on the last Sunday of May when many producers throughout Italy open their doors for the festival of ''Cantine Aperte''. Tastings are free and reservations unnecessary, so if you like wine and happen to be in Tuscany at the time, this is a fantastic opportunity for you. You should however keep in mind that not all the wine produced in Chianti is exceptional and that some of the best producers do not even participate in ''Cantine Aperte'', so it makes sense to plan ahead and be choosy.
Olive groves are also the region's pride, and while it is not normally possible to visit an oil press, olive oil can be purchased directly from the producers. Olives are pressed in November and December and the ''olio nuovo'' or new oil, which is very piquant for the first several months, is especially prized on ''bruschetta'' and ''ribollita''.
Chianti Wine Tours
2Be Travel Designers - Chianti Wine Tour. ttp://www.2beinsiena.com/Wine+Tours/WINE+TOURS/men-cy07-en-EUR-SCOPRIRE-.htm. , Phone +39 334 9363263, (''email: [mailto:info@2beinsiena.com info@2beinsiena.com]''). A journey discovering the wineries of the Chianti, which introduces the visitor to both the area's age old wine producing traditions and the latest, most innovative vineyard technology. Behind each and every twist in the road we are greeted by landscapes dotted with small chapels, castles, and medieval villages all of which more than worthy of visit. A professional service offered by licensed drivers speaking english.
Chianti Wine Tour Adventure. ttp://www.winetouradventure.com. , (''email: [mailto:info@winetouradventure.com info@winetouradventure.com]''). During the morning we will visit a winery to learn about wine making process and Chianti production rules. At the end of the visit you will enjoy some great Tuscan wines as Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, Supertuscan and Grappa, as well as a selection of fantastic local olive oils. Afterwards, we'll move to the winery restaurant for lunch. Professional Tours made by expert and licensed drivers speaking english
Wine producers
Casa Vinicola Bartali. trada dell'Abate 3, 53035 Castellina Scalo, Monteriggioni (SI). 39 0577 304049. ttp://www.bartali.com/. 8.00-12.00 / 14.00-18.00. 3.41486795209986. 1.211140155792236. Producing wines and olive oil since 1927, facilities along the Chianti Route. Visits and Degustations by appointment.
Castelli del Grevepesa. ia Grevigiana 34, 50024 Mercatale, San Casciano Val di Pesa (FI). 39 055 821911. ttp://www.castellidelgrevepesa.it/. A cooperative producer with some good wines for an excellent price. No tours available though.
Castello di Querceto. ia A. Francois, 2, 50020 Greve in Chianti (FI). +39) 055 85921. ttp://www.castellodiquerceto.it/. 0.30-17.30. From traditional Chianti to more modern Super Tuscans. Tour and tasting 10 ?/person.
Fattoria Selvapiana. ocalita Selvapiana, 50068 Rufina (FI). 39 055 8369848. ttp://www.selvapiana.it/. One of the best producers in the exciting Rufina subregion of Chianti.
Fontodi. 0020 Panzano in Chianti. 39 055 852005. ttp://www.fontodi.com/. Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans. Also olive oil.
Querciabella. ia di Barbiano 17, 50022 Greve in Chianti FI. 39 055 8592 7777 . ttp://www.querciabella.com/. Award winning Super Tuscans.
Villa Cafaggio. ia San Martino in Cecione 5, 50022 Panzano in Chianti (FI). 55/8549094. ttp://www.villacafaggio.it/. Quality producer of Chianti Classico. Visits from Mon to Sat by appointment.
Eat
'''Ristoro Di Lamole''', [http://www.ristorodilamole.it/eng_index.htm]. It has a wide balcony with panoramic views out over the hills, and depending on the time of year you will get a great sunset as you eat. The staff speak good english, and the customers are a mix of locals and Americans, with a few British as well. A starter, main and bottle of local vintage wine will cost around 30 Euros per head, plus tip, and they won't let you leave until you've made a serious dent on the bottle of complimentary ''limoncello''.
'''Villa Bordoni''', [http://www.villabordoni.com]. Part of the hotel by the same name, the Villa Bordoni restaurant is made up of two intimate rooms which open onto an Italian garden, perfumed by the bouquet of Florentine roses that wind their way along its stone walls. For those who prefer to dine under the stars or watch the sun set slowly behind the Chianti hills, candle-lit tables are dotted amongst the palms and box hedges. In the cooler months, the fireplace is lit to make a crackling fire. The wine cellar is carved directly out of the bedrock upon which the Villa stands. Formerly a dungeon attached to a fortified watchtower, it dates back to the 11th century, and is all that remains of the original structure. Many hard-to-find vintages and Tuscan wine icons such as Querciabella, Fontodi, La Massa and Poggio Scalette are present in the list of reds, whereas amongst the whites there is a strong preference for the northern regions of Alto Adige and Friuli.
'''Restaurant Villa Sangiovese''', [http://www.panzano.com/hotel_villa_sangiovese_panzano.htm] Our restaurant is located in the hotel of the same name in <strong>Panzano in Chianti</strong>, an attractive Tuscan hilltown half way between the art cities of Florence and Sienna. In summer one dines in the courtyard with a panoramic view out over the vineyards, olive trees and cypresses of the Chianti hills. <eat name="Hotel Villa Sangiovese" alt="Restaurant" phone="+39 055 85 24 61" fax="+39 055 85 24 63"></eat>
'''Personal Chef in Tuscany''', [http://www.cuocoadomicilio.com/indexEN-personal-chef.htm] An excellent restaurant in your home, that is our definition of the Personal Chef We directly cook and lay the table in your own home. The minimum price per person for groups of up to 10 is Euro 30 per person including groceries.
Drink
If you want to go to Chianti, the natural assumption is that you want to drink the wine. It is made with the ''sangiovese'' grape, although lesser quantities of other grape varieties may be added. There are different philosophies of making Chianti: some prefer traditional blends with ''sangiovese'' and other local grapes (including white ones), some use international varieties such as ''merlot'', and finally there are those who use only ''sangiovese'' for their Chianti.
The taste of the wine depends a lot on the producer's decisions, but also on the exact place where the vines are grown. ''Sangiovese'' is known as a rather difficult grape to grow, and differences in the land affect the taste of the resulting wine. Traditionally Chianti is a light wine with high acidity with a slightly bitter but fruity taste and berry aromas. As international markets demand high-fruit, high-alcohol wines, Chianti is changing as well, and more modern versions have a fuller, although less recognizable taste.
Sleep
Castello del Nero. uxury Hotel Chiantishire. trada Spicciano, 7. 0028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (Firenze). 39 055 80 64 70. ttp://www.castello-del-nero.com.
Poggio Borgoni. attoria il Pino. ia Poggio Borgoni 83 - Mercatale val di Pesa. ttp://www.poggioborgoni.it/eng/reach_us.htm. 39 055 82.12.25. nfo@poggioborgoni.it. ttp://www.poggioborgoni.com. verage price. 3.629413. 1.227748. You can be guest in a typical farm where Chianti Wine and Oil are proudly produced by the owner.
'''Castello di Montalto''', [http://www.montalto.it/] - The historic and charming Castle of Montalto lies in one of the loveliest and most unspoiled parts of the Chianti area of Tuscany, not far from Siena. It is centrally located for art touring, an excellent home base for sight-seeing, winery visits and exploring hill towns and back roads. Part of the castle and the houses surrounding it are offered directly by the owners as self-catering vacation rental accommodations. The estate has a swimming pool, a tennis court, an ample library, laundry facilities, private gardens and extensive woods for pleasant walks and jogging. There are beautiful vistas over the farmed fields in the valley. <sleep name="" alt="Agriturismo" phone="+39 0577 355675" email="info@montalto.it" fax="+39 0577 355682"></sleep>
'''Villa Bordoni''', [http://www.villabordoni.com], Villa Bordoni, a country house hotel, in the grey-green hills immediately above the town of Greve. This 16th century noble villa commands an extraordinary vantage point over the unspoiled Chianti hills and their biblical landscape of vineyards, terraced olive groves and forest. Rooms are elegantly decorated and all include LCD TVs, DVD players and broadband internet connection. The gourmet restaurant and its bar open onto the Italian garden, where you can also dine under the stars or watch the sun set slowly behind the Chianti hills. The hotel also offers a panoramic swimming pool and an open-air gym (with a view!)
'''Palazzo Leopoldo''' [http://palazzoleopoldo.it/] Via Roma, 33 - Radda in Chianti. Situated in Radda in Chianti, hill town that has remained unaltered in its medieval charm, Palazzo Leopoldo is a patrician villa where history, art and modern comforts meet to provide that certain old-world touch.
'''Agriturismo Monaciano''' [http://www.monaciano.com/ing/poggio.htm] Tuscany self catering accommodations into the Chinti hills just 7 km. from Siena with swimming pool, ping-pong and a romantic park [http://www.tuscany-rent.net/TUSCANY/PARK/Tuscany_Park_tree-lined_paths.html]. Monaciano has many farmhouses that may comfortably accommodates large families or large group of friends.
'''Gavillaccio''', [http://www.gavillaccio.it/], Loc. Gavillaccio - Gaville - Figline Valdarno - FI - Italy tel. +39 055 9501078 mobile +39 328 0976133 email: arcipelago@gavillaccio.it. Gavillaccio is located in an extremely panoramic area bordering Chianti and is at the centre of an artistic triangle which includes the cities of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. Vacationing at Gavillaccio is ideal for those who are interested in complete relaxation in touch with nature and also having the possibility to easily reaching the most important artistic and historical sites of Tuscany and Umbria
'''Ostello del Chianti''' (Chianti youth hostel), Via Roma, 137 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa FI, PH +390558050265 Fax +390558065039 [5] A clean, comfortable and friendly hostel very convenientely situated right in the heart of Tuscany, within easy reach of Florence, Siena, Sangimignano and the renowned Chianti area. doubles 31,00 euros ensuite 40,00 euros Dorms 14,00 euros
'''Villa Torre Rossa''', [http://www.torrerossa.com], Villa Torre Rossa, in the Florentine hills, ideal for those looking for an apartment in Florence to spend a quiet and relaxing vacation, surrounded by nature (basically the same atmosphere of a farmhouse with deluxe comforts)
'''Hotel Villa Sangiovese''', [http://www.panzano.com/hotel_villa_sangiovese_panzano.htm] - is located in <strong>Panzano in Chianti</strong>, an attractive Tuscan hilltown half way between the art cities of Florence and Sienna. It is a one hour drive to Florence or Sienna, and Florence can also be reached by comfortable pullman bus from Panzano. The hotel opens of the small main piazza of Panzano, Piazza Bucciarelli, and its courtyard and grounds have a panoramic view out over the vineyards, olive trees and cypresses of the Chianti hills. <sleep name="Hotel Villa Sangiovese" alt="Hotel" phone="+39 055 85 24 61" fax="+39 055 85 24 63"></sleep>
'''Park Hotel Chianti''', [http://www.parkhotelchianti.com] - the perfect accommodation to spend a few days of absolute relax, immersed in the charming natural beauty of Chianti hills, surrounded by small lanes, vineyards and endless green fields. The hotel provides outdoor swimming pool with solarium, a relaxing private garden, lunch and dinner in a typical trattoria, free bike hiring service and many interesting activities like wine tour and excursions in the surrounding villages. <sleep name="Park Hotel Chianti" alt="Family run Hotel Accommodation" phone="+39 055 8070106" fax="+39 055 8070121"></sleep>
'''ROSS Hotels''', [http://www.rosshotels.com] - A young chain of hotels whose structures are located in Chianti. During the stay guests have the possibility to enjoy several activities, for example: cooking lessons to prepare typical Tuscan dishes, wine tastings, guided tours in the main Tuscan cities and in the most interesting Chianti villages, shopping in the famous designer labels' outlets. <sleep name="ROSS Hotels Chianti Tuscany" alt="Chianti Hotels" phone="+39 0577 738181"></sleep>
Tuscany Accommodations. uscany Accommodations. ia Bufalini - Florence. ttp://www.tuscanyaccommodations.org/uk/Villas_in_Tuscany-6/Chianti_Villas-12/. 39 055 295435. nfo@tuscanyaccommodations.org. ttp://www.tuscanyaccommodations.org/uk/Villas_in_Tuscany-6/Chianti_Villas-12/. verage price. 3.629413. 1.227748. Accommodations guide to lodgings in
Chianti (Tuscany) in Wonderful Villas
.</sleep>
'''Cuendet villa rentals in Tuscany''', [http://www.cuendet.com] - More than 1000 private villas with pool for rent in Tuscany and the chianti area, Cuendet is the italian villa specialist since 1974
[http://www.ilvillinoelescuderie.it '''Il Villino e Le Scuderie'''] - Lamole, Greve in Chianti. Located in the heart of the world-famous Chianti wine country, this country estate commands a breathtaking view from the hillsides of the town of Lamole. Il Villino and Le Scuderie are located in a perfect vacation spot for sightseeing in Tuscany and beyond, just 35km from both Florence and Siena. Despite the vicinity to these major cities, Lamole still has another-world atmosphere and provides the perfect escape after a day of taking in the sights during your vacation in Italy.
Villa Belfiore. hianti accommodation with pool. ia Belfiore. astra a Signa (Firenze). ttp://www.tuscanyrentvillas.com.
Get out
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