Tuscany is one of the world’s most important wine regions. Its evocative, timeless landscapes support this association, but its wealth of premium wineries, operating in all corners of the region, firmly entrenches this reputation. Sangiovese is etched into Tuscany’s viticultural identity, but its adaptability to different soils and microclimates reveals it to be one of the great conduits of terroir. When treated with care in the vineyards, and in the hands of capable winemakers, Sangiovese produces outstanding wines with clear territorial characteristics. Wines made near Montalcino, Montepulciano, Scansano and in the villages of Chianti Classico provide obvious examples, but there are dozens of smaller stories.
More importantly, there has never been a better time to take in the winery tours of Tuscany’s best estates, peep behind the curtain, and understand how it all works. Over the years, many estates have capitalised on the region’s large visitor numbers and have gradually honed their hospitality proposition. Tuscany presents us with a diverse offering that includes medieval castles, aristocratic villas, modern commercial wineries, rustic agricultural estates and the charming farmsteads of independent winemakers. Plenty of these estates run complementary businesses such as hotels, restaurants and wine bars – many of which are successful in their own right – that not only provide an authentic guest experience, but also give them a USP when up against the many neighbouring vineyards offering tours and tastings.
With thousands of wineries in the region, most of which invite you to taste and learn more about their projects, narrowing down the best is no small task. Here is a curated list of some of the best winery tours in Tuscany.
The best wineries in Tuscany for tours and tastings
Tenuta Argiano
Montalcino
Argiano is one of the most important estates in Montalcino, spanning 125 hectares on warm hillsides just south of town, with 42 dedicated to Sangiovese for its famed Brunello. The winery is anchored by the 16th-century Renaissance-inspired Villa Bell’Aria and its ancient cellars. It offers an upmarket slant on property tours, tastings and food in the company of impressive views that overlook a bucolic plateau and Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano that shelters vineyards from intense summer storms.
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Ornellaia
Bolgheri
Established in 1981, this prestigious Italian estate owned by the Frescobaldi family is renowned for its Cabernet-dominated Super Tuscan wines. A guided tour takes you through historic vineyards and a cellar showcasing the Vendemmia d’Artista project, where contemporary artworks celebrate each vintage. Enjoy a scenic picnic beneath an ancient oak with stunning Bolgheri views, or explore the evolution of this legendary wine through an in-depth look at the history of the Ornellaia, accompanied by an immersive vertical tasting that includes important back vintages.
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Boscarelli
Montepulciano
Boscarelli, the star name of Montepulciano winemaking, is nestled in Cervognano, east of the town towards Valdichiana. Founded in 1962 by Egidio Corradi and now managed by the third generation, this 22-hectare organic estate produces around 100,000 bottles each year – most of which is Vino Nobile. Vineyard tours, tastings, and cellar visits are all possible (paired with the quintessential local lunch of pici in wild boar ragù) and showcase how Sangiovese harmonises with southern Tuscany’s varied soils.
Mormoraia
San Gimignano
Located just outside the medieval town of San Gimignano, Mormoraia produces some of the most distinctive expressions of Vernaccia you can find. A patchwork of vineyards and olive groves hug the hillsides and separate the winery, a former convent, from the famous 13th-century stone towers across the valley. Certified organic, the wines benefit from a gentle touch of oak and can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour of the property and cellar at this tranquil agriturismo.
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Castello di Gabbiano
Chianti Classico
Castello di Gabbiano is one of Tuscany’s most historic wineries. The earliest records date back to the 11th century, when a square tower was built to defend a key route between Florence and Siena. Today, the fortified castle and vaulted cellars make this a pleasant stop. Wander the estate’s 147 hectares, where vineyards snake through clay-limestone soils. In the winery’s restaurant, Il Cavaliere, traditional Tuscan cuisine is served alongside Bellezza, the flagship Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Delicious Vin Santo from Trebbiano and Malvasia are available to toast a great lunch.
Badia a Coltibuono
Chianti Classico
Set in a captivating monastic setting dating back to 1051, this legendary estate just outside Gaiole cultivates primarily Sangiovese for its highly regarded Chianti Classico. Managed by the fifth generation of the Stucchi Prinetti family, the expansive 700-hectare property features 70 hectares under vine and invests heavily in organic viticulture. The estate also offers an authentic agriturismo and restaurant – ideal for weddings, personalised tastings, and cooking classes. Don’t miss the homemade schiacciata, a flatbread similar to focaccia.
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Castello di Verrazzano
Chianti Classico
Overlooking the undulating hills of Chianti Classico, Castello di Verrazzano is one of Tuscany’s most popular wineries. This historic estate, once home to the explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, combines scenic views with lots of heritage, good value wines and a casual, inclusive introduction to the region. Guided tours explore the ancient cellars and manicured vineyards, culminating in a tasting of locally produced olive oil, cheeses and salumi. Friendly, welcoming, and great for wine newbies.
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Vignamaggio
Chianti Classico
Vignamaggio is a gorgeous country hamlet (or borgo) located halfway between Florence and Siena. After a renovation that took five years, this restored hamlet is crowned by a magnificent villa that was once home to the family of Mona Lisa. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, it produces mainly Sangiovese for its excellent range of Chianti Classico wines. Guests can explore the historic buildings and cellars, as well as the well-maintained gardens. Providing one of Tuscany’s most fascinating winery tours, this outstanding address sees Renaissance heritage meet with modern organic viticulture.
Poggio Antico
Montalcino
Poggio Antico has some of the highest vineyards in Montalcino, situated right in the heart of the appellation. There’s always a cooling breeze here and on a clear day the views stretch for miles. The wines are some of the freshest Brunello you can find. Of the many options in Tuscany, this winery offers excellent tours and is great for a quick educational stop off on your way in or out of town.
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Felsina
Chianti Classico
A visit to Fèlsina in Chianti Classico offers an immersive journey back through the estate’s focused Sangiovese story, which began in 1966. Nestled amidst the rolling hills, woods, and olive groves of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the company is celebrated for wines like Rancia and Fontalloro – the latter an outstanding advert for the variety. Tours reveal historic cellars, and an attic of Vin Santo barrels. With a reservation, the wines can be paired with hyper-local specialities in the tasting room, such as a garden-fresh black chickpea velouté drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
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Querceto di Castellina
Chianti Classico
Located in the hills at 500 metres, between Radda and Castellina in Chianti, this family-run vineyard and boutique agriturismo offers a cool-climate expression of Chianti Classico. The Di Battista family crafts exceptional wines, including a unique white Viognier found nowhere else, and invites you to enjoy a home-cooked lunch, relax through the afternoon, or watch the sunset behind the surrounding forests.
Montechiaro di Alessandro Griccioli
Chianti Colli Senesi
Tenuta di Montechiaro is one of those places where time slows down and afternoon lunches drift into evening. Unpretentious Chianti Colli Senesi and Toscana IGT wines are produced organically from estate vineyards. The tour is very relaxed and casual, but the 18th-century villa serves as a reminder of the Griccioli family’s noble connections. This is a great stop on the way to both Siena and the gorgeous walled castle of Monteriggioni. It represents one of the finest and most relaxed wineries to visit in Tuscany.
Tenuta Argentiera
Bolgheri
Set in the Bolgheri DOC, Tenuta Argentiera offers an immersive wine tour that highlights its coastal vineyards, distinctive terroir, and Bordeaux-inspired blends. Guests can explore the state-of-the-art winery, learn about the estate’s commitment to elevation-driven viticulture, and enjoy guided tastings of its acclaimed Argentiera, Villa Donoratico, and Poggio ai Ginepri wines. A visit to Argentiera provides a deep dive into one of Bolgheri’s most important wine estates, and also offers sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Caiarossa
Maremma
It can be interesting to see what the Borderlais do internationally. Lots of Tuscan winemakers have been influenced by the Medoc, but few venture from France to seek out land in Tuscany. Yet the Jelgersma family of Chateau Giscours have done just that. The breathtakingly beautiful Caiarossa vineyard sits in an enchanting landscape in the Val di Cecina, near medieval Riparbella and close to Pisa. This 100-hectare estate has 40 hectares under vine, surrounded by oak woodland, with all wines farmed biodynamically. Enjoy guided tours of a property with views of the sea and the distinctive taste of Mediterranean scrub.
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Ampeleia
Maremma
Ampeleia is a winemaking project set in the wild hills and forests of the Maremma. At 500m, cooling breezes help to make very fresh Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. If this feels off the beaten path, it’s because it is. Founded in 2002, this 30-hectare estate converted to biodynamic farming in 2009 and the wines are bottled without fining or filtration, with minimal sulphur and oak. Enjoy tastings in its agriturismo restaurant, and move on for lunch or dinner in the charming nearby village of Roccatederighi.
Tenuta Sette Ponti
Arezzo
Named after the Seven Bridges over the River Arno – one of which is thought to appear in the background of the Mona Lisa – Tenuta Sette Ponti ranks among the best wine visits in eastern Tuscany. Just outside Arezzo, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti has built a sanctuary for outstanding wines, including selections from sister properties in Bolgheri and Sicily. Guests can enjoy tastings that celebrate the estate’s old-vine heritage, scenic vineyard walks, and authentic, locally sourced cuisine.
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Tenuta del Buonamico
Lucca
Tenuta del Buonamico, located in Montecarlo, Lucca, has been a key player in the region’s wine scene since the 1960s. Under the guidance of the Fontana family since 2008, the estate makes good wines from Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah. Lucca is a must-see town, but with few wineries in the area, this is a very handy address to keep in mind. Think alfresco Mediterranean lunches, with the added value of wines from a little-known DOC – Montecarlo – capable of juicy, fruity reds and whites.
Tenuta Licinia
Lucignano
If you want an education in the impact of subsoils on your wine, call in at Tenuta Licinia on your way to the medieval town of Lucignano. The wines are stunning, especially the Bordeaux blend ‘Sasso di Fata’, and winemaker James Marshall-Lockyer will set the scene with real insight into what terroir means in this part of Tuscany. His passion is infectious, and you’ll feel like you’re on a viticultural journey with him. Following a visit, don’t be surprised to find yourself looking up the weather in Lucignano as the harvest approaches.
Tenuta di Biserno
Maremma
Close to the coastal beauty of Bolgheri, Tenuta di Biserno creates elegant, terroir-driven wines in the hills of Bibbona, an area known as Alta Maremma. Local produce is paired with insight into the estate’s winemaking philosophy. For those looking to linger, Relais Il Biserno, a beautifully restored 17th-century house, provides a refined retreat where guests can relax and enjoy the tranquility of Tuscan country life.
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Castello di Albola
Chianti Classico
Centuries-old traditions blend with modern winemaking at Castello di Albola, a beautiful castle setting with all the stereotypical Tuscan views of vineyards and olive groves. This is a well-manicured estate, with impressive villas and gardens. There are guided tours of the grounds, a number of different structured tasting packages, some of which include a classic Tuscan menu to support, prepared by private chef. Professional and slick, and a worthy stop on a big Tuscan wine tour.
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Le Ragnaie
Montalcino
Le Ragnaie near Montalcino has growing cult status and serious wine lovers should have the estate on their radar. Not only are the wines exceptional, they’re also very affordable. With some of the highest vineyards in the DOCG, the style is cool and fresh. In fact, the vines are so high the area was used by bird catchers, hence the big net on the labels. Visits are by appointment – but it’s well worth reaching out before the secret is truly out.
Fattoria Fibbiano
Pisa
Nicola Cantoni and his brother run a very casual agriturismo and tasting room, where you can sample some coastal wines with a distinctive maritime influence. With vineyards full of white shells and marine deposits, the tours of this winery offers insight into Tuscany’s prehistoric past. From here you can see and smell the sea. The Ciliegiolo is delicious, as is the very quaffable white from a rare grape variety – Colombana.
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Castello di Vicarello
Maremma
There is something of the fairytale castle about Castello di Vicarello, making it easy to see why two Milanese fashionistas would want to escape the city and put their mark on it. You can see for miles across the wild, forested hills of the Maremma. Perhaps there is no better view in Tuscany, especially as the golden hour descends (and it’s worth noting you can stay at its hotel overnight). Wine tastings include the region’s speciality rosé, made from Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot. For better or worse, no children under 10.
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Castello di Trebbio
Chianti Rufina
Castello di Trebbio was at the heart of the rivalry between Florence and Siena and a visit brings some of this influential history to life. The medieval halls, atmospheric cellars and sprawling castle grounds enrich this window into a very different style of Chianti. Here the cooler ‘Rufina’ hills give a fresh, almost rustic personality to the wines. If you’re calling in early, the estate’s traditional-method sparkling is a good start.
Tenuta Vallocaia
Montepulciano
Located just east of Montepulciano, Tenuta Vallocaia produces around 150,000 bottles a year and is a worthy stop-off for filling up the boot with a few cases. It was bought by Swiss wine importer Rudi Bindella in 1983, who went about increasing the hectares under vine from 2.5 to 53. Today, it produces a white Trebbiano and a Sauvignon Blanc, alongside the classic appellation wines of the town. Beyond the beautiful views up in the vineyards, the main attraction is a range of premium Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Tasting these over a rustic lunch of local cold cuts and cheeses reminds us that Tenuta Vallocaia is one of the many wineries in Tuscany which offers a timeless gastronomic experience.
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Grattamacco
Bolgheri
As the second estate established in Bolgheri, Grattamacco is a true pioneer of the region. Its wines remain outstanding, and tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at their process. This is a chance to stand in their legendary vineyards and contemplate the characteristics of terroir. More than just a visit, tastings include library vintages, showcasing the evolution of one of Tuscany’s great wines.
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Fattoria le Pupille
Maremma
Fattoria le Pupille is one of the founding estates of the Maremma and is a leader in up-and-coming coastal appellations such as Morellino di Scansano. A visit reveals another side of Sangiovese, as well as the area’s fragrant Vermentino wines. Walk the vines and take in the sea breeze. Scents from the surrounding shrubland, the Macchia Mediterranea, as the sun goes down make this the perfect late-afternoon stop. Come and visit to explore one of the most relaxed winery tours throughout all of Tuscany.
Riecine
Chianti Classico
Riecine’s wines are marked by a cool freshness – and one visit to the vineyards helps explain why. Located in the most northern part of Gaiole in Chianti, where altitudes get as high as 500m, these are some of Chianti Classico’s lightest and most vibrant wines. Alessandro Campatelli is making the wines now, and continues Riecine’s legacy as a Sangiovese specialist. Cement vats have been artistically decorated, depicting contemporary vineyard scenes. An informal tasting space gives a rustic vibe, but these are premium wines. Surrounded by biodynamic vineyards and life that buzzes around them, this is the place to be on a sunny spring morning.
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Fattoria dei Barbi
Montalcino
Barbi is one of the great historic names of Montalcino and is worth a visit for its museum alone. Offering some of the finest winery tours in Tuscany, no trip would be complete without a stop at the dairy farm where visitors can enjoy produce from Montalcino’s oldest cheese-making facilities. This centuries-old tradition focuses exclusively on sheep’s milk.
