The Tuscany region of central Italy is renowned for its rolling countryside, historic towns and, of course, its excellent wines. Among the most famous varieties, Chianti stands out for its rich taste and long history. On a trip to TuscanyIt can be interesting to explore different possibilities for buying Chianti directly from the source. In this article, we offer an overview of the main options and locations for unearthing this precious wine nectar! 🙂
Buy Chianti by visiting local Tuscan establishments
In all Tuscanymany vineyards, wineries and cellars open their doors to visitorsThe Chianti vineyard is the perfect place to discover the secrets of Chianti winemaking, while tasting and buying wine on the spot. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan your visit.
Historic vineyard
One of the most authentic ways to buy Chianti in Tuscany is to visit a historic vineyard in the region, where wine has been grown and produced for many generations. These establishments usually offer guided tours of the facilities, including vineyards, cellars and wineries, as well as tastings of different vintages. This is the perfect opportunity to combine these tours with a Vespa ride through the vineyards. You'll also be able to buy Chianti on the spot, often at much lower prices than in boutiques and wine shops. The most notable are:
- Montecalvi Winery - Greve in Chianti, Metropolitan City of FlorenceItaly - https://www.montecalvi.com/
- Terre di Perseto - San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy - https://www.terrediperseto.com/en/
- Poggio Amorelli - Castellina in Chianti, Province of Siena, Italy - https://famigliamazzarrini.it/
- Le Cinciole - Panzano, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy - https://www.lecinciole.it/
Modern winery
For a different experience, you can opt for a visit to a modern winery in Tuscany, which focuses on innovative and sustainable production techniques. These wineries often offer more modern and elegant facilities than their historic counterparts, as well as an extensive selection of Chianti wines from different grape varieties and terroirs. Here again, you'll have the opportunity to taste and buy Chianti directly from the producer.
- Greve in Chianti - Castello di Verrazzano - www.verrazzano.com
- Vignamaggio - www.vignamaggio.com
- Fattoria Montagliari - www.montagliari.it
Buy Chianti at Tuscan wine festivals and events
Throughout the year, Tuscany is the scene of numerous wine-related events and festivals, particularly around the Chianti region. Taking part in these events can be an excellent opportunity not only to discover and buy Chianti, but also to meet local producers and exchange ideas with other wine enthusiasts.
Wine Fair
Several wine fairs take place in Tuscany every year, offering a wide range of wineries and winemakers to present their cuvées to visitors. Buying Chianti at a wine fair offers the advantage of being able to easily compare prices and flavors from multiple producers, and even negotiate special offers and discounts. What's more, these events are often accompanied by a variety of activities, such as wine-tasting workshops and wine-related conferences. For example Sagra della Valdarbia, Divine caprice, Boccasecca, MareDiVino, ...
Chianti Classico Festival
One of the must-see events in Tuscany for Chianti lovers is the Chianti Classico Festival is held every September in the historic town of Greve in Chianti. The event brings together dozens of local producers to present their wines for tasting and sale, along with gastronomic and cultural events. Attending the Chianti Classico Festival can be a unique opportunity to enrich your knowledge of this emblematic wine and buy Chianti directly from the winemakers.
Buy Chianti in Tuscany's specialized stores and wine merchants
Finally, it's also possible to buy Chianti in Tuscany by visiting a specialized boutique or wine shop. While this option doesn't always offer the immersive experience of vineyard tours or festivals, it does have the advantage of being able to choose from a carefully selected range of regional wines, and benefit from the expert advice of local wine experts.
Wine souvenir store
In Tuscany's main tourist attractions and picturesque villages, you'll often find stores specializing in souvenirs and regional products, including of course Chianti. Buying Chianti in a souvenir store can be a convenient and enjoyable option when sightseeing, even if you may sometimes regret the more limited selection and slightly higher prices than the other options mentioned.
For this type of facility:
- Geografico Wine Shop - San GimignanoProvince of Siena, Italy - +39 0577 988262
- BAL Local Souvenirs & wine shop - Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- Ma.Si.Toscana - San Gimignano, Province of Siena, Italy - +39 0577 940821
Wine merchants and wine bars
Tuscany's major cities, such as Florence, Siena and Pisa, are home to several wine shops offering a wide selection of local and international wines. These stores offer the opportunity to buy Chianti by comparing labels and vintages, as well as benefiting from invaluable advice on choosing the best value for your tastes and budget. Don't hesitate to ask the staff for advice on the best Chianti references available.
And don't hesitate to visit a wine bar. It's the perfect opportunity to compare a wide range of wines under no pressure, so you can make your purchases in the days to come. We enjoyed these wine bars / restaurants:
- Wineria Aperitivino - Via della Libertà, 8, 50050 Cerreto Guidi FI, Italy
- Castello Banfi - L'Enoteca - https://www.castellobanfiwineresort.it/it/enoteca
- The Dogana Enoteca - Via Lauretana Nord, 75, 53045 Valiano SI, Italy
So, buying Chianti in Tuscany is an enriching experience in many different ways: whether you're tempted by a visit to a historic vineyard, a tasting at a festival, or the quest for the best vintage in a wine shop, you're bound to find an option to suit your desires and expectations. So don't hesitate to discover this oenological treasure trove and take a few bottles of Chianti home with you!
https://www.gites-en-toscane.com/
