If you’ve read our Beginners Guides to Chianti and have itchy feet, it’s time for you to see the hills and hamlets of Chianti with your own eyes. Book your villa in Chianti, pack your favourite panama hat and SPF, and prepare for a niche tour of Chianti’s best wine estates.
In this short guide to Chianti’s best wineries, we’ve selected la crème de la crème of the region. Aside from mouthwatering (literally!) wines, all of these Chianti vineyards will leave you speechless with their architecture, history and landscape. Choose from short and simple tastings to longer tours with gastronomic and immersive experiences.
The Best Wineries in Chianti
Best wineries near Greve in Chianti
Marchesi Antinori
The Marchesi Antinori are one of the oldest wine producers in Tuscany. They have owned and worked the land for over 6 centuries and 26 generations, with many wine estates scattered in Tuscany and Umbria.
Make sure to stop by Cantinetta Antinori in Florence for a bite to eat and wine tasting, or visit the Antinori nel Chianti Classico estate in Bargino. This futuristic structure of great architectural value was inaugurated in 2012 and houses the Antinori Art Project collection as well as a sleek roof-top restaurant.
If you want to experience the winery at its best, book one of the many tours available starting at €35.
Castello di Querceto
Live a chapter of Chianti history in this recently restored 16th-century castle, near Greve in Chianti. During the Historic Tour of the estate, you will have the chance to visit the castle’s chapel, old cellars, and vintage collection of wines.
Tours are available from Monday to Friday at a cost of €15, and include a tasting of three Chianti wines.
Castello di Verrazzano
Castello di Verrazzano is another jewel of Greve in Chianti. With over 1000 years of history, this castle was a Etruscan and Roman settlement. Documents trace winemaking practices and production as far back as 1150.
The estate offers many different tours starting at €21 for a simple visit and tasting. Visit the cantine on Friday for a unique gastronomic experience, including a visit, tasting and dinner for €68.
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Castello di Brolio
Of all things Chianti, Castello di Brolio is a top destination for Chianti lovers. It was here, in Gaiole in Chianti, that Barone Ricasoli defined the formula for Chianti Classico.
The castle has been property of the Ricasoli family since 1141 — with 240 hectares of land — and represents the heart of Chianti tradition and innovation. During this immersive experience you will have the chance to visit the castle, garden and art collection (without reservation). If you prefer to taste the wines produced on this estate, book one of the many wine tours.
Tours start at €7.50 for a simple visit and tasting. Otherwise, opt for a Sunset Tour with dinner for €70, or a Privilege Tour (price on request) where you can taste the most important wines of the estate and visit parts of the castle closed to the public.
Badia a Coltibuono
Badia a Coltibuono is housed in what used to be an old monastery, preserving its original structure, gardens, and tranquil setting. Alongside it’s Chianti Classico, this estate is well-known for its production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Tours start at €10 for guided visits with a tasting of two wines, or enjoy a picnic in the vineyards for €65. All tours require advance booking.
Rocca di Castagnoli
Rocca means fortress, and like many of the estates listed here, Rocca di Castagnoli has been a strategic point from the Middle Ages. The winery has been active since the 18th century, making it a ‘youngster’ compared to fellow Chianti producers. But don’t be fooled, this hasn’t hindered the winery from reaching high quality and competitive wine-making.
The estate also produces an excellent Extra Virgin Olive Oil that can be tasted on one of the tours. Tours’ prices range from €10 for a tasting of three wines, to €25 for a tasting of six wines including two Super Tuscans and a visit to the estate. Bookings are required.
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Castello di Albola
In the XVI century, Albola Castle was one of the most desired estates among Florentine nobility. During the XVII and XVIII centuries, this castle was owned by the Pazzi family, the most notorious lineage of Florence after the Medici.
The main building has a unique elegance and can be visited any day with a reservation. Tours take place everyday at 12 pm (12 pm and 5 pm from March to November) and include visits to the historical cellars followed by a tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Chianti Classico wine.
Castello di Monte Rinaldi
This ancient structure has survived many battles and adversities. The castle was completely demolished after the battle of Montaperti in 1268 and suffered ingent damage in World War II.
Brought to new life by the Ciampi family, this estate now produces organic wine. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Monte Rinaldi’s products including Extra Virgin Olive Oil, accompanied by local cheese and cold cuts.
For a simple tasting there is no need to book, but for other activities including special tours, gourmet meals, and cooking classes, booking is required.
Fattoria Montemaggio
If you are searching for something intimate, this is the winery for you. A smaller and newer winery, Fattoria Montemaggio respects quality and offers a portfolio of organic wines.
Experience the everyday life of a Tuscan farm and choose one of the many interactive experiences including cooking classes, picnics and even wine-themed ceramics and textile classes.
Wine tasting starts from €17.99, while the price for a ceramic or textile class of two hours is €50.