Chianti

ACCOMMODATION

- Relax in the peace and quiet of the Tuscan countryside, enjoying the breathtaking views from your pool, maybe even sipping on a glass of local wine. Then, when you have the urge to explore, hop in the car and you can be exploring one of the most beautiful wine producing areas in the world and other local Chianti towns in a matter of minutes. We have a wide range of villas in the Chianti area. Click on the nav bar on the left for more information.

– If you'd prefer to be in the centre of things then stay at a hotel in the heart of Chianti, (here are some of our favourite Chianti Hotels available from our hotels partner) Whichever you choose, Chianti Villa or Chianti Hotel, you're sure to enjoy this stunning part of Tuscany.


ABOUT CHIANTI
Chianti has much to offer a visitor interested in wine, food and natural beauty. Chianti is above all a wine zone. It is not an administrative region and includes parts of the Tuscan provinces of Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Pisa. 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 the 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, although Rufina is to the East of Florence.

The Chianti landscapes are breathtaking, gently rolling hills covered with rows of vines stretching into the distance. Tiny hilltop medieval villages. Fantastic food and wine. Bordered by the art cities of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. The area is perfect for lovers of good food, wine and art. This video shows the Tuscan lanscapes from a hot air balloon, as it glides over the hills and vineyards. An experience not to be missed!

If you don’t want to drive, the region is accessible with SITA buses from Florence. The hills of Chianti are a magnificent place for bike tours. You will rarely be cycling in flat roads, but you will also seldom have to climb steep passes (only, be ware of the hot hours of the day in the Summer). You can start from Greve, for example, where you can 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. 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.

Olive groves are also the region's pride, and olive oil can be purchased directly from some 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.

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