The 7 Best Florence Wine Tours (Reviews For 2024)
As quite literally the center of the Renaissance, Florence is one of the most fascinating, culturally rich cities in the world. However, I highly recommend taking a trip to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you’ll experience endless vineyards and try world-renowned wines.
Tuscany is known for its romance, charm, and amazing food and drink, yet it is still even more impressive in person. There are countless tours out there, so I’m here to detail the 7 top Tuscany wine tours from Florence that are well worth your time and money. Let’s jump right in!
Best Florence Wine Tours in Tuscany
From Florence: Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany | Private Tuscany Wine Tour Experience from Florence | Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide From Florence | |
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Meeting Location: | Piazza della Stazione, 44, Piazzale Montelungo | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze |
Tour Length: | 4.5 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours |
Start Time(s): | 2:30 PM | 9:30 AM | 9:00 AM |
What’s Included: | Transportation by minibus, driver/guide, guided visit to 2 wine estates, tasting of wines, olive oils, and local produce | Full lunch with food and wine pairing, wine tasting fees, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan | Transportation, English-speaking driver/guide, guided visit to 3 wineries, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, lunch |
Our 7 Top Picks For The Best Rated Florence Wine Tours:
- Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany From Florence
- Private Tuscany Wine Tour Experience from Florence
- From Florence: Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide
- Tuscany Wine tour & San Gimignano from Florence
- Full-Day Tuscany Castles Tour with Wine Tasting from Florence
- Tuscany Vespa Tour from Florence with Wine Tasting
- Horseback Riding with Wine Tour from Florence
Tuscany Wine Tour Reviews
1. From Florence: Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Piazza della Stazione, 44, Piazzale Montelungo
- Tour Length: 4.5 hours
- Start Time(s): 2:30 PM
- What’s Included: Transportation by air-conditioned minibus, driver/guide, guided visit to 2 wine estates, tasting of different wines, olive oils, and local produce
What to Expect on the Tour
How would you like to venture deep into the heart of Tuscany’s rolling hills and sunny vineyards with a small group and expert guide to show you the inner workings of some of the most renowned Italian wineries?
You can expect all that and more, with the From Florence: Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany! This carefully curated tour balances history and culture with rich gastronomy and winemaking with a stunning backdrop to seal the experience.
You’ll visit 2 reputable wineries, though you can expect a slightly different itinerary at each one. At the first one, you’ll try a few of their best wines along with the olive oil they make in-house.
The second one also offers a great wine tasting and olive oil tasting, but you’ll also snack on some tasty Tuscan treats, like cheeses, salami, bruschetta, and more. At 4.5 hours, this tour is a great way to dip your toe into the world of fine Tuscan gastronomy and wine without committing to a whole day!
What Makes This Tour Great
Incredible scenery, breathtaking estates, delicious wine, yummy snacks, and a ton of interesting stories – what more could you want from a tour of this caliber?
This was such a fun tour, with a group of around 10 friendly people and an animated guide whose passion about Tuscan wines was contagious!
Our journey out to Florence was smooth and comfortable, with our guide sharing historical and cultural facts about the surrounding areas as we passed by.
The first wine estate was phenomenal, with one of the owners actually coming to greet us and give us a tour around the property. It was very interesting learning about how so many of their traditions have stood the test of time, producing amazing wines despite the passing of time.
They also provided us with a succinct yet educational background on local viticulture, which tied in nicely with Italy’s historical background.
The second wine estate was also beautiful, and it was here where we got to head down into their cellars to learn about and taste their different wines. They even took the time to expertly pair olive oils, cheeses, salamis, cold cuts, and other traditional snacks with the wines.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
2. Private Tuscany Wine Tour Experience from Florence
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Tour Length: 8 hours
- Start Time(s): 9:30 AM
- What’s Included: All taxes, fees, and handling charges, full lunch with food and wine pairing, wine tasting fees, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan
What to Expect on the Tour
Have you ever been on a guided tour where it’s you and a big group of a bunch of strangers just being herded around from site to site, with a guide just rattling off commonly-known facts?
Yeah, that’s definitely not what you’ll get with the Private Tuscany Wine Tour Experience from Florence. This 8-hour experience will take you through the rolling hills and lush vineyards with just your party and your private guide!
This, in my opinion, is the best way to experience the riches of Tuscany, hearing stories about the history and culture surrounding the region and what makes it so celebrated.
You’ll stop at 3 different renowned estates to tour the properties and taste some of their award-winning wines and olive oils! Not only that, but you’ll learn about their traditional winemaking processes and how they’ve varied throughout the years.
What Makes This Tour Great
Get ready to experience Tuscany like never before with a private, exclusive tour into the heart of this beautiful region. This is a full-day experience that takes the guesswork out of the nearly impossible task of selecting among the vast amount of winery tours out there.
With the assistance of an expert sommelier guide, you’ll gain insight into the historical and geographical makeup of the area, as well as plenty of knowledge surrounding the local wines.
I enjoyed how they picked a nice variety of wineries that varied from quaint, family-run vineyards to larger, more “commercial” estates, where we learned about their different winemaking traditions and processes.
At one of the locations, we even went on a visit down to their cellars for a little adventure and wine tasting, before heading over to a beautiful boutique restaurant/winery set on a farm called, “Sant’Agnese”.
Sant’Agnese sits right next to a gorgeous nature reserve, and we learned how the property dated back to 1000 AD! My favorite from them was their Chianti Classico Riserva, though the food was also delicious!
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and educational day filled with beautiful landscapes and lots of good food and wine, this is right up your alley.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
3. Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide From Florence
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze
- Tour Length: 8 hours
- Start Time(s): 9:00 AM
- What’s Included: Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi on board, English-speaking driver/guide, guided visit to 3 different wineries, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, lunch
What to Expect on the Tour
This is yet another full-day tour drawing many similarities to the previous one, but is a bit easier on the budget as it’s not a completely private tour.
If you’re interested in not only tasting great wines but also sampling locally-made balsamic vinegar and olive oil while learning about the local history and culture, it’s a great option. In fact, I’d say that for what you receive in return, it’s one of the biggest bangs for your buck!
The tour includes 3 in-depth visits to 3 different wineries, including a visit to a farm, wine cellars, and even an onsite restaurant for a tasty lunch!
Expect a day full of fun and adventure with animated, passionate guides and staff members to show you secrets to a great wine (along with plenty of wine tastings!).
I felt this one was one of the most well-paced, even offering some free time to check out Greve’s main square which felt like going back to medieval times!
What Makes This Tour Great
If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the popular Florence, this is the perfect day trip to relax and really savor the best Tuscany has to offer!
This expertly curated adventure is perfect for those just entering the world of wine as well as wine connoisseurs who’d like to expand their knowledge. Even though it wasn’t technically a private tour, me and my friend group were literally the only ones, which made it feel even more special!
Our driver did a great job maneuvering the roads, and our air-conditioned coach was comfortable and spacious.
The journey out to the countryside is a beautiful one, so make sure to take plenty of videos and photos as you go! Each winery did a fantastic job at explaining what makes them special, showing us some of the wine processes they’ve used for literally hundreds of years.
Of course, we got to taste their productions as well, which were all delicious and I discovered I really love a fine glass of Chianti.
After a nice lunch with tasty cheeses and meats, we got some time to digest and explore the medieval town of Greve, which was the perfect place to take some photos – overall a great day!
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
4. Tuscany Wine Tour & San Gimignano from Florence
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Varies (please see meeting point options)
- Tour Length: 7 hours
- Start Time(s): 7:30 AM
- What’s Included: Private Air-conditioned minivan or coach Local expert tour leader with in-depth knowledge of the area for a unique and authentic experience Wine tasting at 2 wineries with 9 different types of wine Tuscan products tastings including bruschetta with tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil & more
What to Expect on the Tour
Are you looking for a budget-friendly day trip out of the city, while sampling some of the tastiest wine in the countryside? If that sounds like fun to you, look no further than the Tuscany Wine Tour & San Gimignano from Florence tour!
If you’re interested in exploring one of the traditional Tuscan towns as well and get more of that well-preserved medieval feel, then you’ll also enjoy the trip to San Gimignano which comes included.
Oh, and if you don’t know how to properly taste wine (believe it or not there’s a proper way!), this is your chance to learn from the very best!
You’ll actually visit a winery and wine-tasting school, where you’ll sample 4 different types of wine and learn about the properties that set each apart from the rest. The other winery focuses more on white wines, which are my personal favorites!
You’ll then stop at San Gimignano, where you get about 1.5 hours to explore at your leisure, taking photos, checking out the local food and coffee, boutique shops, and much more.
What Makes This Tour Great
I felt this tour really highlighted the quintessential Tuscany, making things smooth and convenient with their roundtrip transportation, comfortable vehicles, and great drivers.
The drive along the Chianti road was like something out of a postcard, and the first visit was a great way to set the tone for the rest of the day.
The first winery/wine tasting school was very educational, and we tried 4 different wines paired with their in-house-made balsamic, truffle oil, and extra virgin olive oil!
The second winery taught us all about Vernaccia, rose, and Colli Senesi wines, where we learned from the winemakers how they’ve used traditions to keep the rich flavors alive.
I really enjoyed our free time at San Gimignano, where I got to revel in its enchanting streets, historic towers, and very rich culture!
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
5. Full-Day Tuscany Castles Tour with Wine Tasting from Florence
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Plaza dei Cavalleggeri, 50122 Firenze
- Tour Length: 6 to 7 hours
- Start Time(s): 9:30 AM
- What’s Included: Local taxes, lunch, wine tasting, local guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan
What to Expect on the Tour
Germany seems to be the focus when talking about European castles, but did you know that Tuscany is filled with some that are equally as impressive?
As an architecture junkie, myself, Florence is in no way lacking in this area, but it’s not quite the same as what you’ll find in the wine region. This serene day out in the countryside is relaxing, designed to transport you to some of the most respected wineries in the country, amidst picturesque landscapes.
Explore the intricacies of their wine production with the actual winemakers and an expert guide there to teach you, sharing insight into the different aging methods and tastings of the finest Chianti wines.
Aside from wine tastings, expect a wonderful, 2-course lunch paired to complement Tuscany’s exquisite wines. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or would simply like a tranquil escape, this tour makes for a stress-free day of enjoyment.
What Makes This Tour Great
I never knew how much I wanted to spend a day drinking some of the finest wines in the world at breathtaking castles in the middle of the Italian countryside, until I went on this tour.
First off, our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about Florence, Tuscany, the local wine heritage, and cultural/historical facts surrounding Italy. As we cruised along in our comfy coach, she regaled us with fun facts and enthralling stories, keeping us entertained the entire time.
The first stop was simple magical, with incredible architecture, lush gardens, and expansive vistas over the Tuscan countryside.
We journeyed down into the old cellars before heading to a private tasting room to sample 5 of their best wines with our sommelier guide to help us distinguish between each. After that, we headed to the famed Renaissance villa of Tenuta Bossi, which has a history dating back to the 15th century!
We learned that it is owned by the Gondi family, who also “ruled” during the same era as the Medici family. I definitely learned a ton about the history of the different castles, winemaking traditions, and how to taste the wine, itself.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
6. Tuscany Vespa Tour from Florence with Wine Tasting
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Via Curtatone, 9, 50123 Firenze
- Tour Length: 7 to 8 hours
- Start Time(s): 9:00 AM
- What’s Included: Lunch, Vespa moped, air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, medieval villages and organic winery farm
What to Expect on the Tour
Probably one of the most Italian things I could think of doing while visiting is riding a Vespa through the country’s picturesque villages while making stops throughout to savor the local wine.
You’ll get to do all of that with the fabulous Tuscany Vespa Tour from Florence with Wine Tasting tour, which allows you to visit some of the most well-known places in the Tuscan countryside.
From medieval villages to breathtaking estates, this experience is a well-balanced, varied experience perfect for getting a taste of everything if it’s your first time here.
Expect a nice mix of guided tours as well as some free time to explore, as well as a 3-course lunch consisting of typical Tuscan dishes! Between each stop, you’ll be cruising around on a reliable Vespa, so you really get to take full advantage of the lovely views.
There is plenty of time for taking photos and videos, so you’ll have the perfect souvenir of your trip (along with bottles of wine, if you feel so inclined!).
What Makes This Tour Great
If you’re at all interested in wine, history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes, this is the tour for you. First off, you’re going to love the charming streets of this medieval town, along with its imposing architecture and iconic tours!
As we had plenty of free time at our disposal here, we got to cruise around and check out the beautiful cathedrals, get some incredible gelato, and purchase some cool souvenirs!
Riding vespas throughout the rolling Tuscan hills was really something special, made even more so by our guide who shared interesting stories about the region along the way.
The winery we visited was truly incredible, with picturesque views, a thorough wine tasting, olive oil tasting (made in-house), and a delicious lunch. I realized I definitely need to up my standards when it comes to olive oil and wine!
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
7. Horseback Riding with Wine Tour from Florence
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Via Curtatone, 9, 50123 Firenze
- Tour Length: 8 hours
- Start Time(s): 9:00 AM
- What’s Included: Lunch with a wine tasting class, olive oil tasting, guided tour, horseback ride to wineries
What to Expect on the Tour
Florence is one of the best places I’ve ever been to in my life, but when you have the Tuscan countryside a short journey away, you’d be remiss not to take advantage of it.
If you really want to live life on the edge, why not take a tour that combines horseback riding, medieval exploration, and delicious local flavors? That’s exactly what you can expect with the Horseback Riding with Wine Tour from Florence!
The journey starts with a serene horseback ride through the scenic landscapes surrounding San Gimignano, with clearly experienced horses who were so sweet and gentle.
The meandering through lush vineyards and olive groves, combined with breathtaking panoramic hill views is well worth it – even if you don’t have any previous riding experience.
Next up, is a visit to San Gimignano, dubbed as the “Medieval Manhattan” due to its incredible preservation with Etruscan and Roman Roots.
After that, enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch paired with guided wine tastings at a reputable local winery. Try some of the world’s most celebrated wines and high-quality extra virgin olive oil, with your expert guide there to lead the way.
What Makes This Tour Great
What a wonderful, beautiful tour this experience was. It was an idyllic, stress-free experience from the tranquil horseback ride through the beautiful landscapes over the village, to the actual tastings of wine and olive oil.
Our guide was super friendly but also clearly knew the area and its history like the back of his hand, taking us to hidden gems and amazing artisanal gelato spots in San Gimignano – don’t forget the 1300 Museum!
Another one of the highlights for me was the visit to the local winery farm, where we had a tasty traditional Tuscan lunch paired with some of the best wines in the country.
Our guide did a great job of helping us identify the different flavors, and we even learned about their unique winemaking processes. It’s easy to say that this tour seamlessly combines adventure, culture, history, wine, and gastronomy all with a beautiful background.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
FAQs About Florence Wine Tours
What is included in Florence wine tours? Most tours leave from Florence and have transportation to the wineries. Wine tasting fees are usually included and the more expensive tours include lunch and maybe dinner. Some tours also have guided tours of the vineyards and cellars.
How long are the wine tasting tours? Tours do vary in length with a typical half-day tour being 4-5 hours and a full day tour 8-9 hours. These times include drive time from Florence.
Can I customize the tour? Usually only the private tours have customizable options where you can choose specific wineries to visit or add other activities like food tastings or visits to local towns
What varieties of wine will I taste? You will taste a variety of wines with the main one being Chianti Classico of course! Chianti is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. Some other wines you might try include Super Tuscans and Chianti Riservas.
Are tasting fees included in the tour price? Tasting fees are not always included. You need to check with the tour operator to verify as they can add up if you go to several wineries. It may help you make a decision as to which tour to take.
What should I wear or bring? Since most tours are all day events, you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You will be on your feet much of the day especially if you do tours through the vineyards. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
Is transportation provided from Florence? Since Florence is the closest major city most tours leave from there. Most tours will transport you in a bus unless you do a private tour where you will go in a shuttle or even a luxury car.
How far is it from Florence to Chianti? To just get to the region it is about 45 minutes but it depends on which wineries you will visit. Tuscany is a fairly large region.
What Are Some of the Best Wineries to Visit from Florence
Antinori nel Chianti Classico: This winery is in San Casciano Val di Pesa which is about 30 minutes from Florence. They are known for it’s architecture and history dating back to the 1300s.
Castello di Verrazzano: Is located in Chianti and is a castle that has guided tours of the vineyards and cellars and of course tastings of their Chianti Classico.
Casa Emma: This small boutique winery is in the middle of Chianti. It is well known for it’s organic wines along with beautiful views of the vineyards.
Montefioralle Winery: This small family-run winery is in the medieval village of Montefioralle. They have tours of the grounds and tastings of their amazing wines.
Fattoria Casa Sola: This winery is in Barberino Val d’Elsa. They have tours that of the vineyard alog with the cellars. Don’t miss tastings of their Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans!
Castello del Trebbio: This winery is also a castle built in the 12th-century. One of the closest wineries to Florence and has wine tastings and tours of its extensive cellars. If you have time, take a cooking class.
Tenuta di Capezzana: Located in Carmignano, this winery is known for its rich history and excellent wines, including Carmignano DOCG
Badia a Coltibuono: A former abbey turned winery, offering tours, tastings, and a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine
Castello di Brolio: Owned by the Ricasoli family for many generations this castle offers tours of its amazing grounds and tastings of its spectacular wines.
Castello di Ama: Not only known for wines it also has an extensive art collection. This unique winery has a unique blend of wine and art.
What Type of Wines Will I Taste on a Florence Wine Tour?
Chianti Classico: This is the well known wine made in Tuscany. It has a balanced acidity with hints of red fruit along with herbs and spices.
Brunello di Montalcino: Made with 100% Sangiovese grapes it is rich and full-bodied. You will notive subtle notes of dark fruit.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: This well known Sangiovese wine has a mix of red and dark fruit notes with a smooth texture.
Super Tuscans: These wines that often a blend of traditional Italian grapes like Sangiovese with international varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They are known for their bold flavors.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano: This white wine from the San Gimignano area is crisp and refreshing with notes of citrus and green apple.
Wines Tasted
Wineries
Tour Guides
The Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany From Florence is our Editors Choice for the best Florence wine tasting tour
Katarina Jelks is a professionally trained sommelier from Hawaii. She received her Wine & Management Diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Her experience working across the wine industry, in locations all around the world (France, Australia, New Zealand, the US & more), has resulted in a global perspective. She loves sharing her passion with others and helping them to chase their thirst for interesting wine and great food.