The wines of this region are delicious and world-renowned; no doubt you will want to keep a few bottles on hand during your stay. The vineyards and wineries of the Chianti region are for the most part small operations. Wine tasting is expensive for the wineries unless tasters are buying several bottles, so don’t be surprised if you do not find many that offer you a glass. Wineries have business hours and will sell their wine, even by the single bottle, at certain hours of the day. Below are some of our favorite wineries. Please inquire directly for hours, which vary greatly. We recommend you inquire in advance about tasting.
Casa Emma, (039 055) 8072239.
Fattoria La Ripa, (039 055) 8072948.
Castello di Fonterutoli, (039 0577) 73571.
Lilliano, (039 0577) 743070.
Nittardi, (039 0577) 740269.
Rocca delle Macìe, (039 0577) 7321. Offers wine tasting to prospective buyers. This wine is marketed in the U.S.
Badia a Coltibuono, (039 0577) 74481.
Castello di Cacchiano, (039 0577) 747018.
Riecine, (039 0577) 749098.
Montagliari, (039 055) 852014.
Vignamaggio, (039 055) 854661. This lovely villa is located near Montagliari towards Greve. Much Ado about Nothing was filmed here. You can buy wine here, but you can’t explore the gardens or visit inside the villa.
Melini, (039 0577) 998511.
Castello d’Albola, (039 0577) 738019.
Castello di Volpaia, (039 0577) 738066.
Petroio a. V. d. Malpensata, (039 0577) 328045.
Banfi Wineries, (039 0577) 840111. About fifteen miles south of Montalcino. This recommendation comes to us from Victor & Mary Ellen Ham, who said, “where one can get a tour, five course lunch, and five bottles of wine for $45 (1996 prices) per person.”
