Wine tastings in Tuscany - within easy reach of Torrevista
Wine is your passion and you love visiting small, regionally known wineries and discovering special wines during leisurely wine tastings, accompanied by hands-on explanations on production techniques and wine characteristics?
Or maybe you are tempted by the choice menu of Tuscan specialties with matching wines in the elegant restaurant of an internationally renowned winery with spectacular architecture. There you can find your new personal favorites among the wide range of red and white wines ... Chianti, Sangiovese, SuperTuscan combining Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Vermentino, Vernaccia … or specialties such as Vino Frizzante, Vin Santo, light rosés and much more. Are you delighted by the historic charm of old wine cellars or dreaming of spending the “blue hour” on the terrace of a typical trattoria with breathtaking views over the enchanting Tuscan countryside, savoring a selection of local organic wines? All this and much more is offered by the wider area around Montaione, from Chianti Classico to Chianti and the Terre di Pisa.
The wider area around Montaione offers all this and much more, from the Chianti Classico via the Chianti and on to the Terre di Pisa. This makes Torrevista the perfect home base for exploring the world of Tuscan wines.
Here we have put together a few suggestions for you:
Villa Pillo
The distinctive yellow buildings of this winery are located only about 11 kilometers from Torrevista.
Wine tastings are available without booking at the store (Mon-Fri 9:00 -12:30 and 14:00-18:30, Sat 10:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:00).
If you would like to book a guided tour of the historic cellars and/or a "tagliere" with local ham and cheese specialties, simply contact the office via info@villapillo.com or +39 0571 680 212.
Our recommendation: Experience the wines as an accompaniment to fine Tuscan dishes - and an incredible view - on the large terrace of the winery’s restaurant La Vinsantaia, which is open for lunch and dinner. For cooler weather you can choose the cozy indoor rooms.
Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara
Do you love white wines?
There are numerous small wineries around San Gimignano that produce excellent Vernaccia. A particularly appealing estate is Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara in the picturesque and beautifully renovated village of San Donato. At this relatively young winery, the thorough renovation and the stylish modern annexes to the historic buildings and the sophisticated brand design immediately catch the eye. In addition to Vernaccia, they produce also red wines and organic olive oils, which can all be tasted in the enoteca (daily 9:00-19:00), in the beautiful restaurant or on the airy terrace, accompanied by a tagliere with a delicious selection of typical cheeses, hams and salami. Of course, the restaurant also offers hot dishes and much more of what makes Tuscan cuisine special. You can also book a jeep tour through the vineyards and a visit to the church of San Donato. On the journey from Torrevista to San Donato (approx. 26 km), you can stop and visit San Gimignano.
For more information and reservations: https://colombaiosantachiara.it or +39 392 5068229.
Tenuta di Ghizzano
A historic winery where the Venerosi Pesciolini family produces fascinating red wines and high-quality olive oil using biodynamic methods. You have the choice between various tasting experiences, some of which include local Tuscan food products. The historic garden of the estate can be visited by appointment. The Tenuta is located in the village of Ghizzano, which in itself is worth a visit for its colorfully painted houses and impressive street art, not to mention the incredible views across the Tuscan hills. On the 20 km route from Torrevista to Ghizzano, you will pass San Vivaldo and Castelfalfi.
For more information and booking: www.tenutadighizzano.com .
Antinori nel Chianti Classico
This spectacular building complex of the famous wine house, which has been run by the Antinori family at various locations since 1385, is an architectural highlight. Located around 40 km from Torrevista, Antinori is a wonderful stopping point on a trip to the Chianti Classico region. You can choose from various guided tours and wine tastings, enjoy an excellent lunch in the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant (12:00-16:00, booking via +39 055 235 9720) and stock up on your new favorite wine in the impressive store.
To book guided tours, go to the website www.antinori.it.
Antinori in Badia in Passignano
As an alternative or if you wish to experience even more Antinori tradition, we recommend Antinori a Badia a Passignano. This winery, located about 8 km further south, offers even more historical flair and a Michelin-starred osteria with an exceptional wine list!
For detailed information and to book wine tastings, guided tours or exclusive cooking classes, go to www.antinori.it/de/tenuta/tenute-antinori/badia-a-passignano/. To book a table at the osteria, go to www.osteriadipassignano.com or www.thefork.it.
For an extra serving of cultural history, we recommend a guided tour in Italian or English of the truly remarkable abbey Badia a Passignano, which is inhabited and restored by a small group of Vallombrosan monks.
Website: www.badiapassignano.it.
Su pe´ Costa
How about an evening in this lovely little enoteca in the alleys of Castelfiorentino, where the knowledgeable owners can recommend the right wine to go with your deliciously filled focaccia, the wonderful, sensationally delicious tartare variations or other small dishes?
The 12 km from Torrevista takes about a quarter of an hour to reach the Piazza Gramsci car park, from where it is only a few minutes walk to the Enoteca.
To book a table, call +39 0571 172 3381.
Tenuta Moriniello
Actually, there is no need to go far for a tasting of local organic wines…
It’s only about 200 m to the neighboring winery, where you can enjoy their products at a wine tasting or together with a pleasant meal in their Locanda del Gobbo Nero. Tanja Moriniello will be happy to explain everything about their organic wines while you enjoy the wonderful view over the vineyards - and over Torrevista.
For more information and bookings go to https://tenutamoriniello.com .
Birrificio Poggio Rosso
How about a beer tasting for a change?
When thinking of "Tuscany" you don't necessarily think of beer, but this small craft brewery is definitely worth a visit, for instance after a leisurely walk through Peccioli with its abundant street art (Museo D'Arte Contemporanea a Cielo Aperto - MACCA). Besides, in Italy beer is the usual drink with pizza or, as here, with foccaccia and other tasty snacks. Special highlight: From the covered terrace, you can see the striking silhouette of Volterra on its hill in the distance.
For the direct drive from Torrevista to the birrificio we recommend the slightly longer but easier route via the SP4. The route via San Vivaldo, Iano and Villamagna is picturesque, but in rather poor condition.
Info at: www.birrificioagricolopoggiorosso.it
