From the countryside decked out in autumnal colours, to the gorgeous seasonal dishes that appear on the menu, discover all the reasons to visit the Chianti in Autumn. Check out our list of events, find out how to get the most out of wine tasting, and know what weather you can expect when you’re here.
Chianti in Autumn, All the Reasons to Visit
Wine Tasting has Never Looked more Beautiful
Wine tasting is a very popular activity for visitors to the Chianti region. The vendemmia (grape harvest, it takes place in September) is over, and while the wine is fermenting in the barrels, the cellars around Chianti welcome guests for wine tasting. And this is the perfect moment to do it. Looking out over breathtaking views of fall foliage with a glass of the prized Chianti wine to hand makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
You have gorgeous setting to choose from, historic wineries like Badia a Coltibuono, Brolio or Gabbiano Castle, and great Chianti wine tours that organise everything for you, so that you can enjoy views and fabulous food and wine in tranquillity.
The views are to die for. The vineyards take on all the captivating nuances of Fall. Yellow, burnt orange, flashes of vermillion. Driving around the Chianti – from mid October to mid November – immerses you in a world of natural colours that never fails to impress. I admit I can’t get enough of these Autumn colours, and never get tired of looking at them. If you share my passion, you’ll enjoy the perfectly combed vineyards that create wonderfully tinted patterns – the perfect view to awaken your artistic soul.
The expression ‘seasonal specialties’ takes on a special meaning in Tuscany. Where food is concerned, we like our recipes and treats to reflect the seasons. So in autumn cakes made with grapes (schiacciata con l’uva) and chestnut flour (the traditional castagnaccio) make an appearance in bakeries and supermarkets. And there’s a profusion of mushrooms and truffle based dishes in every trattoria.
Some of the pinnacles of Chianti cuisine, like earthy soups, peposo (pepper flavoured meat stew), fried meat, or tagliata (steak cut in slices, gorgeous when served with porcini!) are just perfect with the Autumn weather.
Did you know? If you see a wine bottle that reads ‘Vino Novello‘, this is not simpy ‘new wine’ (last harvest wine that can be aged), but a very particular kind of wine. It’s made using a specific method to create a low alcohol wine that’s sweet and light and best enjoyed with salumi, meat stew, and especially chestnuts. It’s usually available from the beginning of November until the end of December.
Top Autumn Events around the Chianti
The most important and long-standing Autumn event in the Chianti is the San Luca Fair, in the small town of Impruneta. It happens every year during a week in mid-October full of events and a big market where you find everything from clothes to artisan creations and local specialities.
For active types, October sees a celebration of sports in the Chianti: L’Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti, a non-competitive vintage bike race along the strade bianche (or unpaved country roads) of the Chianti. The Ecomaratona del Chianti is another great way to get fit while exploring the scenic rolling hills of the Chianti, with three trails (42k, 21k, 13k).
In recent years the ‘Dit’unto Street Food Festival’ celebrates the art of eating with your hands – it’s on in mid October – at Villa Sesta, near Castelnuovo Berardenga.
To get a feel for a place, mix with the locals and visit a market. San Casciano Val di Pesa – Monday morning / Panzano – Sunday morning / Barberino val d’Elsa, Impruneta, Greve and Castellina – Saturday morning / San Donato in Poggio – every Friday morning. For food, clothes and kitchenware, and authentic local flavours!
October is a great time for hiking as temperatures during the day are still pleasant. November might get a bit too cool for some, and there’s more chance of rain. But November is also when the olive harvest takes place, so you’ll get the chance to see farmers busy with their nets under the olive trees, and the countryside buzzing with activities.
On this E-bike Guided Tour from Florence, you’ll ride to Piazzale Michelangelo and through the Chianti countryside passing by olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills, soaking up the panoramic views along the way. Stop at an olive mill to learn about olive oil production and enjoy a tasting. Refuel with a traditional Tuscan lunch at a winery before returning back to Florence.
Slow Living in the Chianti
Every season is a good season for the ‘slow living’ approach. But with fewer tourists around, and Autumn vibes in the air, this might be the ideal time to enjoy the place where the ‘cittaslow’ movement was born. It all started in the town of Greve in Chianti. The Chianti region loves its traditions, enhances genuine local food & wine, conviviality and respect for the territory, promoting a way of living that brings the ‘Italian good life’ to another level.
“The Cittaslow are towns where men are still curious of the old times, towns rich of theatres, squares, cafes, workshops, restaurants and spiritual places, towns with untouched landscapes and charming craftsman where people are still able to recognize the slow course of the Seasons and their genuine products respecting tastes, health and spontaneous customs.…” (from the Cittaslow website)
The weather in the Chianti during October is still quite mild, with plenty of sunny days and an average of 9 days of rain. Temperatures range from a max of 21° C (69° F) during the day to a minimum of 9° C (48° F) at night.
In November temperatures range between 7 degrees Celsius (45 F) at night and 16 degrees Celsius (61 F)during the day. It can be a rainy month (November has an average of 12 rainy days)
Towards the end of November and throughout December, temperatures drop by a few degrees as the Winter approaches.
Author: Sabrina Nesi, co-founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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