The Chianti region, in Tuscany, central Italy, never ceases to enchant with its perfectly staged landscapes, endless vineyards, romantic villas, ancient hamlets and castles. Wine lovers will have the time of their lives tasting this region’s famous Chianti Classico amongst others. And then of course, there’s the food. Fresh, locally produced, traditional and… simply delicious.
Here we discover all the Best things to do during a visit to the Chianti, this fabulous part of Tuscany.
What to do in the Chianti region, Tuscany, Italy
1. Wine tasting around the Gallo Nero region
The opportunities to enjoy the Chianti and Chianti Classico wines here are endless. From ancient cellars and beautiful estates, to modern wineries like Antinori – built literally ‘inside’ a hill – you’ll be immersed in the world of the Gallo Nero, or Black Rooster. You’ll learn about the legendary Sangiovese grape varietal and a dazzling array of vintages. Because in the Chianti the quote from Plato has never been more true: “Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was every granted by the gods to man.”
It’s definitely advisable to book a visit beforehand. Often the tasting experiences include a visit to the the vineyards, the cellars and taste of some food.
VISIT A FAMILY-RUN WINERY in Greve in Chianti during this in-depth tour of an organic, family-run winery, you’ll learn the ins and outs of Chianti Classico. Tour the scenic vineyard and sample four different red wine varieties inside the atmospheric on-site cellar.
=> See the scenic hamlet of Montefioralle and visit a local Montefioralle winery where you’ll taste their wine and Vinsanto, the traditional Tuscan dessert wine.
=> Chianti Wine: a quick guide
2. Try the delicious varieties of local food
If wine is king in the Chianti region, then local cuisine is queen. Proud of being traditional and simple, the best Chianti dishes are made using fresh locally produced ingredients. The Chianti means countryside at its best, with fabulous orti growing delicious tomatoes, zucchini, melanzane, salads, radicchi, and all sorts of fruit. And, of course, here ancient techniques are used to produce the traditional salumi , or cold cuts. Local trattorie pass on recipes that come directly from grandmothers’ kitchens.
A few dishes to try: salumi (ham, salame, fennel-infused finocchiona, soprassata, lardo), porchetta (roasted pork), Tuscan crostini, pecorino cheese, tonno del Chianti (pork cooked in wine), mixed fried meat, bistecca steak. Vegetable-based dishes: panzanella, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro. And don’t miss a piece of the schiacciata con olio (salty flat bread ) from a local bakery.
=> 14 Tuscan dishes you must try!
3. Cooking Classes in a Chianti home
The perfect way to bring home special memories of the Chianti is learning a few culinary tricks directly from a local. Cooking classes of all sorts are becoming more and more popular and offer an insight into expert skills and traditions.
With this Cooking Class in a Renaissance Villa in the Chianti you’ll learn the secrets of cooking like a Tuscan. Get hands-on experience with guidance from knowledgeable chef instructors. Prepare either lunch or dinner, depending on the class you choose, and then eat what you’ve made along with local wine.
Experience the authentic side of Tuscan cuisine with this exclusive farmhouse cooking class. Meet your local host at their farm in the Chianti hills and enjoy a hands-on lesson to learn how to turn out fresh ravioli or “pici” pasta, beef ragù or other sauces.
=> Check out the 20 Best Experiences to have in Tuscany!
4. In search of the perfect views
The Chianti landscape is idyllic and very photogenic. The perfectly combed vineyards, the silvery olive groves, the country houses that graciously complement the view. Flowers dot gardens and fields. Villas peer between the ever present cypress trees, and ancient castles guard the secrets of this region’s fascinating past.
Driving around the Chianti hills, going on a ride or simply walking will give you endless photo opportunity. And many reasons to remind yourself that… ‘la vita è bella“.
=> Scenic drive in the Chianti region
=> Discover the 12 Most beautiful Hilltop Towns in Tuscany
5. Ballooning over the Chianti countryside
How about experiencing this amazing landscape from the air? This time you could taste the Chianti air, and fly over the hills like in a (fantastic) dream. This Hot Air Balloon Ride from San Casciano Val di Pesa takes usually place at sunrise to take advantage of the wind current.
6. Visit the Chianti towns
In the Chianti towns you won’t find great museums or as much art as in other areas of Tuscany. What you’ll find is an experience of the good life, a lovely relaxed atmosphere, excellent restaurants and enoteche. A few examples? You can have lunch at Falorni under the famous loggias in Greve‘s main square, walk the Medieval passageways in Radda or Castellina in Chianti, enjoy an aperitivo with a view at Badia a Passignano, live the authentic Tuscan life in San Casciano Val di Pesa (that, by the way, is home to a small art museum).
=> 10 Best Chianti towns to visit
7. Enjoy the Chianti countryside in every season
Every season in the Chianti has a different kind of charm. In Spring the multitude of flowers – wisteria in April, roses in May colouring the stone walls of the farms, lilies and poppies scattered in the fields. In the Summer look out for the sunflower fields. Crickets and cicadas fill the air with sound. While in Autumn the vineyards take all the delightful colours of the fall, with palettes of orange, red and yellow. The Winter is atmospheric with the morning fog and the smoke coming out of the chimneys.
8. Browse the stalls at a local open-air market
Weekly markets, seasonal markets, festive markets. There’s always a good opportunity to check out one local market around the Chianti region. You can find anything from food to homeware, clothing, shoes. Markets are were the community meet, where you check out the best bargains, and see everyday life.
=> A few markets to check out: Monday morning in San Casciano val di Pesa; Greve in Chianti ‘Il Pagliaio’ (every 4th Sunday of the month); antique market in Greve every Easter Monday, weekly market on saturday morning; Impruneta great fiera di San Luca every October, and weekly market every saturday morning.
=> Best Tuscan towns to stay in
=> Florence in 3 days: a complete itinerary
=> Check out 12 Cool Things to do in Florence!
