20 Best Wine Tastings and Tours In Italy: 2024 Guide
Wine tasting in Italy has taken us to various corners of the country, and now, we’re sharing our top recommendations for where to enjoy the finest sips, tastiest dining experiences, and comfy accommodations. So, pack your bags, because we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to the best of Italian wine experiences. We’ve also included a few of our favorite places to stay.
Discover hidden-gem wineries, learn how to get around, explore Tuscany’s food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience Tuscany’s stunning landscapes, and much more.
Italy, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned wines, offers a wine enthusiast’s paradise like no other. As we embark on this journey through Italy’s diverse wine regions and vineyards, we will explore the timeless traditions, exquisite flavors, and unique terroirs that make Italian wine tastings a true masterpiece.
Map Of Wine Tours In Italy
1. Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
Location: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Experience the charm of Tuscany’s wine country with a 4-hour small-group wine tasting tour from Florence. Meander along picturesque hillside roads framed by vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Explore two acclaimed wineries in the renowned Chianti Classico region, where you’ll receive guided tours of their cellars and discover traditional winemaking techniques.
Indulge in tastings of various wines, complemented by the flavors of olive oil and Tuscan delicacies, including fresh cheeses, bruschetta, and cured meats. With a limited group size of up to twenty-five participants, this tour ensures an intimate and immersive experience in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
Why we love this Tuscan wine tasting tour: the wine pours were huge for “tastings” and the local cheeses and meat snacks were just what we needed after our glasses of wine. The price of this tour made it a great value for a 4 hour tour.
From $95.78
2. Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
Location: Piazza della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Experience the best of Tuscany in a single day on this guided day trip from Florence. Immerse yourself in art, history, and breathtaking countryside views as you explore the medieval wonders of Siena, including its stunning cathedral. Afterward, savor a delicious 3-course Tuscan lunch paired with wine amidst the Chianti hills.
Wander through the charming streets of San Gimignano and marvel at the architectural wonders of Pisa’s Cathedral Square, home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This English-only tour ensures a high-quality, immersive experience of Tuscany’s treasures.
Why we love this wine tasting tour: The history and the trip to UNESCO world heritage site (Leaning Tower Of Pisa) alone made this tour worth it. But the farmhouse lunch was absolutely incredible. Don’t worry about being worn out, you can snooze on the ride back to the piazza.
pssst… this is one of the tours in our Tuscany Travel Guide Map
From $91.47
3. Chianti Wine Tour from Florence
Location: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Embark on an authentic Tuscan adventure with this Chianti wine tour from Florence. Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour escort and a wine expert guide, you’ll travel through the countryside and make a stop in the medieval village of Greve.
This tour offers the opportunity to visit local wineries nestled in charming villages, where you can sample various renowned Tuscan wines and gain insights into their unique characteristics and the secrets of winemaking. Explore the wine cellars where wines mature, including Chianti Classico, Chianti Riserva, and Supertuscan varieties. To complement the experience, enjoy tastings of traditional Tuscan delicacies such as bruschetta, pecorino cheese, balsamic vinegar, and more.
Why we love this wine tasting tour: The tour escort is very knowledgeable. You’ll really get a good introduction to the history of the land and why it makes great food (and wine). The wine pours were heavy and the food was ample. Incredible value!
From $52.73
4. Tuscany Guided Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Location: Piazza del Popolo, Roma RM, Italy
Escape Rome for a day and delve into the enchanting Val d’Orcia region with a Tuscany tour. Accompanied by a local guide, immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside where historic hilltowns grace sun-kissed hills and quintessential Tuscan farms dot the scenery.
Explore the charming wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, indulging in wine tasting and a locally produced 3-course lunch at a traditional Tuscan farm. Additionally, enjoy leisure time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pienza, making this day trip a blend of culture, cuisine, and the serene beauty of Val d’Orcia.
Why we love this Tuscany wine tasting tour from Rome: There’s no other way to spend a full day taking in beautiful countryside, having a 3-course Tuscan lunch and wine tasting for $125. If you were in Napa Valley this tour would cost well over $200. You’ll definitely sleep on the ride back and be perfectly rested for dinner.
From $125.91
5. Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati
Location: Stazione FS di Frascati – 00044 Frascati, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Savor two quintessential aspects of Italian cuisine amidst the tranquil Frascati countryside. Take a train ride from Rome to a charming family-run winery. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample a selection of premier local red and white wines, gaining insights into the art of winemaking from the passionate vintners. Next, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pasta-making lesson, where you’ll learn the time-honored techniques to craft perfect pasta from scratch under the guidance of a skilled chef!!
Enjoy a dinner featuring the pasta you’ve created, topped with a traditional Roman sauce, all thoughtfully paired with Frascati wine. It’s a harmonious blend of wine tasting and culinary artistry in a single evening.
Why we love this tour in Rome: Train? Good. Wine? Good. Pasta? GOOOD! One of our favorite things to do when we travel is either take a food tour of a cooking class. And quite honestly, Italians do it best. You’re going to absolutely love your dinner. Think about it, you’re in Italy, making pasta and drinking wine. Perfecto!
From $47.35
6. Wine Tasting and Tour of The Most Beautiful Cellar in the World
Location: Via Ricci, 13, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy
Delve into the world of winemaking with a tour and tasting experience in a Montepulciano wine cellar. Witness rows of oak barrels filled with maturing wine and gain insights into the intricate winemaking process. Elevate your senses as you sample three local wines thoughtfully paired with Tuscan delicacies like pecorino cheese, salami, and bruschetta.
Discover hidden-gem wineries, learn how to get around, explore Tuscany’s food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience Tuscany’s stunning landscapes, and much more.
Why we love this tour: We loved hearing about the winemaking process. Our favorite part… was the food. This tour is a steal of a deal at $30USD.
From $30.13
7. Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Pairing
Location: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Experience the essence of Tuscany with a day trip from Florence that takes you to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano.
Guided by an expert, explore Siena’s main square and its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral before indulging in a traditional 3-course lunch perfectly paired with local wines. Afterward, wander through the medieval streets of San Gimignano and visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Travel comfortably aboard an air-conditioned coach, accompanied by a knowledgeable tour escort. This comprehensive trip offers a taste of Tuscany’s rich culture, history, and culinary delights, with a vineyard visit for a traditional Tuscan lunch, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your adventure. Your day concludes with convenient transportation back to Florence.
Why we love this tour: We loved the guided tours and the commentary but free time in Pisa to explore (or sit) was really nice. It’s nice to have a sit by the Arno River.
From $85.01
8. Half-Day Chianti Vineyard Escape from Florence with Wine Tastings
Location: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Try a half-day trip from Florence to Italy’s Chianti wine region. Traverse the picturesque Tuscan countryside with rolling hills and historic vineyards and visit two estate wineries.
Here, indulge in the authentic taste of Chianti wines while savoring regional delights such as bruschetta and cheese. Meet the winemakers and gain insights into the time-honored production methods that make Chianti wines so exceptional. This Chianti wine experience offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, wine tasting, and cultural immersion in the heart of Tuscany.
Why we love this tour: We definitely felt like we were on a tour. It didn’t feel rushed but we were definitely herded along. But what really made this tour great was the wine, the stories and the CHEESE! My heart belongs to Pecorino Romano.
From $52.73
9. Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Lake Como
Location: Azienda Agricola Sorsasso – Località Gaggio, 1/bis, 22013 Domaso CO, Italy
Discover an authentic Italian family-run wine estate in Domaso on Lake Como, offering a unique experience in this picturesque region. Immerse yourself in the winery’s history as you tour the cellars of this family-run gem. Hear about the various stages of wine production, deepening your appreciation for viticulture in northern Italy.
Top off this experience with a wine tasting featuring three distinct wine varietals. These wines are thoughtfully paired with local specialties carefully chosen to enhance your tasting experience, offering a true taste of Lake Como that you won’t find in any supermarket.
Why we love this tour: We loved the personal feeling of this wine tasting. we’ve traveled all over the world and know a good wine tasting when we see it. You really feel like you know the family. And being on Lake Como? Come on.
pro tip: you will need to take a ferry to the winery from Lake Como. Book the ferry in advance.
From $45.20
10. Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence
Location: Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
This full-day trip from Florence showcases the flavors of Italy’s famed Chianti region. Your adventure, led by a knowledgeable guide, takes you through a tour of the Tuscan hills in a 4×4 off-road vehicle.
Along the way, you’ll visit a wine estate, a historic villa, and a cellar specializing in Chianti Classico. Each stop offers the chance to sample the finest local specialties, including wine, extra-virgin olive oil, and cheese. Be sure to leave room for a sumptuous 3-course meal set amidst the Chianti countryside.
Why we love this tour: We loved the unique transportation and off the beaten path route through the countryside!
From $199.08
11. Medieval Gems of Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni
Location: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Medieval Gems of Tuscany departs from Florence for a full day of medieval marvels, UNESCO-listed landmarks, and fine wines.
Begin your journey by marveling at the medieval fortress of Monteriggioni, then delve into the architectural wonders of historic Siena, including the magnificent Siena Cathedral. Next, savor the striking skyline of hilltop San Gimignano. The tour isn’t over yet. There’s still wine tasting to be had at a local winery in the Chianti region, offering the perfect introduction to central Tuscany’s rich cultural and viticultural heritage.
This Italian wine tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking to explore the region’s medieval gems and savor its world-renowned wines.
Why we love this tour: We loved the free time in Monteriggioni. Being on a tour is great to relieve the stress of planning if you want to pack in a lot and have limited time.
From $59.19
12. Wine and Food Tasting on an Organic Family Farm
Location: Casa Lucii – Località Santa Maria, 49/C, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy
Escape to the serene Tuscan countryside surrounding for a delightful San Gimignano tour and wine-tasting experience at a traditional family-run organic farm and winery. Explore the estate’s bountiful garden, orchard, vineyard, olive grove, and cellar, immersing yourself in the essence of organic farming. Engage with your hospitable hosts as they guide you through their agricultural haven.
The tasting session offers the choice of three organic wines, each thoughtfully paired with the farm’s own olive oil, complemented by a selection of local cheeses and cold cuts. Conclude your experience with a sweet touch, savoring the Vinsanto del Chianti dessert wine alongside Tuscan “cantucci” biscuits.
Why we love this tour: There are so many tours in Tuscany to chose from, one has a hard time making a decision. We loved the charm of visiting an organic farm just outside San Gimignano. The Vinsanto wine was our favorite. Yum.
From $64.57
13. Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice
Location: Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
As Indiana Jones said, “I love Venice”. It’s not hard to see why. Food, wine, sinking building… It’s time to embark on a wine crawl in Venice with an insider. Explore the region’s culinary richness that unveils the diverse flavors of Veneto. This small-group experience takes you to six different bars and restaurants, each offering a unique label from the region’s rich wine selection.
Savor these fine wines and relish in food pairings crafted from fresh local ingredients, providing a genuine taste of Venetian gastronomy. Along the way, hear about legends, stories, and culinary insights from each neighborhood, all while avoiding tourist traps and discovering the hidden gems cherished by locals. Yes please!
Why we love this tour: Have we mentioned we love a walking tour? We love the small group feel and visiting establishments where the locals hangout. All at a great price!
From $96.41
14. Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
Location: Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Discover the diverse and delectable world of Venetian cuisine on a food and wine-tasting tour that goes beyond the stereotypes of pizza and pasta. Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore the hidden gems of Venice’s culinary scene, from charming bars to foodie hotspots.
Delight your taste buds with local specialties.
Why we love this tour: We were so pleased with the cuisine offered. Fresh seafood, homemade gelato, traditional Venetian cookies, and certainly local wines. Exploring Venice’s canals and historic landmarks felt so romantic, like right out of a book.
From $95.30
15. Lucca: Wine Tasting Experience – Tenuta Adamo Winery
Location: Tenuta Adamo Winery – Via per Camaiore, 6115, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Escape the tourist trail and venture to the picturesque hills, where you can indulge in a wine-tasting experience in Lucca. Join a winemaker at a charming boutique winery and embark on a leisurely tour through the vineyards and cellars. This is your chance to ask about the region’s rich winemaking history and the secrets behind the local vintages.
Discover hidden-gem wineries, learn how to get around, explore Tuscany’s food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience Tuscany’s stunning landscapes, and much more.
Afterward, unwind on the terrace, gazing out over the rolling countryside as you savor the estate’s wines and olive oil. With morning and afternoon tour options, you can choose the best time to immerse yourself in the flavors and scenic beauty of the Lucca hills.
Why we love this tour in Lucca: We love the town of Lucca. We enjoyed talking to the winemaker at during our private tasting. The views made the wine taste even better. And the price made this experience a great value!
From $16.14
pssst… this winery is one of the wineries listed in our Tuscany Travel Guide
16. Pompeii Ruins & Lunch with Wine Tasting
Location: Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri – 80045 Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
A comprehensive small-group tour of the UNESCO-listed Pompeii ruins combines history and indulgence. Join an archaeologist guide to delve into the captivating story of Pompeii’s ancient city.
After your exploration, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby winery on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. Here, you’ll be able to sample a selection of wines cultivated on the volcanic terrain.
Why we love this tour in Naples: Book. This. Tour! If you’re in Naples, this is the experience you want to remember on the flight home. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Food wine and incredible history, it’s all right here.
From $107.61
17. Trastevere Food Tour
Location: Piazza Mastai, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Unlock the secrets of authentic Roman dining on a three-hour small-group dinner crawl through the trendy Trastevere district. This immersive experience lets you bypass touristy spots and explore the hidden gems locals cherish.
Gain insights into the rich history of Roman cuisine while meeting the passionate individuals behind the city’s gastronomic delights. Savor more than ten traditional dishes, ranging from pizza and pasta to an array of cheeses, accompanied by Italian wine and culminating in a delightful gelato treat.
Why we love this tour in Rome: We loved traveling the neighborhood with our local guide. These immersive experiences on foot with locals really allow you to explore and learn about the culture in these little pockets of a giant city.
From $85.01
18. Rome by Night – E-Bike Tour With Food and Wine Tasting
Location: Via Antonio Rosmini, 22, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Experience the enchanting beauty of Rome under the evening lights with this unique e-bike tour with food and wine tasting. Hop on an e-bike for a comfortable and scenic exploration of the city, guided by a knowledgeable local. After your ride, indulge in a delightful tasting session featuring a selection of local cheeses and cured meats expertly paired with Italian wine.
Why we love this night tour of Rome: Nighttime is the right time! We felt super safe and loved seeing all the lights in the evening.
From $75.32
19. Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence: Tuscan Wine Experience
Location: Via Corbinaie, 52b, 50018 Scandicci FI, Italy
Discover the essence of Italy with a unique excursion that seamlessly combines wine tasting and a self-drive Vintage Fiat 500 tour.
Depart from Florence and take the wheel of a charming 1960s Fiat 500 as your convoy into the picturesque Tuscan hills. Arrive at a 15th-century Renaissance villa and wine estate, where you can explore the grounds, vineyards, and cellars. Delight your palate with tastings of locally produced wines amidst the heart of Tuscany.
Why we love this tour: We don’t always rent a car but when we do, it’s a Fiat. This car is so stinking cute. And it’s perfect for the narrow streets of Rome. But you’re also in the countryside too (with your guide). This was quite an adventure.
From $139.00
20. Afternoon in Siena and Chianti Wine Tour with Dinner from Florence
Location: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Escape the daytime crowds and embark on an enchanting evening tour from Florence to Siena and the Chianti region.
Arrive in Siena in the late afternoon and wander through the iconic Piazza del Campo, capturing the city’s beauty as the sun sets. Next, venture to a Tuscan wine cellar in the renowned Chianti region. Delight your senses with a 4-course meal thoughtfully paired with local wines.
Why we love this tour: Had to be the dinner at the end of the tour. We seriously felt like we were in Under The Tuscan Sun.
From $75.33
Best Places To Stay In Florence
When planning a visit to the magnificent city of Florence, choosing the right accommodation is so important to ensuring an unforgettable stay. Among the myriad options available, it’s essential to consider the places that have garnered the most acclaim from discerning travelers. Check out our list of best places to stay in Florence. Don’t just take our woord for it, these hotels that have earned the highest accolades and most outstanding reviews on Booking.com too.
Hotel Nizza
Rating: 8.5
Location: Via Del Giglio 5, Santa Maria Novella, 50123 Florence, Italy
Hotel Nizza is close to the train, provides tea and coffe and prosecco at check-in! They also have a great continental breakfast which you’ll need before a day of sightseeing. Wi-Fi is free and pretty decent.
The Nizza, housed in a 14th-century elevator-equipped building, has been refurbished using marble and walnut wood from the area. All of the rooms have a private toilet, soundproofing, and traditional furnishings. Fresh bread, pastries, and regional ham are available to guests to start the day, along with cheese, yogurt, and fruit juices.
The hotel is near the Mercato di San Lorenzo market, Medici Chapels, Florence Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Maria Novella Station.
Domus Plaza
Rating: 9.0
Location: Via dei Bonizzi 2, Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy
Domus Plaza is a guest house that offers free WiFi, a work station for digital nomads, and a flat-screen TV. The apartments come furnished with a kitchenette, and some have city views.
We love this place for its convenient location in the Duomo neighborhood near Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Palazzo Vecchio. The property is 8 kilometers from Florence Airport. Nice.
b&b Florence Cathedral
Rating: 9.3
Location: 9 Via del Proconsolo, Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy
b&b Florence Cathedral is close to Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Airport Florence is the closest airport, located 8 km away from the property. We also loved how clean the room was and the friendly and accommodating everyone was.
Learn About The Italian Wine Country
Exploring the Italian wine country is not just a journey through vineyards and cellars; it’s a voyage into the heart and soul of Italy’s rich cultural heritage. From the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany to the picturesque landscapes of Veneto, each wine region unveils its unique character, history, and flavors.
Throughout this guide, we’ve ventured into Italian wine, delving into its traditions, varietals, and the passionate individuals who bring it to life. We hope this exploration of the Italian wine country has inspired you to embark on your vinous adventure, discovering the magic of Italy one sip at a time.
Discover hidden-gem wineries, learn how to get around, explore Tuscany’s food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience Tuscany’s stunning landscapes, and much more.
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Ultimate Guide To Wine Tasting In Tuscany
Prosecco Region, Italy: Wineries, Tours, Accommodation
Wine Tasting In Italy FAQs
Where do you go wine tasting in Italy?
Wine tasting in Italy can be experienced in various regions across the country, each renowned for its unique wine production. Some of the most popular wine regions to visit include Tuscany (known for Chianti), Piedmont (famous for Barolo and Barbaresco), Veneto (home to Prosecco), Sicily (known for Nero d’Avola), and many more.
How much does it cost to go wine tasting in Italy?
The cost of wine tasting in Italy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the region, the winery’s reputation, and the specific tasting experience. On average, a basic wine tasting may range from 10 to 20 euros per person, which usually includes a sample of several wines and sometimes a guided winery tour.
How does wine tasting work in Italy?
Wine tasting in Italy typically involves a structured process that allows participants to appreciate the wine’s aroma, taste, and characteristics. Share your thoughts with fellow tasters or the host, discussing your overall impressions and any specific tasting notes.
What is the most popular wine in Italy?
Italy boasts diverse wines, but one of the most popular and iconic Italian wines is Chianti. Chianti is a red wine produced primarily in the Chianti region of Tuscany. It’s known for its fruity and slightly spicy flavors, with Sangiovese being the primary grape variety used in its production.
