I’ve just discovered the Chianti Classico Wine Festival will be held in Greve during our September stay in Tuscany. We would like to go, but are concerned about driving back and forth from Cortona, given the distance and likely effects of an all day wine tasting. We’ll be leaving San Gimignano on 8-Sept (first day of the festival) traveling to Cortona.

Is the train route and schedule from Cortona to Greve convenient (would prefer it over a bus) or should we hire a driver for the day?

Another option is to stay overnight in Greve (if we can still find a room only 5 months away) and then continue on to Cortona on the 9th.

I’d appreciate any advice my learned friends could offer.

ttt

This is always a tricky issue, especially if you plan to try wines into the evening and perhaps eat out afterwards. By train you would need to go to Florence and then take the bus to Greve, or descend from the train in somewhere like Figline on the Cortona - Florence line, and take a taxi - same for the return trip except that the buses from Greve to Florence stop early - 6.30 to about 8 pm depending on the day of the week. In summary, you would be MUCH better off spending the night within walking distance of Greve or you could hire a driver for the day. The Greve web site lists a number of places within walking distance of the main piazza and it might still be possible to make a reservation: www.greve-in-chianti.com . For a driver try www.sunflower-tours.com . You could also stay a few km from Greve and either arrange for your host to pick you up or book the one and only taxi in Greve to take you back at a pre-arranged time.

I don't think either town has a train station so a bus would probably be required. I'm sure someone here knows for sure but I couldn't find a train route on line.

Beware that the Chianti Classico Wine Festival sells a limited number of tasting glasses each day. (You get a glass and then wander from vendor to vendor.) We (sadly) showed up too late in the afternoon to buy a glass.

Thank you all so much for the great feedback.

Constant, I especially appreciate the details you provided. We have a possibilty of staying at Villa Le Barone in Panzano. It sounds like we would need to drive ourselves into town, at least - since the one and only taxi, might prove a bit troublesome. How hard do you think it will be to find parking within say a 5 minute walk to reach the main piazza? I've been having trouble finding hotel reviews on tripadvisor.com for Greve. Do you have any personal experience there?

Marija - what a great point on getting there early. I wouldn't have thought about that. It's hard to tell what time the festival begins on Friday. Do you know?

Sandi - Thanks for checking on the train line. I've been to the website, but I'm a bit shy about my ability to figure out which line to choose.

Yes, Le Barone is not likely to send someone to pick you up - it's not run by the owner. There are at least three places within 5 minutes walk of the piazza listed on the Greve site, two of which have their own parking. There are two reasonable-sized public parking areas 5 mins from the piazza but I imagine they will be full on that occasion unless you arrive early, so pick a place that has parking.

Thanks again Constant. I think, based on everything that I've learned here, that we will hire a guide and driver from Cortona and enjoy to ride.