Does anyone have recommendations for a good day itinerary for the Chianti region?

My husband and I will be there on a Monday in September (we notice some vineyards do not have tastings on Mondays). We have a rental car and will be starting our day in Florence and ending in Siena.

We would like to do some wine tastings/vineyard tours and also hear Volpaia is worth seeing.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

I would cheat a little and look at the iteneraries of companies giving tours of that region. Just do a yahoo or google search on Chianti wine tours or something like that. They usually post their tour line up.

Hi greene,

Also, most wineries are not just open all the time for public visits. You should select those you are interested in and make an appointment. Some are open to the public, one we dropped in on and enjoyed was Castello di Brolio.

Have fun!

I was thinking Tenuta Badia a Coltibuono and Castello di Verrazzano. Has anyone had any experience at either of these? Also, would I have time to go to Volpaia is I visited these two vineyards or would I run out of time?

Hi again greene,

We had a lovely long lunch at La Badia di Coltibuono in 2000. Delicious, res needed. Afterwards we took their "tour" of the old abbey and wine cellars, plus the beautiful gardens. We didn't do wine tasting here, as we had already had our share during lunch!

Their Chianti Reserva was outstanding.

Just follow the Chiantigiana highway (SS 222) through Greve in Chianti to Siena, and take a few side roads (e.g. to Lamole www.lamole.info, or to Montefioralle www.montefioralle.info) and/or spend some time in the towns you pass through - Greve, Panzano, Castellina. Along the road you will see many vineyards offering wine for sale "Vendita diretta" - you can taste before you buy. (However, don't "taste" too much - the road requires your full attention!) Volpaia in not worth a visit.

Thanks tuscoman!

bookmark