drummer0002

Excuse my ignorance but since this will our first time in Italy, I am not familiar with its regions. Is Tuscany part of Florence or the other way around?
Are there are lots good wineries in Florence? how are they set up, could we do a wine tour within a few hours? or is this something that requires almost an entire afternoon?
Are the wineries in Tuscany or Florence or are they every where?
Thanks in advance

LindaandErik

Florence is a city in Tuscany. The best wineries are in the south of Tuscany, try the villages of Montalcino, Montepuluciano, Pienza. Any of the tourist agencies in these villages would have more info. We think the best vinyard in Tuscany is Altesino, close to Montalcino. A good place to stay is Pienza; it's right between two major wine villages, and the accomodations and restaurants are superb. Pienza itself is quite an attraction; it is one of the few villages in Italy to actually have been designed by an architect. A 12th century pope, who himself was a renaissance ma and patron of the arts, commissioned the planning of this village, hoping to make it the new papal seat.

Budman

LindaandErik, do you remember the name of that vineyard in Altesino?

LindaandErik

Altesino is the name of the vineyard. They have the special fortune to be located on top of a group of hills that seem to be especially favorable for wine flavor. Carpazzo is right next door and their wine is very good too. They are located, according to my memory, several klicks to the Northeast of Montalcino.

Budman

LindaandErik, the only reason that I asked is I saw your post about "vinyard in Tuscany is Altesino," and I looked on the map and saw Altesino. It looks on the map like a town north of Montalcino. I don't see Carpazzo, but I'll look out for it. Maybe the vinyard and town are one in the same.

I'm looking for these small vinyards for tasting and maybe buying a few bottles. Thanks for the tips.

ezlivin

If you are looking to taste some Toscan wines without having have to travel more than an hour, I'd suggest the Chianti area just south of Florence. Going all the way to Montalcino (I know, I know, the Brunellos, especially the 97s and the 99s are very good) may be a bit of a stretch to fit in an afternoon. Greve, Radda and Gaiole in Chianti should have enough world-class wineries to satisfy a first-timer in Italy without going further south to Montalcino or Montepulciano.
Cheers.

Budman

ezlivin, We're staying a week in an apartment in Montepulciano, so that area is right up my alley! Any suggestions for places to check out in the area?

We're going up to Florence to spend the night. We are traveling up the N222 on the way, and plan on stopping to and back. Any recommendations for lunch/tasting?

Lorenzi

Florence is surronded by wineries & vineyards, none dirrectly in Florence as it is a city. At the least you'll have to devote at least 4 hours to a vineyard tour which includes travel to & from. Most depending on wine type you can go in any direction from Florence & there will be vineyards, the more famous ones will be south. If you do a search on Florence day trips or Florence wine tours you'll see companies that provide 4 to 8 hour tours of the vineyards. Picking you up in Florence & taking you to the vineyards. I haven't used these as I tour the vineyards myself. If you don't have the time to roam the countryside there a quite a few wine bars in Florence, they're called Enoteca. Many in Florence offer very good food along with a great selections of wines. Again a search of Florence Enoteca will produce a few.
If you do have time, the Tuscan countryside is beautiful. The vineyards set in the old farmhouses, villas, castles , etc, is well worth seeing & experiencing.

Italiano

On the fine living tv show just aire about tuscany they have some good information on the fl website this link should take you to the page http://www.fineliving.com/fine/simpl...913099,00.html

rex

I admit to bening biased on this, but I think that a visit to a good enoteca will be a vastly superior experience for learning about, tasting and purchasing wines - - than traipsing all over the countryside (worthwhile in its own right, just not for wine acquisition), visiting I don't care how many wineries.

Remember, a winery only has its own stuff.

If you have never been to winery, and are curious about production, then maybe that's a reason to go winery hopping.

Best wises,

Rex

Budman

Rex, you bring up a good point, but think "ambiance."

We've only scheduled to tour one winery near Montalcino. The remainder of the time will be just to stop at the Mom & Pop places for tasting.

rex

Ambience? Well, I did say "worthwhile in its own right".

LindaandErik

If you want a really good reference to Tuscany's wine country, find a copy of Oz Clarke's Wine Companion, Tuscany. It is basically a huge fold out map of the wine regions, aerial photo style, with lots of information and photos on towns, wines, top estates, and so forth. It's a great starting point for your trip.

nono

Hi Budman
Which winery you scheduled to visit?

rex

<<If you want a really good reference to Tuscany's wine country, find a copy of Oz Clarke's Wine Companion, Tuscany>>

Or for free, a couple of different maps, and other useful leads at

http://www.kilkelly.com/Chianti.html

Budman

nono, we are scheduled to visit Castello Banfi outside Montalcino. This is not of my chosing.

It seems that my "wife" talked with someone "at work" who had recently "come back" from "Tuscany" and "recommended" this "winery." So, my "wife" kinda/sorta "insinuates" that "we, too" might want "to visit" this place.

So, "I" kinda/sorta "got the message," and now "we're scheduled" to have "Lunch & a tour."

And my wife doesn't even drink wine!!!!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

nono

Thanks for the reply.I'll wait til you come back and report before I book any winery.
Another tough thing to do to please the wife.Got to do what you got to do.Cin Cin!
Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Budman

nono, Actually, I didn't put up much resistance because they have a great variety of blends/Super Tuscans that I am interested in making.

www.castellobanfi.com

drummer0002

thank you so much for your replies. From what I am gathering it is going to be very hard for me to do a wine tour in Florence as I will only be there for one day (I will be on a cruise trip). Perhaps maybe I shall start doing some research on wineries around Villefranche (another port stop during this trip).
Thanks for your advise anyway, maybe one day if we go back to Italy we will be able to go to the South of Tuscany and truly enjoy all of what it has to offer.

Budman

drummer0002, I remember when our cruise ship stopped in Villefranche, they offered a winery tour, but I think you would be better served checking it out and doing it on your own. Good luck.