We will be driving thru Chianti for the day from San G. by way of Castellina, and staying overnight north of Greve on way to Florence. I don't want to spend the whole day just driving,but have heard Radda is a lovely town. Is it worth the side trip, or would you stick to Castellina and Greve since we want to stop at some wineries such as Vignamaggio and Castello di Uzzano? Thankyou-

Do not bother--see Panzano instead.

We stayed in Radda last August because it's a decent base for day trips to Siena, San Gimignano, and Florence. I don't think I'd go out of my way on a driving trip to visit there, when there's much more beautiful scenery in Castelli and more of a town in Greve.

Agree.. it's a nice little place but not a WOW detour.

If you drive from Castellina to Greve, isn't Radda pretty much on the route? A 10 minute detour perhaps not more. I could be wrong ...

Ok, I checked, its a 10km / 15 minute detour. Take whichever route your wineries are on.

thanks a lot, folks-we'll skip Radda!

Mistake - Radda is worth a sidetrip. It is indeed a pretty little town, much less tourist visited than Greve. Radda has a battlement that overlooks an agrarian valley, small shops, a pretty town park and a couple of good restaurants. I have yet to find as good restaurants in Greve...

The last poster made me re-think our stay in Radda. I'd have to agree that we preferred restaurants in Radda to ones we found in Greve. One trattoria, in particular, LA BOTTEGA, might be worth a detour if it's not too far out of your way. It is an outstanding lunch place that overlooks acres of rolling Tuscan countryside. If you're interested, just post again, and I'll search my files for the number. You do need to make reservations ahead of your visit.

Have a great time!

thanks, weadles--I do have info on La Bottega. My question is--I see everywhere suggestions to make reservations-how is that possible since we obviously have no phone with us-would I ask the hotel at which I wake up in the morning to call for me? Same question as to reservations for winery tours--how to make them?

My opinion is that the hotel staff can help you with any reservations. Just be sure to give a little extra tip to the person who helps you. Good luck.

We loved the little town of Radda and it is very near Castelina. We stayed in a Villa outside of Castelina and my husband jogged to Radda from there.

I agree with Wayne. The hotel should be able to make reservations for you at restaurants and for wine tastings. We made arrangements through a private driver we had hired for a few days because we didn't want to drink and try to find our way back to the hotel afterwards!

Have a great time.