I dont want to pay $200 per person for the wine tours that are offered in the Chianti region of Florence. Can i do a self-guided wine tour, or do the wineries give tours ot anyone? If so how do I get to the area from florence, bus, taxi? And are the wineries close together?

There are wineries scattered all throughout Chianti. You don't need a wine tour, but you would need a rental car to get to the places you decide you want to visit. The wineries tend to be located in and around the small towns.

Anyone can visit, have a wine tasting, and buy some bottles. My experience is that one "wine tour" is adequate; they all pretty much use the same processes. The fun part is tasting the different wines at the different places.

What is it you want to do?
Buy wine, taste wine, see wine made, watch wine grow??? I am always curious what people mean. If you merely want to taste and buy it then an enoteaca is what you want.

Check out the tours at www.accidentaltourist.com too. I agree with bobthenavigator-- what exactly are you looking for?

Ditto Bob.

well we would really just like to see a vineyard or two, to see the process, and then go to taste a bunch of wines. Whats a enoteaca ?

Hi M,

If you go to one vineyard, you will learn all you want to know about making wine.

The process has become pretty much standardized around the world.

An enoteca is a wine bar - often serves light snacks to go with the wine.

You will be able to taste dozens of wines.

A very good one is in Siena.
See www.assoenoteche.it/siena/home.htm

Huh ok, are there any located around the center of Florence? This way we dont have to travel if we dont want to.

Hi M,

Your hotel will be able to send you to several enotecas.