No vacation to Florence, Italy would be complete without a thorough sampling of the wine this region is famous for. Thankfully, there are single-day tours from Florence into the Tuscan countryside where you can experience the true flavor of Italy.
Whether you feel like taking a short trip outside town for a meal along with wine tasting or you plan on an all-day adventure, the best wine tasting tours from Florence are once-in-a-lifetime. In addition to the wine tasting, many of these day tours from Florence offer tastings of local foods as well as scenic drives that are not to be missed.
If you’re planning a vacation to Florence, don’t miss out on the experience of an affordable wine tasting tour. These tours leave Florence every day so be sure to claim your spot on one for your next Florence vacation.
Best Florence Wine Tasting Tours
| Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch | Tuscan Castle and Cellars Small Group Tour | Florence Gourmet Food Tour | |
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| Departure Point: | Via Vinegia, 23R | Castello del Trebbio | Central Florence, Piazza della Repubblica |
| Estimated Duration: | 10 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
| Departure Time: | 9:00am | AM or PM | 3:00 pm |
| Food/Drink: | Not Available | Available, make request at time of booking | Not Available |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Wine Tasting Tours from Florence
- Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch
- Tuscan Castle and Cellars Small Group Tour
- Florence Gourmet Food Tour
- Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Wine Tour
- Wine Tasting & Dinner at a Private Tuscan Villa
Out of the dozens, or maybe even hundreds, of day tours leaving Florence that feature a fun and educational wine tasting, these are our favorite. Not only can you enjoy the delicious wine, but you may also find authentic Italian cheeses, kinds of pasta, and more on your trip.
Wine Tasting Tours from Florence Reviews
#1 Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch
- Departure/Return: Via Vinegia, 23R
- Departure Time: 9:00am
- Estimated Duration: 10 hours
- Vegan/Vegetarian Available: Not Available
- Disability Accessible: Not Wheelchair Accessible
- Family Friendly: 18+ Years Old
Chianti is a famous region in Italy, especially known for the delicious, high-quality wine produced there. In this Taste of Chianti tour, you will be taken into the Tuscan countryside via an air-conditioned, 4 x 4, off-road vehicle.
Not only will you have access to some of the most beautiful landscapes and skylines in the country, but you can experience some of the food and luxury that Italy, especially Florence, are known for.
There are three stops on the Taste of Chianti day tour. Your first stop will be at a wine estate that is part of a historic villa in the countryside.
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At this stop, you will go on a guided tour of the wine cellars. You will also have an opportunity to taste three different wines paired with cheeses along with two olive oils that are produced here. You’ll then have a tour of a local olive mill, arriving there through the underground tunnels from the villa. The gardens here are perfect for photos.
The second winery you will visit specializes in producing the wine that receives its name from this area of Italy. You will learn more about the process of winemaking as you taste several of them.
While on this trip, you may also visit one of the most famous butchers in Italy to sample or purchase some of their delicious cured meats. The main meal of the day will consist of two courses, a light appetizer precedes two separate pasta preparations and two glasses of wine.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#2 Tuscan Castle and Cellars Small Group Tour
- Departure/Return: Castello del Trebbio
- Departure Time: AM or PM
- Estimated Duration: 3 hours
- Vegan/Vegetarian Available: Available, make request at time of booking
- Disability Accessible: Not Listed
- Family Friendly: Child rate available with 2 adults
A professional guide will accompany you on your tour around the castle and grounds, allowing you to experience the history of this location.
Not only will you learn about the wine and olive oil that is produced at this Tuscan Castle while visiting the cellars, but you’ll also be able to taste wines as well as olive oils while making your very own light lunch.
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During this lunch, you will learn how to cook two different types of handmade pasta along with two sauces made from scratch.
If you’d like a more extensive cooking class, the four courses of the upgraded cooking class can give you a more thorough experience of making handmade pasta and more. After the tour and class, and before heading back to the provided transportation, you will have an opportunity to purchase many of the items produced at this Tuscan Castle.
While some items may only have seasonal availability, you may find saffron and honey offered in addition to the wine and olive oil.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
#3 Florence Gourmet Food Tour
- Departure/Return: Central Florence, Piazza della Repubblica
- Departure Time: 3:00 pm
- Estimated Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Vegan/Vegetarian Available: Not Available
- Disability Accessible: Moderate Walking
- Family Friendly: Yes, must be accompanied by an adult
In addition to the food, you will learn much about the gastronomic history of the Tuscan region from an experienced local guide.
Not only will you be able to sample some of the finest wine in Florence on this tour, but you will also have the opportunity to sample truffles, gelato, chocolate, and even olive oil.
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Focaccia bread and a delicious glass of Chianti wine will finish up your tour.
This tour is relatively short and allows you to see many areas of Florence on your walks. While walking the city, you will have opportunities to take beautiful photographs, meet fellow tourists as well as locals, and learn more about what food means to those in Florence.
With a maximum of 12 people on the tour, you will get personalized attention on this walking tour of Florence, Italy.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#4 Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Wine Tour
- Departure/Return: Via Gherado Silvani, Florence
- Departure Time: 11:30am
- Estimated Duration: 4 hours
- Vegan/Vegetarian Available: Available, request at time of booking
- Disability Accessible: Not Listed
- Family Friendly: 18+ Only
The Fiat 500 is one of the most well-known Italian vehicles. This tour gives you an opportunity to hop behind the wheel of a beautiful, 1960s model Fiat 500. Even if you aren’t the driver, experiencing the Tuscan countryside from a Fiat 500 is not only unique but also fun and exciting.
The convoy of Fiat 500s in your tour group will travel through the Tuscan hills following your guide. You will hear commentary from your guide as you’re driving this beautiful wine region of Italy.
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The quiet country roads give an experience you can rarely find elsewhere. Your destination is a 15th-century villa along with the vineyards and cellars.
At this villa, you will be able to sit down to a light lunch of crostini with meats and cheeses in the cellar. This is after a 1 ½ hour tour of the estate by your local guide.
You’ll be able to tour several wines while on the tour. After your lunch, you can enjoy some free time on the villa grounds, perfect for photographs, relaxation, and more.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
#5 Wine Tasting & Dinner at a Private Tuscan Villa
- Departure/Return: Santa Maria Novella Station
- Departure Time: 6:00pm
- Estimated Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Vegan/Vegetarian Available: Available, request at time of booking
- Disability Accessible: Accessible, make note at time of booking
- Family Friendly: Children must be accompanied by an adult
A delicious dinner at a privately owned the Tuscan Villa is not something most vacationers to Florence get to experience. An air-conditioned minivan will provide transportation just outside the city of Florence to reach a beautiful, 17th-century villa.
Your local guide will point out significant locations on your way. The winemaker at the villa will take you on a tour as you learn some trade secrets from a master.
You’ll learn about everything from merlots to pinot biancos, and how a master winemaker blends these to create delicious, high-quality wines.
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You will try four of the limited-edition wines in the cellar before heading to the gardens for a delicious four-course Tuscan dinner. You will be served local specialties such as crostini, both parmesan and pecorino cheeses, prosciutto ham, along with a traditional meat and pasta entrée.
It’s recommended you bring a hat and sunscreen as well as bottled water on this tour. The gardens don’t offer much shade and warm weather may be uncomfortable. You may also want to bring insect repellent. Also, don’t forget your camera.
The breathtaking views around the villa as well as those during transportation to and from provide awesome photo ops.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Wine Tasting Tours from Florence Travel Guide
If you’re planning a vacation to Florence, Italy you should know what airport you’ll be flying into, the best accommodations available, what restaurants to stop by, and more. In this travel guide, we give you all the information you’ll need to get started planning your vacation. Have you been to Florence and want to suggest a tourist stop or restaurant? Comment below!
- Airports & Entry
- Planning Tips
- Restaurants & Eating Out
- Nightlife & Entertainment
- Getting Around
- Accommodations
- Weather
- Attractions
- Enjoying the Wine That Makes Florence Famous
Airports & Entry
There is a small airport in Florence, the Florence Peretola. It was previously known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport. However, you will most likely fly into the Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa. This is a much larger airport so long-distance, foreign flights are most likely to land here.
Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months past your intended date of departure. If you’re planning on an extended stay, you can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, so long as your passport is valid.
Planning Tips
Visiting Florence can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, it’s important to plan and prepare for your trip properly. Here, we have our top 5 tips for those planning a trip to Florence, Italy. Have you visited and have a tip of your own? Leave it in the comments down below!
Tip #1: Don’t be Afraid to Spit
When wine tasting in Italy, it is common for the taster to swish the wine around in their mouth to get the full profile of flavors, and then spit the wine out. This is so that you can taste many more wines without becoming intoxicated. It may feel a bit uncomfortable to spit out your drink in public, but it’s actually the cultural norm for this country.
Tip #2: Eat Light
You’ll find that even entrees featuring meat and pasta are smaller in portion size than what we see here in the US. Most of the time, meals consist of lighter fare including crostini, cured meat, and cheeses. Do not be surprised at the smaller portions of heavy meals and the abundance of lighter snacks.
Tip #3: Explore Florence on Foot
Not only is walking the preferred method of getting around in Florence, but it is also the easiest. While you may be walking with many other tourists, walking allows you to see more of the city. It may even take longer to wait for a taxi or bus than it would to walk to your destination. You will also most likely be walking at many of the attractions. Be sure to bring a pair or two of comfortable walking shoes.
Tip #4: Prioritize Your List
It would take months, if not years, to visit and explore every museum, gallery, eatery, and other important location within the city of Florence. Be sure to prioritize the list of places you’d like to see based on the length of time you’re spending here. Many of the attractions have estimated wait times based on the time of year and time of day you are visiting. This makes it easier to plan out your sightseeing.
Tip #5: Take Those 500 Steps
The Cathedral in Florence, called the Duomo, is the 4th-largest cathedral in the world. It took nearly 2 centuries to complete. Be sure to save at least one day to explore it. If you’d like to reach the highest point in Florence by hiking the 463 steps to the cathedral’s cupola, you’ll need to make a reservation. However, you won’t be disappointed.
Tip #6: Explore The Surrounding Cities
Venice is only a few hours northeast of Florence. This famous beautiful city is a must see! You must see the incomparable St Marks Basilica and take a gondola ride though its canals. There is so much to see and do there it needs to be on your list of places to see.
Restaurants & Eating Out
It seems even the food vendors at every corner and in front of every attraction have some of the best food available. These vendors also make it very quick to grab a bite to eat while on your way from one destination to another.
If you’re looking for some of the best gelato in Florence, you want to check out Carapina. The flavors of gelato available will change based on the season, and the number of choices is limited on purpose, but if you’ve ever thought of trying gelato with either olive oil or parmesan, this is the place.
The Borgo san Jacopo is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Florence. There are just four tables on a small terrace, but this terrace offers breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio. The star chef, Peter Brunel, offers mouthwatering entrées. Save room for the purple potato sorbet with various toppings, including gold leaf, for dessert.
A popular stop for many tourists is La Menagere. La Menagere is home to both a café and cocktail bar, but you’ll also find beautiful bouquets in the flower shop as well as quality Italian homeware in the store. Dinner entrées can include everything from spaghetti with squid to beef with pears.
Nightlife & Entertainment
While it’s common to stop for a cocktail in the evening before turning in, nightlife in Florence is relatively calm. In fact, one of their most popular bars offers cappuccino and pastries in the morning, a light lunch in the afternoon, and a buffet dinner as well as cocktails in the evening. This bar, known as Caffe degli Artigiani, is in the center of the artisan district.
The La Casa del Vino is a popular wine bar near the center of town. If you’re looking to try some of the top wines in the area of Tuscany or even find some less common wines from all over the country, you’ll want to stop by. To go with the extensive wine list, there is a menu of light snacks that includes meats, cheeses, crostini, and salads.
Getting Around
Getting around by car in the city of Florence is nearly impossible. Much of the city is off-limits to drivers. Of those streets that are drivable, many are narrow and might even be one-way. If traveling by car is necessary, you’ll want to take a taxi. However, taxis are quite expensive.
The best way to get around Florence is on foot. In fact, it’s possible to walk from one side of the city to the other in less than an hour. If your feet are getting tired or you have a longer distance to travel, a bus system is available. You can find tickets at local convenience stores.
Accommodations
If the city of Florence had a theme, it would be luxury. From the historical sites to the most modern hotels, from street food vendors to well-known eateries, Florence is the epitome of luxury.
If you’d like to experience that firsthand, be sure to research your accommodations. If you’re familiar with the Four Seasons brand, you may know what to expect from the Four Seasons Florence.
However, Florence is home to some very unique accommodations as well. The Palazzo Vecchietti features just 12 bedrooms and suites along with two apartments. Each is named after famous Italian artists.
This 16th-century Palazzo has been turned into a luxury bed-and-breakfast of sorts, with meals being served in a common area on the top floor. A luxury Florence hotel with more of a retro feel is the Continentale.
Weather
You may want to avoid July and August when planning a trip to Florence. January is usually the coldest month with temperatures in the low 40s, Fahrenheit. While the average temperature in July is in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, the humidity can make it feel unbearably warm. The best times to travel to Florence are in the spring and fall.
Attractions
You’ll find the attractions in Florence mostly based on the history and food of the region. While the Statue of David is arguably one of the most popular sights to see in Florence, getting in to see Michelangelo’s famous artwork can take some time. Lines are usually very long, but it’s worth it.
You may also want to stop at Piazzale Michelangiolo, a terrace overlooking the city. The skyline of Florence seen from this terrace is the same often seen on postcards. Late afternoon or early evening are ideal times to visit as the crowds have died down.
There is no shortage of museums to visit while in Florence. Gucci Museo, or the Gucci Museum, is quite fun and a bit different than most other museums in the area. An archeological museum, the Museo Archeologico, features much of the regional history prior to the Medicis.
The Galleria dell’ Accademia is home to the Statue of David and other popular exhibits such as several Stradivarius violins and famous paintings. Be sure to see the Uffuzi Gallery as well to see the Renaissance period masterpieces. Taking a day trip into Tuscany and seeing all the hill top towns should be high on your list.
Enjoying the Wine That Makes Florence Famous
While one of the most popular tourist activities in Florence is wine tasting, be sure not to miss out on the beauty and history of the city itself. Florence may be a small city compared to some, but the experiences had during even a short vacation here will last a lifetime.
If you’re headed to Florence, what are you looking forward to the most? Let us know!
Duration
Food & Wine
Professionalism
We chose the Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch as our Editors Choice for best winery tour from Florence.
