The Best Wineries in Tuscany

Tuscany, a region in Italy, is one of the world’s most popular wine destinations producing an array of internationally recognized wines in various styles. While you’re there, be sure to put some of these wineries on your must-visit list.

Castello di Nipozzano Estate

Built in 1000 AD as a defensive fortress, Castello di Nipozzano became the hub of life for the village and today it’s home to the wine cellar where red wines are produced and aged in casks. Once owned by Florentine nobility, it was destroyed in 1944 but was partially rebuilt. A working farm, the over 600-hectare property includes olive trees and an olive press. Visitors can tour the cellars used to age Chianti Rufina, enjoy the gorgeous vineyard views and enjoy sampling in the tasting room, a former kitchen.

Capezzana

Just a few miles from Florence, Capezzana has been producing extra-virgin olive oil and wine since 804 AD. The current family, the Contini Bonaccossis, has been running the estate which includes organic olive groves and vineyards, a cookery school and forest, for nearly a century. The youngest members of the family added a wine bar open from April through October, serving food and offering wine tastings. From the terrace you can take in a jaw-dropping view of the Florence’s Duomo.

Explore wineries of Tuscany on our suggested itinerary for Florence & Venice >>

Antinori, Chianti Classico

Just a short drive from Florence on the way toward Siena, Antinori is tucked among geometrically aligned vineyards and olive groves, with most of it underground. Run by one of the most historic families in Tuscany, the Antinoris have been in the wine business since the 14^th-century with their new winery opened in 2013. Two of the top wines in Italy are produced here, Solaia and Tignanello. It includes a wine museum that focuses on over 600 years of winemaking, an art collection, book shop, tasting rooms and a wine bar too.

Castello di Ama

This legendary Chianti estate includes a renovated 12^th-century castle, with the hamlet, vineyards and olive groves given new life nearly four decades ago. It’s renowned for its works of art, including a mirror wall that reflects the vineyards, and its fine wines like Haiku Chianti Classico. There’s also a state-of-the-art olive press where one of the best olive oils in Italy are bottled. An on-site restaurant is a great way to try the wines along with tasty cuisine.

Le Macchiole, Bolgheri

This family-run Bolgheri winery is world-renowned for its “Super Tuscan” wines, entered via the imposing gate of the legendary Le Macchiole estate. Visitors can enjoy a small private tour around the organic vineyards and cellar followed by a tasting in one of the two tasting rooms. You’ll be able to sample single varietal merlots and syrahs along with one of Italy’s best cabernet francs.

Prima Pietra, Riparbella

This small vineyard offers a picturesque, remote setting for tasting Super Tuscan wines. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Tuscan coast as you come to the gates before wandering through the vineyards, touring the cellar, and tasting back vintages in the outdoor tasting room.

Col d’Orcia, Montalcino

This winery is one of the largest in the Montalcino area, owned by the Cinzano family, known for their vermouth. An old-fashioned organic wine-producing farm, it feels like stepping back in time, worlds away from Castiglion del Bosco above. Visitors enjoy a short tour of the farm followed by a tasting the family-style dining room. You can also purchase the farm’s olive oil and older vintages of wine in the small wine shop.

Monteverro, Capalbio

Monteverro was built around the owner’s love of Bordeaux, with the Tuscan buildings paying homage to the local wild boar. The wine tasting facilities and barrel room are immaculate and can be toured for a fee which includes tastings of six wines.

Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino

This estate is owned by Massimo Ferragamo not only includes a winery producing modern-style Brunello, but two fabulous restaurants, truffle forests, a 13^th-century church, frescos, one of Italy’s top golf courses, a spa, and a dozen wine tour experts to show you around. A wine tour will bring you out to the vineyards and barrel cellar which sits inside a wooden amphitheater. It concludes in the sleek tasting room with wines complemented by local cheeses and salami.

Salcheto, Montepulciano

This organic estate offers stunning views and is one of the first in Europe to become totally self-sufficient with most of the energy used coming from recycled winery materials and renewable sources. Solar panels provide energy to the wine tanks and cellar. Overlooking spectacular Montepulciano, it’s one of Tuscany’s most eye-popping wineries. A tour will bring you to the ageing room and production facility for an insight into the impressive technology, followed by a tasting of the top-notch wines. Enjoy a light lunch in the enoteca, paired with Salcheto wines, along with a picturesque view from the terrace.