Sprawling across parts of Florence, Siena and Arezzo, Chianti is a renowned wine-growing region in the mountains of Tuscany. It’s dotted with charming villages, family-owned wineries and fortified medieval castles, many of which played a role in the historic wars that took place between Siena and Florence.
Things to do in Chianti
Enjoy a scenic drive through the vineyards of Chianti to visit its numerous wine cellars and soak up the spectacular views across the region. Learn about the production of wines at the ancient Castello di Albola or enjoy a guided tasting at Fattoria Viticcio, which specialises in Sangiovese. Along the way, you can explore some of Chianti’s hilltop villages clustered with medieval-era buildings and Romanesque churches.
Dominating the countryside of Chianti for centuries is the Castello di Brolio, which has belonged to the Ricasoli family since 1141. It was destroyed several times during the Siena - Florence conflicts and features a Gothic Revival-style palace built by the former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy. You can visit the castle’s small museum and landscaped grounds before enjoying a tasting at the on-site wine shop.
Artists from five continents are represented at the Chianti Sculpture Park, which is nestled in a forested setting in the village of Pievasciata. Wander between the site-specific installations designed to integrate art and nature or coincide your visit with one of the live concerts and events that take place in the amphitheatre during the summer months.
Getting around Chianti
Chianti is around an hour’s drive from Florence and Florence Airport, Peretola, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect towns and villages throughout Chianti while having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of exploring the region.