Wine Tour With Lunch and Wine Tasting

Exploring the rich winemaking traditions of Tuscany can be a captivating experience for wine enthusiasts. A wine tour at a family-run estate near San Gimignano offers a chance to explore the estate’s history and savor three of their signature wines. Complemented by a delightful lunch featuring local delicacies, this intimate and personalized tour promises to transport visitors to the heart of Tuscan viticulture, away from the tourist crowds.

Key Points

• Family-run estate offering a personalized wine tasting experience with a tour of the vineyards, olive groves, and wine cellar.
• Tasting of three estate-made wines accompanied by a local Tuscan lunch with vegetarian and vegan options.
• Intimate group size of up to 16 travelers for a more immersive and educational experience.
• Insights into the winery’s rich history and winemaking traditions passed down through generations.
• Opportunity to escape the crowds and explore the serene setting of the estate outside San Gimignano.

Overview and Experience

The wine tour with lunch and wine tasting offers visitors an opportunity to escape the crowds and explore a family-run estate outside the historic town of San Gimignano, Italy.

During the tour, guests will learn about the winery’s history, grape varietals, olive orchards, and wine cellar.

The experience includes a tasting of three estate-made wines and a lunch featuring local products such as cold cuts, cheese, bruschetta, and a first course.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

With a maximum of 16 travelers, the tour provides a personalized and intimate experience.

Wine and Food Offerings

Visitors can expect a tasting of three estate-made wines as part of the wine tour experience.

The wine tasting is complemented by a lunch featuring local products, including a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, bruschetta, and a first course.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

The sample menu includes Tuscan charcuterie, pappa al pomodoro, and a cake of the day or cantucci biscuit.

An extra virgin olive oil tasting is also included, providing guests with a comprehensive sensory experience of the winery’s offerings.

Logistics and Meeting Information

The wine tour takes place at Guardastelle, located in Loc. Sovestro, 53037 San Gimignano, Italy, just 1 km from the town center. Guests can access the meeting point by walking or driving. The activity ends at the same location.

Meeting Point	Start Time	Max Travelers
Guardastelle, Loc. Sovestro, 53037 San Gimignano, Italy	12:00 PM	16

Guests receive confirmation upon booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed. Public transportation is available nearby, and infant seats can be provided. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The price for this wine tour with lunch and tasting is from $68.22 per person.

Escaping the Crowds

By visiting a family-run estate outside the main town of San Gimignano, travelers can escape the crowds and enjoy a more intimate wine tasting experience.

Away from the bustling streets of the historic town, the winery provides a serene setting to learn about the region’s winemaking heritage.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the vineyards, olive groves, and wine cellar, gaining insights into the estate’s production process.

This personalized tour allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to engage directly with the winemakers, ensuring a truly authentic Tuscan experience.

Learning About Winery History

During the wine tour, guests gain insights into the rich history of the family-run estate.

The knowledgeable guide shares stories passed down through generations, tracing the winery’s origins back to the 18th century. Visitors learn about the family’s perseverance through wars, economic challenges, and changing consumer tastes.

The guide explains how the estate’s grape varietals and production methods have evolved over time, yet maintained their traditional roots. Guests appreciate the personal connection to the land and the family’s unwavering commitment to quality.

This historical context enhances the tasting experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the wines’ heritage.

Exploring Grape Varietals and Olive Orchards

Visitors are invited to explore the diverse grape varietals cultivated on the family-owned estate. The winery specializes in growing traditional Tuscan grapes like Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Vernaccia.

During the tour, guests learn about the unique characteristics of each varietal and how the terroir influences their flavors.

The estate also boasts thriving olive orchards, where visitors can sample the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil.

Through this hands-on experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the winemaking process and the dedication required to produce high-quality, artisanal products.

Discovering the Wine Cellar

After exploring the diverse grape varietals and olive orchards, the wine tour shifts focus to the estate’s impressive wine cellar.

Guests are guided through the cavernous underground space, where rows of oak barrels and bottles line the walls. The winemaker explains the intricate aging process, highlighting the importance of temperature and humidity control in developing the complex flavors.

Visitors have the opportunity to sample the estate’s award-winning wines straight from the barrel, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.

This behind-the-scenes access provides a unique and immersive experience, leaving guests with a newfound understanding of the winery’s dedication to quality.

Tasting the Estate-Made Wines

The wine tasting begins with the estate’s signature vintages. Guests sample three estate-made wines, carefully selected to showcase the winery’s specialties.

The Sangiovese, the regional red grape varietal, offers rich flavors of ripe red fruit and a smooth, balanced finish.

The Vernaccia, a crisp white wine, delights the palate with its bright acidity and delicate mineral notes.

Lastly, the dessert wine, made from late-harvested Malvasia grapes, enchants with its concentrated sweetness and complex, lingering aftertaste.

As guests sip and savor, the knowledgeable staff provides insights into the winemaking process and the distinct terroir that lends these wines their unique character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, based on the needs and preferences of the participants. Travelers can inquire about language options when booking the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a formal dress code. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, as the experience involves visiting a winery and enjoying a leisurely lunch. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for some walking.

Can I Take the Wine Bottles Back Home?

The wine tour does not allow guests to take home any wine bottles purchased during the tasting. However, guests are welcome to purchase additional bottles from the winery’s onsite shop to bring back home at the end of the experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available?

The provider does not appear to offer any discounts or packages based on the information available. Pricing for the wine tour, lunch, and tasting is listed as a flat rate of $68.22 per person. There are no special offers mentioned.

How Can I Book the Tour if I’m Not Staying in San Gimignano?

Travelers not staying in San Gimignano can still book the wine tour. The tour meeting point is located just 1 km outside the city, so visitors can conveniently access the experience by driving or walking from nearby accommodations. Advance booking is recommended.

The Sum Up

Immerse in the rich winemaking heritage of Tuscany on this intimate tour of a family-run estate. Savor three estate-made wines complemented by a delightful local lunch, while exploring the vineyards and olive groves away from tourist crowds. Gain insights into the history and production of the estate’s wines and olive oil through this personalized experience.