Florence is not just famous for its Renaissance art, historic architecture like the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery, but also stands as a portal to the illustrious world of Italian wine. The city’s prime location offers #Winetravelers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into local enotecas and wine bars, as well as venture into the surrounding vineyards that have put regions like Chianti on the global wine map.
Within the city itself, Florence is home to a plethora of both classic and new school wine bars and enotecas, offering a highly curated selection of local wines. A brief journey from Florence will take you to some of Italy’s most renowned wine regions, such as Chianti, Montalcino, Carmignano, Bolgheri and Montepulciano. Each of these regions offers stunning and unique scenery, diverse terroir, local cuisine and winemaking styles.
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Florence’s accessibility to these iconic wine regions is second to none. With a range of well-connected transportation options, including trains and organized tours, day trips to these vineyards are not just possible but highly encouraged. Exploring Florence and the surrounding countryside through the lens of wine offers an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism. It’s a multi-sensory journey that connects you to the very essence of the region.
Imagine sipping a glass of Chianti Classico while overlooking the vineyard-scapes and Tuscan Hills from the Piazzale Michelangelo. Secure your ideal experience here.
Fly into the Florence Peretola Airport (FLR). For the most current flight prices, check here. Upon landing, you’ll find that the city center is conveniently accessible, making it easy to start your Florentine wine adventure right away.
If you’re someone who values the freedom to explore at your own pace and wishes to soak in stunning landscapes, we recommend renting a car in advance through Kayak. This gives you the flexibility to venture beyond Florence and into the surrounding wine regions like Chianti and Montalcino.
For travelers seeking a more personalized and stress-free arrival, especially if it’s your first time in Florence or you simply prefer the ease of pre-arranged transport, booking a private transfer through a reputable service like Ciao Florence is an excellent option.
Once you’re in Florence, you’ll discover that taxis and public transportation options like buses are readily available. These provide a convenient way to navigate the city and reach local wine bars and other attractions if you opt not to rent a car. Additionally, some of the wine tours mentioned in this guide offer transportation as part of their packages, ensuring pick-up and drop-off services from your accommodation in Florence for a seamless wine-tasting experience.
Grand Hotel Minerva is a sanctuary of luxury and sophistication, located in the historic Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The hotel offers an extensive wine list featuring local wines, perfect for the discerning Winetraveler to use as a base for exploration.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a masterpiece of Renaissance splendor, offering an unparalleled luxury experience. The hotel’s wine cellar is a treasure trove of fine wines, including rare Italian vintages.
For a countryside experience, we recommend looking into Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Tuscany. This 5-star hotel is set in a restored castle and offers wine-tasting experiences, including vineyard tours.
Voted best tour in Florence in 2023 (also very affordable), learn about Florentine history, culture, and the legendary Medici dynasty behind the city’s rise to power with this introductory walking tour. Stroll by highlights like the cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria for an overview of the city’s wonders in just a couple of hours
Go on a day trip from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa, plus have lunch at a Winery
Visit “Italy’s Riviera” in Cinque Terre on a guided day trip from Florence
Go horseback riding or rent a Vespa to explore the countryside
For Winetravelers pressed for time but eager to experience the essence of Tuscany, this one-day tour from Florence offers a meticulously planned itinerary that covers the region’s must-see attractions. Priced at $93.27 per adult, this tour is an all-encompassing journey through the countryside, medieval towns, and world-renowned landmarks.
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Images courtesy Walkabout Florence
Highlights:
Price: from $93.27 per adult
This full-day tour from Florence, also offered by Walkabout Tours, provides a meticulously planned itinerary in a 4×4 vehicle, safari style. The tour includes visits to three distinct wineries, one of which is a historic villa’s private Chianti cellar, typically off-limits to the general public. The 3-course lunch is not a generic meal but a curated dining experience at a winery restaurant renowned for its local cuisine and setting.
Images courtesy Walkabout Tours
Highlights:
Price: Currently on sale for Winetravelers at $182.71 per adult, down from $203.01
RELATED: Best Wineries in Tuscany to Visit This Year
Suitable for solo travelers, couples or families, and those interested in experiencing the Italian Riviera’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, this full-day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence offers a well-organized and hassle-free experience.
Led by Ciao Florence, this excursion provides seamless transportation between each of the small, picturesque fishing villages, through a combination of pre-arranged car, train, and boat transport. The tour covers most of the region’s key destinations including Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza, each offering its own distinct character and scenic views.
Highlights:
Price: from $64.74 per adult
This special Vespa tour from Florence offers a unique way to explore the region’s scenic hills and lesser-known landmarks. Led by a local guide, you’ll ride your own iconic Italian scooter through winding roads, passing notable sites like the Piazzale Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al Monte. The tour culminates in a traditional Italian meal at a country estate, providing a fitting end to an unforgettable journey. To ensure a personalized experience, this tour is limited to just 15 travelers.
Images courtesy Walkabout Florence
Highlights:
Price: from $246.90 per adult
This full-day tour from Florence combines the adventure of horseback riding with wine tasting and lunch at a beautiful location. Your guide from Chianti Wine Tours provides a gentle horse and all necessary riding gear for a journey through the vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills of Chianti. The tour also includes a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano and concludes with a 3-course Tuscan lunch accompanied by a wine tasting session. With an option to substitute a farm tour for the horseback ride and limited to just eight people, this tour offers both flexibility and intimacy.
Images courtesy Chianti Wine Tours
Highlights:
Price: from $208.50 per adult
Offered by Walkabout Florence, this half-day tour offers the unique opportunity to drive a retro Fiat 500 through the region’s scenic landscapes. Led by an expert guide, you’ll venture into the Tuscan hills, making a stop at the Church of San Miniato al Monte and enjoying panoramic views of Florence. The tour includes a visit to a private terrace where you’ll enjoy in a traditional Tuscan lunch before returning to your original departure point in Florence.
Images courtesy Chianti Wine Tours
Highlights:
Price: from $246.90 per adult
Piazza dei Rossi, 1R, Florence
Le Volpi e l’Uva is a charming wine bar located near the Ponte Vecchio. It offers a curated selection of Italian wines, focusing on small producers. The intimate setting and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.
Piazza de’ Pitti, 16, Florence
Situated across from the Pitti Palace, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is renowned for its extensive wine list, including rare Tuscan vintages. The elegant ambiance and exceptional service make it a standout choice for wine lovers.
Via del Monte alle Croci, 10R, Florence
EnotecaBar Fuori Porta is a vibrant wine bar located in the Oltrarno district near Piazza Michelangelo. Known for its extensive wine list and casual atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The bar also offers a variety of small plates, making it ideal for a wine and food pairing experience.
Via Panicale, 19R, Florence
La Divina Enoteca is a modern wine bar that offers a diverse selection of wines from around the world. The bar also features wine-tasting events and masterclasses, making it a hub for wine education in Florence.
Via delle Oche, 27R-31R, Florence
Enoteca Alessi is located near the Duomo and offers a wide range of Italian and international wines. The bar also has a deli section, where you can find gourmet products to pair with your wine.
*All Florence day trip and wine tour pricing is accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change based on operator availability.
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