Florence

Florence is the natural base for wine travel in Tuscany — the Renaissance city sits right at the top of the Chianti hills, with Sangiovese country beginning barely half an hour to the south. Most travelers use it as a launchpad: day trips run into Chianti Classico, with longer outings reaching San Gimignano, Siena, Montalcino and the Val d'Orcia, and short half-day tours to a single estate for those pressed for time.

The city has its own wine culture, too. Florence is where the great merchant houses like Antinori and Frescobaldi built their names, and their historic cellars in the center are open to visit; its wine bars — from old-school fiaschetterie to the tiny Renaissance "wine windows" (buchette del vino) reopened around town — make an easy introduction before you head into the hills.

Florence is a major rail hub, an hour or two from Rome, Venice and Milan by fast train, so it works as the anchor of a wider Italian trip. A car isn't needed in the city and is a liability in its restricted-traffic center, but it's worth renting for a day in the vineyards. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to visit. Use the guide below to plan tastings and day trips out of the city.