Day 1
Our inaugural day of the Tuscany wine tour was nothing short of exceptional. We began with a delightful lunch at Il Quartino, Frescobaldi Restaurant, nestled amidst the breathtaking vineyards of Nipozzano. The scenic views set the perfect mood for the trip. After savouring a delicious lunch, we boarded the fun buses and headed down the road to the Frescobaldi estate. Here, we delved deep into the rich history of the estate and even saw wines from 1864! It is rare that every wine of a flight is superb but that was certainly the case here. Notably, the rosato left a surprising and lasting impression.
Our day continued as we made our way to the hotel just in time to watch the sun’s golden descent over the rolling hills. A well-deserved G&T in hand, we soaked in the tranquil atmosphere before venturing into Florence for dinner. L’Oratone, a trendy Michelin guide restaurant, treated us to a superb three-course meal, capping off a splendid first day.
Day 2
Awaking to a delicious continental breakfast and a much-needed caffeine boost, we set off for the hills of Chianti. Our journey led us to the charming town of Lamole, where we indulged in a pleasant array of wines and regional dishes at Risotoro di Lamole. The extensive wine list, boasting around 50 pages of options, was truly impressive.
In the afternoon, we embarked on a fascinating tasting session at Fonterutoli, the Mazzei family estate, which included a glimpse of grapes arriving from the vineyards after this vintage’s harvest. The barrel room, located two levels underground, was a particular highlight, with stalactites formed from limestone and a viewing window revealing soil types. The wines on display were magnificent, with Siepi standing out as a crowd favourite.
Our next stop was the hotel in Castellina in Chianti, where check-in was followed by a relaxing evening. We enjoyed a couple of drinks at a local spot across the road before indulging in dinner at the hotel, with the Tiramisu winning the approval of those who still had room for dessert!
Day 3
Another day, another wine tasting. This time, at the renowned Tua Rita, we explored the wine cellars and barrel rooms. It was fascinating that a significant portion of their wines were aged in amphora. The tour group was treated to local cured meats and cheeses alongside a full flight of Tua Rita wines, spanning from the floral 100% Vermentino to fruit-forward 100% Sangiovese and the weightier Super Tuscan blends.
A short drive from Tua Rita took us to the coast, where we had a captivating lunch with Emiliano Falsini at La Perla del Mare in San Vincenzo. Here, we had the pleasure of tasting his new wines from Etna, which were both unique and outstanding, resembling Pinot Noir in style. Emiliano’s Tuscan wines, Il Debbio and Limite, compared favourably to more expensive super Tuscan options.
Our next destination was Tenuta San Guido, renowned for producing Sassicaia, Italy’s most sought-after wine. We were treated to an insightful talk and cellar tour, followed by a tasting of Difese, Guidalberto and Sassicaia. For many this was the highlight of the trip and a winery tour that for most, is something they couldn’t organise on their own.
As we headed to our final hotel, situated an hour from Pisa, we were greeted by its breathtaking beauty. Some of us indulged in the extensive spa facilities and pool, followed by some light liquid refreshment. Our final dinner was a fun and indulgent affair, overlooking the rolling hills of Campiglia Marittima. It marked the end of a memorable day during which we had the privilege of tasting 27 remarkable wines, with some still finding room for a nightcap!
A superb trip – and we now look forward to the following planned tours in 2024:
Bordeaux: 5th – 7th March 2024 – Investment Wines Tour. Priority to Waud Investment Wines customers.
Burgundy: 16th – 19th July 2024 – this is our annual driving tour.
Barcelona: 22nd – 25th October 2024 – this is fly/drive fun bus trip. Taking in Priorat, Montsant and Costers del Segre.
If you are interested in attending any of these tours, please drop me an email to the address below – or express your interest by clicking on this link. They are super fun and come highly recommended.
Until next time…
Edward Stevens
