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The Chianti Region

A vacation or extended stay in Italy is not complete without a visit to Tuscany!

Tuscany (Toscana, in Italian) is located in the western area of central Italy, north of Rome.  Nine provinces are comprised within 8900 square miles, and its capital is Florence.  Tuscany offers visitors ancient ruins and antique art, lovely coastlines and lush countryside. The wooded, yet mountainous region is covered with vineyards and olive groves and is reportedly the birthplace of Mona Lisa!


The Chianti Wine Paradise
With a population close to 4 million, Tuscany is primarily known for its export of olives, grain and tobacco, with Carrara marble as a dominant industry as well.  However, it’s the wineries of one particular area that have made it a household name: Chianti.

Visiting this region, guests will enjoy all that the wine industry has to offer, from sightseeing vineyards in any of the 25 wine-producing regions, to touring wineries, to taking part in taste tests, to sampling the local offerings at the numerous cafes. Even tourists who are not actually fond of their own country’s domestic wines will have fun learning about the history and process of wine production, and just may discover a variety or brand that suits their taste! (The grapes from this region are responsible for several of the world’s finest red and white wines, such as the "Brolio Ricasoli" label. Once recognized by a short, fat bottle embedded in a straw basket, Chianti is now contained in more common bottles.)

If visitors to Italy are looking for unique activities on a day trip from Florence or Siena, Chianti’s scenery, entertaining local festivals and multitude of wine tours are a great choice!  Guests will enjoy photo opportunities galore when surrounded by ridges, valleys, and hills.  Nature buffs will be amazed by how the Tuscans have designed their farms and vineyards to not only be as productive environmentally, but aesthetically beautiful as well.

For an overnight get away or an extended stay, guests will be charmed at the accommodations in Chianti.  Chain hotels are not prevalent in this area, but authentic Tuscan abodes offer every comfort expected.  A traveler may rent a villa, apartment, or farmhouse, and it may be the original construction or a perfect restoration.  (Because there are restrictions on new development and construction, old buildings are being restored to their original splendor and used as vacation homes and rental properties.)  Lengths of stay, size of accommodation, amenities, and prices vary.  With so many choices, it is not difficult to find accommodations to meet every need!

Just because one is removed from the usual urban commotion while in Chianti, there is no lack of quality in entertainment or dining opportunities.  Dining in Chianti is as exciting as its numerous wine-tasting opportunities, and traditional, home cooked feasts are abundant in trattorias.  Visitors can easily walk to numerous interesting locations, including forts, churches and monasteries.  There are many trails for hikers to experience hilltop views, and touring historic architecture such as castles (replete with their own wineries) can be an extremely pleasant relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s major tourist destinations.

Many group tours can be had for as few as 8 guests and are personalized with translators.  There are other specialty offerings such as week-long bike trips through the Tuscany area, or the Lombard Church-in the D’Elsa Valley-which may be acquired for Catholic weddings of up to 80 guests between April and October.

To visit Chianti, a visitor may fly into Milan or Rome and take a train to Florence; from there a car may be rented to drive into the area. Otherwise, a flight into the Florence airport may be arranged.  (Connecting arrangements from Pisa may also be available).

When packing for this trip, remember that temperature in Chianti rarely drops below the mid-30’s (F) in winter, or rises above the mid-80’s (F) in summer.  However, evenings are usually significantly cooler than days, and tile floors in most accommodations may increase the chill.

Guidelines that apply for Rome and other Italian cities are the same for Chianti.  When on tours of churches and museums, wear conservative attire that covers shoulders, back, chest and knees.  Do not ignore shop owners upon entering their establishment and place money on dish instead of in their hands.  Take great caution when driving, which is really the only way to see most of Chianti.  Don’t depend upon the local telephone service, either-a cell phone is probably the most efficient and economical method of communicating with overseas friends and family.

Since the wine industry and tourism have created a multitude of adventurous opportunities, Tuscany offers much to visitors. Chianti, in particular, offers lovely, natural beauty around dwellings which are centuries old. The mixture is remarkable, and should not be missed while visiting this wonderful part of Italy!