Chianti

If you've had enough of city life, you can book a wine tour with us on the road—the Via Chiantigiana, that is? Spend a few days making a leisurely journey along this scenic road winding through wine country. The Via Chiantigiana connects Florence, in the North, with Siena, in the South. Along the way, we'll pass through the Chianti valley, rich in history, with its production dating back to the 1300s, and richly saturated with vineyards and wineries. Put together your itinerary any way you like. The Black Rooster Consortium presents the sights and tastes of the Chianti winegrowers on their site. Beyond listings of all the wineries, you'll find articles of interest in their online Chianti Classico Magazine. As savvy wine drinkers from the four corners of the world gain an appreciation of Italy's superb range of wines, travelers' appetite and fascination with Italian wineries will continue to increase. Discover the treasures of Italian wine country while they still possesses thei quaint and picturesque charm.

THINGS TO SEE

Castello Banfi Estate. If you're a wine lovers, consider a day trip to the award-winning Castello Banfi Estate in Montalcino. One of the largest and newest wineries, it boasts an 11th-century Etruscan castle on 7100 acres, most of which were covered with forest and brush less than twenty years ago. The estate is open six days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with tours scheduled Monday through Friday at 4:00 p.m., and you can drop by for the tour without calling ahead.
Two resident restaurants provide casual and formal dining six days a week. Stop by the Enoteca (wine cellar) before your departure to procure a few bottles of wine for the rest of your vacation as well as olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and other take-home indulgences. The estate is open year-round, except for two weeks in mid-August when it closes for vacation. The castle will welcome overnight guests within a few years, but for now you can visit the glass and wine museum housed in this historical structure and daydream about a repeat trip with an overnight stay.