Chianti Day Trip: 2 Wineries & Dario Cecchini Lunch

Summary

Chianti wines, rolling hills, and a wild lunch with Dario

You’ll taste Chianti wines straight from two organic wineries with a local guide who actually knows their stuff (and jokes). Lunch is a loud, joyful feast at Dario Cecchini’s famous butcher shop—with steak you’ll remember for ages. Expect laughter, real Tuscan flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back in Florence.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not leaving until you try this,” our guide grinned, pouring the first glass at a sunlit table outside the winery. I could smell rosemary somewhere—maybe from the wild hedges? The drive south of Florence had been all soft green hills and those skinny cypress trees you see in postcards, but it hit different being there. Our group was small—eight people tops—so it felt more like a road trip with new friends than a tour. I’d never really understood what “terroir” meant until we stood between vines and tasted the difference in Chianti versus Chianti Classico, swirling the glass while our guide explained (with patience) why the soil matters so much.

The second stop was quieter, almost sleepy. A dog padded over to sniff my shoes while we tried olive oil that made my throat tingle (in a good way). Someone asked if wine always tasted better in Tuscany or if it was just us—our guide just laughed and said, “Maybe both.” And then came lunch at Dario Cecchini’s place. I’m not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this: big tables, laughter bouncing off stone walls, plates of steak that looked like something out of an old painting. Dario himself showed up for a minute, booming something in Italian—everyone cheered. I probably ate too much but honestly? No regrets.

We ended with a slow stroll through a tiny village nearby. The air smelled like wood smoke and bread. I kept thinking about how many stories these hills must have seen. On the way back to Florence, tired and full, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone hours ago. There’s something about Chianti that makes you want to just be there—not rush or plan or even talk too much. Still can’t pronounce half the wines right though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and meat feast in Chianti

• Meet at Grape Tours office
• Tour and taste at first winery
• Lunch at Dario Cecchini butcher
• Stop for a stroll

Top questions

How many wineries are included on this Chianti day trip?

This tour includes tastings at two distinct organic wineries in the Chianti region.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Chianti?

Yes, lunch is included—a traditional meat feast at Dario Cecchini’s renowned butcher shop.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Grape Tours’ office in Florence; drop-off is at the same location.

Are wine tastings part of this Chianti tour?

Yes, around 10 wines are tasted across both winery visits during the day trip.

Is transportation provided between stops?

Transportation between Florence and all stops is included as part of the tour logistics.

What is the group size for this experience?

The maximum group size is 8 people for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as walking is minimal and relaxed.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age required to join is 18 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation from Florence (meeting at Grape Tours’ office), guided visits and tastings at two organic wineries with around ten wines sampled along the way, plus an unforgettable lunch featuring traditional dishes and steak at Dario Cecchini’s legendary butcher shop before returning to your starting point in town.