Tuscany: Chianti Colli Aretini Wine & Olive Oil Tasting Tour

Summary

Chianti wine tasting with local stories and olive oil near Arezzo

You’ll wander Chianti Colli Aretini’s vineyards with a local guide, taste four estate wines paired with Tuscan snacks, and sample their award-winning extra virgin olive oil inside a centuries-old winery near Arezzo. Expect laughter, stories about old vines and family traditions—and maybe a neighbor or two dropping by.

What’s the experience like?

Giulia met us at the gate, waving like she’d known us for years. She handed me a glass before I’d even set down my bag — “You’ll need this for the walk,” she grinned. The vineyards around Villa La Ripa looked half asleep in the late Tuscan sun, but Giulia had stories about every row. She pointed out the oldest vines, saying her grandfather still comes by to check them after lunch (and sometimes nap under them). I tried to repeat the name of one grape — Sangiovese — and she corrected me gently, laughing when I gave up halfway through.

The winery itself smelled like earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. We ducked inside to escape a sudden breeze, and Giulia started pouring. Four wines from their own grapes — each one tasted different, which surprised me more than I expected. She explained how the weather last year changed the flavor of the rosso; I could almost taste the summer storms in it (or maybe that was just her suggestion working on me). There was a plate of pecorino and salami on the table, plus thick slices of bread for dipping in their extra virgin olive oil. That oil — honestly, it’s still in my mind. Grassy, sharp at first, then soft. We all went quiet for a second after trying it.

She told us about the Renaissance villa next door — apparently built in 1558, though you wouldn’t guess from how lived-in it looks now. The whole place felt less like a tour and more like being invited into someone’s family tradition for an afternoon. At one point a neighbor stopped by just to say hello (and maybe sneak a glass). It was easy to forget we were on any sort of official day trip in Tuscany; it felt more like we’d stumbled into something ongoing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Winery visit and wine tasting

• Visit the winery
• Walk through vineyards
• Taste 4 wines
• Enjoy local meats and cheeses
• Taste extra virgin olive oil

Top questions

Is transportation included in this Tuscany wine & olive oil tour?

No, transportation is not included; guests make their own way to Villa La Ripa near Arezzo.

Are snacks provided during the Chianti wine tasting?

Yes, local cured meats, cheeses, Tuscan bread, and bottled water are included with your tasting.

Is this wine tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the winery and vineyard areas are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How many wines will I taste on this Tuscany day trip?

You will taste four different wines produced at Villa La Ripa during your visit.

Can children or infants join this Tuscany vineyard tour?

Yes, infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are welcome.

Will we visit inside the Renaissance villa during the tour?

No interior visit is specified; you’ll be near the villa and hear its story but not go inside.

Is extra virgin olive oil tasting included?

Yes, you’ll sample their award-winning EVO oil along with an explanation of its production process.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided visits through Villa La Ripa’s winery and vineyards (weather permitting), tastings of four estate wines paired with local cured meats and cheeses, bottled water to sip between pours, plus generous samples of their acclaimed extra virgin olive oil served with rustic Tuscan bread—all alongside plenty of stories from your host before you head back out into Chianti’s hills.