Tuscany: Private Wine Tasting Tour with Local Appetizers

Summary

Sample Chianti & Vernaccia in a Tuscan winery with local bites

You’ll sit down at a working Tuscan winery for a private wine tasting led by locals—sampling Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and more alongside pecorino cheese, salami, bruschetta with fresh olive oil, and sweet cantuccini biscuits dipped in dessert wine. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe even a little Italian from your host.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the van straight into sunlight and that earthy, sweet smell you only get in the Tuscan countryside. The winery wasn’t some grand estate—more like a family place, with baskets of bread on the table and someone’s old dog asleep in the shade. Our guide, Lucia, waved us over with a grin and started pouring before we’d even sat down. I tried to say “grazie” like a local (she laughed—my accent is hopeless) and then she handed me a glass of Chianti so dark it almost looked purple.

It’s funny how much you notice when you’re really tasting wine for once instead of just drinking it. Lucia showed us how to swirl and sniff—there was this faint smell of cherries and something I couldn’t name. She let us try Vernaccia di San Gimignano too, which was lighter, almost grassy? We passed around plates of pecorino cheese and salami while she explained why olive oil here tastes so peppery (it’s the way they press it). Someone spilled a little on their shirt; nobody cared. The air was warm but not hot, and you could hear bees somewhere near the vines.

I didn’t expect dessert but suddenly there were cantuccini biscuits on the table with this golden dessert wine that tasted like honey and apricots. We all toasted—somehow in three languages—and I caught myself thinking I could get used to afternoons like this. The whole thing felt easy, not rushed or showy. Even now I remember that first sip of truffle olive oil on bread—so simple but kind of perfect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and local products sampling

• Attend beginners wine tasting
• Taste Chianti and Tuscan blends
• Sample Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Rosè
• Taste extra virgin and flavored olive oils
• Enjoy Tuscan appetizers and bruschetta
• Try cantuccini biscuits with dessert wine

Top questions

What wines do you taste during the Tuscany wine tour?

The tasting includes Chianti, Tuscan Blend Selection, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Rosè, and dessert wine.

Is food included during the Tuscany wine tasting?

Yes, you'll enjoy appetizers like pecorino cheeses, Tuscan salami, bruschetta with olive oil, and cantuccini biscuits for dessert.

Are there options for private or group tastings?

You can choose from four specially designed private wine tastings or join group sessions for beginners.

Is the winery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What olive oils are sampled during the tour?

The tasting includes extra virgin olive oil as well as truffle and spicy pepper olive oils.

Is there a minimum age for drinking?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your visit includes private or group wine tasting at an authentic Tuscan winery with guidance from local staff. You’ll sample Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, rosé wines plus extra virgin olive oils—including truffle-infused—and balsamic vinegar. Appetizers feature pecorino cheese, Tuscan salami, bruschetta with fresh olive oil; dessert brings cantuccini biscuits paired with sweet dessert wine before heading back relaxed (and maybe slightly tipsy).