Tuscany Wine Safari from Florence: Off-Road Vineyards & Lunch

Summary

Chianti hills by 4x4, cellar tastings and slow Tuscan meals

You’ll roll through Tuscany’s countryside by 4x4 with a small group, tasting Chianti wines straight from historic cellars and savoring local cheeses and salumi. Enjoy a leisurely Tuscan lunch paired with regional reds while learning from an expert sommelier guide. Expect laughter, real flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve left those vineyard hills behind.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not going to spill that, right?” our guide Marco grinned as the 4x4 bounced over another dirt track outside Florence. I clutched my glass and laughed — somehow the wine tasted even better with a little dust in the air and those endless green hills rolling out on every side. The morning light felt soft, almost hazy, and you could smell wild herbs when we stopped to take photos (I’m pretty sure I stepped on some sage). We’d barely left Florence an hour ago but it already felt like another world.

The first winery looked like something out of an old movie — stone walls, cool cellars lined with barrels, and this older woman who poured our first Chianti Classico with a quiet nod. Marco explained about Sangiovese grapes and how the weather last year changed the flavor (honestly, I only half followed — I was distracted by the smell of bread baking somewhere nearby). The cheese was salty, the salumi had that sharp edge, and I tried to write down the name of their olive oil but gave up after two glasses. Marco just laughed and said “Don’t worry, you’ll remember the taste.” He was right.

I didn’t expect to love lunch so much. We sat under these faded umbrellas at a long wooden table while someone’s dog wandered around hoping for scraps. Fresh pasta — not too heavy — with a tomato sauce that tasted sweeter than usual. Maybe it was just being there, or maybe it was the wine pairings (three different reds in one meal? Why not). At some point I realized everyone at our table had started swapping stories about home; it felt less like a tour and more like one of those slow afternoons you hope will last longer than they do.

On the way back toward Florence, I kept looking out at those vineyards thinking about how much work goes into each bottle. There’s something grounding about seeing it up close — dirt under your shoes, sun on your face, laughing at yourself for mispronouncing “pecorino.” If you’re thinking about a Tuscany wine safari from Florence… well, just go hungry. And maybe don’t wear white shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-Day Chianti Wine Safari

• Depart from Florence
• Travel to Chianti Classico region
• Visit two historic wineries
• Explore ancient wine cellars
• Taste Chianti Classico wines with cheese and meats
• Off-road drive through private vineyards
• Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos
• Enjoy traditional Tuscan lunch at winery

Top questions

How long is the Tuscany wine safari from Florence?

The full-day Chianti wine safari lasts about 9 hours from departure to return.

Are meals included on this Tuscany wine tasting tour?

Yes, a traditional Tuscan lunch or dinner is included along with multiple wine tastings.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

The tour uses an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle for off-road access to vineyards.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours depart from Florence city center.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?

No vegetarian or alternative dietary requirements can be accommodated on this tour.

What wines are tasted during the safari?

You’ll taste Chianti Classico DOCG wines along with other regional reds depending on itinerary.

Is this Tuscany wine tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activity and alcohol tastings.

What’s included

Your day includes off-road transport by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle from Florence, guided visits to two historic wineries with expert-led tastings of Chianti wines plus local cheeses and cured meats, several pours of extra virgin olive oil to sample, and a traditional Tuscan lunch or dinner served at a winery restaurant before heading back in the evening.