Wine tasting in Siena's historic center: Bubbles and reds

Learn to taste wine without the lecture

A 90-minute guided wine tasting in Siena's historic center combines four glasses (two bubbles and two Chianti Classico reds) with clear explanations of production methods and Tuscan terroir. You move between two wine bars in the heart of the city, learning to recognize aromas and characteristics from an expert guide. The small group size keeps the atmosphere relaxed and interactive, suited to both newcomers and experienced tasters.

The experience

The tasting splits into two parts, each one teaching you something different about how wine gets made. First come the bubbles: you'll taste both the Martinotti Method and the Classic Method side by side, so the difference becomes obvious instead of abstract. Then the reds shift focus to Chianti Classico territory, where the guide walks you through how soil and climate shape what ends up in your glass. Four glasses total across the two stops, with enough time to ask questions and actually absorb what you're tasting instead of rushing through.

The guide speaks English, Italian or French and pitches explanations so beginners don't feel lost and enthusiasts still learn something. Small groups mean you're not standing in a crowd. You can talk to the other tasters and the expert without competing for attention. The whole thing stays inside the historic center, so there's no transport puzzle. You walk between the two wine bars and stay where the city is.

What’s included

• Four glasses of wine (two sparkling, two red).
• expert guide leading the tasting.
• two wine bar stops in Siena's historic center.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday5 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Perlage Wine Experience - Siena

Is this one for you?You join a small shared group with a live guide who teaches you to taste rather than just drink. This format works best if you want to learn something concrete about wine and Tuscan production in a short time, and if you're comfortable tasting alcohol in a social setting with other participants.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the two sparkling wine methods I'll taste?

The Martinotti Method and the Classic Method produce bubbles in completely different ways. Martinotti uses a tank where the second fermentation happens all at once, while Classic Method ferments each bottle individually. Tasting them back-to-back shows you how the method changes the texture and flavor of the finished wine.

How much walking is involved between the two wine bars?

The experience moves between two stops in Siena's historic center, but the distance is short and the pace is relaxed. The route is wheelchair accessible, and all surfaces are flat, so the walking is manageable for all fitness levels.

Is this tasting suitable if I've never tasted wine before?

Yes. The guide explains everything in clear, accessible language and helps you recognize aromas and structure as you go. The small group size means you can ask questions without feeling rushed, and the expert adjusts explanations to match the group's experience level.

What happens if I don't drink alcohol?

The experience is built around tasting wine, and all four glasses are alcoholic beverages. If you're looking for an alternative, you might want to check other activities in Siena that don't center on alcohol.