Chianti and Tuscan Wine

The Chianti region rolls between Florence and Siena, the quintessential Tuscan landscape of vine-striped hills, cypress avenues, hilltop villages and stone farmhouses that produces the famous Chianti wine. Dotted with wine estates offering tastings, olive groves and slow country roads, it is a place to drive, taste and drink in the golden light as much as the wine.

What to look for

• The vineyard landscape - the vine-striped hills, cypresses and farmhouses.
• The wine estates - the cantinas offering Chianti tastings.
• The hilltop villages - Greve, Radda and Castellina in Chianti.
• Tuscan food - the olive oil, pecorino and hearty cooking to match the wine.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for the vineyards and tastings; September and October for the harvest and golden light. Spring brings green hills and blossom.

What to expect

It is a driving region of scattered estates and villages, so a car is essential, and tastings mean planning a driver. The famous Chianti Classico is the quality tier, above the basic straw-flask stuff of old. It rewards a slow, unhurried few days.

Nearby

Florence and Siena bookend the region; the Val d'Orcia and San Gimignano are nearby.