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12 Best Wine Tours and Tastings in Florence

By Erica Firpo

A nearly 9,000-square-mile region of rolling verdant hills, salty coastline, and picturesque hilltop hamlets, Tuscany is an incredible play land for the eno-curious. The region's heavy-hitters are many, from Chianti Classico, to Brunello, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano—and, of course, the famous Super Tuscans. It's filled with landmark wineries and epic winemakers who know it, so they've created incredible experiences and tasting rooms to attract visitors, from fairytale to futuristic, combing natural landscapes with award-winning architects. Whether you've only got time for a light tasting or want to make a day out of a full regional experience, we've got you covered. Exploring this countryside is the tastiest way to truly understand Tuscany, which is why we've picked our favorite wine tours and wine tastings in Florence.

Badia a Coltibuono Arrow

Badia a Coltibuono is set in a beautiful landscape of rich greens near Siena. Its charming medieval building, a historic abbey with a romantic atmosphere, looks like the backdrop to a Raffaello painting. Guests reserve their Chianti tasting in advance, so you can be sure that everyone here has done their research—you'll be in good company. The entry-level wine tasting, though well planned, doesn't include snacks. If you're looking for a bite, go for the more advanced tasting, which includes charcuterie and bruschetta.

Cantina Salcheto Arrow

Cantina Salcheto enjoys an enviable and jaw-dropping location—in the beautiful hills of Montepulciano—and manages to toe the line between rustic and futuristic, if that's possible. The 40-acre main vineyard is Tuscany at its best: rolling hills, rich colors, and a state-of-the-art cellar that's impressive in looks and, of course, in inventory—here, you're drinking Rosso di Toscana IGT and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. There's no food in the basic tasting, but you can upgrade to the paired tasting or enjoy lunch at Salcheto's onsite enoteca.

Rocca di Frassinello Arrow

Rocca di Frassinello is a beautiful and modernist winery designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. The feat of geometry—whose rich ambers and reds seem to fold into the greens of Grosseto along Tuscany's coastline—is a must-stop for architecture buffs and oenophiles alike. Rocca di Frassinello isn't the kind of place you just happen upon—Maremma, in the south of Tuscany, is rugged cowboy country, so there are no crowds; rather, you'll be tasting cult favorite wines alongside well-researched and well-traveled culture vultures.

Ornellaia Arrow

Ornellaia, which produces superb Super Tuscans that most can only dream of tasting, is one of the most exclusive wineries in Tuscany, and it's the perfect place to come with wine-loving friends. The landscape itself is worth the trip, with verdant and beautifully landscaped hills dotted with castle and towers here and there along the coastline between Livorno and Grosseto. Visitors will gain a fully immersive lesson in the world of winemaker Axel Heinz's Super Tuscans and innovative wines, which are favorites among collectors sommeliers the world over.

Castello di Ama Arrow

Located in a beautiful medieval hilltop town just north of Siena in Chianti, Castello di Ama feels like an old-fashioned fairytale—one that also happens to be a destination for contemporary art. Lush vineyards produce award-winning wine; gardens are a backdrop to 14 site-specific works and installations by 13 international artists, a combination that attracts wine connoisseurs and art lovers alike. The tour and tasting of Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG also includes bruschetta, though if you're looking for something heartier, the surrounding picturesque village has an enoteca.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Arrow

One of the most popular wineries in the world, Biondi Santi's tours and tastings are superbly rated—for good reason. This is the seat of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most popular reds coming out of Tuscany around the world. When you book, you're asked a series of questions relating to your knowledge of and interest in wine; from there, you'll be matched with a guide and tour type. Even those with little (or no) knowledge can enjoy the sweeping views and the history of the vineyard, as well as the universally edifying experience of learning about a trade and practice.

Antinori Nel Chianti Classico Arrow

Antinori nel Chianti Classico is nothing if not monumental: a striking contemporary sculptural edifice that epitomizes the winery's impact on Italy's history and culture. Antinori is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) producers of wine, and one of the most historic: the label defined, and then redefined, Chianti Classico, upgrading it from a table wine to a prestige one. The architecture, designed by Marco Casamonti, best exemplifies this grandeur. Antinori plays the classics; expect plenty of silky Chianti Classico.

Altesino Arrow

Altesino is a postcard-perfect Italian country villa off a charming dirt road in the Montalcino hills. The late-14th-century Palazzo Altesino sets the stage for an elegant wine. Visits are private; often it's only you, your group, and the winemaker. The focus is Altesino's award-winning wines, from Brunello di Montalcino DOCG to Rosso di Montalcino, and you can also a enjoy a decent snacks pairing. The beautiful location promises to win everyone over, no matter how much they know about wine.

DiVine Tours Arrow

DiVine Tours offers a series of bespoke wine tours around Tuscany and other select parts of Italy—Umbria, Sicily, Puglia, and Piedmont, among others—all of which are highly personalized and professional. Miriam, DiVine's owner and founder, is a consummate professional who hires top-notch guides and experts. Her tours are very organized and very easy to understand, and you can customize pretty much everything. These tours are excellent for those interested in attaining robust knowledge of area wineries and their history, but they're not for people who don't like wine.

Volpaia Arrow

A walled hamlet on a Chianti hill, Volpaia is the quintessential Tuscan wine fantasy visit. The town itself is charming and the castle drips with Florentine history, having served as a key defensive outpost for the Florentine Republic during its heyday. Volpaia wines are exceptional Chianti Classicos, and that's what you'll learn about on a private tour. The staff is very personable and friendly—but most importantly, they know and love Volpaia, and that enthusiasm is infectious.

Podere Le Ripi Arrow

A beautiful Tuscan drive through winding rustic roads ends at Podere le Ripi, a photogenic winery with a modern reception and tasting area. Winemaker Francesco Illy (of the Illy coffee family) is known industry-wide as an innovator; his wines are biodynamic—and he himself is dynamic, too. After a tasting and snack, you'll leave with one key takeaway: that you can at once embrace and buck tradition while still creating great wine.

Fèlsina Arrow

Felsina's picture-perfect stone entrance comes into view after you've slowly meandered around the hills and valleys of Chianti—and what a sight it is. Here, the mentality is purist; everything you eat comes from the surrounding land. The olive oil is from single cultivars, and the oil-making process strictly adheres to Veronelli's rules of pressing. You can have a simple Chianti wine tasting, a wine tasting with a light lunch, or a wine and olive oil tasting with lunch alongside other wine lovers, culinary travelers, and anyone interested in the hows and whys of wine- and olive-making.

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Florence Wine Tours

Call our tour experts on +44 (0) 1920 46 86 66, stay in tuscany, and enjoy some of the best wine tasting experiences the region has to offer., as the leading specialist organiser of european wine tours with over a decade of experience, we offer a selection of florence wine tours to suit all tastes and budgets we can arrange your travel, accommodation and activities for you, and all you will need to do is turn up on the day and enjoy the tastings. if you can’t find what you are looking for on our website, we would be thrilled to put together a tailor-made itinerary for you. just get in touch, as seen in....

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The Grape Escape Winery Tour

• 4 - 50 People
• March - November

Visit wineries in Tuscany with Italy on a Budget…

A day trip to Tuscany with 2 wineries, 8 different types of wine to taste, 3 extra virgin olive oil, balsamic, Tuscan snacks, amazing scenery, and a visit to San Gimignano all in 1 day!

Join our fun day trip to the Chianti countryside to meet other travelers of the same age and discover why the area is famous for its scenery as well as its wine.

If you have any questions about this tour, please get in touch . 

Florence Wine Tour Price Includes

• Roundtrip transportation
• Your local & informative tour leader
• 2 local wineries in the Chianti region
• 8 different types of Tuscan wines to taste, aged balsamic vinegar, Truggle oilve oil tasting and lots more
• 1h30 in San Gimignano with free time to explore at your own leisure
• Stories on board about Tuscany and its products
• Snacks during the tasting

Tuscany Wine Tour Highlights

• The best tour to meet people of the same age
• English speaking local guide for an authentic experience
• Visit 2 different wineries in the Chianti region; a local and family run winery for a more intimate experience and a fancy one with a big production
• Choose to travel by bus to meet other fellow travellers or by minivan for a more personal experience
• Discover the famous " Manatthan of Tuscany " , San Gimignano
• Fantastic views & amazing scenery
• Fun, Fun, Fun

Tuscany Wine Tour Itinerary

First stop will be at a WINERY located an hour outside of Florence where you will taste 4 different type of wines including the famous Chianti Classico, Brunello of Montalcino, Super Tuscan wines, a 30 year-old balsamic vinegar and the delicious truffle extra virgin olive oil. Here you will learn how to recognize the different flavours and develop your taste buds with a passionate wine producer. New skills and fun are guaranteed!

The second stop will be at a second LOCAL WINERY located in a stunning area well known for the production of the D.O.C.G. Vernaccia white wine facing the famous towers of San Gimignano. The wine makers will guide you through the vineyards and the cellars and they will share the secrets of the wine and oil production as well as the best wine and food combinations. At the winery you will enjoy 3 wines; the famous Vernaccia white wine, a rosè wine and a Chianti colli senesi D.O.C.G. You will also have the opportunity to buy the local products and wine at a great price to bring back home or ship to friends and family.

In the afternoon you will be free to visit and spend time wandering through the narrow streets shopping in the local stores of the most beautiful medieval town of Tuscany, SAN GIMIGNANO and check out the tower filled skyline while eating the ice cream from a world-champion gelateria. Maps will be provided from your tour leader and tips about the best places to visit in the town.

We will arrive back to Florence at approx 5:00pm**

** all departure/ arrival time are all estimated and are subject to change due to road conditions and traffic.

DURATION: 7 hours.

Tuscany Wine Tour Details

Meeting point.

We meet at 9:45am in Piazza della Calza by Porta Romana in front of the blue P (parking) sign in Florence.

Depart 9:45 am daily

Additional Info

• Make sure you have a big breakfast before coming on the tour. Lots of wine is involved so an empty stomach is not recommended.
• People younger than 18 are not allowed on this tour. We suggest to look at more suitable tours such as the Tuscany Experience where there is not so much wine involved.
• The tour is confirmed with rain or shine

Checking out on the same day? feel free to bring your bags and luggage with you. We will store them underneath the bus/van so that you will be ready to leave to your next destination when returning to Florence.

Spending the night in Siena? Ask your guide to be dropped off in San Gimignano so you don’t have to come all the way back to Florence. From San Gimignano you can take a local bus to Siena.

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13 Florence Wineries That Will Make You Fall in Love with Wine All Over Again

Posted: June 24, 2024 | Last updated: June 24, 2024

Italy is well-known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, delicious pasta dishes, incredible fashion, flavorful wines, and much more. If you are a wine connoisseur looking to savor the local taste truly, there’s no better place than Florence’s best wineries.

I have just the right recommendations if you’re after tasty wines, breathtaking views, and authentic experiences. Here are the top wineries in Florence that are definitely worth a visit.

1. Le Cinciole

Le Cinciole is a charming farm owned by Valeria and Luca, who are passionate about their farm and creating exceptional wines. Their farm spans 30 hectares, with vineyards between 430 and 500 meters tall. The unique soil composition is a critical factor that gives their wines distinct and delicious flavors. 

Valeria and Luca take pride in using only grapes from their farm to produce all of their wines, including their popular Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and Petresco I.G.T. Toscana. If you’re looking for an authentic winery experience near Florence, Le Cinciole is a top choice.

2. Antinori nel Chianti Classico

The Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery is well-loved in Italy and earned the world’s best vineyard title a few years back. Known for its stunning design featuring an elegant spiral staircase, it’s part of the Toscana Wine Architecture group that celebrates unique wineries by famous architects.

What’s interesting is that the entire winery was built using local materials, designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, showcasing the Antinori family’s love for their surroundings. With a 600-year winemaking tradition, tasting their wines feels like stepping into history. It’s a great destination for those who appreciate fine wines and beautiful architecture.

3. Castello di Verrazzano

If you want to enjoy some great wine near Florence, there’s no better place than a beautiful castle estate. The vineyard covers 52 hectares and is located between 260 and 420 meters in altitude. It is known for its unique stony soil, giving the wine a distinctive and delicious flavor.

This spot is perfect for enjoying stunning views, tasting excellent wine, and eating delicious meals. Visitors love the food and wine tastings and the property has a rich historical background that’s incredible to dive into when visiting the property. Plus, be sure to try their balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a complete culinary experience during your time at Castello di Verrazzano.

4. Monterinaldi Winery

If you’re after more than just a wine tasting, Monterinaldi Winery is the place to be. This winery stands out for offering a range of experiences. You can choose from guided wine tastings with snacks, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, tastings paired with lunch, cooking classes, guided hikes with tastings, and more.

They focus on creating delightful wines while preserving traditional methods and ensuring guests have a memorable time. For a complete experience near Florence, Monterinaldi Winery is a must-visit destination.

5. Medici Villa of Lilliano Wine Estate

The Medici Villa of Lilliano Wine Estate offers a unique blend of experiences. Known for its top-notch wines, breathtaking views, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a popular wedding venue and a must-experience winery near Florence.

The Malenchini family has owned this beautiful Villa since 1830. They have been crafting wines for nearly a century and welcoming guests to enjoy their flavors and the scenic surroundings. If you’re looking for a place with breathtaking views, great wine tastings, rich history, and a friendly vibe, this is the spot for you.

6. Castello del Trebbio

Castello del Trebbio, located near Florence, is famous for its picturesque castle estate. It’s a fantastic place for wine tastings, cooking classes, and guided tours. You can also join in seasonal activities like olive and grape harvesting, get a firsthand production process experience, and appreciate their quality products.

Their grape harvest events are family-friendly, providing an educational and enjoyable time for kids while adults can savor wine tastings. In addition to these activities, the winery offers stunning views of vineyards, a charming castle, and delicious wines.

7. Poggio La Noce

Enzo Schiano and Claire Beliard, the owners of this charming estate, share a passion for creating delicious organic wines. They turned the once abandoned hills property into the beautiful Poggio La Noce wine estate. Their approach is friendly and welcoming, treating staff and visitors like family and priding themselves on their hospitality and exceptional wines.

Visitors adore the winery’s tasting area, which boasts large sliding windows that provide an indoor dining experience while seamlessly blending with the vineyard ambiance.

8. Fattoria Casa Sola

Casa Sola is a spacious winery covering 80 hectares, including 20 hectares of vineyards and 8 hectares of olive groves. It’s a family-operated business that prides itself on producing high-quality wines while prioritizing sustainable practices. The large size of their property offers breathtaking views, with long rows of vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as you can see.

One of the best ways to experience Casa Sola is by joining a wine tour. These tours provide insights into the estate’s history and winemaking processes, making for a memorable visit.

9. Azienda Agricola Poggio al Bosco

This family-operated farm has been operating since 1960. It began when their great-grandfather purchased the land and began cultivating vines with his two sons. Over time, they have expanded to produce various products, including wine, olive oil, handmade chocolate cream, and more. Although their winery spans only 3.5 hectares of vineyards, it definitely shouldn’t be dismissed thanks to its exceptional quality and passion.

They take pride in crafting eight different wines, including whites, reds, and a rosé, showcasing their dedication to their craft. For an authentic and immersive experience, this family-run winery is an excellent choice.

10. Fattoria Torre a Cona

Fattoria Torre a Cona is a standout destination among the top wineries near Florence, offering countless experiences. This large estate caters to various preferences, whether you prefer to stay onsite in a villa, cottage, or private pool villa. Apart from accommodations, the winery is renowned for its tasty wines. Additionally, the Osteria provides delightful dining options for lunch or dinner.

Beyond wine, dining, and accommodations, Fattoria Torre a Cona offers a range of activities, such as wine tours, horseback riding, hiking, and cooking classes. It’s a fantastic place to explore if you’re seeking incredible wines, epic vineyard views, and an outstanding overall experience with numerous activity options.

11. Badia a Coltibuono

Badia a Coltibuono boasts a rich history and has been owned by the Stucchi Prinetti family since 1846. They are renowned for producing exceptional wines and olive oils, and they are mainly known for their Sangiovese-based products that reflect in their flavorful wines. The estate offers a range of experiences, such as wine tours, wine tastings paired with lunch, cooking classes, and more.

Additionally, if you decide to stay on the property, you can enjoy a variety of accommodations, including villas, rooms, and other options.

12. Azienda Agricola Montefioralle Winery

This cozy winery is a delightful destination to explore. With 4 hectares of vineyards onsite and an annual production of less than 15,000 bottles of wine, they prioritize quality in every bottle they produce. Their range includes wines like Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva.

Being a family-run business, their passion for their products and service shines through. This is the place to be if you want to support a small, family-owned business while enjoying delectable wines.

13. Azienda Agricola Casa Emma

Established in 1969, Casa Emma boasts 28 hectares of vineyards and 1000 olive trees. Its focus is on sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact, which is showcased through initiatives like Casa Emma Cares, a non-profit program supporting environmental sustainability in communities.

When you visit Casa Emma, you can enjoy delightful wines such as Chianti Classico D.O.C.G., Chianti Classico Riserva D.O.C.G. Vignalparco, and more, all while supporting eco-friendly practices.

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Vote for your favorite wine festival!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

There's a reason that Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, is often depicted as a partier; wine makes a good festival even better. From full parties to laid-back events, there's a wine festival for everyone. We've teamed up with a panel of experts to find the best wine-centric celebrations throughout the United States. Now, we're asking you to help crown the winner by voting for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 22 at noon ET. The winning festivals will be announced on Wednesday, July 31. Read the official Readers' Choice rules . 

There's a reason that Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, is often depicted as a partier; wine makes a good festival even better. From full parties to laid-back events, there's a wine festival for everyone. We've teamed up...   Read More

Best Wine Festival Nominees

Photo courtesy of KJS Photography

Black Vines

Oakland, California

Black Vines is on a mission to connect wine lovers with Black winemakers through the longest-running Black wine festival in the United States. The annual winter festival in California brings together Black winemakers, musicians, artists, and vintners for a day of tastings, food, art, and live entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Luis Esparza

California Wine Festival - Dana Point

Dana Point, California

This two-day festival in Dana Point — the first of four California Wine Festival events held throughout the state each year — offers a tasting of rare and reserve wines at sunset to kick things off before their signature event: the beachside wine festival. The three-hour afternoon affair features hundreds of fine wines alongside culinary delights like shellfish, artisanal charcuterie, and freshly-baked breads.

Photo courtesy of Alina Tyulyu

Charleston Wine + Food

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Wine + Food takes place throughout the summer with traditional epicurean experiences, from tastings to fine dining opportunities.  The festival also offers educational classes and hands-on experiences for an immersive festival that offers something for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Orlando, Florida

This multi-month culinary festival at EPCOT is further proof that Disney isn’t only for kids. Families will be thrilled at the foodie offerings and global marketplaces that represent six continents, while adult visitors will delight in the drink-around-the-world experience.

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, Hawaii

An epicurean dream come true, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is a culinary celebration of island delights fused with top talent from across the country. There are beachside barbecues, a pickleball tournament, mixology events, and a golf classic that’s usually the first event to sell out, all headlined by world-class chefs!

Photo courtesy of franckreporter / E+

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival

Rhinebeck, New York

More than 300 vendors set up at this fall festival in upstate New York. Food trucks, wineries with pop-up tasting rooms, and celebrity chef demonstrations make for an entertaining weekend.  

Photo courtesy of The International Pinot Noir Celebration

International Pinot Noir Celebration

McMinnville, Oregon

Oregon is known throughout the world for its outstanding pinot noirs, and this grape is celebrated each July during the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration. This three-day event includes vineyard tours, winery lunches, special tastings, and numerous seminars.

Photo courtesy of Mark Funkhouser Photography

Key West Food & Wine Festival

Key West, Florida

Escape winter and head to the sunny Florida Keys. This creative festival held in January is the perfect escape for the wintertime blues. Enjoy a series of over 20 unique events that includes chef and winemaker collaborations, as well as waterfront tastings.

Photo courtesy of ViewApart // Getty Images

Lodi Wine Festival

Lodi, California

Often overlooked as a wine destination, Lodi plays host annually to the Lodi Wine Festival on the Lodi Grape Festival grounds, where locals and visitors have been celebrating the grape harvest for over 80 years. This one-day fest offers wine tastings of over 200 varietals from up to 40 wineries.

Photo courtesy of Mila Bridger

Naples Winter Wine Festival

Naples, Florida

Each January, the Naples Winter Wine Festival raises money for local underprivileged and at-risk kids. In addition to a charity wine auction, the festival includes a number of intimate wine dinners around Naples, Florida, where guests can mingle with top chefs and vintners.

Photo courtesy of Tami Wong

San Diego, California

Spread over two days, this San Diego festival focuses on natural wine producers. Nat Diego's aim is to highlight under-the-radar wineries, as well as introduce attendees to the natural wine scene. The event is whimsical and casual, featuring a walk-around tasting and a live DJ.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

New York City Wine & Food Festival

New York City, New York

This annual festival brings oenophiles together in Manhattan and Brooklyn for four days of pours from both renowned producers as well as emerging wineries. There are more than 80 events featuring more than 500 chefs from all over the world.

Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl Stadium

Rose Bowl Rosé Festival

Pasadena, California

Rosé fans won’t want to miss out on this playful festival that takes over the Rose Bowl Stadium field in Pasadena. Attendees can choose from general admission or VIP entry, the latter of which permits access to the field an hour early.  A live DJ spins while more than 40 rosé producers pour up samples.

Photo courtesy of Kaeli Hearn

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival

Sandy beaches and sailboats set the scene for this week-long festival in San Diego. Celebrity chefs, top-notch winemakers, mixologists, master sommeliers, brewmasters, and James Beard Award-winning authors join together for a bevy of exciting events.

Photo courtesy of Gabriella Marks

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This five-day festival each September showcases the culinary and wine culture of Santa Fe. Some 90 wineries from around the nation partner with more than 60 Santa Fe restaurants for cooking demos, wine seminars, luncheons, and dinners, culminating in the Grand Tasting on the grassy lawn of Magers Field in downtown Santa Fe. 

Photo courtesy of World Red Eye

South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Miami Beach, Florida

One of the best-known wine and food fests in the U.S, South Beach Wine & Food Festival has featured some of the country’s most notable chefs (thanks to its Food Network partnership) and winemakers for over 20 years. Enjoy more than 100 events during this four-day fest.

Photo courtesy of Alexander Rubin

Taste of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, California

As one of California's premier wine regions, it’s only natural that Taste of Sonoma would celebrate their renowned producers with a festival. More than 100 wineries are featured in a walk-around wine tasting. To keep the palate fresh, there’s also a beer garden to break up all the vino, as well as curated, complimentary dishes from local food trucks.

Photo courtesy of Aubrie LeGault

Taste Washington

Seattle, Washington

More than 200 Washington state wineries come together to showcase what their state has to offer. True to its name, the weekend-long event provides plenty of opportunities for tasting.  Taste Washington also offers educational seminars, and an experiential dinner series ensures enlightening conversations around food and beverage is around every corner.

Photo courtesy of Chris Baker

Uncorked: San Diego

The day-long Uncorked: San Diego festival evokes the feel of a backyard gathering with your closest friends.  More than 100 wines, sparkling beverages, and even canned cocktails and seltzers are there to be sipped and celebrated.  The casual event offers lawn games and food trucks for a stay-all-day vibe.

Photo courtesy of Zweifel Studios

World of Pinot Noir

Santa Barbara, California

World of Pinot Noir brings together notable winemakers from pinot noir-producing wineries along with chefs, sommeliers, and wine scholars who lead educational wine seminars. Held at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara — one of California’s best wine regions — more than 200 wineries participate.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Jenny peters.

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Jillian Dara

Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on...   Read More

Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on travel, wine, spirits and culture. Growing up in Bermuda, Jillian quickly became comfortable on planes and intrigued by the concept of the unfamiliar. Traveling, eating, and imbibing may be part of the "job" but Jillian truly believes in the whimsical power of a local experience or meeting over a traditional spirit to bond strangers in the most chance of circumstances. Outside of 10Best, Jillian's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Elite Traveler and Hemispheres.

Joanne and Tony DiBona

Travel memories may fade over time, but...   Read More

Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.

Katy Spratte Joyce

Katy Spratte Joyce is a Midwest-based food, wine,...   Read More

Katy Spratte Joyce is a Midwest-based food, wine, travel, and design writer. She has contributed to Travel+Leisure, Eating Well, ELLE DECOR, Chilled Magazine, The New York Times, and  more . She enjoys a jammy Pinot, aggressive brunching, and traveling the globe in search of her next great story. 

Lynn and Cele Seldon

Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is...   Read More

Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is Seldon Ink and have spent more than 25 years covering all aspects of culinary and travel writing. With a keen focus on the Southeast and a particular love of the Carolinas, they have written dozens of magazine and newspaper articles about the area and have become self-professed experts along the way. Their work has appeared in Southern Living, Taste of the South, The Local Palate, Cruise Travel, South Carolina Living, South Carolina Magazine, TrailBlazer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Charlotte Observer , various in-flight publications and many AAA magazines. They are also the authors of 100 Things To Do In Charleston Before You Die from Reedy Press. Follow along on their adventures at www.seldonink.com or @seldonink.

Sarah May Grunwald

Sarah May Grunwald is a wine, food, and travel...   Read More

Sarah May Grunwald is a wine, food, and travel writer originally from California She is a certified sommelier and former professor of wine. She gardens and keeps bees in the Roman countryside and has seven rescue dogs and three cats. She leads wine and food tours in Rome and the country of Georgia. She co-owns a Tbilisi food and wine tour company called Taste Georgia. Sign up for her Substack newsletter Contadina , and find her on Instagram at @sarahmaygrunwald and @tastegeorgia .

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Who we are & what we do

We're Grape!

What sets Grape Tours apart is our extensive knowledge of Italy's wine regions, backed by three decades of experience in the wine industry. This experience has granted us valuable connections to some of the finest wineries, many of which prioritize sustainable and organic viticulture—an aspect that holds great importance for us.

We are committed to the belief that life is too short to drink bad wine, and our personal and professional goal is to always feature high-quality selections in our itineraries. Our approach to wine is comprehensive, with storytelling playing a crucial role in our tours.

Grape Tours was founded by Rebecca and Pierre, and we are actively involved in every aspect of the business. Our dedicated team comprises wine professionals whom we've proudly gathered over the years. If you have any questions and reach out via email , you'll likely hear from Ilaria Miele , one of our earliest team members. The rest of the team looks forward to meeting you at our designated meeting poin t in Florence.

HGTV / MAX is airing Fixer to Fabulous Italiano where our friends Dave & Jenny Marrs help us renovate our farmhouse, Campo Sasso.

Rebecca Christophersen Gouttenoire launched the tuscan-wine-tours.com website in 2004, laying the groundwork for Grape Tours. Driven by her deep passion for Tuscan wine, she recognized the growing demand for high-quality wine tours among increasingly well-traveled guests. Leveraging her prior connections established during her tenure as a wine bar owner in Florence and later as a wine distributor, she shaped Grape Tours into a reputable venture.

Rebecca holds certification as an Italian Wine Scholar educator and offers wine education programs catering to both beginners and professionals.

Rebecca personally runs all the multiple-day Grapetrotters trips in Italy.

Rebecca writes the newslette rs and once in a while on the blog .

Rebecca and Pierre are a couple in business in life with 2 boys and a dog.

Here you can read the full version of how Rebecca & Pierre met which is quite a nice story!

Pierre Gouttenoire, co-founder of Grape Tours, is a French winemaker and enologist holding a M.Sc degree in agronomy. With over 15 years of experience, he has worked for leading wine companies in France.

Pierre enjoys to spend time on the family farm  called Campo Sasso in Chianti Classico where he tends to a small vineyard, an olive grove and a cheese cellar.

Campo Sasso is an old farmhouse renovation that was also featured on HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous Italiano.

From time to time, Pierre guides tours in France and occasionally in Tuscany for connoisseurs, but his primary role is overseeing the seamless operation of the business.

Pierre's childhood in Roquefort, in the south of France, fostered his passion for cheese. Consequently, he manages the purchasing and aging of cheeses for Formaggioteca Terroir, a Cheese & Wine Bar that the couple established in downtown Florence.

Both Rebecca and Pierre hold certificates of Olive Oil Experts and produce and export their own prime quality organic extra virgin olive oil .