Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour

If you’re headed to Tuscany and looking to get a genuine taste of the region’s culinary and wine-making traditions, this Chianti wine and olive oil tasting tour at Fattoria Santo Stefano could be just what you need. It’s a straightforward, one-hour experience that promises a peek into authentic Tuscan farm life—plus some excellent tastings—and it’s highly rated, with a 4.9 out of 5 from 35 reviews.

What we love about this tour is how it offers a personalized, intimate look at a family-run estate, with knowledgeable guides (mostly) sharing their passion for local food and wine. Plus, the visits to historic cellars are visually compelling, and the opportunity to taste local wines and extra-virgin olive oil right where they’re produced adds a layer of authenticity you won’t find in mass tours. On the flip side, a few visitors have noted that some parts of the experience could be smoother, especially the wine tasting segment, which might depend on the guide’s expertise at the time.

This tour suits travelers who love good wine, want a taste of Tuscany’s farm life, and are comfortable with a brief, one-hour activity. It’s especially ideal for those looking to add a cultural and gustatory highlight to their Tuscany trip without a huge time commitment. Families might find it suitable if they’re interested in food and wine, but keep in mind that the focus is on adult tastings.

Key Points

• Authentic setting: A rustic Tuscan farmhouse with centuries of history.
• Tasting experience: Sample local wines, olive oil, and some regional snacks.
• Historic cellar visits: Explore an 18th-century cellar and see how wine and Vinsanto are aged.
• Expert insights: Guides share knowledge on the estate’s construction and production.
• Value for money: At $35, it offers a compact but memorable educational experience.
• Duration: Perfect if you want a quick, focused activity—just about an hour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

First, you’ll be greeted at Fattoria Santo Stefano, located in the heart of Chianti, in the charming town of Greve in Chianti. The setup is ideal for those wanting an authentic Tuscan experience—think rolling vineyards, stone farmhouses, and a welcoming family-run atmosphere. The tour kicks off with a brief introduction to the farm’s history and the architecture, giving you a sense of the careful craftsmanship behind this estate.

Visiting the Cellars

Next, you’ll step into the large wine cellar, a well-maintained space featuring stainless steel and cement tanks, where the estate’s Chianti wines undergo fermentation. This part of the tour is pretty straightforward but adds a visual element that helps you understand the wine production process. The highlight, however, is the 18th-century cellar—a rustic space where large French oak barrels rest for six months, maturing the wine’s flavors.

In this cozy cellar, you’ll also see the small barrels used for Vinsanto, a treasured Tuscan dessert wine. It’s quite fascinating to see how traditional methods continue to shape the final product, and it adds a tangible sense of history to the experience. We loved the way the estate combines tradition with modern production, which is evident in the picturesque barrels and cellar layout.

Tasting the Flavors

After the cellar visits, you’ll head back to the small wine shop for the tasting. This is where the real fun begins. You’ll sample several local wine varieties—likely Chianti—and enjoy some extra-virgin olive oil directly from the estate’s Orciaia, where the oil is stored fresh after pressing. The tasting is complemented by regional snacks, so you get a full sensory experience.

Reviewers have expressed delight at the quality of the wines and olive oils. One guest mentioned being “surprised by the delicious food” shared during their tasting, which hints at a simple but flavorful offering of local products. The overall value here is high since for just $35, you’re tasting excellent products and learning about their origins.

The Knowledgeable Guide

One of the standout aspects—according to most reviews—is the guide’s knowledge. The owner’s initial introduction sets a warm tone, with insights into the farm’s construction and food traditions. However, a few guests pointed out that the tasting portion can vary depending on who is guiding that day, with some guides less comfortable or engaging than others.

Despite this, many visitors appreciated the family-owned charm of the estate and the genuine passion that comes through when guides share their stories. It’s a relaxed, informal environment—think of it as visiting a friend’s farm rather than a commercial tour.

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The Practicalities

• Duration: Just about 1 hour, making it perfect for filling a short window of free time.
• Price: $35 per person for a solid introduction to Chianti wines and olive oils; a fair price considering the private, intimate setting.
• Location: Fattoria Santo Stefano, Via Collegalle 3, Greve in Chianti. It’s easy to reach if you’re already in Tuscany, especially if you’re staying in or near Greve.
• Transportation: Not included, so plan to arrange your own transport or consider adding a transfer if available.
• Group size: Private group, which means a more personalized experience, although this can sometimes mean less social interaction with other travelers.
• Shoes: Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the farm and cellar areas.

User Feedback and Real Experiences

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture, with most reviewers praising the scenery, the quality of the wines, and the hospitality. For example, one guest happily shared that they had a “wonderful place” with “more than we expected,” and another called the experience “extensively educational and delicious.”

However, there is a note of caution from a less satisfied guest who felt the wine tasting was not as engaging—highlighting that the experience can depend heavily on the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge. But even then, the prime appeal remains the authentic farm setting and the chance to taste local products right where they are made.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re curious about Tuscan wine and olive oil production and want a quick, authentic experience in a family-run farm setting, this tour offers great value. It’s especially well-suited for those looking for a short, intimate, and informative activity that fits into a busy itinerary.

You’ll leave with a better understanding of local wine styles, a taste of excellent olive oil, and lovely memories of a rustic Tuscan farm. Just keep in mind that the tasting experience can vary depending on the guide, so if you love detailed knowledge and engaging stories, it’s worth arriving with expectations set for a relaxed, honest look at farm life rather than a polished wine presentation.

Is This Tour Family-Friendly?

While the experience is mainly about adult tastings, it could be enjoyable for families with older children interested in food and drink. Small children or those not interested in wine might find the experience less engaging, but the farm setting itself offers a lovely backdrop for a relaxed walk or exploration.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the farm or consider booking an add-on transfer if available.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 1 hour, making it a perfect quick activity that won’t take up your whole day.

Can I visit with a private group?
Yes, the tour is offered as a private experience, which means you’ll have personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the cellar tour and wine tasting, including local wines and olive oil.

Is there a dress code?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking around the farm and in cellar areas.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is designed for adults interested in wine and olive oil; it’s not specifically tailored for children.

What type of wines will I taste?
You can expect to taste local Chianti varieties, along with the estate’s olive oil and some regional snacks.

Would I recommend this experience?
If you’re after a genuine, no-frills insight into Tuscan wine-making and want to enjoy a peaceful farm atmosphere, yes. Just don’t expect a highly formal or extensive tour—think of it more as a warm introduction.

To sum it up, this Chianti wine and olive oil tasting tour offers a charming, authentic slice of Tuscany that’s particularly good for those wanting a brief but meaningful connection to the region’s food and wine traditions. Its intimate setting and honest approach make it a worthwhile choice for travelers seeking a taste of local life, especially if they’re in the Greve area and looking for something relaxed and educational. While the wine tasting segment may vary in enthusiasm depending on the guide, overall, it’s a lovely experience that captures the spirit of Tuscany—simple, genuine, and delicious.

You can check availability for your dates here: