Best Winery with Restaurant and wine tasting from Florence

If you’re looking to indulge in a truly memorable Tuscan experience, this wine tour from Florence to San Gimignano might just be what you need. While many tours focus solely on wine tasting or sightseeing, this one combines several elements that make it stand out: a private tour of a medieval tower, a tasting of some of Tuscany’s finest wines, a delicious light lunch, and even a professional photoshoot to keep your memories alive. It’s a well-rounded, thoughtfully curated experience suited for those who love good food, great wine, and a touch of history in a scenic setting.

What drew our attention is the emphasis on quality and the personal touches—no crowded tasting rooms here. Plus, the views from the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chigi Tower, promise to be breathtaking. We also appreciate that it’s a package that offers more than just wine; it’s an immersive moment you can cherish and share. One potential consideration? The price isn’t the cheapest on the market, but for the exclusivity and variety of experiences packed into the 3-hour window, many would say it’s worthwhile.

This experience is ideal if you’re a wine enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone craving a refined outing in one of Italy’s most picturesque towns. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine a scenic visit with some gourmet indulgence—plus, the inclusion of professional photos is a lovely bonus for those wanting keepsakes.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Private tour of San Gimignano’s historic tower with a personalized photoshoot.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from the UNESCO-listed Chigi Tower, perfect for memorable photos.
• Tastings & Food: Sample top Tuscan wines, extra virgin olive oils, and a light, delicious lunch featuring local ingredients.
• Comprehensive Package: Combines sightseeing, wine education, gastronomy, and souvenir photography.
• Well-Priced for Value: At around $58 per person, it offers a complete, curated experience.
• Ideal for Lovers of Culture and Cuisine: An elegant way to experience Tuscany’s heritage and flavors.

A Detailed Look at What to Expect

Meeting in San Gimignano and the Private Tower Tour

Your experience begins at Tenuta Torciano, situated conveniently near public transportation in San Gimignano. From there, you’ll head towards the Chigi Tower, a medieval structure that’s part of the town’s UNESCO World Heritage listing. This isn’t just a touristy viewpoint—it’s a chance to step inside a historic tower, walk through its ancient corridors, and take in views that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The tour of this tower is private, making it a more intimate exploration of San Gimignano’s medieval past.

The Light Tuscan Lunch and Wine Tasting

After soaking in the history, you’ll sit down on the tower’s terrace, where a delicious light lunch awaits. Expect a selection of local products, including Tuscan cheeses, salami, and bruschetta, all designed to complement the wine tasting. The menu features hearty yet refined options like Truffle Lasagna or Tuscan Ribollita, giving you a taste of regional flavors. Finish with Cantuccini served with dessert wine—a perfect, sweet ending.

The wine selection is impressive, including classics like Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Chianti DOCG, and Chianti Classico DOCG, as well as some “Super Tuscan” options such as Baldassarre, Cavaliere, and Bartolomeo. For those who love olive oils, you’ll also get to sample extra virgin olive oils, truffle olive oil, and spicy pepper olive oil, along with Balsamic Vinegar Gold Reserve.

Professional Photoshoot: Making Memories

One unique feature of this experience is the inclusion of a professional photography session. A photographer will capture your moments against the stunning backdrop of San Gimignano’s landscape and the tower itself. You’ll end up with high-quality photos to keep, making your trip not just a fleeting moment but a lasting memory.

Duration, Group Size, and Booking Considerations

The entire experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how long you spend enjoying each part. It’s designed for groups up to 300 travelers, but the private tower tour and photoshoot create a feeling of exclusivity, so expect a more intimate atmosphere.

Most travelers book this experience about 22 days in advance, which is a good tip if you’re planning your trip during peak season. The tour is suitable for most, including service animals, and is accessible via public transportation.

Price and Value

At $57.84 per person, this tour is priced competitively given what’s included. When you consider the private tour, tastings of premium wines and oils, a scenic lunch, and professional photos, it offers good value for those wanting an immersive, well-rounded Tuscan experience. The reviews mention that the food and wine are highly praised, with one reviewer noting that the lasagna was “the best in all of Italy,” and the guide, Lorenzo, received glowing compliments for his knowledge and friendliness.

Cancellation and Weather

Flexibility is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Keep in mind that the tour is weather-dependent, and if it rains or the weather turns bad, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who appreciates good wine, history, and scenic views. It’s especially suited to those interested in a more personalized, relaxed experience rather than large, crowded tours. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend an afternoon in San Gimignano, enjoy regional cuisine, and capture beautiful photos, this tour could be a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking an elegant yet authentic taste of Tuscany, this winery tour offers a compelling mix of history, gastronomy, and visual memories. Its private tower visit and professional photos make it feel special, and the variety of wines and local products ensures there’s plenty to savor. While it’s not the cheapest option, the quality and thoughtfulness behind the experience justify the price for many.

If you’re someone who loves combining scenic exploration with gourmet indulgence, this tour is worth considering. It balances the charm of San Gimignano’s medieval streets with the refined pleasures of wine and food—an enjoyable way to deepen your appreciation for Tuscany’s heritage.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour doesn’t specifically mention children, most travelers can participate. If you’re traveling with kids, consider whether they’ll enjoy the wine tasting and photoshoot. The experience is more adult-focused but doesn’t exclude younger family members.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how long you spend enjoying each part of the tour, including the photoshoot.

What is included in the light lunch?
The lunch features Tuscan cheeses, salami, bruschetta, and a choice between Truffle Lasagna or Tuscan Ribollita, finished with Cantuccini and dessert wine.

What kind of wines are tasted?
You’ll sample a selection of high-quality wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Super Tuscans like Baldassarre, Cavaliere, and Bartolomeo.

Are the photos included in the price?
The photos are part of the experience, taken by a professional photographer, and are a keepsake from your visit.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund.

How do I book this experience?
Most travelers book about three weeks in advance. You can reserve your spot through the provided link or directly with the provider, Tenuta Torciano Winery.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation isn’t explicitly included, but the meeting point is easily accessible near public transit. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to San Gimignano.

In essence, this tour offers a refined slice of Tuscany—combining history, food, wine, and beautiful scenery with a personal touch. It’s a great pick for those wanting a quality, memorable experience in San Gimignano without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or rushed.