Florence: Italian wine Tasting at “Giannino San Lorenzo”

Florence: Italian Wine Tasting at “Giannino San Lorenzo” — A Guide to Savoring Italy’s Finest

If you’re dreaming of sipping some of Italy’s best wines right in the heart of Florence, this wine tasting experience at Giannino San Lorenzo might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally been to this exact tour, I’ve come across plenty of reviews and details that paint a pretty appealing picture. It offers an intimate, small-group setting where you get to taste top-quality wines and even take home a bottle of your favorite.

What immediately catches the eye is the careful selection of wines—from Vini Boeri in Piemonte to Monterò organic wines from Tuscany. Plus, the inclusion of a 750ml bottle of your chosen wine makes it feel more like a gift for yourself or a loved one than just a tasting. Another highlight that appeals to many is the flexibility: you pick your wines, and you enjoy a relaxed, 1.5-hour session that ends right where it starts, making it easy to fit into your Florence itinerary.

However, a potential snag is that the experience is relatively short—just an hour and a half—and doesn’t include transportation or food beyond the wine and some typical cuisine. This means you’ll want to plan your day accordingly, perhaps after a light lunch or before dinner. If you’re someone who loves learning about different wines and pairing them with food, and you’re okay with a straightforward tasting without a full gourmet meal, this could be a great fit.

This tour is especially suited for those who appreciate quality wine selection, want a small, relaxed group experience, and enjoy the idea of taking home a bottle. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Italy’s wine culture without the fuss of a large tour or a long day. For wine novices or those on a tight schedule, it offers a straightforward yet authentic experience.

Key Points

• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy vibe.
• Quality Wine Selection: From Piemonte’s Barbera and Chardonnay to Tuscany’s Vermentino and Morellino, the wines are well-chosen.
• Included Bottle: Each guest gets to take home a 750ml bottle of the wine they prefer, adding value beyond just the tasting.
• Flexibility: You can choose wines from two different wineries, tailoring the experience to your taste.
• Duration and Convenience: At 1.5 hours, it’s a short, manageable experience that starts and ends at the same spot—perfect for fitting into a busy day.
• Cost-Effective: At $44, it offers a decent price for a guided wine tasting with a bottle included, especially considering the quality of wines on offer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Meet Point

The experience begins at the Ristorante Giannino in San Lorenzo, a central spot in Florence. Meeting here keeps things simple and accessible, especially if you’re exploring the city center. The tour ends back at the same point, which means no additional travel or transport logistics—always a plus when you’re trying to maximize sightseeing time.

What to Expect During the Tasting

This experience really focuses on the authentic taste of Italy. You’ll be sampling two wines in 50ml glasses—enough to appreciate their nuances without overdoing it. The selection includes wines from two notable wineries: Vini Boeri from Piemonte, known for their Barbera d’Asti DOCG and Piemonte DOC Chardonnay, and Monterò organic wines from Tuscany, with options like Maremma Toscana Vermentino DOC and Morellino di Scansano DOCG.

The hosts are bilingual (English and Italian), making it accessible to international visitors. They’ll guide you through each wine’s story, flavor profile, and ideal food pairings, though the actual food served is described as “typical national cuisine,” leaving some room for curiosity about what exactly that entails.

The Wines

Wine quality seems to be a major highlight here. The top-notch selection means you’re tasting wines that are well-regarded in Italy. The Barbera and Morellino are particularly popular, with reviewers noting their excellent taste and authenticity. One review mentions, “We loved the way the wines showcased the regions’ best qualities,” which suggests a truly genuine experience.

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The Bottle You Take Home

One of the clear perks is the 750ml bottle of the wine you choose. For many, this is a highlight—an opportunity to enjoy Italian wine after the tour or gift it to someone special. It adds a tangible value to the experience, making the €44 fee feel more justified.

Additional Considerations

A few reviewers have noted that the experience is relaxed and intimate, which is ideal if you prefer getting to know your hosts and asking questions. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the availability of reservations with flexible payment options (pay later) makes it easier to plan.

However, because transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, and there’s no food beyond what’s included, so plan accordingly if you’re a foodie or looking for a full meal experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a focused, quality wine experience in Florence without the fuss of large tours, this is a good pick. It suits wine enthusiasts wanting to deepen their understanding of Italian wines, and casual drinkers curious to taste regional specialties. It’s also a good option for those who want a small-group experience, ensuring personal attention.

Families with older children might consider it if they enjoy wine tasting and are comfortable with the age restriction (no wine served to under 18s). It’s not a kid-friendly activity per se, but for wine lovers, it’s a pleasant, manageable outing.

The Sum Up

This wine tasting at Giannino San Lorenzo offers a straightforward, authentic encounter with some of Italy’s best wines. The quality of wines, the personalized attention in a small group, and the bottle of wine to take home make it a good deal for those looking to enjoy a relaxed, educational sip of Italy. The fact that you get to select wines from two esteemed wineries adds a layer of customization and depth to the experience.

While it’s not a full-blown gourmet meal or a long tour, if your goal is to sample well-curated wines, learn a bit about their origins, and leave with a personal bottle, this experience ticks those boxes nicely. It’s best suited for adventurous wine lovers who appreciate the simple pleasure of tasting and sharing stories behind each pour, rather than those seeking a comprehensive wine region tour or a culinary feast.

All in all, it’s a solid choice for a laid-back afternoon activity in Florence—especially if you’re into discovering the best wines Italy has to offer in a cozy setting.

FAQ

Is this wine tasting suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The hosts will guide you through each wine, making it accessible for those new to wine tasting.

Can I choose wines from both wineries?
Yes, you can select wines from Vini Boeri (Piemonte) and Monterò (Tuscany), customizing your tasting experience.

What’s included in the price?
You get to taste two wines (50ml glasses) and receive a 750ml bottle of your preferred wine to take home.

Is there food included?
The experience mentions typical national cuisine, but mainly focuses on wine; no detailed info about full meals.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, starting and ending at the same location.

Is transportation included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are children allowed?
Wines are not served to anyone under 18, so this experience is designed for adult participants.

Thinking about exploring Italy’s wine scene in a cozy, intimate setting? This tasting at Giannino San Lorenzo could be a delightful addition to your Florence trip, especially if you love discovering regional wines without the fuss of larger tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: