Florence Uncorked: Wine Tasting and History

If you’re looking to add a unique flavor to your Florence visit, Florence Uncorked offers a cozy, engaging way to experience the city’s wine scene while learning a bit about its past. This wine and history tour is perfect for those who enjoy good drinks paired with stories, and who want to get a taste of Tuscany’s famed viticulture without leaving the city center.

What we really love about this experience is its casual, intimate vibe—limited to just 10 participants—and the fact that it’s led by a certified fun sommelier. Plus, the inclusion of local snacks and a fun, quick demonstration of sabrage (popping a bottle with a sword) keeps it lively. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience (just 1.5 hours), so if you’re craving a deep dive into Tuscan wines or a more extensive tasting, this might feel a bit light.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed, informative, and fun introduction to Florence’s wine culture—whether you’re a casual sipper or a budding wine enthusiast. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate stories woven into their tasting experiences, rather than just tasting wine in isolation.

Key Points

• Concise and engaging: A 1.5-hour experience that combines wine tasting with historical storytelling.
• Small group setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Variety of wines: Tastes include Chianti Classico, Brunello, and Vernaccia or Vermentino, offering a good regional cross-section.
• Tasty local snacks: Salami, prosciutto, cheese, and more to complement the wines.
• Unique ending: A celebratory prosecco and a quick demonstration of sabrage.
• Great value: At around $57, it’s a fun, immersive, and affordable way to learn about Tuscan wine in Florence.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Setting and Atmosphere

The tour kicks off at the Taverna dei Servi, a charming restaurant housed in a medieval cellar. The ambiance feels authentic—stone walls, vintage vinyls, and a cozy vibe set the perfect stage for a relaxed evening. This location not only lends a sense of history but also makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The intimate size of the group (max 10 people) keeps the experience friendly, conversational, and far from touristy.

What’s Included and How It Works

For about an hour and a half, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three carefully curated Tuscan wines—Chianti Classico, Brunello, and Vernaccia or Vermentino. The guide, a knowledgeable sommelier, shares stories about each wine, touching on how they connect to Florence’s past and culture. As one reviewer pointed out, the guide Roberto “leads the entire experience with ease, which makes you feel at home,” adding a natural, welcoming touch to the experience.

Alongside the wines, a platter of local Tuscan snacks is served—think salami, prosciutto, cheese, olives, and bruschetta. These help balance the flavors and give you a real taste of regional products. There’s also water, and for children or non-drinkers, soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite are available.

Learning the Stories and Tasting the Wines

The highlight isn’t just the tastings but the stories behind them. The guide explains the significance of wine in Florence’s history, highlighting figures like Cosimo Primo dei Medici and showing how wine has been intertwined with the city’s story for centuries. According to reviews, the stories are fun, anecdotal, and engaging—perfect for those who enjoy learning as they sip.

The wines themselves are highly praised. Reviewers mention that the Chianti and Brunello are fantastic, with one saying “the wines were fantastic,” and another appreciating the “good Chianti” they tasted. This indicates that the wines are of good quality, especially considering the reasonable price point.

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The Fun Finale: Sabrage and Prosecco

Toward the end, you’ll get to try prosecco, paired with the lively tradition of sabrage—opening a champagne bottle with a sword. This is a quick, fun demonstration that adds a memorable flair to the experience. Many guests find this a surprisingly exciting and engaging way to finish the tasting.

Practicalities and Logistics

The experience is held in a separate medieval cellar, accessible via a separate entrance to avoid crowds. It’s wheelchair accessible, and the small group size makes it easy to ask questions or get personalized attention. It’s worth noting that the tour requires a minimum of 2 guests to run, so if you’re traveling alone, it’s best to contact the host via WhatsApp to check availability.

Transportation isn’t included, so aim to arrive on foot or plan to get there via public transit. The activity starts at various times (check availability), with a flexible booking policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now, pay later for flexibility.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Guests rave about how fun and engaging the tour is. One reviewer, Maritza, highlights the knowledge and friendliness of Roberto, saying it “made us feel at home” and appreciated the stories about Florence woven into the tasting. Another guest, Altin, called it a “really very good experience,” especially liking the combination of wine with Florence’s history and a sweet ending with gelato.

A third reviewer loved the “full of vinyls” vibe of the location and called the experience “amazing and funny,” emphasizing how the stories and wines flowed together seamlessly.

Value for Money

At around $57 per person, this is a good deal considering the quality of the wines, the snacks, and the personalized service. If you’re craving a memorable evening that combines tasting with storytelling, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a light, fun introduction to Tuscan wines in Florence without committing to a full-day tour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories as much as they enjoy tasting, making it great for first-timers or casual wine lovers. If you like intimate, small-group settings and a relaxed pace, you’ll feel right at home.

It’s also a good choice for anyone interested in Florence’s history and culture, as the guide weaves stories into the tasting. However, it’s less suitable for those seeking a deep dive into wine production or a longer experience, as the duration is just 1.5 hours.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on your own. The experience starts at Taverna dei Servi and is easy to reach on foot or via public transit.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy makes it easier to book with confidence.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Soft drinks are available for children, but the tour involves wine tasting, so it’s mainly geared towards adults. Kids may enjoy the setting and snacks, but wine tasting is not intended for minors.

Will I learn anything about Florence’s history?
Absolutely. The guide shares stories about Florence’s past and how wine has played a role in its culture, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible in the medieval cellar setting.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for about 1.5 hours, making it a perfect quick but memorable activity.

Do I need any special knowledge before attending?
No prior wine knowledge is required. The guide makes everything easy to follow, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wine drinker.

Final Thoughts

Florence Uncorked: Wine Tasting and History offers a charming, authentic glimpse into Tuscany’s wine culture—all within the heart of Florence. The combination of good wines, local snacks, engaging storytelling, and a lively ending with prosecco creates a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and informative. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, small-group activity that combines education, entertainment, and delicious flavors.

If you’re keen to enjoy some of Florence’s best wines while hearing stories about the city’s past, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon or early evening, especially if you appreciate a personal touch and a lively guide who makes learning about wine enjoyable.

In summary, whether you’re a casual wine lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a memorable experience in Florence, this adventure hits just the right notes. Just remember to book in advance and arrive ready to sip, snack, and learn—cheers!

Note: Always double-check availability and starting times when booking, as these can vary. Enjoy your time in Florence and happy sipping!

You can check availability for your dates here: