Greve in Chianti: Wine Tasting & Cellar Tour

Imagine wandering through rolling hills dotted with vineyards, tasting delicious wines, and learning about centuries-old traditions—all in a relaxed, intimate setting. That’s pretty much what the Greve in Chianti: Wine Tasting & Cellar Tour offers. Hosted at the Nozzole Estate, this 1.5-hour experience promises a blend of history, craftsmanship, and, of course, fantastic wine.

What really grabs us about this tour is how it balances education with enjoyment. You get to explore the cellar and museum, which are full of vintage labels—some dating back to 1980—adding a sense of the estate’s long-standing commitment to quality. Plus, the guided tasting of three Chianti Classico wines, including a Grand Selection, feels like a genuine peek into the estate’s top-tier offerings.

A small but noteworthy consideration: the tour is quite brief, so if you’re hoping for a deep dive into winemaking or a more extensive tasting, this might leave you wanting more. That said, it’s perfect for travelers after a relaxed, informative experience with a focus on quality over quantity. It also suits those who appreciate local history, stunning views, and a more personalized touch—especially since it’s a private group.

Overall, if you’re in Tuscany and love wines—particularly Chianti—and want a manageable, intimate glimpse into a historic estate, this tour could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Concise but comprehensive: The tour lasts just 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary.
• Educational and tasting elements: Explore the cellar and museum before sampling three different Chianti Classico wines.
• Authentic Tuscan flavors: Enjoy a platter of local cheeses, bread, and DOP olive oil, adding a delicious local touch.
• Accessible and private: The experience is private, with guides speaking multiple languages, though not wheelchair accessible.
• Family and pet considerations: Dogs are welcome, but they can’t access the barrel room, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
• Great for wine lovers: The focus on Chianti Classico, with a look at vintage labels and the Sangiovese grape, makes this especially appealing for wine enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Location

The meeting point is at a wine shop in Greve in Chianti, with coordinates provided (43.62546157836914, 11.281774520874023). This central location makes it easy to find and suggests a convenient start for those exploring the region. The estate itself is set in the rolling hills typical of Chianti, promising lovely scenery along the way.

The Cellar and Museum

Once onsite, you’ll begin with a visit to the barrique cellar, which is always a highlight for wine lovers. It’s where the estate’s wines are aged in oak barrels, and this typically offers a chance to see the craftsmanship behind the bottles. The guide will probably share insights about winemaking, aging, and the importance of barrel types.

Next, the museum of historical vintages offers a glimpse into the estate’s past, with labels from 1980 onwards. We love how this adds depth to the experience—it’s not just about tasting but understanding the journey of these wines through time.

Guided Wine Tasting

The core of the experience is the guided tasting of three Chianti Classico wines:

• Nozzole Chianti Classico — their flagship, showcasing the classic Sangiovese character
• La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva — a reserve that’s likely more complex and aged
• Giovanni Folonari Chianti Classico Grand Selection — the estate’s premium label, offering a taste of their best craftsmanship

The guides explain the organoleptic characteristics of each wine—meaning they describe the aroma, taste, and mouthfeel—helping you appreciate what makes each one unique. This kind of insight really enhances the tasting, especially for those new to wine or wanting to deepen their understanding.

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Food Pairings

The tour isn’t just about wine. You’ll also enjoy a platter of Tuscan specialties, including cheese, toasted bread, and extra virgin olive oil from Tenuta di Nozzole. This pairing allows you to experience local flavors in a simple, genuine way that complements the wines beautifully.

Duration and Group Size

At 1.5 hours, the tour is a manageable and relaxed experience. It’s a private group, meaning your experience will be intimate and tailored, with guides speaking English, Italian, or French. This personal touch makes a difference, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or small group.

Accessibility and Pets

While the estate is wheelchair accessible, the barrel room and certain parts of the estate are not. Dogs are welcome but cannot access the barrel room due to hygiene reasons, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with furry friends.

What We Loved and What to Consider

The Wine and the Guides

We particularly appreciated how knowledgeable the guides are. Many reviews mention the guides’ ability to explain wine characteristics clearly and passionately, which makes the tasting more meaningful. You learn a lot about the Sangiovese grape—the star of Chianti—without feeling overwhelmed.

The Historical Context

Seeing the vintage labels from 1980 and understanding the estate’s history adds a layer of authenticity. It’s not just a tasting, but a glimpse into the estate’s evolution and dedication to quality.

The Intimate Setting

Since it’s a private tour, you get personalized attention, which we find makes the experience more relaxed and engaging. You’re less likely to feel rushed and can ask questions freely.

The Food and Olive Oil

The Tuscan specialties, especially the DOP olive oil, elevate the experience beyond just wine. It’s a nice touch that showcases local products and makes the tasting more well-rounded.

Possible Drawbacks

The short duration might leave some wanting more, especially if you’re a serious wine enthusiast or wanting to explore more labels. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, given the standard offering of cheeses and bread.

The Value for Travelers

When you consider the price, it’s a focused, high-quality experience that offers more than just wine tasting—it’s an educational peek into Chianti’s winemaking traditions. For those who enjoy learning about wine, exploring historic labels, and savoring local flavors, this tour provides solid value in a compact format.

It’s particularly good for travelers who want an authentic, intimate experience without the large crowds or over-commercialization often found at bigger wineries. If you love wine and history, and enjoy a personal touch, this trip is worth considering.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed yet informative activity in Tuscany. It’s ideal for small groups or couples who appreciate personalized attention. Since the tour is not suitable for those with food allergies or specific dietary needs, it’s better suited for travelers with fairly flexible diets.

If you’re after a quick, meaningful introduction to Chianti’s winemaking traditions coupled with beautiful scenery, you’ll likely enjoy this tour.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
This tour is mainly geared toward adult wine enthusiasts. It’s not explicitly designed for children, and the visit to the barrel room might not be suitable for young kids. Pets are welcome but can’t access certain parts of the estate.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This offers some flexibility if your travel plans are uncertain.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
The estate is wheelchair accessible, but the barrel room and certain parts are not. Keep this in mind if accessibility is a concern.

Are there options for non-drinkers or people with dietary restrictions?
The standard tasting includes wines and Tuscan specialties like cheese and olive oil. The tour isn’t suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with food allergies, so if you have specific dietary restrictions, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Italian, and French, making it accessible for a variety of travelers.

Will I get to taste the estate’s best wines?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a tasting of the Grand Selection, which is their top-tier Chianti Classico. The other two wines also showcase classic and aging characteristics.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Tuscany and want a taste of authentic Chianti without a long, complicated tour, this experience offers a sweet spot of education, flavor, and scenery. The guides’ knowledge and the chance to see vintage labels from 1980 add real depth. The setting, right in the hills of Greve, makes it a peaceful retreat from more commercialized wineries.

While it’s short and somewhat limited in scope, the personal attention and quality wines make it a worthwhile choice—especially if you’re eager to learn more about local winemaking traditions or simply enjoy a relaxed tasting session with beautiful views. For wine lovers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded experience, this tour hits the mark nicely.

Whether you’re curious about Chianti’s history, want to sample their finest wines, or just looking for a charming activity in Tuscany, this tour is a solid pick.

You can check availability for your dates here: