Horseback Ridings and Wine Tastings in a Winery of San Gimignano

Exploring the Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in San Gimignano: A Detailed Look

If you’re planning a trip to Florence and craving something beyond the city’s bustling streets, this Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting tour in San Gimignano might catch your eye. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, based on available reviews and detailed descriptions, it appears to be a thoughtfully curated experience that combines the joys of riding, tasting, and soaking in the Tuscan landscape.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to escape Florence’s crowds and enjoy the serenity of Tuscany’s countryside. Second, the mix of a guided horseback ride through vineyards and woods, paired with a wine tasting and delicious Tuscan snacks. But no experience is perfect—an important consideration is that this tour is limited to a small group of 15, which is great for personal attention, but requires booking well in advance. It seems ideally suited for those who love good wine, scenic rides, and a relaxed pace, rather than high-energy adventures or luxury-only experiences.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances the personalized experience.
• Horseback riding through vineyards and olive groves offers a genuine connection with the landscape.
• The combination of riding, tasting, and dining makes for a memorable day.
• The tour is priced at $583.70 per person, reflecting the inclusion of transportation, activities, and tastings.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, but children under 7 aren’t permitted, and those planning to join should dress appropriately for physical activity.
• The experience is weather-dependent and requires a minimum of two guests to run.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting in Florence at around 9:00am, the tour begins with a pickup that promises a smooth transfer to the scenic heart of Tuscany. The first part of the experience is a brief walk through the host’s historic property, setting the tone for a day rooted in tradition and local craftsmanship. This initial step is also a chance to get acquainted with the staff and learn about the property’s history.

Next comes the horseback riding segment—about an hour long—on well-trained horses suitable for all levels of riders. This isn’t just a casual stroll; it’s a chance to go off-road and into the vineyards and woods surrounding San Gimignano. Expect to explore ancient paths that wind through rustic vineyards and olive groves, with guides sharing insights into the land and its agricultural practices. The riding experience seems to be very much about enjoying the scenery, rather than challenging rides; reviews mention beautiful surroundings and friendly horses making the activity accessible and enjoyable.

After the ride, you’ll settle in for a Tuscan lunch paired with local wines. This isn’t just about filling up; it’s a curated tasting experience with Tuscan cheeses, salami, bruschetta, and cantuccini biscuits with dessert wine. The food is described as delicious, and the wine tasting is a highlight, featuring Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, and Super Tuscans. The tasting isn’t just about sampling wines; guides aim to uncover the art of food and wine pairing, elevating the experience.

Following lunch, the visit to Tenuta Torciano takes you deeper into the heart of wine production. The wine tasting and pairing session is designed to be engaging and educational, yet approachable, offering a chance to savor some of Tuscany’s most renowned wines in a relaxed setting.

The Value of This Experience

At $583.70 per person, the cost might seem steep at first glance. However, considering it includes transportation, a horseback ride, a hearty Tuscan lunch, and multiple wine tastings, it offers quite a comprehensive package. The small group size means you’ll get more attention from guides and a more intimate experience, which many travelers find worth the price.

What We Love About This Tour

The scenic horseback riding segment seems particularly special. Being able to meander through vineyards and woods on well-trained horses, guided by experts, adds a layer of authenticity and fun that you might not get on a typical bus tour. Reviewers echo this sentiment, describing the horseback ride as “beautiful surroundings” and “top notch,” with one saying it was “worth every penny.”

The wine tasting at the winery appears to be a highlight, with a guided experience that includes local wines paired with tasty snacks. Many mention the excellent selection of wines, and the fact that the tour includes local specialties like cheeses and salami makes it feel authentic and satisfying.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is that children under 7 aren’t permitted, so this experience isn’t suitable for families with very young kids. Plus, the tour has a minimum number of two guests to operate, so if you’re traveling alone or in a small group, you might want to verify availability well in advance. Since the tour depends on weather conditions (being outdoors and on horseback), rain or bad weather could cause cancellations or rescheduling.

Another consideration is the price—while it offers good value for a full day of activities, it’s definitely an investment, especially for those on a tighter budget. If you’re primarily interested in wine or sightseeing, there might be more economical options, but they may lack the unique horseback experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Welcome

The experience kicks off at the designated meeting point, Piazza Adua in Florence, where a friendly staff member will pick you up. The ride to Tuscany takes approximately an hour, giving you a relaxed start to your day.

Walk and Introduction

Once at the winery, you’re given a chance to walk through the property—an opportunity to appreciate the setting and get acclimated before riding.

Horseback Riding

The horseback riding lasts about an hour. The guides take you on off-road trails amid vineyards and woods. Expect well-trained horses and a gentle pace suitable for all levels. Reviewers mention feeling at ease with the horses and enjoying the scenic views. The ride is a highlight, especially as it provides a unique perspective of the landscape.

Lunch and Wine Pairing

Post-ride, you’ll indulge in a Tuscan lunch packed with local ingredients—cheeses, salami, bruschetta, and sweet cantuccini biscuits. The wine tasting follows, with a variety of local wines, including Brunello, Chianti, and Super Tuscans, paired with the food.

Wine Tasting at Tenuta Torciano

The afternoon is spent at Tenuta Torciano, where you’ll explore the wine cellar and enjoy guided tastings. The focus here is on understanding and appreciating the local wines, making it both a sensory and educational experience.

Return to Florence

The tour concludes with transportation back to Florence, ensuring a smooth end to a full day of riding, tasting, and exploring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous wine lovers who enjoy a relaxed, outdoor activity and are open to horseback riding. It’s ideal if you want a day away from city crowds, immersed in the beauty of Tuscany’s countryside. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates good wines, scenic views, and tasty local food, this tour checks many boxes.

While not specifically tailored for families with very young children, older kids and teenagers who are comfortable on horses might find it enjoyable. The tour’s intimate size and focus on quality over quantity make it a great choice for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a combination of activity and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding and wine tasting tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s essence—beautiful landscapes, excellent wines, and the simple pleasure of riding through vineyards. The small-group format ensures a more personalized experience, and the inclusion of a guided tasting adds educational value.

The tour’s prices reflect the depth of experience, quality of guides, and the exclusivity of the setting. It’s a good pick for those who want to enjoy scenic riding, savor local wines, and indulge in authentic Tuscan flavors without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

If you’re looking for a memorable day that balances activity and leisure, and don’t mind an investment, this tour could be just the ticket.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from Florence and back to the meeting point, making logistics much simpler.

Can I join if I’m a beginner rider?
The description suggests a quick lesson before riding, so beginners should be able to participate comfortably. The guides are experienced and will ensure you feel at ease.

What should I wear?
Dressing appropriately for physical activity is recommended—comfortable shoes and trousers suitable for walking and riding. It’s wise to check the weather and bring layers if needed.

Are children allowed?
Children under 7 are not permitted for safety reasons, so plan accordingly.

What wines are tasted?
The tasting features Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, and Super Tuscans, among others, with a focus on local varieties.

How long is the horseback ride?
The horseback segment lasts about an hour, during which you’ll go off-road through vineyards and woods.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, since it’s outdoors, bad weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with options for a different date or a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers horseback riding, lunch, wine tasting, and transportation. Extras like additional drinks or items outside the included snacks are not covered.

How many people typically join?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, offering a more intimate experience with personalized attention.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, outdoor activities like this are generally best in warmer months, from spring to early fall.

If you’re after a day of scenic riding, authentic wines, and delicious Tuscan bites, this tour seems to hit all the right notes. Just be prepared for the costs and weather considerations, and you’re likely to have a memorable experience exploring Tuscany’s beautiful hills.