Must Visit Wineries in Tuscany
To me, there is no such thing as the 'ultimate top 10 wineries', considering the abundance of remarkable wineries in every region, each with its own distinct history and narrative deserving of attention. Nonetheless, I have put together a list of the ten wineries in Tuscany that have truly captivated me with their exceptional wines and the enriching experiences of visiting their vineyards.
Booking a tasting at certain wineries can be challenging, either due to limited availability or they are hard to get in touch with. If you require assistance in securing a tour and tasting at any of these wineries, please feel free to reach out to me. I will ensure you have the opportunity to embark on a delightful wine-tasting adventure. Do keep in mind that larger groups, exceeding 10 people, can pose logistical challenges for wineries to accommodate.
1. Tenuta di Biserno
Tenuta di Biserno is situated in Bibbona, just a 10-minute drive north of Bolgheri, an area renowned for its top Italian producers. Founded as a collaborative effort between brothers Piero and Lodovico Antinori, this estate brings together the innovative minds of the Antinori family to create magnificent wines. Described by Lodovico as more of a "hobby" project, the aim is to fully express the terroir of the vineyard in their wines, a goal which they have successfully achieved. Although it may be a small winery, it holds a prominent reputation among wine enthusiasts.
They craft four distinct wines, starting with Insoglio del Cinghiale as their entry-level offering, followed by Il Pino, Biserno Bibbona, and their flagship wine, the Lodovico. If you ever have the opportunity to indulge in the Lodovico, I strongly encourage you to seize it! While it may come with a higher price tag, the experience is truly unparalleled and something you won't regret.
2. Fontodi
Fontodi is situated in the charming village of Panzano, approximately an hour's drive south of Florence. Panzano holds a special place in my heart for viticulture, as many of my favorite wineries originate from this picturesque region. Among Fontodi's notable offerings is their flagship wine, the Flaccianello Della Pieve, a must-have for any wine enthusiast. Additionally, their Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is not to be overlooked. Fontodi excels particularly in crafting exceptional wines from Sangiovese grapes. However, they also produce outstanding 100% Pinot Noir and 100% Syrah wines.
Visiting the winery is an experience not to be missed, especially for the breathtaking natural surroundings and the panoramic view it offers. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with its stunning vineyards, exquisite wines, and exceptionally picturesque views.
3. Brancaia
Brancaia is a remarkable winery with a captivating narrative. It is helmed by Barbara Widmer, a pioneering woman leading a top-tier winery—an uncommon sight in the Italian wine scene. This alone warrants recognition and a spot on any list. Hospitality at Brancaia is exceptional, with guided tours of the estate offering a comprehensive insight into their vision, conducted by welcoming and knowledgeable staff.
Tastings are held in a room atop the winery, boasting breathtaking views of the vineyards. Here, guests are treated to tasty snacks alongside a vertical tasting of their wines. Additionally, Brancaia's osteria deserves acclaim, featuring fresh, high-quality produce, delightful truffle pastas, and superb wine pairings.
4. Castello dei Rampolla
Castello dei Rampolla is a winery with a captivating narrative, where the visionary legacy of founder Alceo di Napoli is upheld by Luca and Maurizia di Napoli. Continuing their father's pioneering work, the siblings have transformed the estate through biodynamic farming practices, eschewing chemical treatments in the vines and embracing manual harvesting. Similar to Fontodi, Castello dei Rampolla is nestled in Panzano, so close in fact, that they're practically neighbors—they can even exchange waves from their respective hillsides.
The hospitality here is warm and welcoming, with a genuine willingness to engage and share insights without being constrained by time. There's no rush to finish within a set timeframe; instead, visitors are encouraged to linger and savor the experience. Tastings offer the opportunity to sample various vintages, with ample explanations provided on their biodynamic philosophy and how it manifests in their wines. A visit to this innovative yet timeless winery comes highly recommended!
5. Tenuta Argentiera
Tenuta Argentiera is a winery that commands my utmost respect. Established in 1999 by Austrian entrepreneur Stanislaus Turnauer, it may be relatively young, but it has swiftly risen to prominence. Smartly positioning themselves during the emergence of Bolgheri, they have distinguished themselves by offering exceptional wines that provide excellent value for money. Their Bolgheri Superiore, priced at €80, stands out as a true bargain when compared to neighboring wineries in terms of both quality and cost.
An interesting tidbit: the estate was once a silver mine. Today, its cellar stands as a testament to its storied past, showcasing an impressive blend of innovation and traditional winemaking practices. Perched atop a hill, Tenuta Argentiera offers breathtaking views of the region and the sea, balancing the fusion of modernity and heritage in winemaking. A visit here is truly worthwhile!
6. Guado al Tasso
It is widely known that Guado al Tasso is under the esteemed ownership of the Marchesi Antinori family. However, while the Antinori winery in Chianti might not necessarily be a must-visit destination, as it tends to prioritize mass tourism over quality tours, their approach is markedly different at Guado al Tasso in Bolgheri.
Despite being a sizable estate, the attention and care given to visitors at Guado al Tasso make for an exceptional wine tasting experience. Time is devoted to each guest, ensuring a thorough exploration of their top Bolgheri Superiore vintages through vertical tastings. Additionally, the winery's Osteria del Tasso merits mention, offering superb game meat dishes and an impressive wine selection featuring their top wines from unique vintages, all at fair prices.
7. Fattoria le Pupille
Once more, we find a winery led by a great woman! Elisabetta Geppetti is the driving force behind Fattoria le Pupille. Swapping her classroom lessons for the pursuit of her dreams, she founded the estate in 1978. The hospitality at Fattoria le Pupille is exceptional; despite being a small, esteemed winery in the Italian wine industry, visitors are warmly welcomed and guided through the estate, treated to tastings of several outstanding vintages. Situated south of the Maremma coast, just a short fifteen-minute drive from Grosseto, it is easily accessible.
Fattoria le Pupille is undeniably impressive; all their wines rank among the top 1% in Italy yet remain remarkably affordable. Their flagship wine, Saffredi, is a must-try, offering exceptional value for money. Equally noteworthy is the Poggio al Valente, a 100% Sangiovese wine priced at €40, which rivals esteemed wines like Cepparello without compromising on quality.
8. Isole e Olena
Paolo de Marchi, affectionately known as Mr. Sangiovese, has dedicated decades to meticulously crafting and perfecting the conditions for producing exceptional wines. He is the mastermind behind the iconic Cepparello, a Super Tuscan gem that every palate should savor at least once. At Isole e Olena, a classic winery boasting a stunning cellar, guests receive attentive service during tastings, providing a truly unique experience.
Isole e Olena offers an impressive lineup of five red wines: their Chianti Classico, Cepparello, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, and two single-varietal wines—100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 100% Syrah—both named Collezione Privata. Through their meticulous 100% blending, they extract the fullest potential from each grape variety in every wine. Witnessing the artistry of Marchi's winemaking firsthand is truly a remarkable experience.
9. Ornellaia
Ornellaia! Just the mention of its name is enough to make me excited—a familiar delight for wine enthusiasts everywhere. This esteemed producer crafts some of Italy's finest wines and played a pioneering role in the introduction of the 'Super Tuscan' category. Gaining entry to this prestigious wine estate can be challenging; without an appointment, you're greeted by a formidable closed gate, leaving you to ponder the wonders hidden beyond. However, once inside, you are transported into a wine lover's fairy tale, witnessing firsthand the meticulous care and attention devoted to crafting their exclusive wines.
Although their offerings, such as Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore and Masseto, may come with a hefty price tag, they remain highly sought-after. Unfortunately, despite the reasonably high production of Bolgheri Superiore, with approximately 150,000 bottles entering the market each year, this quantity still falls short of meeting the demand in the market, leading to rising prices. Nonetheless, as a wine lover, a visit to this estate is a must to experience the enchantment firsthand and savor the distinctive charms of their wines.
10. Petrolo
And lastly, Petrolo. Describing it as merely a gem does not quite do it justice. In recent years, it has garnered significant attention, particularly for its flagship wine, the 'Galatrona'. This 100% Merlot wine, in my opinion, stands as the best value-for-money offering of its kind on the market. Competing with the likes of Masseto, L'apparita, and Redigaffi, Galatrona delivers unparalleled value, with competitor prices ranging from double to nine times higher. It is certainly worth considering giving Galatrona a try. At Petrolo, tastings are conducted with meticulous care and attention, allowing guests to sample all their wines while indulging in various cheeses and meats.
Their Torrione also warrants recognition! For just 30 euros, you can enjoy a superb blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Additionally, the Boggina A demands attention—a 100% Sangiovese wine with a limited production of 3,000 bottles. This is a Sangiovese offering not to be overlooked. In my view, Petrolo offers the best value for money across the entire list. A visit is highly recommended!
