Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting – San Quirico Winery

Explore the Heart of Tuscany with the San Quirico Winery Gourmet Wine Tour

If you’re looking to taste genuine Tuscan wines in a setting that combines scenic beauty with authentic craftsmanship, the Gourmet Wine Tour at San Quirico Winery is a smart choice. Located just two miles from San Gimignano, this intimate experience offers a 45-minute guided tasting of four of their best wines, along with local snacks and a cellar tour. For around $38 per person, it’s a surprisingly rich experience that’s highly praised and often booked well in advance—usually about 13 days ahead.

What really draws us in are two things: First, the small, personal setting—a private tasting with knowledgeable guides, which makes the experience feel more like visiting friends than a tourist trap. Second, the quality of the wines and the food pairing, which elevates the tasting from simple wine-drinking to a memorable sensory journey. The only thing to consider is the relatively short duration—about 45 minutes—so if you’re after a leisurely, extended wine experience, this might be on the brisk side. However, it’s just right for those who want a quick, authentic taste of Tuscany’s vinicultural soul.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate good value, are keen to learn about winemaking, or want a more personal, guided experience outside a larger, busier cellar. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned oenophile, the friendly environment and carefully curated wines make it a compelling stop during your time around San Gimignano.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Small, private tastings with a focus on quality and tradition.
• Educational Value: Learn about winemaking techniques from friendly guides.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy four carefully selected wines paired with bruschetta, salami, and cheese.
• Beautiful Setting: Located on a scenic hill just outside the town, with vineyard views.
• Good Value: Under $40 for a comprehensive tasting and snacks.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple sessions are available throughout the day for convenience.

A Close Look at the San Quirico Winery Gourmet Wine Tour

Location and Setting

The San Quirico Winery is situated on a picturesque hill, offering panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. Located at Località Pancole, 35, it’s just a short drive from San Gimignano’s historic center. The setting’s charm is immediate: rolling vineyards, rustic stone buildings, and a quiet atmosphere that feels worlds away from tourist crowds.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a warm welcome at the winery’s main building, where you’ll meet your guide—often a multilingual host—who introduces the winery’s philosophy: producing quality wines that are exported worldwide while maintaining traditional methods. The visit includes a brief tour of the cellar, where you’ll see the barrels and fermentation tanks up close. This part is especially popular, as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these wines come to life.

Following the cellar walk, the real highlight begins: the tasting of four selected wines. The wines typically include some of the best labels produced on-site, such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, its Riserva “Isabella,” and a Chianti Colli Senesi. The knowledgeable guide will explain each wine’s characteristics, the grapes used, and the production techniques—adding educational value to your enjoyment.

Food Pairings and Atmosphere

The tasting is reinforced with light bites—crusty bruschetta drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, slices of local salami, and cheese—making the experience more than just wine sipping. This pairing emphasizes the local flavors and enhances the tasting notes, allowing you to appreciate how the wine complements regional ingredients.

Many reviews praise the quality of the food and the informative guidance. For example, one guest mentioned how the host’s explanations about grapes and winemaking made the tasting more meaningful. The intimate size of the group fosters a relaxed, conversational atmosphere—perfect for asking questions and learning.

The Wines and Production

San Quirico produces a variety of exclusively local wines, each with its own story. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano is the flagship white, while the Riserva Isabella spends about two years maturing in barrels, which adds complexity. The Chianti Colli Senesi is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, showcasing the region’s signature red.

They also produce organic extra virgin olive oil, which can be purchased at a discount after the tasting. Many visitors appreciate this aspect, as it rounds out a true Tuscan experience—local wines paired with excellent olive oil.

What We Love About This Tour

Two key aspects stand out. First, the personalized attention—since it’s a private tour, you get the chance to ask questions and really connect with the owners and guides. Second, the quality of the wines, which receive consistent praise for their flavor and craftsmanship. Multiple reviewers noted how delicious and well explained the wines were, making the tasting both educational and pleasurable.

Considerations

The main consideration is the duration, which is only about 45 minutes. If you’re eager for a longer, more leisurely exploration, you might feel this is brief. Also, the tour may not include a full lunch or dinner—just light snacks and a tasting—so if you’re hungry or expecting a full meal, plan accordingly.

Who Should Book?

This tour is ideal for small groups or couples seeking an authentic, intimate experience. It’s perfect if you value knowledgeable guides, quality wines, and a scenic setting. Families with children are welcome but should be aware that kids must be accompanied by adults, and the focus is on wine and food.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

If you’re visiting San Gimignano and want a short but rich dive into Tuscan wine culture, this tour hits the mark. For those eager to learn about local winemaking techniques and taste excellent wines paired with regional bites, it offers great value. The small group size and flexible schedule make it comfortable and convenient.

In addition, the scenic location and friendly, knowledgeable staff ensure that even a brief visit feels meaningful. It’s a fantastic way to support a family-run winery while enjoying some of the best that Tuscany has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour? Yes, it’s a private tasting experience for your group only, providing a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

How long does the tour last? The tasting and cellar visit take about 45 minutes, making it a quick but meaningful stop.

Can I buy wines or olive oil after the tasting? Yes, you’ll visit the winery’s shop where you can purchase wines and oil at discounted prices.

Are children allowed on this tour? Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The focus is on wine and regional food.

What wines will I taste? Expect four of the winery’s best labels, including Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Riserva “Isabella,” Chianti Colli Senesi, and other local varieties.

Is lunch included? Yes, a light lunch with bruschetta, cheeses, and salami is part of the tasting experience but not a full meal.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers? The tour is generally guided in English, with some multilingual guides, ensuring clear explanations for most visitors.

To sum it up, the San Quirico Winery Gourmet Wine Tour offers an authentic, well-paced introduction to Tuscany’s wine-making craft. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a personalized, educational experience that combines beautiful scenery, tasty wines, and regional foods. With strong reviews highlighting the guides’ knowledge and the high quality of the wines, this tour delivers good value in a memorable setting. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, it’s a charming way to deepen your appreciation of Tuscany’s winemaking tradition.