Lucca – Wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli

A Closer Look at Lucca’s Organic Wine Tasting at Tenuta Mareli

If you’re heading to the Versilia region near Lucca and love discovering small-scale, family-run wineries, this wine tasting experience at Tenuta Mareli is worth considering. For just around $34, you get approximately 1.5 hours of genuine insight into organic and biodynamic winemaking, complemented by tastings of local oils and honeys. The tour is private, meaning you’ll get personalized attention, and the setting on the gentle hills near Lucca offers both scenic beauty and a peaceful atmosphere.

What we particularly like about this experience are two key things: First, the passionate storytelling of the host, Francesca, who shares her family’s history and her love for natural wines. Second, the hands-on aspect—depending on when you visit, you may witness or even participate in parts of the winemaking process like harvest, foot pressing, or bottling.

A potential consideration is the duration variability—depending on the group size and season, the tasting can last from just over an hour to more than two hours. So, if you’re tight on time, perhaps confirm the length beforehand.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy small, intimate experiences with authentic, family-run operations, and those eager to learn about natural winemaking—it’s especially perfect for wine lovers, foodies interested in local produce, and anyone curious about organic farming methods.

Key Points

• Authentic family-owned winery offering a personal and engaging experience.
• Educational story-telling about natural wines, olive oil, and honey.
• Hands-on insights into the winemaking process, with optional participation.
• Tastings include four organic wines, oils, and honeys, paired with local cheeses and croutons.
• Beautiful vineyard setting on the hills near Lucca, ideal for scenic photos.
• Flexible tour length based on group size and season, generally 1 to over 2 hours.

An In-Depth Review of the Lucca Wine Tasting Experience

The Location and Setting

Nestled on the rolling hills of the Camaiore area, Tenuta Mareli offers more than just wine; it provides a chance to see a genuine family-run farm operating with a philosophy rooted in organic and biodynamic principles. The setting is particularly charming, with vineyards sprawling around the cellar and a charming pergola where tastings take place.

The meeting point is conveniently located in Montemagno, near Lucca, with easy access by public transportation or car. As you arrive, the peaceful countryside and the lush vineyards immediately signal that this isn’t a typical commercial winery but a place where craftsmanship and passion drive every bottle.

The Tour Itself — What to Expect

The experience begins with a brief walk around the farm, where you’ll see the vineyard and perhaps observe some of the harvesting or bottling activities if you visit during the right season. Francesca, the guide, shares her family’s story, explaining their commitment to natural, chemical-free winemaking.

Guests are then led inside the cellar and warehouse, where you’ll get a sense of the traditional methods still in use. It’s clear that every step is done manually—hand-harvesting, foot pressing, and careful bottling—highlighting the care that goes into each bottle.

After the tour of the production area, everyone gathers under the pergola, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tastings. Here, Francesca explains the organoleptic characteristics of the four wines—her explanations are engaging, accessible, and full of genuine enthusiasm.

The Tasting Experience

The tasting includes four organic/biodynamic wines, each with unique flavors and stories. Alongside the wines, you’ll sample extra virgin olive oil and a selection of local honeys—acacia, chestnut, millefiori, and pollen—paired with cheeses and croutons to enhance the flavors. These pairings elevate the tasting and give a real taste of the region’s produce.

Reviews highlight the quality of the products: “The wine was delicious, the food memorable,” says Betsy, emphasizing how memorable and flavorful their offerings are. Guests especially appreciate Francesca’s knowledge and attentiveness, which make the experience more than just a tasting but an educational journey.

Authenticity and Passion

Many reviews mention how Francesca’s passion shines through, making the experience feel authentic and heartfelt. “We learned so much we didn’t know about honey,” one guest notes, illustrating that the tour offers more than just wine—it’s a deep dive into all things natural and locally crafted.

Practical Details

The tour is private, tailored to your group, which means you won’t be stuck behind a large crowd. The price of $34.39 per person is quite reasonable given the personalized attention, quality of products, and scenic setting. It’s a value-packed experience, especially if you’re interested in organic farming, traditional techniques, or simply want to taste authentic local wines.

The duration can vary, with most lasting around 1.5 hours, but possibly longer depending on the group and season. Booking about three weeks in advance is recommended, ensuring you secure a spot during peak times.

Accessibility and Convenience

Meeting at the designated location in Montemagno makes it easy to plan around, and the activity is suitable for most travelers—service animals are permitted, and the experience is designed to be accessible. No alcohol will be served to those under 18, which makes it family-friendly in that respect.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts looking for a genuine, educational tasting in a small-group setting. Food lovers and those interested in organic and biodynamic farming will find it especially enriching. It’s suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate insight into family-run agriculture and winemaking traditions.

If you’re seeking a scenic, authentic experience that combines good wine, local produce, and storytelling, this tour hits all those notes. It’s ideal if you appreciate personalized attention and want to learn about the passion and philosophy behind the wines you’re tasting.

Final Thoughts

The wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli offers much more than a simple tasting session. It’s a journey into the heart of a family’s commitment to natural farming, craftsmanship, and high-quality produce. The setting, the stories, and the quality of the products make it a memorable experience, especially for those eager to appreciate authentic, small-scale production.

The value for money is high, considering the personalized approach, the quality of the wines, oils, and honeys, and the lovely countryside surroundings. It’s a top choice for travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and flavorful adventure that enriches their understanding of regional Italian produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book this tour?
You can make a reservation online through the provided link; booking about 22 days in advance is typical.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While children can join, alcohol is not served to those under 18, and the focus of the tour is adult-oriented. It’s a calm, scenic experience suitable for most ages.

Can I participate in the winemaking process?
Depending on the period of your visit, you might see or participate in activities like harvest, foot pressing, or bottling, as these are often done manually.

How long does the tour last?
The tour generally lasts between 1 hour and more than 2 hours, depending on the group size and season.

What’s included in the tasting?
You’ll taste four organic/biodynamic wines, sampled alongside local extra virgin olive oil and a variety of honeys, served with cheeses and croutons.

Is the experience private?
Yes, it’s a private activity, so only your group participates, making for a more personalized experience.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is at SP1, 5, 55041 Montemagno LU, Italy, which is accessible and easy to find.

What is the price?
At approximately $34.39 per person, it’s a very good value for the quality and intimacy of the experience.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

What about transportation?
The location is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers without a car.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about natural farming methods, this Lucca wine tasting tour offers an authentic, engaging, and delicious experience that will deepen your appreciation for Italy’s artisanal products.