A Taste of Tuscany: Private Wine, Evo Oil & Cheese Tasting Near San Gimignano
If you’re headed to the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, this private tasting experience offers a perfect way to explore Tuscany’s delicious farm produce without the crowds. For just $41.50 per person, you’ll spend around an hour connecting with a local farming family, touring their vineyards and olive groves, and sampling some of the region’s best organic wines, olive oils, and cheeses. What makes this experience stand out? The personal touch of a family-guided visit and stunning panoramic views over the Tuscan hills and the famous towers of San Gimignano.
Two things we absolutely love about this tour are: first, the chance to hear directly from someone who lives and works the land—whether it’s a family member guiding you through the vineyards or sharing stories of their farming methods. Second, the combination of tasting multiple organic wines paired with rustic cheeses and homemade bruschetta makes for a genuine, farm-to-table experience.
A potential consideration is that the tasting is relatively short—about an hour—so if you’re after a more extended wine adventure, you might want to look at other options. But for a relaxed, authentic glimpse into Tuscan farm life and local flavors, this tour hits the sweet spot. This experience suits travelers who appreciate intimate, local encounters and want to enjoy good wine and food while taking in scenic views. It’s especially ideal for those who like straightforward, authentic experiences that highlight regional products.
Key Points
- Authentic farm visit: Guided by a local family, offering a genuine Tuscan experience.
- Stunning scenery: Panoramic views of vineyards, olive groves, and San Gimignano’s towers.
- Quality tastings: Four to five organic wines, extra virgin olive oil, and aged balsamic vinegar.
- Farm-to-table pairing: Cheeses, bruschetta, and local pecorino elevate the tasting.
- Convenient location: Easy walk from San Gimignano’s historic center.
- Private experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a personalized visit.
A Close Look at the Experience
Keen to taste more of San Gimignano? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences
Starting Point and Location
The tour begins at Via Martiri di Citerna, 2, within walking distance of the historic center of San Gimignano. Being so close means you can easily combine this tasting with a day exploring the town’s towers and medieval streets. The meeting point makes it accessible for most travelers, and since it’s a private tour, you won’t be sharing your experience with strangers.
The Guided Farm Visit
Once you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a member of the farm’s family. This isn’t a large commercial operation; it’s a family-run estate where they still follow organic and biodynamic farming practices. We loved the way the guide shares personal stories about their land and methods, adding a layer of authenticity you won’t find in larger wineries. Expect to walk through vineyards and olive groves, gaining insight into how they produce their organic wines and oils.
The Tasting Itself
The core of the experience is a curated tasting of 4-5 wines, including the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi. The wines are organic and carefully selected to showcase the estate’s best. Reviewers mention that the wine selection is varied and top-quality, with one noting it as “delicious” and “inexpensive for what you get.”
Paired with the wines are extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, which provide a deeper appreciation of Tuscany’s culinary staples. The estate’s olive oils are described as flavorful, and the balsamic vinegar adds a sweet, complex note to the tasting.
Food Pairings
To complement the drinks, you’ll enjoy homemade bruschetta and local pecorino cheeses. One review highlights that they add an antipasti platter, making the tasting feel like a true farm-to-table experience. The cheeses come from nearby farms, bringing regional authenticity to each bite.
If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in San Gimignano
- Romantic Dinner and Wine Tasting in San Gimignano Winery
- Private Wine, Evo Oil, Balsamic Vinegar Experience & Meal
- Casa Emma Wine Tasting
- Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting – San Quirico Winery
- Wine and food tasting in an organic family winery
- From San Gimignano: Original Tuscany wine tour by Tuk Tuk
The View and Atmosphere
The setting is worth noting—seated in a peaceful countryside spot with breathtaking views of rolling hills and the medieval towers of San Gimignano. It’s a quiet, scenic place that allows you to unwind and savor each sip and bite. Several reviews emphasize the beautiful scenery and the professional, friendly staff who make you feel at home.
Overall Value
At $41.50, the experience is a good value. When you consider the quality of wines, the authenticity of the farm visit, and the scenic setting, it offers a lot more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to connect with Tuscany’s land and traditions. Several reviewers call it “inexpensive for what you get,” and many mention how the experience feels like a genuine, personal encounter rather than a commercialized activity.
Who Should Consider This?
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a personalized and authentic tasting of Tuscany’s farm products. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it offers a private, intimate setting that’s different from larger group tours. The experience is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility, as it’s about walking through vineyards and olive groves without strenuous activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tasting includes cheeses, bruschetta, and olive oils, making it a great choice for vegetarians looking to explore Tuscan flavors.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, providing a relaxed tasting without feeling rushed.
Can I walk to the meeting point from San Gimignano?
Yes, the starting location is within walking distance from San Gimignano’s historic center, making it convenient and accessible.
Are the wines organic?
Yes, all the wines served are organic, grown and produced on the estate using biodynamic methods.
Is this a private experience?
Absolutely, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized and intimate visit.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.
Are there public transportation options nearby?
The tour location is near public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car.
Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this private tour.
What’s included in the tasting?
The tasting includes 4-5 wines, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheeses, and bruschetta.
Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed, scenic setting and private nature suggest it’s suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with walking and tasting.
Final Thoughts
For anyone seeking a genuine taste of Tuscany outside the busy tourist spots, this private wine, olive oil, and cheese tasting is a winner. It combines scenic beauty, authentic farm life, and high-quality local products, all delivered in a relaxed atmosphere. The personal guide, likely a family member, makes you feel like a guest rather than a tourist, which adds a special touch.
It’s best suited for those who value authenticity and intimate experiences over large-group tours. If you’re after a brief but meaningful encounter with Tuscany’s culinary roots, this tour offers great value and memorable moments. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or simply someone who enjoys beautiful views and peaceful surroundings, this tasting will leave you with a new appreciation for the land and flavors of Tuscany.
Enjoying this experience means savoring more than just wine—it’s about tasting tradition, meeting friendly locals, and taking in the stunning landscape that makes Tuscany so special.
More Private Tours in San Gimignano
- Private Wine & Evo oil tasting with Truffle Meal
- Private Wine & Evo oil tasting with Truffle Meal
- Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting: San Gimignano
- Private Wine, Evo Oil, Balsamic Vinegar Experience & Meal
- Private wine & EVO Oil Tasting with Tuscan Meal
- Private Wine & Evo Oil Tasting with Saffron Meal
More Food & Drink Experiences in San Gimignano
- Private Wine & Evo oil tasting with Truffle Meal
- San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting
- Private Wine & Evo oil tasting with Truffle Meal
- Wine and food tasting in an organic family winery
- Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting – San Quirico Winery
- Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting: San Gimignano
More Tour Reviews in San Gimignano
More San Gimignano experiences we've covered
- Private Wine & Evo oil tasting with Truffle Meal
- Experience Tuscan Truffle Hunting with Wine and Lunch
- San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting
- San Gimignano Truffle Hunt & Truffle Cooking Class
- Private Wine & Evo oil tasting with Truffle Meal
- Half-Day Horseback Ride in Tuscany for beginner riders
- From San Gimignano: Original Tuscany wine tour by Tuk Tuk
- Wine and food tasting in an organic family winery
- Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting – San Quirico Winery
- Discover San Gimignano from Livorno
- Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting: San Gimignano
- Casa Emma Wine Tasting