Siena: winery tour, wine tasting and lunch

Discover the Heart of Tuscany with a Family-Run Winery Tour, Wine Tasting, and Lunch near Siena

Imagine wandering through rolling vineyards with views that stretch for miles, discovering centuries-old artworks inside a tiny church, and ending your day savoring Tuscan wines paired with local delicacies on a panoramic terrace. That’s exactly what this Siena winery tour offers — a taste of Tuscany’s natural beauty, history, and authentic flavors for about $68 a person, lasting roughly 2.5 hours.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines scenic countryside with cultural richness. First, exploring the vineyards with their sweeping views of the Chianti hills is a real highlight. Then, wandering into the charming San Giorgio a Lapi church, a hidden gem with frescoes by Nasini, brings a sense of stepping back in time. Lastly, the lunch and wine tasting on the terrace, shaded by an ancient mulberry tree and overlooking the Crete Senesi, makes for a memorable sensory experience.

A potential consideration is the relatively short duration — if you’re craving a deep dive into wine production or more extensive touring, this might feel a bit light. However, for those with limited time or looking for a focused experience, it hits the sweet spot.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic, small-group experiences that blend landscape, art, and food. It’s especially suited to those who want to understand the real Tuscan way of life rather than just ticking tourist boxes.

This experience made our article of Our 15 Favorite Siena Lunch Experiences.

Key Points

• Authentic Family-Run Business: The tour is led by passionate locals who care about sharing their tradition.
• Stunning Views: The panoramic terrace offers incredible views of the Chianti and Crete Senesi landscapes.
• Historical Highlights: The church of San Giorgio a Lapi and Nasini frescoes provide a glimpse into local art and history.
• Tasting and Lunch: Enjoy a guided tasting of the winery’s wines paired with a typical Tuscan meal.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later, offering peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Winery San Giorgio a Lapi

Your day begins at the Winery San Giorgio a Lapi, a family-owned operation committed to showcasing genuine Tuscan wine-making. From the outset, the small group setting promises a more personalized experience, with guides sharing stories about their tradition and the landscape. Their warm hospitality shines through reviews praising the staff’s friendliness and helpfulness, making you feel like a guest in their home rather than just a tourist.

Walk through Vineyards and Visit the Church of San Giorgio

The tour kicks off with a leisurely walk through the vineyards, where you can appreciate the beauty of the Chianti countryside. As you stroll, your guide will point out the different grape varieties and explain how the landscape influences the wine’s character.

The highlight here is the Chiesetta di San Giorgio, a small 12th-century church that houses Nasini frescoes. These artworks, dating back to the 1100s, are a rare find and give a tangible sense of history. One traveler noted, “every detail tells stories of times past,” making it clear that this stop isn’t just about pretty pictures but an intimate encounter with local history. The church’s quiet ambiance offers a peaceful break from the busier tourist routes.

Entering the Cellars: The Art of Winemaking

After soaking in the art and scenery, you’ll descend into the cellars. This part of the tour reveals how the winery produces, ages, and bottles its wines. The scent of wood barrels and fermenting grapes creates an authentic atmosphere. Here, your guide shares insights into the winemaking process, ensuring you understand how a simple grape turns into a bottle of wine.

Many travelers, including one in review, appreciated the transparency: “We discovered the secrets of how a bottle of wine is created and felt the passion that goes into each batch.” This behind-the-scenes look enhances appreciation for the wines you’ll taste later.

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The Grand Finale: Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch on the Terrace

The tour concludes on the scenic terrace, which offers a breathtaking view of the Crete Senesi — the famous clay hills that define the landscape of southern Tuscany. Here, in a shaded spot under an ancient white mulberry tree, you’ll sample the winery’s wines.

You’ll taste a curated selection, beautifully paired with local Tuscan dishes, such as bread, cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties. Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food and the opportunity to savor authentic flavors in a peaceful setting. One reviewer stated, “The lunch was delicious, and the wine was excellent. It’s a perfect way to conclude the experience.”

This pairing makes the experience not just educational but also genuinely enjoyable, emphasizing the regional culinary traditions.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Start at the winery with a warm welcome and brief overview.
• Walk through the Chianti vineyards, learning about grape varieties and landscape influences.
• Visit the church of San Giorgio, home to Nasini frescoes, appreciating its historical value.
• Descend into the cellars, where winemaking secrets are revealed.
• Enjoy a wine tasting on the panoramic terrace, paired with regional dishes.
• Return to the winery, ending a 2.5-hour journey through art, landscape, and flavor.

What’s Included and Practical Details

This tour covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time, making it excellent for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Tuscan wine culture. The price of around $68 includes the guided tour, wine tastings, and a Tuscan lunch — a good value considering the quality and intimacy of the experience.

The tour is small group, limited to 10 people, which means you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide, and it fosters a friendly atmosphere. The duration of 2.5 hours is enough to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed, though it’s not a deep dive into every aspect of wine production.

You can reserve without paying upfront, offering flexibility, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund — helpful if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy small-group experiences with a personal touch, this tour is a winner. It’s particularly suited for those who want to see authentic Tuscan landscapes, learn about local art and history, and taste excellent wines in a relaxed setting. Food lovers will appreciate the regional lunch, and art enthusiasts will find the frescoes inside the church a real treasure.

It might not be ideal for those seeking an extensive wine education or a longer, more in-depth tour of multiple wineries. Also, if you’re traveling with mobility issues, note that some walking and cellar visits are involved, though the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, covering vineyards, a historic church, and a tasting on the terrace.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tour is friendly and informative, perfect for those new to wine or looking to deepen their appreciation.

What is included in the price?
Your fee includes the guided tour, wine tastings, and a Tuscan lunch with regional specialties.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though some walking is involved.

Would this be good for families?
While primarily geared toward adults, families with older children interested in wine and art will likely enjoy it, but keep in mind the focus on wine tasting.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Winery San Giorgio a Lapi, a family-run operation with a welcoming atmosphere.

What if I want more wine or food?
The included tasting and lunch are designed to showcase the best regional products. Additional wine or food can be purchased on-site, but prices are not specified.

Final Thoughts

This Siena winery tour offers a well-balanced blend of landscape, art, and flavor in a small-group setting. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting an authentic taste of Tuscany, away from the crowds, with the opportunity to learn about local wine traditions firsthand. The combination of historic art, scenic views, and regional cuisine creates a well-rounded experience that leaves many visitors feeling satisfied and connected to the land.

If you’re looking for a short, meaningful excursion that highlights Tuscany’s natural beauty and culinary delights, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially ideal for those who value personal service, authentic stories, and spectacular vistas.

In summary, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this experience provides a genuine taste of Tuscany’s soul — its landscapes, its history, and its wines — all in a relaxed, intimate setting that emphasizes quality over quantity. Perfect for those who want to leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful region.

You can check availability for your dates here: