Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery

If you’re looking for a genuine taste of Tuscany’s renowned wine culture, this organic winery experience near Siena offers an authentic and intimate glimpse into Chianti’s winemaking heritage. For just under $40 per person, you get a 90-minute tour led by a knowledgeable sommelier, exploring a historic estate that dates back to 1760. The experience combines a walk through age-old cellars, a peek at the ancient olive mill, and a seated tasting of four organic wines, including the celebrated Chianti and award-winning Super Tuscans.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on organic wine production—a step beyond the typical tasting. Plus, the chance to enjoy a personalized food pairing enhances the experience, making each sip memorable. The small group size (up to 10 participants) ensures plenty of opportunity to ask questions and soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

One thing to keep in mind: transportation isn’t included, so you should plan for a taxi or a car to reach the estate. Plus, since the tour is weather-dependent, it takes place rain or shine—meaning you should come prepared for whatever the Tuscan skies throw at you. It’s best suited for those who love wine, history, and scenic views, especially if you’re eager to learn about organic farming practices in Italy.

Key Points

• Historic Setting: Located at the Montechiaro Estate, a family-owned winery since 1760, with charming old cellars and olive mill.
• Authentic Organic Experience: Guided by a certified sommelier, emphasizing organic wine-making and traditional methods.
• Taste of Tuscany: Seated tasting of four wines, including Chianti and Super Tuscans, paired with local Tuscan foods.
• Breathtaking Views: Opportunity to stroll through vineyards and enjoy scenic vistas of Siena’s landscape.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, providing a personalized experience.
• Value for Money: At less than $40, it combines history, tasting, and food in one affordable package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Special?

This wine experience stands out because it blends history, organic farming, and tasting into a single, manageable package. For lovers of wine and Tuscany in general, it offers not just the chance to taste excellent wines, but to understand the philosophy behind organic methods—something increasingly important for eco-conscious travelers. The fact that the estate has been family-run since 1760 adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm.

The guided tour takes you through the cellar dating back to 1810, providing a tangible connection to the land and the traditions that have shaped their wines. The original aging rooms and olive mill evoke a sense of stepping back in time, but with a focus on sustainable, organic practices. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a working estate with centuries of history, and to see how organic philosophy influences their winemaking.

The Itinerary: An In-Depth Look

Starting Point: Str. di Montechiaro, 3

Your journey begins outside the majestic 17th-century villa that has been home to the Griccioli family since 1760. The meeting point is clear—just in front of the villa, inside the estate grounds—and your guide, who might be Laura or another knowledgeable host, will greet you here.

The Guided Tour

Over approximately 90 minutes, you’ll visit the historic cellar, where wines are aging amidst stone walls and ancient equipment. You’ll also explore the family chapel, which adds a spiritual touch to this family enterprise, and the olive mill, showcasing Tuscany’s traditional oil-making methods. The guide will share stories about the estate’s history and explain their commitment to organic viticulture—which means no synthetic chemicals or pesticides, allowing you to truly savor the purity of each sip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Vineyard Walk & Scenery

While the tour focuses on the cellars, it’s worth noting that you’ll have time before or after the tasting to walk through the vineyards. The views of rolling hills, dotted with cypress and olive trees, are some of Tuscany’s most iconic sights. Several reviews highlight how the scenery enhances the experience, with one mentioning “spectacular views of Siena” and “breathtaking scenery.” It’s a perfect moment to appreciate the landscape that contributes to the wines’ character.

The Tasting Experience

The seated tasting features four organic wines, carefully selected to showcase the estate’s best offerings, including their signature Chianti and Super Tuscans, which have received awards for quality. Our guide will tailor the tasting to your preferences, which means you can expect a more personalized experience than a generic tasting room.

Each wine is perfectly paired with local Tuscan delicacies, providing a true food and wine harmony. The tasting is complemented by extra virgin olive oil, giving you a taste of Tuscany’s other culinary treasures. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed, informative, and above all, enjoyable.

Post-Tour Stroll & Shopping

After the tasting, you might want to take a self-guided walk through the estate or purchase wines directly from the estate. They offer worldwide shipping, with free delivery to the US, making it easy to enjoy your favorites back home.

The Value of the Experience

For around $40, this tour offers more than just a tasting; it’s a lesson in organic winemaking, a step into Tuscany’s rich agricultural traditions, and an opportunity to enjoy some of the best wines the region has to offer. The small group format ensures individual attention, and the scenic setting makes it a memorable outing.

Compared to larger, busier tours that focus on quantity, this experience emphasizes quality, authenticity, and education, making it ideal for food and wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone eager to connect with Tuscany’s land and traditions.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise the “beautiful gardens and spectacular views,” as well as the excellent wine quality and personalized attention. One reviewer, Renée, shared that Laura was “an excellent host,” passionate about her wines and the estate’s history, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Another remarked that the tasting was “very interesting,” with “excellent wine pairings,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the careful selection and authentic atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed, authentic glimpse into Tuscany’s winemaking traditions with a focus on organic practices. It’s perfect if you value small-group intimacy, want to avoid overly commercialized tours, or are simply curious about the land’s history and how it influences the wine. Because it’s available with flexible booking and free cancellations up to 48 hours ahead, it’s also suitable for those with a flexible schedule.

Practical Tips

• Transportation: Since no transport is provided, plan for a taxi or rental car to reach the estate.
• Timing: Check availability for different starting times—these can vary.
• Weather: The tour goes on rain or shine; bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.
• Dietary Restrictions: The wine and food pairing can be customized if informed in advance.
• Group Size: Limited to 10, so booking early is recommended.

Is transportation included in the tour? No, transportation is not provided. You need to arrange your own to and from the estate.

How long does the tour last? The guided tour and tasting last approximately 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to savor the wines and enjoy the atmosphere.

Do I need to make a reservation? Yes, reservations are required, with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10.

Can I buy wines on-site? Yes, wines are available for purchase, with options for worldwide shipping and free delivery to the US.

What wines will I taste? The tasting features four organic wines, including Chianti and Super Tuscans, expertly paired with local foods.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs when booking.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and weather conditions, especially if you plan to stroll through the vineyards.

This organic Chianti winery tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Tuscany’s wine-making traditions, emphasizing authenticity, sustainability, and scenic beauty. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for what makes Chianti wines special, all while enjoying the company of a passionate host, stunning views, and delicious food pairings.

It’s ideal for those who want more than just a tasting—they want a story, an experience, and a connection to Tuscany’s land. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, this tour provides a taste of Tuscany’s soul, with the bonus of being affordable and intimate.

If you’re eager to explore a historic estate while learning about organic farming and sampling excellent wines, this experience should definitely be on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here: