WINE ROUTES IN TUSCANY
Discovering flavours and landscapes along the routes of Tuscany’s wine roads, from Chianti to the Etruscan coast, passing through the hills of the Maremma.
Along the Wine Routes in Tuscany, through territories with a high wine vocation, in which to taste glasses of red and white wine and, at the same time, visit places of landscape, historical and cultural interest.
The routes, signposted and publicised with signs, information points and publications, offer open cellars, vine and grape museums, excellent restaurants and farms where typical local products can be tasted.
From the hills of Chianti, through the hinterland of the Maremma, to the Etruscan Coast, the wine roads in Tuscany lead to the discovery of the excellence of a region famous throughout the world for its wine production.
Let’s take a look, then, at a selection of itineraries to follow if you plan to organize a wine and food tour in Tuscany with a base at our facility, the Casa in Maremma tourist village located in Scarlino, in a strategic position, a stone’s throw from the areas where some of Italy’s best wines are produced.
Etruscan Coast Wine Route
One of the most renowned Wine Routes in Tuscany is the Strada del Vino Costa degli Etruschi, where the famous Sassicaia wine comes from.
Amidst the green of the Mediterranean maquis and the intense blue of the sea, in an area that was the cradle of Etruscan civilisation, there are wineries and enchanting places to stop and enjoy a good glass of wine.
The territory of the Etruscan Coast Wine Road covers the province of Livorno and part of that of Pisa, gathering five DOC areas: starting from the north there is the DOC Terratico di Bibbona, immediately followed by the DOC Montescudaio, then there is the Bolgheri DOC, home of Sassicaia, descending southwards the DOC Val di Cornia and crossing the sea the area of the island of Elba where one can particularly appreciate the passito aleatico.
Worth visiting, along the Costa degli Etruschi wine road, is the small village of Bolgheri, whose history is linked to the Gherardesca family and which can be reached through the famous cypress avenue sung by Carducci.
Not to be missed is the Gulf of Baratti, with the overlooking village of Populonia, to admire the remains of the ancient Etruscan civilisation. And for a relaxing break, stop along the coast, in one of the many seaside resorts, or in the beautiful coves on the island of Elba.
The Monteregio di Massa Marittima Road
The Monteregio Wine Route, which covers the area of the Colline Metallifere (Metal-bearing Hills) in the Upper Maremma region of Grosseto, is part of the Wine Route circuit in Tuscany. Marked by clearly visible signs, the route winds through the municipalities of Massa Marittima, Monterotondo, Montieri, Follonica, Scarlino, Gavorrano, Roccastrada and Castiglione della Pescaia, touching on enchanting medieval villages and an extraordinary natural environment that well represents the characteristics of a land that still appears wild at times.
During your wine tour in Tuscany, you must visit Massa Marittima: the Information Centre of the Monteregio Wine Route will show you the various wineries that are open and the numerous events scheduled, and you can also stop at the wine bar for a tasting in the shadow of the beautiful cathedral. In the town of Roccastrada, on the other hand, a Vine and Wine Museum has been set up in an ancient wine cellar excavated in the rock, which is one of the crucial points of the Tuscan Wine Route dedicated precisely to Monteregio.
Montecucco Wine Route
If you are looking for wine routes in Tuscany, one idea is to head for Mount Amiata, where Montecucco wine is born.
The area comprises 18 producers who have formed a consortium and the association Strada del Vino Montecucco.
The route crosses the most important areas of the DOC: starting from Paganico, a lively and modern centre with an interesting city wall, you arrive at Sasso d’Ombrone. Going uphill you will find Poggi del Sasso, a characteristic rural village located in an area rich in wineries and farms, also interesting for the beautiful castles of Vicarello and Colle Massari.
A few kilometres from Poggi del Sasso is the Montecucco Farm, which gives its name to the DOC.
In Cinigiano, a medieval village that hosts the information centre on the wine road, the Cassero wine cellars open during the October grape festival are worth a visit.
A few kilometres away, there is the Porrona Castle, a representative and image point for the Montecucco DOC.
In the municipality of Castel del Piano, there is the village of Montenero, where you can visit the museum of vine and wine.
Colli di Maremma Wine Route
One of the largest wine roads in Tuscany is the Strada del Vino Colli di Maremma from which the Morellino di Scansano and Bianco di Pitigliano wines originate.
The route winds through the south-eastern part of the province of Grosseto, encompassing the municipalities of Capalbio, Orbetello, Isola del Giglio, Magliano in Toscana, Grosseto, Monte Argentario, Campagnatico, Roccalbegna, Semproniano, Scansano, Manciano, Pitigliano and Sorano, in an area rich in history, tradition and typicality.
In addition to wine, the area produces other specialities, such as Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil IGP, Tuscan Pecorino DOP, honey, in particular marruca, chestnut, acacia and millefiori honey, Maremma saffron, Roccalbegna salted biscuit, Sorano bean, Bottarga and other fish products from the Orbetello Lagoon, Pitigliano GOYM products, Palamita and Giglio Island Panficato.
Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Route
Let’s not forget to include among the wine roads in Tuscany that you can visit while staying in our residence, the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the oldest and most documented wines in Italy that originates in an area of extraordinary beauty between the municipalities of Cetona, Chianciano Terme, Chiusi, Montepulciano, Pienza, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano, Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena, Trequanda and the Union of Municipalities of the Valdichiana Senese.
You must definitely take the tour of the ancient wine cellars that wind through the heart of Montepulciano. Not to be missed, although there is no officially marked itinerary yet, is a visit to Montalcino, the production area of the excellent Brunello di Montalcino and its younger brother, Rosso di Montalcino.
Chianti wine route
Among the wine roads in Tuscany we also include the Chianti Classico lands, between Siena and Florence.
A trip to these parts cannot be separated from a visit to the wine cellars and commercial outlets where typical products can be purchased, including the Chianti Classico DOCG wine, which has carried the Black Rooster symbol since 1924.
Chianti comprises a vast geographical area whose borders are represented: to the north by the Ombrone river, to the south by the Arno, to the east by the Chianti Mountains, and to the west by the Elsa valley. Its main axis is the Via Chiantigiana.
The Chianti Classico territory includes the municipalities of Greve, Radda, Castellina and Gaiole in Chianti and part of the municipalities of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Barberino Val D’Elsa, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Poggibonsi and Tavarnelle.
The production of extra virgin olive oil is also of great value, as is the Vinsanto. Chianti Classico is in fact an area of strong gastronomic traditions that have incorporated peasant cuisine, the nobility of Chianina meat and the great variety of pork, Cinta Senese and wild boar.