Culinary · Italy
Private Vineyard Lunch and Cellar Tasting in Chianti
A long lunch at a family-owned Tuscan estate, hosted by the winemaker rather than a tasting-room employee. You walk the Sangiovese rows, go down into the barrel cellar, and then sit at a single table for four courses cooked by the estate's own kitchen — each paired with a wine the host made, including library vintages that never leave the property.
- Chianti Classico
- Montalcino
- Brunello
- Bolgheri
- Super Tuscan
- Winemaker lunch
Five estates and the wines they pour
We match the estate to your taste — traditional Sangiovese, Brunello, or the Bordeaux blends of the coast.
- 01
Chianti Classico, Radda and Gaiole
High-altitude Sangiovese with bright acidity. Gran Selezione verticals going back a decade, poured by the owner.
- 02
Montalcino
Brunello and Riserva tastings in stone cellars, with a Rosso di Montalcino alongside to show the difference in ageing.
- 03
Bolgheri, the Tuscan coast
Cabernet and Merlot blends in the Super Tuscan style, tasted with sea air and cypress avenues.
- 04
Montepulciano
Vino Nobile in medieval cellars carved beneath the town itself, reached on foot through the old quarter.
- 05
San Gimignano
Vernaccia — Tuscany's serious white — for guests who would rather taste through whites and a long vegetarian lunch.
What's included
- Private estate and vineyard walk with the owner or winemaker
- Barrel cellar visit and a vertical tasting of the estate's flagship wine
- Four-course lunch cooked on the estate, at a private table
- Extra virgin olive oil tasting from the property's own mill
- Return transfers from Florence, Siena or your villa
- Shipping arranged for anything you buy
How it works
- 1
Collection from Florence or Siena
A private car into the hills, usually 45 to 70 minutes each way.
- 2
Vineyard and cellar walk
Through the rows with the winemaker, then down among the barrels and the oldest bottles.
- 3
The tasting
Five to seven wines, including at least one library vintage, poured before the table is set.
- 4
The long lunch
Four courses paced over two to three hours, with the host staying at the table throughout.
When to go
April to June and September to October. Harvest lunches during the vendemmia in late September let you see the crush; August is hot and many families close.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests does this suit?+
Two to twelve at a single table. Up to thirty can be arranged at larger estates with a set menu.
Is transport included, and can we drink freely?+
Yes — a private car and driver both ways is included in the price precisely so that everyone at the table can taste.
Do you cater for vegetarians or Jain guests?+
Yes. Tuscan cooking adapts easily; tell us at booking and the estate kitchen builds a full vegetarian or no-onion-no-garlic menu.
Can we buy and ship wine home?+
Yes. Estates ship to India, the UK, the US and the Gulf. Indian customs duty is payable on arrival and is not included.
Are children welcome?+
Very. Estates are family homes; children eat the same lunch, and grape juice is poured alongside the pairings.
What is the difference between Chianti Classico, Brunello and Super Tuscan?+
Chianti Classico is Sangiovese from the hills between Florence and Siena; Brunello is a single clone of Sangiovese from Montalcino, aged far longer; Super Tuscans are Bordeaux-grape blends from the coast that sit outside the older classifications.
How far in advance should we book?+
Three to four weeks, and six to eight during harvest, when the family is working the crush.
Can we visit more than one estate in a day?+
We advise against it. One estate with time at the table is the point; a second tasting can be added mid-morning if you insist.
Reserve this experience
Let's set the date.
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