Wine Regions: Tuscany

Within central Italy lies one of the countries most beautiful regions; defined by the serene rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia and spectacular mountain backdrops, Tuscany is Italy’s green heart. The region is also known for its wealth of beautiful medieval hill towns, rich and intricate history and the wonderful, well-known wines that are produced in the lush vineyards of this region.

Tuscan wines are some of the most popular wines in Italy and they are known all over the world. Three of the most famous wines that are produced in the region, with DOCG status, are from the areas of Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano and, of course, Chianti.

Chianti is easily Tuscany’s largest classified wine region and produces over eight million cases of wine per year. Chianti is a very dry, full red wine and was known for being traditionally bottled in a fiasco; a fiasco is a rounded wine bottle that is enclosed in a tightly woven straw basket. Nowadays, most Chianti producers tend to bottle their wine in more standard shaped wine bottles.

Tuscany is also filled with culinary delicacies that pair with the local wines excellently. The dry reds should be coupled with the meat and tomato-based dishes commonly found in the region. Try a Chianti Classico with a Pappa al pomodoro soup or a beautiful Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak, sourced from local Chianina cattle, for an unforgettable dining experience.

Our Tuscan Valleys tour will have you meandering around the wine areas of Montepulciano and Montalcino as well as exploring the pretty town of Cortona. You will pedal over the sweeping Tuscan hills on a trusty e-bike, enjoying balmy evening sunsets looking out over the extraordinary vistas Tuscany has to offer.