Tuscany is world-famous for its breathtaking landscapes and artistic heritage. But real wine enthusiasts know there aren't too many locations that can compete with its winemaking culture: soil composition, the Mediterranean climate of Italy, and the long-standing winemaking tradition make Tuscan wines stand out all over the world. The concept of "drinking well" has always been an integral part of Italian food and wine culture, which implies limiting excessive alcohol intake and pairing simple, authentic dishes with wines of intense and harmonious flavor. Thus, one way to appreciate the best Tuscan wines is to visit local restaurants in the vineyards: savor the local culinary specialties made with hard work and passion while enjoying the gorgeous scenery surrounding the spot.
VINEYARD RESTAURANTS
Most of the vineyard restaurants offer a unique mix of history, culture, and food. These historic properties have preserved their old-world charm and opened their doors to a refined and discreet type of tourism. After all, immersing yourself in the local food and wine tradition also means adapting to the slow rhythms of the Tuscan countryside, light-years away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Many restaurants are located on the hills so as to offer guests a breathtaking view that instills peace and, at the same time, presents the local natural beauty.
In Chianti, for example, many historic estates dominate the area for logistical and defensive reasons: villages, farms, and luxury villas of medieval families were built on hilltops to overlook agricultural fields and, in dark times, see if there were any enemies on the horizon. Today some of these properties have become wonderful locations for lunch, dinner, or a simple wine tasting in a winery.
TRADITIONAL TUSCAN INGREDIENTS AND DISHES
Tuscan cuisine is famous for its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Typically, the restaurant menus range from the classic pappardelle al ragù (ribbon pasta with a wild boar stew) to the Florentine steak, to ribollita soup and panzanella salad. Even staple dishes can turn out to be extraordinary when great chefs put their hands to raw, high-quality ingredients: just think of adding the extra virgin olive oil from the olive groves planted just in and around vineyards throughout Tuscany.
Chianti's restaurants boast exceptional dining experiences also thanks to the contribution of world-renowned Michelin star chefs: these highly decorated and esteemed culinary professionals grace the unique wine and food heritage by reviving traditional recipes in a modern key. Historically known for its simple and home-grown ingredients, Tuscan cuisine has evolved and renewed in recent years. Internationally known celebrity chefs experiment with it and combine the prized, locally-sourced seasonal produce with flavors and knowledge gleaned from around the world.
CHIANTI CLASSICO: RESTAURANTS, WINE TOURS, AND TASTINGS
Vineyard restaurants feature a wide selection of local wines, including Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano, and the famous Chianti Classico. Located between Florence and Siena, the Chianti Classico region is the part of Tuscany where food and wine tourism flourishes in terms of variety and richness of the product selection. Many restaurants offer wine tastings, farm-to-table dinner events, and exciting partnerships with local wineries, so guests can deepen their knowledge about the region and taste the wine in the very cellar it was aged. Other restaurants offer relaxing walks through the vines, where guests can enjoy the Tuscan countryside after the traditional wine and dine experience.
THREE CHIANTI TOWNS TO VISIT FOR A MEMORABLE LUNCH
Here is a handpicked list of the most picturesque location spots near Chianti, with restaurants offering typical Tuscan food you can try while admiring the spectacular views of the area.
- Castelnuovo Berardenga: Located about 10 miles south of Siena, this medieval village is surrounded by rolling hills and valleys full of olive groves and vineyards that make some of Tuscany's most celebrated wines. Restaurants overlooking the valley abound with breathtaking views, which you can enjoy after a delicious meal and a glass of Chianti Classico.
- Greve in Chianti: this picturesque little town is home to wineries and restaurants offering local specialties, such as Florentine steak or hand-rolled pici pasta.
- Montepulciano: home to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, this beautiful town hides many farmhouse restaurants that offer wine tastings alongside the most iconic traditional dishes.
Overall, vineyard restaurants around Siena are an ideal place to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany in a unique and charming setting. With the combination of food, wine, landscape, and history, you can turn a lunch or dinner in a vineyard restaurant into an unforgettable travel experience, a real journey to discover the excellence of Tuscany.
What would you like to book?
