Wine tourism: farmhouses, vacation homes, and villas with wine tours and tastings

Info and Description

Wine tourism on a farm in Tuscany: tastings, wine tours, and how to choose

Short definition

Agritourism wine tourism in Tuscany is a rural stay experience that combines farm hospitality, guided tastings of local wines, visits to vineyards and cellars, and direct contact with producers. Tuscany is the Italian region with the highest number of agritourisms offering wine tours (59.4% of the national total), thanks to a winemaking heritage that includes appellations such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net and AITE)

In short

Farmhouses in Tuscany offering food and wine experiences are characterized by:

• guided tastings of Tuscan DOC and DOCG wines

• visits to vineyards, cellars and oil mills with explanations of the production processes

• pairing with typical local products (pecorino, cured meats, EVO oil)

• direct purchase of wines and artisanal products from the company

• integration with rural hospitality and catering

Costs and seasonality:

• guided tasting: on average between €20 and €40 per person

• wine tour with lunch included: between €80 and €120 per person

• peak season: August–November (grape and olive harvest)

Explanation

The wine tourism market in Italy

Food and wine tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of Italian tourism. In 2024, 760,000 international arrivals were recorded for food and wine, resulting in 2.4 million overnight stays and a total expenditure of €396 million. For 45% of foreign tourists, food and wine are the first things they associate with Italy, ahead of historical monuments and fashion.

(Sources: AITE – Italian Association of Food and Wine Tourism)

Wine tourism: a €3.1 billion sector

Wine tourism is currently worth €3.1 billion for Italian wineries, equal to 21% of the average turnover of wineries. Italy is the world's leading wine tourism destination: 85% of wine tourists cite it as their preferred destination for wine-related experiences. 98% of wine tourists say they are interested in repeating the experience within the next 2–3 years.

Arrivals in the municipalities of the main Tuscan wine denominations between 2019 and 2024 grew significantly: Brunello di Montalcino recorded 39%, Conegliano Valdobbiadene 26.5%, Collio 27.9% and Barolo 17.6%.

(Sources: Nomisma Wine Monitor for Unicredit and Vinitaly)

Tuscany: Italy's capital of wine tourism on a farm

Tuscany is the Italian region with the highest concentration of agritourisms offering food and wine experiences (59.4% of the total). The most popular appellations among wine tourists are:

• Chianti Classico: produced with Sangiovese grapes in the hills between Florence and Siena, it is the symbol of Tuscan winemaking, recognisable by the Black Rooster.

• Brunello di Montalcino: one of the world's most prestigious red wines, renowned for its structure and longevity. The area saw a 39% increase in tourist arrivals between 2019 and 2024.

• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: historic DOCG produced in the Montepulciano area, in the province of Siena.

• Vernaccia di San Gimignano: first Italian wine to obtain DOC status in 1966, produced exclusively in the municipality of San Gimignano.

• Super Tuscan: excellent wines that have revolutionized the Italian wine scene by combining international grape varieties and Tuscan tradition (Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia).

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net and Nomisma Wine Monitor)

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offerings of agritourism in Tuscany with food and wine experiences:

• Tuscany is the region with the most facilities that organize wine tours and tastings (59.4% of the national total)

• 39% of Tuscan farmhouses with wine tours also offer catering services

• 38% offer both a savoury and sweet breakfast

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net)

Practical part

How to choose a farmhouse for food and wine experiences in Tuscany

• Check the type of company production: ask if the wines and products being tasted are of their own production or purchased from third parties

• Check the experience calendar: grape harvest (August–October) and olive harvest (October–November) only take place in certain periods

• Ask if the tastings are guided: there is a difference between an aperitif with local products and a structured tasting led by a sommelier

• Consider the possibility of direct purchase: many farmhouses allow you to purchase wines, oils and typical products directly on the farm, often at more advantageous prices

• Consider the length of your stay: the most complete food and wine experiences are enjoyed over the course of several days

• Check the language of the experiences: are the tastings also available in English or other languages?

• Contact us: Have any questions? Before booking, write to us or contact the property directly. We'll help you find the right solution for you.

FAQ

What is a wine tour at a farmhouse in Tuscany?

It's an experience that combines a visit to one or more Tuscan wineries or vineyards with guided tastings of local wines, often paired with a meal featuring local produce. It can last from a few hours to several days, with overnight stays at the property.

How much does a guided tasting at a farmhouse in Tuscany cost?

Prices vary depending on the facility and type of experience. A guided tasting averages €20 to €40 per person. A wine tour with lunch included can cost up to €120.

What's the best time for a wine tourism experience in Tuscany?

It depends on the experience you're looking for. The grape harvest takes place between August and October, and the olive harvest between October and November. Spring is ideal for visiting the vineyards in bloom. Winter offers greater availability and lower prices.

What are the most famous Tuscan wines to taste at a farmhouse?

The most sought-after appellations are Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and the so-called Super Tuscans. Each appellation has distinct terroirs and organoleptic characteristics.

Are tastings at agritourisms suitable for non-wine experts?

Yes. Most establishments offer experiences accessible to all levels. 58% of tourists who visit wineries do not consider themselves experts in the field.

(Sources: Nomisma Wine Monitor)

Is it possible to purchase wines and products directly from the company?

In many cases, yes. Wines, extra virgin olive oils, cheeses, cured meats, and preserves can be purchased directly from the farm, often at more advantageous prices than traditional channels.

Do Tuscan farmhouses with wine tours also offer food?

39% of the facilities that organize wine tours also offer catering services.

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net)

What is the difference between a tasting and a wine tour?

A tasting is a shorter experience focused on sampling wines. A wine tour includes a visit to the vineyard or cellar, explanations of the production processes, and often additional activities such as meals or workshops.

Are food and wine farms in Tuscany suitable for families?

Generally, yes, although it's helpful to check in advance. Some establishments offer children's activities alongside those for adults. 51% of visitors to food and wine farms are couples or families with children.

(Sources: Nomisma Wine Monitor)

How many farmhouses in Tuscany organize food and wine experiences?

Tuscany is the region with the highest number of establishments organizing wine tours and tastings, with 59.4% of the national total.

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net)

Tuscany is the beating heart of Italian wine tourism, and a guided wine tasting experience at a Tuscan farmhouse is the best way to immerse yourself in the local winemaking tradition. From the rolling hills of Chianti Classico , famous for their centuries-old vineyards , to the picturesque Val d'Orcia , every corner of this region tells a story of passion, culture, and unique flavors.

Farmhouses in Tuscany are much more than simple accommodations: they offer an opportunity to discover the region and its excellent food and wine . Staying at a farmhouse with wine tasting means coming into direct contact with the producers, learning the secrets of winemaking, and appreciating the authenticity of fine wines like Brunello di Montalcino , Vino Nobile di Montepulciano , and Vernaccia di San Gimignano .

Guided Tastings: An Unforgettable Experience

A wine tasting in Tuscany is a true sensory journey , allowing you to savor local wines paired with traditional products such as pecorino cheese, artisanal cured meats, and extra virgin olive oil. Guided tastings are led by expert sommeliers or the agriturismo owners themselves, who will guide you through the different labels, explaining the characteristics of the grape varieties , production methods , and the perfect pairing with traditional Tuscan dishes .

Among the most requested experiences we find:

- Chianti Classico tasting at the Agriturismo : Discover the intense and fruity flavour of Chianti Classico, a symbol of Tuscan winemaking, produced with the best Sangiovese grapes .

- Tour of the Brunello di Montalcino Cellars : Experience the thrill of visiting the historic cellars and tasting one of the most prestigious red wines in the world, famous for its structure and longevity .

- Super Tuscan Tastings : An opportunity to taste excellent wines that have revolutionized the Italian wine scene, combining innovation and tradition .

In addition to tastings, many agriturismos offer guided tours of the vineyards , learning the secrets of the grape harvest, or relaxing by the pool overlooking the Tuscan hills . You can also take advantage of cooking classes and horseback excursions. Among the vineyards and tours of historic cellars, for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and taste.

Choosing a farmhouse with wine tasting in Tuscany will allow you to live an authentic and unforgettable experience , discovering the excellence of the area in a unique and evocative setting .

Let yourself be captivated by the flavors of Tuscany and book your guided wine tasting at the farmhouse now, the best way to discover the soul of this extraordinary land!
 

Sources

Report on Italian Food and Wine Tourism 2025 - Roberta Garibaldi / AITE

Wine Tourism 2025 - Nomisma Wine Monitor for Unicredit and Vinitaly