Tuscan wineries and villas for rent: a trip down the wine road

Italian and foreign tourists have always been enchanted by the Tuscan territory with a particular interest in wine and the landscapes connected to it. Enjoying the comforts of a prestigious villa immersed in nature, taking a walk among the vineyards, getting lost in the hills, savouring the authentic flavours of the territory and discovering the most prestigious Tuscan wine cellars: a real journey into wine.

Tourism linked to the discovery of the most prestigious Tuscan wine cellars is developed along special routes, not only because of their history but above all because of the unique landscape, which has always been exalted by great artists, poets and painters, who have described and represented its most secret and special aspects.
In fact, by following the Tuscan wine routes, in addition to tasting fine wines, you can also visit important historical and artistic sites that extend far and wide throughout the region, including 14 Tuscan wine routes.

The best known is undoubtedly the STrada del Vino Chianti Colli Fiorentini which includes the entire area around the city of Florence and extends, starting from the south-west, from Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Montelupo Fiorentino (a village known throughout the world for its ceramics), Lastra a Signa, Scandicci and ends with Florence itself. The alternative itinerary, starting from the south-east, is from Ponte agli Stolli to Figline Valdarno, Reggello, Rignano, Impruneta (internationally known for its terracotta vases) and ends in Fiesole with the Cathedral of San Romolo.

Still on the subject of Chianti wine cellars, two other well-known wine routes are linked to the previous itinerary: the Strada del Vino Chianti Classico and the Strada del Vino Chianti Rùfina and Pomino.
The first represents the only 9 Tuscan municipalities that produce this type of wine thanks to a very special method of vinification, carried out over the years by various generations: Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, S. Casciano in Val di Pesa, Tavernelle Val di Pesa.
The second is perhaps one of the oldest wine-producing areas and extends north-east of Florence, in the villages between Mugello and Casentino.

To visit these areas, the ideal rental villa is definitely Villa Il Crepuscolo, in Lajatico: with a panoramic view of the lake and a children's playground, it is the perfect property for a family that loves tranquillity and wants to fully enjoy the wonders of the area.

Remaining in the Florentine area, about 30 minutes south-west of the city, is the Strada del Vino Montespertoli and the Strada del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of the best-known medieval villages in this area.

Moving further north, on the border with Emilia Romagna and Liguria, we take the Strada del Vino of Colli Candi and Lunigiana of Tuscany. In this area there are the historic cellars where Candia wine is produced: it is said that the vines for this characteristic white wine arrived on the boats of Greek colonists from the city of the same name on the island of Crete; this myth is supported by historians who believe there was an ancient temple dedicated to Hercules on the hill of what is now Monte Libero - the centre of wine production.
Heading east, Strada del Vino of the Lucca Hills and Montecarlo begins in Lucca, in particular at the cathedral of San Martino.

The ideal villa for rent Villa Toti in Forte dei Marmi: close to the sea but with an enchanting panoramic view of the Tuscan hills, ideal for those who want to get lost in nature a stone's throw from the town centre.