San Gimignano: Wine Tasting with Aperitivo in the Vineyard

Travelers looking to explore Tuscany’s famed vineyards without the rush of large groups will find this wine tasting experience in San Gimignano a delightful match. Offered by Casa Lucii, this 4-hour tour offers an intimate look into organic winemaking, paired with tastings of authentic Tuscan foods and scenic walks through the countryside.

What makes this tour stand out are three particular aspects we love: the focus on organic farming and sustainability, the chance to learn about wine production from grape to bottle, and the relaxed atmosphere—especially during the Aperitivo in the vineyard. However, a small consideration is its location; since Casa Lucii isn’t served by public transport, you’ll need to arrange private transfers, which could add to your costs.

This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, enjoy tasting a variety of wines, and want a deeper understanding of Tuscan agriculture. It’s perfect for those seeking a more personal, relaxed visit rather than a large, commercial winery tour.

Good To Know

• Authentic Organic Focus: Learn about sustainable farming practices in a family-run winery.
• Diverse Tasting Lineup: Taste 8 different organic wines, including DOCG Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vin Santo.
• Comprehensive Tour: Visit vineyards, cellars, vegetable gardens, olive groves, and historic production areas.
• Educational Content: Gain insights into viticulture, enology, and landscape techniques.
• Local Food Pairings: Enjoy Tuscan cheeses, cold cuts, olive oil, and artisanal chocolates.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

Starting at Casa Lucii, located in the tranquil countryside of San Gimignano, this tour immediately sets a peaceful, authentic tone. As you arrive, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and an invitation to relax amid the lush landscapes. The farm’s natural environment is central to the experience, and the emphasis on organic and sustainable farming means you’ll see lush vegetable gardens, olive groves, and a vineyard that’s part of a family tradition.

The Aperitivo in the Vineyard

The tour kicks off with a sip and nibble session under the shade of a large oak tree. Here, you can unwind while enjoying a traditional Aperitivo, soaking in the scenic views of the surrounding fields. The relaxed mood in this part of Tuscany is contagious, and it gives you the perfect setting to chat with your guide and other small-group participants—restricting it to just 8 guests makes this feel like a private gathering.

Guided Walk Through the Estate

What truly sets this experience apart is the walk through the estate, which is an educational journey into the farm’s operation. You’ll explore the vegetable garden, orchard, vineyard, and olive grove, with explanations about how each element contributes to the farm’s organic ethos. The guide, likely a local expert, shares stories about traditional farming methods, the history of the estate, and the importance of environmental care.

During the walk, you’ll also visit the vinsantaia, the unique space dedicated to producing Vin Santo, a classic Tuscan dessert wine. Visitors frequently mention how much they appreciate the emphasis on natural and artisanal processes, offering a stark contrast to mass-produced wines.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Cellar and Agricultural Tools

Next up is a visit to the historical cellar, where you can see the actual space where wine is aged and bottled. The guide walks you through the entire process of winemaking, from grape harvesting to bottling, highlighting the farm’s commitment to organic and sustainable practices. For wine enthusiasts, this behind-the-scenes look offers valuable insight that you won’t easily find at larger commercial wineries.

Tasting the Wines and Food

The highlight is undoubtedly the tasting session, where you sample 8 organic wines, each paired with regional foods. The lineup is well-curated, including:

• “Casa Lucii” DOCG Vernaccia di San Gimignano, known for its crisp elegance.
• Two vintages of “Mareterra” DOCG Vernaccia di San Gimignano reserve, showcasing how the wine develops over time.
• A rosé “Spicchio” IGT, excellent for warmer days.
• Various reds like “Fuscelli” DOCG Chianti and “Senarum” DOCG Chianti Colli Senesi, perfect for red wine lovers.
• The “Arturo” IGT Tuscan Red, paired with tailor-made artisanal chocolate pralines—a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Vin Santo del Chianti paired with Tuscan Cantuccini, the classic finish for a Tuscan wine tasting.

Each wine is introduced with explanations about its origin, production, and what to look for in each variety. Reviewers, including Patricia, called the experience “perfect,” especially mentioning the diversity of wines and the engaging guide.

Alongside wines, you’ll taste local cheeses, cold cuts from nearby farms, and organic extra virgin olive oil. The food pairing emphasizes regional ingredients, making the whole experience feel authentic and thoughtfully curated.

Additional Details

Since Casa Lucii is located in the countryside, transportation isn’t included, so planning your transfer in advance is wise. The tour lasts about four hours, which balances a leisurely pace with enough time to enjoy each segment without feeling hurried. The group size is capped at 8, meaning more personalized attention and a chance to ask detailed questions.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Book early: Small-group tours can fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
• Arrive prepared: Wear comfortable shoes suited for walking through vineyards and farm areas.
• Arrange transportation: Since public transit isn’t available, consider private transfers or rental cars.
• Bring a notebook: The guide shares a lot of fascinating details about viticulture and enology.
• Stay for the food: The pairing of wines with local cheeses, olive oil, and chocolates is a highlight worth savoring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of organic winemaking and local Tuscan traditions. It also suits travelers looking for a relaxed, small-group environment that offers both education and tasting pleasure. If you’re curious about sustainable farming or want to enjoy scenic countryside without the hustle of larger tours, this is a perfect fit.

However, those preferring luxury transportation or a more structured tour might find the need to organize their own transfers a slight inconvenience. Still, many reviewers find that the genuine connection to the land and the welcoming guide more than compensates.

The Sum Up

This San Gimignano wine tour by Casa Lucii offers a balanced blend of education, tasting, and scenic beauty. It’s more than just a wine tasting—it’s an authentic peek into Italy’s organic farming methods and family-run traditions. The limited group size ensures a personal and relaxed vibe, making it a rewarding experience for those who love wine, food, and stunning landscapes.

If you’re seeking a truly immersive Tuscany experience that emphasizes natural, sustainable practices and provides a taste of local life, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small, intimate experiences and want to understand how Tuscany’s iconic wines are made from vine to glass.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transfer to Casa Lucii, which is in the countryside and not served by public transit.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving ample time for walking, tasting, and learning without feeling rushed.

How many wines will I taste?
You will taste 8 different organic wines, including Vernaccia, Chianti, rosé, and Vin Santo, along with regional foods.

Are the tasting wines paired with food?
Yes, the wines are accompanied by local cheeses, cold cuts, organic olive oil, and artisanal chocolates, enhancing the tasting experience.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal, relaxed experience with plenty of opportunity for questions.

Is this experience suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Italian, and the small group setting makes communication straightforward and enjoyable.

In all, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated look into Tuscan wine, agriculture, and culture—perfect for those wanting to taste genuine local flavors while learning about sustainable practices.

You can check if your dates are available here: