top of page
Grape Chronicles
go back to Grape Tours
Search

đ Grape Tours
Come behind the scenes with Grape Tours.
Since 2004, we've been introducing travellers to the people, wines and traditions that make Tuscany so extraordinary. This is where I share the stories behind our tours: unforgettable winery visits, harvest updates, hidden discoveries, life on the road and the wonderful guests we've met along the way.


How AI is Changing the Wine Tour Business in Tuscany â Have We Still Got the Magic?!
Around a year ago, when the general use of AI became ânormalâ and everyone started worrying about how it would impact their lives and livelihoods, I too started pondering how it would change our business of running wine tours in Tuscany. Honestly, I remember feeling pretty safe, because I thought AI would never be able to take the job over completely. Having said that, I wouldnât be surprised if, sometime in the not-so-distant future, there will be self-driving cars shuttling
Rebecca Gouttenoire
May 85 min read
Â
Â


How we built a B Corp ecosystem rooted in Tuscany
In a world where sustainability claims have become commonplace, few businesses choose to submit themselves to one of the most demanding assessments of social and environmental performance available today. The Jollie ecosystem has done exactly that. Created by Pierre and Rebecca Gouttenoire, Jollie is not a single company but an ecosystem of complementary businesses and projects rooted in Tuscany, including Grape Tours, Formaggioteca Terroir and Podere Campo Sasso. More than a
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Apr 304 min read
Â
Â


6 days wining & dining in Umbria & Le Marche!
Join our 6-day Umbria & Le Marche food & wine tour in June! Limited to 8 guests, explore stunning landscapes, vineyards, and local cuisine.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jul 4, 20241 min read
Â
Â


Piemonte - the kingdom of Italian food & wine
From legendary Barolo and Barbaresco to white truffles, handmade pasta, and artisan cheeses, Piedmont is one of Italyâs greatest food and wine destinations. Discover the history, iconic grape varieties, must-visit wine regions, and traditional dishes that make this northern Italian region a paradise for curious wine lovers and passionate foodies alike.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jun 28, 20237 min read
Â
Â


We're planting a vineyard!
What happens when a French winemaker dreams beyond tradition? At Campo Sasso, Pierre has planted an extraordinary vineyard unlike any other in Tuscanyâbringing together Riesling, Assyrtiko, Zibibbo, and Petit Manseng among olive and fruit trees, inspired by ancient Etruscan farming. Follow the story of our tiny vineyard and its first exciting steps toward a truly unique future.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Mar 14, 20232 min read
Â
Â


A Drunken Romance
Some love stories begin over dinner. Ours began on a wine tour. When a reserved French winemaker booked three days exploring Tuscany, neither of us imagined it would lead to marriage, a family, and the creation of Grape Tours as it is today. This is the story of how a shared passion for wine, Tuscany, and meaningful connections changed both our lives forever.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Dec 29, 20225 min read
Â
Â


Finding your way in Italy
Whatâs it really like to move to Italy? After more than 25 years living in Tuscany, I look back on the excitement, culture shock, bureaucracy, unforgettable beauty, and unexpected joys of building a life here. If youâve ever dreamed of living in Italyâor simply wondered what itâs really like beyond the postcardsâthis personal story is for you.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
May 25, 20223 min read
Â
Â


Covid Journal: Dolomite Dynamite
Two years after the world stood still, a return to the Italian Dolomites became a reminder of how precious travel really is. Join us as we explore this breathtaking Alpine regionâits spectacular scenery, mountain cuisine, unique wines, and the joy of seeing life slowly return. A personal reflection on resilience, gratitude, and discovering another beautiful side of Italy.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Feb 24, 20223 min read
Â
Â


Covid Journal: A door kicked open
When the pandemic brought Tuscanyâs tourism to a standstill, it also sparked a new beginning. Follow the story of how our tiny Grape Tours office in Florence was transformed into Formaggioteca Terroirâa cheese and wine shop born from resilience, passion, and a love of authentic Italian food. A behind-the-scenes look at turning one of lifeâs biggest challenges into an exciting new adventure.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Feb 2, 20214 min read
Â
Â
bottom of page
