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🍷 Wine Regions
Every corner of Tuscany tells a different wine story.
From the rolling hills of Chianti Classico to the prestigious vineyards of Montalcino, the medieval towers of San Gimignano and the coastal estates of Bolgheri, Tuscany is home to some of Italy's most celebrated wine regions. Yet each has its own history, grape varieties, traditions and personalities.
In this collection you'll find guides to Tuscany's wine regions, explanations of their appellations & recommendations for wineries to visit.


San Gimignano's Wines: More Than Just Vernaccia
Discover the wines of San Gimignano beyond its famous medieval towers. Learn why Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is one of Italy's most historic and age-worthy white wines, explore the town's surprising red wine appellations, Vin Santo and Chianti Colli Senesi, and uncover the fascinating wine traditions that make this Tuscan hill town a must-visit for wine lovers.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jul 274 min read


Montalcino: Home of Brunello and One of Tuscany's Greatest Wine Regions
Perched on a hilltop overlooking endless vineyards, this small medieval town of Montalcino has become synonymous with Brunello, one of Italy's most prestigious wines.
But Montalcino is much more than Brunello...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jul 266 min read


Montepulciano: The Tuscan Region That Doesn't Grow the Montepulciano Grape
If there's one Italian wine that regularly confuses wine lovers, it's Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Surely it's made from the Montepulciano grape? Nope. In one of Italy's greatest wine-related plot twists, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is named after the town, not the grape variety. Instead, it's made primarily from Sangiovese, known locally by the beautiful name (though slightly ever more complicated) Prugnolo Gentile. Meanwhile, the Montepulciano grape is a completely differ
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jul 264 min read


Carmignano: A Wine Fit for the Medici
Carmignano may be Tuscany’s best-kept wine secret. Protected by the Medici as early as 1716, this historic region was blending Sangiovese with Cabernet centuries before the Super Tuscans. Discover the fascinating history of Carmignano DOCG, Barco Reale, Vin Ruspo, and Vin Santo, and why this small appellation deserves a place on every wine lover’s itinerary.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jul 254 min read


Untangling the Chianti Confusion
Confused by Chianti and Chianti Classico? You're not alone. Discover why these are two separate Tuscan wine regions with different histories, regulations, classifications and wine styles. Learn about the seven Chianti subzones, the 11 Chianti Classico UGAs, the famous Black Rooster, and how understanding the difference will help you read Italian wine labels with confidence.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jul 93 min read


Tuscany for Dummies: What (and Where) Is Tuscany?
A surprising number of people think Tuscany is a specific place in the countryside or even a town. It's not. 😄 Tuscany is actually one of Italy's 20 regions, located right in the heart of the country. Covering almost 23,000 square kilometers, it's one of Italy's most diverse and beloved destinations. Its capital city is Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to world-famous art, architecture, history, and some very serious steak. But Tuscany is much more than F
Rebecca Gouttenoire
May 313 min read


Sipping my way through Sicily
Join me in Sicily for a flavorful journey through its stunning wines, iconic foods, and unforgettable culinary traditions! 🍷🍴
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Nov 17, 20241 min read


V for Vino and for Veneto
Discover Veneto’s wine gems! From Soave’s crisp whites to Valpolicella’s bold reds and Prosecco’s sparkle, explore wines, food, and charm!
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Oct 17, 20241 min read


Montalcino - walk around town with Laura
Discover Montalcino through the eyes of a true local. Join Laura, former winery director and author, as she shares the stories, history, and hidden corners behind Tuscany’s most famous wine town. From the origins of Brunello to insider insights only a local can offer, this is the perfect introduction to one of Italy’s greatest wine destinations.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Aug 30, 20241 min read


Chianti Villages: Castellina
Discover Castellina in Chianti: a hilltop gem blending history, artisan shops, and breathtaking Chianti hill views—a must-visit in Tuscany!
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Aug 23, 20241 min read


Mugello - the small Burgundy of Tuscany
Think Tuscany is only about Sangiovese? Think again. Hidden in the Mugello valley, north of Florence, a handful of pioneering winemakers are crafting some of Italy’s finest Pinot Noir. Discover this lesser-known wine region, rich in Medici history, medieval villages, artisan food, and elegant cool-climate wines that reveal a completely different side of Tuscany.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Feb 24, 20235 min read


Sicily for wine lovers
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea & known for its greek temples, stunning beaches & unrivaled food, Sicily is the largest...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Jan 18, 20237 min read


A free class on the Wines of Tuscany
Can't make it to Tuscany? Bring Tuscany to your glass instead. Join our free online Wines of Tuscany class and discover the region’s famous wine styles, grape varieties, and appellations—from Chianti Classico to Brunello and Super Tuscans.
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Dec 11, 20202 min read


Shipping wine from Italy to the US
Planning a trip to Italy and going on a Tuscan Wine Tour? (with Grape Tours, obviously 😃) One of the things that might cross your mind...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Nov 26, 20202 min read


Apuan Alps & Vermentino
Marble mountains & lard If you've ever been to Italy and admired the marble that is displayed bountifully in the churches, palaces, and...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Nov 18, 20202 min read


Le Cinque Terre's heroic winemakers
I want to share a story of a special place that I’m sure many of you have already visited. Paradoxically it was only my second time in Le...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Nov 4, 20203 min read


Italy's newest DOCG
Terre Alfieri DOCG Not every region in Italy can boast a DOCG certified area, but almost! The most recent addition to the most...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Oct 26, 20202 min read


29 Mid-Covid Philosophic Photos
Reflection is what this year has given plenty of time for. On ourselves, our fellow planetarians. Memories of a different past, hopes for...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Oct 14, 20202 min read


Selvadolce winery on the Ligurian coast
Selvadolce is no ordinary winery, and the owner Aris is no ordinary winemaker. As you drive up the road from Bordighera, a sleepy seaside...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Sep 8, 20203 min read


Valpolicella - its wines and how to visit
Valpolicella is a region of contrasts. It comprises flat plains and steep hills, ugly industry and farm beauty, cheap wines, and...
Rebecca Gouttenoire
Sep 2, 20203 min read
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