Question 1

What happens if the tour I signed up for doesn't get enough participants to run?

Accepted Answer

Some of our group tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, usually four people. If you've signed up for a tour (e.g., as a group of two) and we don't receive additional bookings, don't worry—we've got options for you!
We closely monitor tour availability and will reach out to you via email with alternatives, which may include:
 • Rescheduling to a different date when the same tour has more bookings.
 • Switching to a different tour on the same date that has enough participants (all our tours follow the same philosophy: small groups of max 8, a fantastic Grape guide, and visits to unique small wineries).
 • Purchasing an additional ticket is a compromise we can sometimes offer so you can do the original tour, privately—that way, if we have an available guide, we will run the tour.
 • Opting for a full refund if none of the alternatives work for you.
We strive to honor all tour schedules, but as we work with small wineries, flexibility is sometimes necessary. Travel is an adventure, and we invite you to embrace it with us!

Question 2

How does the waiting list work?

Accepted Answer

During our busiest months—May, June, September, and October—many of our tours sell out weeks or even months in advance. When this happens, they will appear as "Waitlist" on our booking page. If you join the waitlist and a spot opens up due to a cancellation, you’ll be automatically notified.

**OUR RECOMMENDATION:**

Since availability is limited, we suggest choosing a second or third favorite tour and securing a booking. All of our tours share the same key features:

- Small groups (maximum of 8 people)
- Passionate, fun-loving Grape guides
- Visits to real, family-owned wineries that focus on sustainable winemaking

Whichever tour you choose, you’re guaranteed a special experience! If a spot opens up on a waitlisted tour, you’ll receive an automatic notification. You can then decide whether you’d like to switch—there’s no fee to do so, though any price difference will be adjusted accordingly.

Question 3

I'm not staying in Florence. How can I join one of the tours?

Accepted Answer

Our small-group tours operate only as round trips from Florence, with two possible meeting points:

1. Main Meeting Point – Our Office (Via dei Renai 19)
 This is also known as Formaggioteca Terroir, our cheese & wine bar. We’ll be there to welcome you in the morning, and you’ll have access to bathroom facilities and a seating area before departure. If you're not staying in Florence, you can drive to this location since it’s outside the ZTL (restricted traffic zone) in Florence, but parking can be challenging—please allow extra time for traffic and parking if you plan to arrive by car.

2. Secondary Meeting Point – Bottai (Outskirts of Florence)
 Bottai is a convenient option if you are arriving from outside Florence - it's on the very outskirts close to the A1 highway exit (Impruneta) and the freeway exit direction Siena. Here you’ll find a large paid parking lot and, just across the street, a café where you can grab coffee or water and use the facilities. Bottai is about 15 minutes from our downtown office, so if you choose this option, the tour group will arrive there approximately 15–20 minutes after leaving our main meeting point.
You’ll see the Bottai option listed (when available) at the time of booking, along with a link to the exact location.

👉 Please be sure to bring a phone with you so you can easily reach our office in case you have any trouble finding the meeting point or connecting with your Grape Tours driver.

Important Note
 Unfortunately, we’re not able to arrange meet-ups directly at the wineries. From the very beginning of the tour, our guides are fully dedicated to engaging with the group and building the right dynamic, so it’s important that everyone starts the experience together in Florence.

Question 4

Lunch & food allergies

Accepted Answer

1. Do you accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions?
 Yes! We do our best to accommodate food allergies, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.
2. Can you guarantee an allergen-free experience?
 While we take every precaution to provide safe and suitable options, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, as cross-contamination may occur at wineries and partner restaurants.
3. Can you accommodate vegan, keto, or paleo diets?
 We offer vegetarian options, but fully vegan meals can be challenging due to the traditional use of dairy and eggs in Tuscan cuisine. Additionally, we are unable to accommodate specialized diets such as keto or paleo beyond general food allergies (e.g., nuts, shellfish) and gluten-free options.
4. Do you offer gluten-free options?
 Absolutely! Many of our food and wine pairings can be made gluten-free. Just let us know your dietary needs when booking.
5. What if I have a severe allergy?
 If you have a severe or life-threatening allergy, please notify us in advance so we can communicate with our partners to minimize risks. We also recommend bringing any necessary medications, such as an EpiPen.
6. How do I notify you of my dietary needs?
 During the booking process, you'll have the opportunity to specify any food allergies or dietary restrictions. If you have additional concerns, feel free to contact us directly.
7. What if I forget to mention my dietary restrictions when booking?
 No problem! Just inform your guide before the tour begins, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Question 5

I won't be drinking wine

Accepted Answer

We often get asked this question, so here’s our standard answer—but of course, if your situation is different, don’t hesitate to reach out! Some people choose not to drink wine for various reasons—pregnancy, intolerance, or personal preference.

**If you’re pregnant**—congratulations! 🎉 You should absolutely still come. You know your body best so you do you. If you still have a small sip nobody in Italy frowns. And beyond the wine, there’s so much to enjoy—the breathtaking views, the delicious bites, and the overall experience of Tuscany.

**If you’re intolerant**—we’re so sorry! Some of our guests have brought a wine purifier, which allows them to enjoy the wine without issue. It may also help to know that the wineries we visit are organic, with little to no additives. Many guests who can’t drink wine at home find they can in Italy! But of course, you know your body best—do what feels right for you.

**If you simply don’t drink**—you’re probably healthier than the rest of us! 😉 You are absolutely welcome. Our tours are about so much more than just wine—they’re about history, culture, stunning locations, and, of course, amazing food.

**In terms of cost:** The ticket price is the same whether you taste the wine or not. This is because the wineries charge per person for the tour and tasting, without adjusting for those who choose not to drink. For this reason, we’re unable to offer discounts for non-tasting guests.

We hope this helps, and we’d love to have you join us!

Question 6

Can my children join one of the small group tours?

Accepted Answer

**Minimum Age Requirement for Grape Tours Wine Experiences**

At Grape Tours, we are committed to providing an immersive and enjoyable wine-tasting experience for all our guests. To ensure the best experience for everyone on our tours, we have a minimum age policy in place.

**Minimum Age Requirement**

The minimum age to participate in our wine tours is 18 years old. This aligns with the legal drinking age in Italy, allowing guests to fully engage in the tastings and winery experiences.

**Exceptions for Mature Minors**

While our tours are designed for adults, we understand that some families may wish to bring along mature minors who have an interest in wine culture. As such, we allow minors aged 12 and over to join. However, these minors must be under the supervision of an adult and will only be permitted to taste wine if minimum 16 yrs old at the discretion of the wineries we visit. Please notice that there are no discounted tickets for minors on the group tours.

**No Infants or Young Children**

To maintain the serene and immersive atmosphere of our tours, we do not allow babies or young children to join. Our experiences involve extended periods of wine tasting, walking through vineyards, and engaging in discussions about viticulture—making them unsuitable for young children.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines, ensuring that all our guests can enjoy an authentic and uninterrupted wine tour experience. For any questions about our age policy or to check if your minor is eligible to join, feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable wine journey through Italy!

If you are interested in a private tour, it is possible to bring children and we will provide seats. Please see all our private tours with pricing here.(https://www.tuscan-wine-tours.com/private-wine-tours)

Question 7

Can I bring luggage on the wine tour?

Accepted Answer

Most of our vans have very limited luggage space, as the small boot usually also holds a spare wheel.  We would like to keep it as free as possible so there could be space for purchases during the tour. Because of this, we’re unfortunately unable to accommodate large bags or suitcases during the tour.
We recommend:
 • Leaving your luggage at your hotel or accommodation (most are happy to store bags for the day).
 • Using a luggage locker service—train stations and central Florence both have options (search luggage storage Florence on Google Maps).
 • Trying the Bounce app, which lists convenient luggage storage locations nearby.
This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the tour stress-free and travel light!

Question 8

Which wineries can we expect to visit?

Accepted Answer

The Wineries We Visit in Tuscany
At Grape Tours, we carefully select the wineries we visit to ensure that our guests enjoy an authentic and intimate experience. Our focus is on small, family-owned wineries that embody the heart and soul of Tuscan winemaking. Here’s what makes our winery visits truly special:

Family-Owned & Passion-Driven
We believe that the best way to experience Tuscan wine culture is by visiting wineries that are run by families with generations of winemaking tradition. These producers pour their passion and expertise into every bottle, creating wines that truly reflect the land and history of the region.

Sustainable & Responsible Practices
Sustainability is at the core of our selection process. The wineries we visit prioritize organic or biodynamic farming, avoiding harmful chemicals and embracing environmentally friendly methods. Many of them also practice minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through.

A Personal & Intimate Experience
Unlike large commercial wineries, the estates we visit offer a personal touch. Guests often meet the winemakers themselves, hear their stories, and get an insider’s view of the winemaking process. This direct connection enhances the experience, making each visit unique and memorable.

Stunning Locations & True Tuscan Charm
Our partner wineries are nestled in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Tuscany, from the rolling Chianti hills to the picturesque vineyards of Montalcino and beyond. Visiting these estates allows you to soak in the beauty of the countryside while savoring world-class wines.

By choosing smaller, family-run wineries that operate sustainably, we ensure that our tours offer an authentic, high-quality, and meaningful experience. Join us on a journey through Tuscany’s finest boutique wineries and taste the difference for yourself!

Do you want to read about some of the wineries we visit? See this page!(https://www.tuscan-wine-tours.com/tuscany/wineries)

The Frequently Asked Grape Questions!