Food and wine tours in Tuscany: what to do in fall on the Tuscan hillside

During fall months, the vineyards come to life with the eagerly awaited grape harvest, one of the most important times of the year in Tuscany.

Going on a tour that includes the grape harvest will let you gain a better understanding of the wine production process, from growing and harvesting stages right up to bottling.

On these tours, guests will have the opportunity to sample fine wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano, served with a selection of typical dishes from traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Every sip becomes a chance to explore the expertise that drives the producers, while also gaining a better understanding of the close link between the region, its outstanding food and wine and Tuscany’s cultural identity.

One of the most valuable ingredients of fall is undoubtedly the truffle and the truffle harvest is an intriguing experience.

Various farms offer food and wine tours in Tuscany that allow visitors to take part in the truffle harvest, accompanied by trained sniffer dogs and expert guides.

Having helped with the meticulous truffle hunt in forests and fields, participants can immerse themselves in a tasting session with dishes made from this valuable tuber, discovering how it can enrich and enhance Tuscany’s traditional recipes.

Tuscan gastronomy would not be complete without extra virgin olive oil, which is the real star of the show in the region’s cuisine.

In fall, many tours let you take part in harvesting olives from centuries-old plants with the subsequent oil production phase in local oil mills.

Guests can therefore gain a deep understanding of the commitment and expertise behind every drop of this precious condiment.

Guided tasting sessions let you fully appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromas, while also trying out perfect pairings with typical dishes, such as bruschetta, which bring out the best quality from the oil.

Another fascinating aspect of Florentine gastronomy lies in its lively local markets, which are real culinary treasure chests.

Guided tours around famous markets such as San Lorenzo Market and Central Market offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of colors, aromas and flavors, in search of fresh ingredients, artisan specialties and typical dishes from Florentine and Tuscan tradition.

These tours give you a better understanding of the local food chain, letting you get to know the producers and to appreciate the quality and authenticity of the products offered, which are often made from ancient recipes passed down for generations.

Furthermore, participants can also help make typical dishes during these tours, learning the secrets and techniques of Tuscan cuisine.

Many food markets and trade fairs take place all over the region, offering unmissable chances to sample local specialties.

Various Tuscan cities, such as Siena and Arezzo, hold weekly markets where local producers offer fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and other typical products.

Towns like Marradi and Castel del Rio celebrate chestnut festivals, one of the quintessential fall products here.

Visitors can sample dishes made from chestnuts, sweet treats and buy local products.

The fall chestnut harvest in Tuscany is a fascinating traditional experience, involving many mountain and hillside villages in the region.

This time of year, usually between September and November, lets you explore forests, take part in festivals and sample typical dishes made from chestnuts.

If you like the sound of a chestnut harvest tour, one of the most famous areas is around Mugello, with its chestnut groves and trails.

The Casentino valley is home to ancient chestnut groves and several events dedicated to chestnuts, such as the Fiera della Castagna in Castel San Niccolò, while Val di Sieve, with its forests and hills, is a great area for collecting chestnuts and visiting local festivals.

We cannot forget Mount Amiata, famous for its chestnuts, the many villages putting on celebrations during this harvest time, as well as the breath-taking landscapes of the Garfagnana region.

If you love nature and sport, then we recommend a bike tour in the Chianti region.

Tuscany offers breath-taking landscapes, colorful vineyards and the perfect climate for cycling.

Here are some suggestions for a bike tour in Chianti in fall:

Recommended Route

• Start from Florence: You can begin your adventure from Florence, crossing through beautiful rural landscapes.
• San Gimignano: One of the unmissable stops is San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers.
• Panzano in Chianti and Greve in Chianti: These small towns offer magnificent views and are excellent spots to stop and sample some Tuscan food and wine.
• Return to Florence: You can end your journey by returning to Florence, passing by vineyards and olive groves.

Staying in Florence is an excellent choice if you want to explore food tours in fall in Tuscany.

The city is well-connected with the region’s other locations, making it easy to get to the famous Chianti wineries, historical towns such as San Gimignano and Volterra, as well as farms offering tasting sessions of olive oil and typical products.

The FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, located on the Lungarno, or the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli in the old town center, are therefore the perfect choice.

Alternatively, the FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole, situated on the hillside, offers a more peaceful atmosphere and stunning panoramic views.

From here, you can enjoy a breath-taking view over the city of Florence, while at the same time being close to the wine-producing areas and farmers’ markets where you can savor traditional Tuscan dishes, such as ribollita vegetable stew and pappa al pomodoro thick tomato and bread soup.