Best Wine tours in Cortona
In this article, we’ll guide you on an unforgettable expedition, introducing you to the finest aspects of Tuscany through the best wine tours in Cortona.
Exploring Tuscany by diving yourself into its wines and the people who make them is an incredibly enchanting experience. The famous poet Giosuè Carducci drew inspiration from the lush vineyards and olive groves that adorn the hills and valleys here. The area’s ideal soil and microclimate have attracted investments from farmers, propelling the Cortona DOC to prominence on both domestic and international stages in the world of wine.
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The best way to experience Tuscany and the surrounding area is to rent a car! We recommend booking well in advance using price comparison sites like rental cars if traveling in the peak summer season.
Wine Tours in Cortona
Baracchi
Baracchi Estate in Cortona offers a dreamy experience with stunning views of Valdichiana Valley, like scenes from ‘Under the Tuscan Sun.’ Riccardo and his son Benedetto blend hospitality, great food, and wellness with their family’s grape-growing tradition, which began in 1860. They’ve modernized the winery with the help of enologist Stefano Chioccioli.
The estate produces unique wines that reflect Riccardo’s passion, combining the region’s elegance with rich flavors that get better with time. In Cortona DOC, you’ll find just three exceptional wines: Smeriglio Syrah, Smeriglio Merlot, and Smeriglio Sangiovese.
Their wine names, like Smeriglio and Astore, are inspired by falcons known for their attentiveness and passion, while Ardito represents a fearless falcon’s character. A visit to Baracchi Estate is a journey into Cortona’s winemaking excellence.
Cantina Canaio
If you’re exploring wineries in Cortona and want a unique experience, consider Cantina Canaio. This family’s deep-rooted passion for grape cultivation led them to venture into winemaking in 2014, following the trend of other local producers.
Their journey began in 2012 when they decided to primarily cultivate Syrah grapes, with a small section dedicated to Merlot vines. They painstakingly restored a 1600s family country house, retaining its original charm, and built their winery.
The name “Canaio” honors an ancestor known for his passion for hunting, hence the hounds. In this small to medium-sized winery, their unwavering focus is on quality. They produce 100% Syrah and 100% Merlot wines, taking full advantage of Cortona’s terroir.
While they don’t claim their wines are better or the same as others, they believe each bottle tells its unique story and should be enjoyed with the right moment. If you seek wines with a personal touch and a taste of Tuscany, Cantina Canaio is worth exploring during your Cortona wine tour.
Tenimenti d’Alessandro
This historic winery is nestled in the beautiful Val di Chiana, and they’ve been on a journey to discover the true potential of Syrah in Cortona’s terroir.
Every day, they celebrate their deep connection to this enchanting land by striving for excellence in winemaking. Their mission is all about dedicating themselves to the vineyards and using precise techniques to bring out the best in Cortona wines.
What sets Tenimenti d’Alessandro apart is their hands-on approach. They invite you to join them during the harvest, sharing the hard work and the joys of winemaking. From the vineyards, they use treatments based on sulfur and copper, and then they keep things simple in the cellar, respecting the unique qualities of the grapes and the local character of the wine. They take a holistic and personalized approach to each grapevine, nurturing them to grow naturally and stay healthy.
Since 2013, they’ve been following organic principles, and by 2016, they’ll earn an organic certification. The land has responded positively to their care, with soil and plants thriving. This dedication results in wines that authentically represent their region, a true reflection of their hard work and love for the land. Tenimenti d’Alessandro is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of Cortona’s winemaking traditions.
Good to know
Tasting Options
Classic: Cellar visit and tasting of 4 wines, including Fontarca and Bosco, paired with cold cuts, local cheese, Tuscan bread, and their own honey. Duration: 1 hour. Price: €30 per person.
Top: Cellar visit and tasting of 6 wines, including Bianco, Rosato, Rosso, Fontarca, Bosco, and Migliara, accompanied by cold cuts, local cheese, Tuscan bread, and their own honey. Duration: 2 hours. Price: €50 per person.
Wines for Tasting: Bianco – Toscana IGT Viognier, Rosato – Toscana IGT Syrah, Rosso – Toscana IGT Syrah, Fontarca – Toscana IGT Viognier, Bosco – Toscana IGT Syrah
Gabriele Mazzeschi
When starting on a wine tour in Cortona, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this charming vineyard, nestled in the picturesque Val di Chio. This stunning valley leads you to the historic town of Castiglion Fiorentino, an ancient gem at the heart of Tuscany.
This family-owned business lovingly passed down through the generations, is now managed by Mr. Gabriele Mazzeschi. He has seamlessly blended his academic expertise with the rich family traditions to bring you the finest in wine, olive oil, and grain production.
What sets this business apart is their unwavering commitment to the environment. They employ organic and biodynamic farming techniques, completely avoiding any harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
A visit to this vineyard offers a glimpse into the perfect harmony of nature and tradition, making it an essential stop on your Cortona wine tour.
Noteworthy offerings
Commendatore Syrah: This wine is 100% Syrah. It ferments for over 30 days in marble tanks with natural yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation in barriques. After 18 months in barriques and 6 months in the bottle, it’s ready.
Foramacchie: A blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It ferments for over 20 days in marble tanks with natural yeasts, undergoes malolactic fermentation in barriques, and matures for 18 months in barriques, followed by 6 months in the bottle.
Anfora: This wine is 100% Canaiolo. It ferments for a minimum of 4 months in unglazed ceramic tanks, with natural yeasts. Afterward, it refines in the same ceramic tanks.
Primo: Made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. It undergoes a 12-hour fermentation and maceration in a cement tank with local yeast. After 10-15 days of fermentation, it matures for 3 months in a stainless steel vat, followed by 3 months of bottle refinement.
Mezzavia: Comprising 75% Trebbiano Toscano and 25% Malvasia Toscana grapes. Fermented for 10-15 days in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts, it then matures for 3 months in stainless steel and refines for 3 months in the bottle.
Fontemazza: A blend of 50% Malvasia Toscana and 50% Trebbiano Toscano grapes. The grapes are dried, pressed, and undergo fermentation in oak barrels for a minimum of 4 years.
Leuta
Located in the Centoia region, not far from Cortona, Farm Leuta embodies a dream born from profound passion and a love for the land. In 1999, Loris and Enzo, former finance professionals, made the bold choice to leave their corporate careers behind and reconnect with their roots by diving headfirst into the world of vine-growing.
Leuta’s vineyards span approximately 13 hectares across six different plots of land. With a commitment to organic farming practices, they aim to enhance soil biodiversity and uphold the integrity of the winemaking process, resulting in the production of exceptional, high-quality wines.
Noteworthy offerings
Leuta Tau IGT Toscana: A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Syrah. This wine is artfully blended in steel and then aged in barriques for 10 months, followed by an additional 2 months in steel.
Leuta 0,618 Syrah DOC Cortona: Crafted exclusively from 100% Syrah grapes, this wine matures in French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by an additional 2 months in steel.
Leuta 1,618 Merlot DOC Cortona: Comprised entirely of 100% Merlot grapes, this wine undergoes vinification in steel tanks and matures in French oak barrels for 12 months, with an additional 9 months of bottle aging.
Leuta 2,618 Cabernet Franc IGT Toscana: Made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine is vinified in steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by an extra 9 months in the bottle.
Solitario di Leuta Sangiovese DOC Cortona: Crafted from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this wine’s vinification occurs in wooden vats shaped like truncated cones. It matures in French tonneaux for 18-20 months and then rests for an additional 12 months in the bottle.
Nautilus Single Barrel Select IGT Toscana: A blend of 33% Sangiovese, 33% Syrah, and 33% Merlot. This wine is aged in barriques for 12 months, followed by an extra 12 months in the bottle.
Baldetti
Located in the heart of the picturesque Cortona countryside, you’ll find the Baldetti estate in Pietraia. The tradition of vine-growing and winemaking has deep roots here, dating back to the 1960s when the estate’s current owner, Mario Baldetti, embarked on a journey to modernize the existing vineyards.
In the 1970s, the Baldetti winery made strides by becoming one of the first in the province of Arezzo to acquire wine bottling machines. In 2010, a further modernization effort was undertaken, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to craft high-quality wines while showcasing an unwavering passion for the region.
Benefiting from an ideal microclimate, thanks to the nearby Lake Trasimeno, and soil rich in sandstone, Baldetti winery’s creations boast remarkable texture and a distinctive flavor profile.
Good to know
Tasting Options
Quick Tasting: Guided tasting of 4 wines. It includes water and crackers. Available from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Takes about 30 minutes.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting: Tour of vineyards, cellar, and oil mill. You can taste 4 wines with bruschetta, cheese, and cold cuts. Multiple time slots during the day. Lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Extended Vineyard Tour & Tasting: Explore vineyards, cellar, and oil mill. Enjoy 5 wines with bruschetta, cheese, cold cuts, and a seasonal first course. Starts at 12:30 pm. Takes about 2.5 hours.
Full Vineyard Tour & Tasting: Comprehensive tour of vineyards, cellar, and oil mill. Sample 6 wines and Vin Santo with a variety of food, including bruschetta, cheese, cold cuts, a traditional first course, and dessert. Starts at 12:30 pm. Lasts around 3 hours.
Podere Il Fitto
A visit to this place is like stepping into a timeless vineyard oasis. The story begins in the 1970s when the first vines were carefully planted. Fast forward to the year 2000, and you’ll find a renewed vineyard and a brand-new cellar, all set against a stunning backdrop of 15 hectares of land dedicated to Cortona D.O.C vines, olive groves, and fertile fields.
While a variety of grapes are cultivated here, including Sangiovese and Colorino, the true star is the Syrah grape. This place takes a traditional approach to grapevine care, from pruning to thinning, and grape selection. Everything is done in harmony with the environment and follows the natural rhythms set by Mother Nature herself. If you’re seeking an authentic vineyard experience, this is a must-visit destination.
IVITI
Founded in 2013, the IVITI Winery has its roots in the 1950s when Pietro and Lidio Viti purchased a farm in the heart of Tuscany’s Cortona, known for its Etruscan heritage. In 2008, Enrico and Luca Viti expanded the legacy by planting vineyards and building a cellar. Covering 6 hectares, with 2 dedicated to vineyards, 0.70 to olive trees for oil production, and the rest to cereal crops, the Winery symbolizes the deep connection between the Viti family and Cortona.
Guided by a young business owner with a genuine Tuscan farmer’s spirit, the Winery cultivates varieties like Trebbiano, Grechetto, Malvasia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, producing a range of wines, including Cortona DOC Syrah “S.90” and Cortona Cabernet Sauvignon DOC.
Stefano Amerighi
Nestled atop the scenic Farneta hill, you’ll discover Cantina Stefano Amerighi in Poggiobello, a fresh and environmentally conscious addition to the Cortona wine-making landscape. Thorough geological and climatic studies conducted on the estate have affirmed its ideal conditions for cultivating the Syrah grape variety.
In this authentic winery, grapes undergo the time-honored process of foot crushing, and the vines are nurtured using traditional, chemical-free methods. The result? A unique and inviting opportunity to savor the excellence of Syrah in its purest form.
Molesini Winestore
Over the past decade, this wine shop has evolved into a renowned destination for discovering Tuscan and Italian wines. The Cortona Wineshop remains open every day, except on Christmas Day, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitors have the opportunity to indulge in wine, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar tastings guided by a multilingual staff.
Every Thursday, from May through October, there are complimentary tastings held in front of the Wineshop from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This offers an opportunity to sample some of the finest Tuscan and Italian wines, followed by a special wine dinner at 8:30 pm in a local restaurant.
Food Pairings
When embarking on a wine tour in Tuscany, one of the best ways to truly savor the experience is by pairing exceptional wines with the region’s delectable local cuisine. Tuscany is known for its mouthwatering dishes that perfectly complement the richness of its wines.
Our recommendation is Cortona Syrah DOC with Pappardelle al Cinghiale.
Cortona Syrah, with its intense flavors of dark berries, spices, and a hint of smokiness, pairs beautifully with Pappardelle al Cinghiale. This Tuscan specialty features wide, flat pasta ribbons served with a hearty wild boar ragù. The wine’s robust and peppery notes complement the gamey flavors of the wild boar, while its fruitiness balances the richness of the sauce. It’s a quintessentially Tuscan pairing that captures the essence of Cortona’s culinary and winemaking heritage.
Tasting Tips
Engage Your Senses. Wine tasting is a sensory journey. Begin by observing the wine’s color, clarity, and viscosity. Swirl the glass gently to release its aromas.
Take Time to Smell. Before sipping, bring your nose to the glass and inhale deeply. Try to identify the various aromas, from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy notes.
Sip Thoughtfully. Take a small sip and let it coat your palate. Pay attention to the wine’s texture, acidity, and body. Is it light and crisp or full-bodied and velvety.
Taste, Don’t Guzzle. Savor the wine slowly, allowing its flavors to evolve on your tongue. Notice the initial taste, mid-palate, and finish. What nuances do you detect?
Swirl and Sip Again. After the first sip, take another and notice how it may evolve as it interacts with the air. Swirl the wine gently in your mouth to fully appreciate its complexity.
Enjoy Responsibly. While indulging in wine is a joy, remember to drink responsibly. If you plan to visit multiple wineries, consider arranging for a designated driver or transportation.
Respect the Environment. Be mindful of the winery’s rules and guidelines. Treat the vineyards and facilities with respect.
Relax and Savor. Wine tasting is meant to be enjoyable and relaxing. Take in the scenic surroundings and savor each moment of your Cortona wine tour.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to go on a wine tour in Cortona?
The best time for a wine tour in Cortona and generally Tuscany depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn are popular choices as the weather is pleasant, and vineyards are vibrant. Harvest season in September is a special time to witness grape picking.
Are wine tours in Cortona suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Some wineries offer family-friendly tours that include activities for children. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenic beauty, vineyard tours, and food pairings.
Can I buy wine during the tour, and how do I transport it back home?
Yes, you can purchase wine during the tour. Wineries typically offer packaging for safe transport, or you can check with your tour operator for shipping options if traveling internationally.
How can I book a wine tour in Cortona?
You can book a wine tour in Cortona through various methods: directly with the wineries, through tour operators specializing in wine tours, or online platforms. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
What is the cost of a Cortona wine tour, and what does it typically include?
Prices vary widely depending on the tour type and duration. A standard wine tour may cost between €30 to €100 or more per person. Included are tastings, tours, and often light snacks.
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