Spring is in the air, despite the recent rainfall, so our thoughts turn to Tuscany and its myriad vineyards. Meandering the cypress-lined lanes is a must, but venturing into the wine region with a purpose is always a good idea. Here’s our guide to 5 wine events this spring in Tuscany.
Cantine Aperte
The barrique cellar at Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano near Florence
On May 26–27, nearly 50 wine producers belonging to Movimento Turismo del Vino Toscana will be receiving casual visitors: the only requirement is a passion for wine. Our favourites (we have many!) include Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano, the Ferragamo family’s Il Borro, Cecchi’s Val delle Rose, Tenuta di Artimino, Ricasoli and Bindi Sergardi.
Click here for a full list of the cantine taking part and how each winery works.
Picnic del Vignaiolo
While away the weekend of June 2–3 tasting Tuscany’s most natural wines in a choice of 16 different spots across the region, where tradition and terrain conjure up vinous magic. To make sure that you’re not spacing, the cantine in question are offering picnics too; some also offer lodging for the night, which might be wise after a day of the grape. Prices and arrangements vary depending on the winery, but the 16 are La Salceta (in the province of Arezzo); Fattoria Casa Sola, Fattoria di Poggiopiano, Il Peraccio, Il Sassone, La Querce and Tenuta del Palagio (Florence); Casavyc, Diegale, Fattoria La Maliosa, Poggio L’Apparita, Poggio al Gello and Poggio La Luna (Grosseto); Fattoria di Statiano (Pisa); Cappella Sant’Andrea and Palazzo di Piero (Siena).
Click here to find how the event works.
Radda nel Bicchiere
The 23rd edition of the annual Radda nel Bicchiere festival takes place on May 26 and 27, in the picturesque Tuscan town of Radda in Chianti. Around 30 wine producers line the streets with nearly 100 labels to taste (and blind taste), all in celebration of Chianti Classico. Pinot Nero from the Tuscan Apennines is this year’s guest of honour, however, at a seminar on the Saturday morning (30 euro). In the afternoon Enoclub Siena’s Davide Bonucci brings us back to Radda’s with a Vin Santo guided tasting (15 euro). Alternatively, wander leisurely through the streets, drinking in the view as much as the produce. You buy the beautifully engraved glass (15 euro) and the tastings all along the main street are included.
Mostra del Chianti – Montespertoli
The 61st Mostra del Chianti in Montespertoli starts on May 26 and finishes on June 3. This edition is running alongside a flower display, making the air even headier with perfumes. Innumerable events are taking place too—it’s not so much a wine festival as a town festival with a strong vinous element—and the most eccentric of them will probably be the parade by the ‘900 group, who take it upon themselves to faithfully enact scenes from life in the area 100 years ago.
Rosso Morellino
Morellino di Scansano vineyards
To celebrate 40 years of DOC, the Consorzio di Tutela Morellino di Scansano is launching a new event, open to professionals and wine lovers. Rosso Morellino: 40 Years of History will take place on June 11 in Scansano, beginning at 11am outside the ex-primary school on via XX Settembre 30. More than 30 producers will take you on a taste bud tour through the finest years of Morellino, with the current vintage sitting alongside plenty of Riserva.
