What better way to count down the days to summer’s arrival than by enjoying a perfect glass of vino while gazing at the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany during Wine Month in the Chianti region? Be sure not to miss the activities centered on the best wines that Tuscany has to offer: the special events—open wine cellars, wine festivals and plenty of gourmet local foods to sample—run only from the end of May to beginning of June.
Alle Corti del Vino (Wine Festival at Villa Le Corti)
May 22–24 Villa Le Corti, via San Piero di Sotto 1, San Casciano Val di Pesa
This wine fair brings together over 100 Tuscan wine producers. May 22 will mark the second B2B day, a meeting organised by the Regione Toscana for external buyers and local producers. The fair will then be open to the public for two days, during which visitors will be able to sample some 400 wines, take part in seminars and eat in the Villa Le Corti’s pretty courtyard. Visitors will also be able to purchase the wines they have sampled at the enoteca wine store. (Friday 22 by invitation only, 23 and 24 open to the public; €18 per person including all wine tasting. Free entrance for children under 12; discount for members of Slow Food)
52nd Chianti Wine Festival
May 23–31 Montespertoli
The heart of Montespertoli will be transformed into a huge wine fair from May 23 to 31, when the town’s main square will be bursting with local wine producers. Visitors can sample some excellent wines, as well as meet the people who make them. There will also be music and a chance to savour some traditional local fare.
40th Toscanello d’Oro Chianti Wine Festival
May 28–June 2 Pontassieve
The Chianti Wine Festival is not to be missed. Local wine producers show their wines in the old town centre of Pontassieve, giving visitors the chance to taste some of the best wines that the region has to offer.
Di Vini Profumi (Heavenly Aromas Wine Festival)
May 29–30, 5pm–10pm Piazza San Francesco, Prato
Sample some delicious Carmignano Docg wine at the seventh edition of the Di Vini Profumi wine festival, which takes place in Prato and Carmignano. More than 14 Carmignano Docg wine producers will be present at the festival, and both local wines and delicious traditional dishes will be available. Take this opportunity to visit Prato’s artistic and cultural treasures and to discover the small town of Carmignano, home to the oldest Docg wine in Italy.
For more information: 057/4471070
Anteprima Vini Lucca (Preview of Wines from Lucca)
May 30–31 Real Collegio di Lucca
This wine fair celebrates Gran Cru wines from the Tuscan coast with tastings, meetings and roundtable discussions. Wine from the 2008 grape harvest and a preview of wines put on the market this year will be featured in the beautiful and spacious Real Collegio, in the historic centre of Lucca. Several special events are planned, including a conference for wine producers, the press and consumers to discuss the effects of the economic crisis and changing consumer tastes. Visitors also shouldn’t miss the Street Food market, which will showcase the best of local, traditional ‘street food.’ The fair includes a photography exhibit. Members of the public can meet and chat with wine producers, and there is also a private space for producers to hold meetings. €15 per person / €5 discount for Wine Association members.
Classico è (Chianti Classico Festival) Exhibition of the Chianti Classico Consortium
May 30–June 6
This celebration of Chianti Classico wines provides the perfect opportunity for wine specialists and amateur wine enthusiasts alike to get together and sample some excellent Chianti Classico. During the eight days of the fair, there will be exhibitions, music and many wine cellars will be throwing open their doors to the public.
Cantine aperte (Open wine cellars) May 31
Many Tuscan wine cellars will open their doors for wine-tasting sessions. Learn more about wine making, wine appreciation and also find out what dish each label should accompany.
