versione ItalianaChianti, Tuscany: Holidays in the Wine Region near Florence and Siena in Italy
The Chianti area in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful in the whole region, as well as the most well-known and appreciated by visitors from across the world.
The borders of the Chianti area are not clearly defined but in general it extends over the provinces of Florence and Siena, covering all of the area between the two cities and extending to the east and west around the city of Florence. The Chianti wine area is quite extensive, as you can see in the map below.
You'll often find references to the "Florentine Chianti" and the "Sienese Chianti" to define the areas closest to one or the other city, most often when referring the vineyards' location and a wine's origin within the Chianti region.
Visit Chianti and Tuscany with our Travel Guide »
Territory
Chianti offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone.
The Chianti landscapes are so beautiful and particular that they inspire many photographs which then become postcards and calendars distributed across the globe.
Chianti wine
In addition to splendid landscapes, Chianti's popularity is also directly tied to its fine red wines produced in the region and known generally as "Chianti" wine.
The tradition of cultivating vines in Chianti goes back a long time in history, back to the Etruscans that inhabited the area before the Roman empire. Thanks to written evidence dating back to these times it is now known that the Etruscans not only cultivated vines and conducted experiments on grafting and creating hybrids but also produced wines that were widely appreciated.
Today, Chianti wine, depending on the area of production, is divided and recognized with the following denominations:
- "Classico", the more well-known of the Chianti wines. Production is limited to area between Florence and Siena, as seen in lighter green area on the map to the right.
- "Colli Aretini", hills towards Arezzo
- "Colli Fiorentini", hills around Florence
- "Colli Senesi", hills around Siena
- "Colline Pisane", hills towards Pisa
- "Montalbano", area in the Montalbano hills around Pistoia
- "Montespertoli", hills around Montespertoli
- "Rufina", area of hills near Rufina to the east of Florence
In 1984, Chianti obtained the denomination D.O.C.G. (Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita, or Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin), which is the highest type of protection and recognition for quality Italian wines.
Learn more about Chianti wines and other details by visiting this page on Chianti resources on Tuscany.org.
Holiday Accommodation in Chianti
The Chianti region offers many kinds of accommodation for your vacation in Chianti. The last decade has seen a steady increase in the restructure and modernization of country homes and villas and of entire small rural villages which have turned into "agriturismo" or farm holiday accommodation perfect for visitors to Chianti that want to experience the Tuscan countryside and a more relaxing vacation.
View a selection of Chianti Accommodation »