Brunello di Montalcino, the king of wines

Montalcino, home of Brunello, the king of Italian wines, is a small town perched on a hill south of Siena.  The first leg of the tour will be to a vineyard belonging to one of the most important producers of Brunello in the entire region. Here, after a delightful walk through the vineyards where the secrets to a perfect wine will be revealed to you, you can visit the winery and taste this divine nectar that we mortals call Brunello. Sated, we will head for the spectacular Sant'Antimo abbey, the most important example of Romanesque architecture in the whole of Tuscany, dating back to the twelfth century. This will be followed by a typical Tuscan lunch. But it will not be an ordinary meal: you will eat at an old mill still used to press oil where you will learn the secret to producing sublime extra virgin olive oil. We will then head for Montalcino where you can admire the beautiful medieval fortress, and afterwards you will be able to stroll the streets in the town centre, calling in at wine shops or whatever takes your fancy. And to round off a perfect day how about another visit to a vineyard where Brunello is produced? You'll find it very hard to say no to an offer like this.

Duration of tour: Around eight hours

Classic Chianti, Gallo Nero

This trip focuses on the beating heart of the Classic Chianti area, the area that begins just south of Florence and ends just before Siena. Between tasting sessions, you will find time to discover the surrounding area and learn how this great Italian wine is produced. The first stage will be in an old medieval town perched right on top of a hill: Castellina in Chianti. Here you'll appreciate how this wine has shaped and transformed the region's destiny and you will also be able to visit some shops owned by true craftsman who still closely follow Tuscan tradition. You'll also have the opportunity to taste the fantastic olive oil and amazing vinegar produced in these beautiful areas. And then off to the first vineyard. You will visit the magnificent winery where you will be told not only how Chianti is produced but also about other typical local produce. You will taste the wines produced here and which will probably include at least one Classic Chianti, a Riserva and an IGT Super Tuscan. After all this wine a meal is in order so you will stop for lunch at a typical local trattoria or at another farm. After lunch, to aid digestion .... you will visit another agricultural estate! So you will round off your day dedicated to one of the most famous wines in the world before returning to Villa Armena to wind down after such an exciting day out.

Duration of the tour: Around eight hours

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The historic towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano are often confused with each other because the names are so similar. But whilst Montalcino has Brunello, Muntepulciano is famous for its "Vino Nobile". This is also where the very best Vin Santo in the whole of Tuscany is produced. The day kicks off with a visit to a vineyard where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced in order to see their historic wine-cellar. You will taste their wines in the beautiful garden offering wonderful panoramic views over the beautiful Tuscan hills. You will also be provided with a small snack. Afterwards you will make your way to a second producer for a second round of tasting. This will be followed by a delicious lunch at a small trattoria where you will be served typical Tuscan specialties. After all this eating and drinking maybe it would be a good idea to go for a walk and in fact you will visit the town of Montepulciano; you can choose between studying the town's history in greater detail or visiting a third (why not?) wine producer after which you return to Villa Armena; it will be our pleasure to ensure that your evening is totally relaxing.

Duration of tour: Around 8 hours

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small town south of Florence which is famous for its tall medieval towers. But it is also the town where one of the most important white wines of Italy, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, first saw the light. The very first white wine ever to receive the DOC [registered designation of origin] designation in 1966. This is a truly lovely part of Tuscany, with its gentle hills and strong colors.  The first leg of the tour will be to a famous chocolate maker in the area where you will savour his delicious handcrafted chocolate. Truly a product from earlier times. Afterwards you will travel to the first winery. An organic / biodynamic producer where the owner will accompany you on the tour to explain all the tricks of the trade. Explanations which will be followed by the first tasting session of the day. You will then travel to San Gimignano for a quick visit to this wonderful town which has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can buy many different local products here. Lunch will be taken either at an amazing farm which produces saffron or at a wonderful local trattoria. This will be followed by another visit to a winery where you will be served the classic Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the Riserva and several reds including a Super Tuscan. And then, everybody back to Villa Armena where you will have the opportunity to relax after such a busy, interesting day.

Duration of tour: approximately 8 hours