Discover Chianti: More Than Wine
Exploring Chianti by Car
The Chiantigiana, the Via Cassia and the white roads: three loops, where to park, what to avoid and who should drive.
Chianti was made for driving slowly. The roads follow the ridges, the villages come every ten minutes and the views change at every bend. A car is also the only practical way to reach most wineries. Here is what to know, and three loops we recommend from Casa Sola.
Getting a car
Rent in Florence, at the airport or near the station, or in Siena. Collect it outside the historic centres: both cities have limited-traffic zones (ZTL) with cameras, and a wrong turn costs a fine weeks later. A small car is better than a big one on these roads. Automatic transmission should be requested in advance.
The three roads
The Chiantigiana, SR222, is the famous one: Florence, Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Siena, seventy kilometres of ridge road through the heart of the appellation. The Via Cassia, SR2, runs along the western edge through San Casciano, Tavarnelle, Barberino and Poggibonsi: our road, faster and less travelled. The Florence–Siena expressway is the quick link between the cities when you are late. Between them run the strade bianche, the unpaved white roads: drive them at walking pace, keep right on the bends and expect cyclists.
Loop one: the western hills, half a day
Tavarnelle, Badia a Passignano, Panzano, back along the Chiantigiana to Castellina, then down to San Donato in Poggio and Casa Sola for the afternoon visit. About sixty kilometres, two hours of driving, a whole afternoon of stops.
Loop two: towers and walls, a full day
Barberino Val d'Elsa and Semifonte in the morning, San Gimignano before the crowds, Monteriggioni for lunch, Castellina in the afternoon, Casa Sola for the 17:00 tour in the warmer months. About ninety kilometres.
Loop three: the deep Chianti, a full day
Greve and Montefioralle, Radda, Volpaia, Gaiole and the castle of Brolio, back by Castellina. Longer, emptier, best in October when the vines turn. Stop at Casa Sola on the way home for a tasting, or the day before.
Parking and finding us
Set the navigator to Strada di Cortine 5, Barberino Tavarnelle; there is parking at the winery. In the villages, park in the marked areas below the walls; the centres are pedestrian. Fuel stations are in the towns on the Cassia and the Chiantigiana, not in the hamlets; many close on Sunday afternoon.
Who drives
The limit in Italy is 0.5 grams per litre. Decide before the tasting who drinks and who drives, use the spittoon, and remember that any wine you fall for can be shipped home. If nobody wants to drive, private drivers and small-group tours leave Florence and Siena every morning.
Book a visit and we will suggest the best road for the hour you arrive.
Keep reading
Best Things to Do in Chianti
Vineyards, hill towns and a long lunch under the olive trees: seven ideas for a slow day. Stop three is a tasting at Casa Sola.
The Best Time to Visit Chianti
Harvest in late September, roses in May, quiet light in October. When to come and why, season by season.
Chianti Wine Tours from Florence
Thirty minutes by car, a little more by bus: how to reach the western Chianti Classico and what to see on the way.