WEAVING THROUGH CHIANTI

Weave your way through the wonderful Chianti countryside aboard a vintage spider. Car enthusiasts will feel the thrill of steering an iconic automobile from the 1960s or 1970s and get a true taste of Tuscan Dolce Vita as they enjoy a delicious meal.

You will begin your day with a short transfer from your accommodation to the starting point of the tour. Here, after receiving a technical briefing, jump in behind the wheel of your classic car and let the adventure begin. A member of staff will remain with you throughout the drive and show the route from the vehicle in front of you so as to ensure a safe, smooth experience. Follow him along a scenic trail up and down gently rolling hills and take in the sights and scents of this splendid landscape.

As you spin your web through Chianti aboard your spider, if you try hard enough, you might just catch the sounds of a trumpet blast, thundering hooves and clashing swords resonating across the hills. You may not know that the word Chianti originates from the Latin term clangor meaning “clamour” or “noise”, which refers to the sounds that could be heard during the countless battles that shook the area. As a border territory between Florence and Siena, Chianti often found itself at the centre of tumultuous events and was far from being the peaceful Eden you can admire today! The symbol of Chianti wine, the black rooster, stands as an enduring reminder of the age-old clash between the two rival cities. According to legend, Florence and Siena agreed to put an end to their long quarrel over the borders of their territories by each sending out a knight on horseback when the rooster crowed, at daybreak on a given date. The place they met would become the new line that divided them. The two cities both did their best to outwit the other. In Siena, the white rooster was treated to a lavish meal in the hope that a full stomach would produce a vigorous morning crow, while in Florence, the black rooster was left hungry so that it would rise earlier, allowing their knight a head start. The latter strategy proved to be the right one for the Florentine knight set off long before his opposite number in Siena and successfully claimed most of Chianti for Florence. Since then the black rooster has been the emblem of the region.

Your drive will end at a renowned Chianti estate. Here, on a tour of the property, you will get to know about wine-making and ageing methods, become familiar with the particular features and regulations that define Chianti Classico and discover the unique characteristics of the terroir and climate that make wines produced here so special. A light lunch made with prime quality ingredients and accompanied with the estate’s wines will be the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day in Chianti.

After lunch your private chauffeur will be waiting outside the estate ready to drive you back to your accommodation in Florence.