Wine tour in Passignano, wine lunch and guided tour in San Gimignano

My dear fellows and distinguished guests, WFTI Wine and Food Tours in Italy, under the esteemed stewardship of Mr. Marco Tenerini, is immensely proud to extend an invitation to a day of unparalleled refinement.

We offer a curated odyssey through the most authentic Tuscany, centered upon the noble heritage of the Marchesi Antinori, the medieval majesty of San Gimignano, and the finest traditions of the Italian table.

A) The Sacred Sanctuary: Badia a Passignano Abbey-Winery

Our journey commences at the most historic estate of the Marchesi Antinori—an Abbey boasting over a millennium of continuous history.

Here, the very stones whisper of the past; indeed, the great Galileo Galilei graced these cloisters as a master of mathematics in 1587.

We shall enjoy a proper introduction to the noble art of viticulture amidst breathtaking vineyard vistas before descending into the thousand-year-old cellars.

A sommelier of high standing will lead an extraordinary tasting of four legendary labels:

• Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
• The revolutionary Tignanello Supertuscan
• The robust Guado al Tasso Bolgheri
• The majestic Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino

To stand among these ancient barrels and manuscripts is to touch the very soul of wine history—an experience to be recounted to one’s grandchildren.

B) Grand Wine Pairing Lunch: The Heart of San Gimignano

We move then to a splendid stone-and-wood trattoria within the historic walls of San Gimignano.

Here, we eschew the "international chef" in favor of a passionate local cook whose expertise brings the terroir to life.

Your meal is a symphonic pairing of flavors, featuring selections from the Wine Spectator Top 100.

A sample menu to tempt the palate

• Aperitif: Seasonal house welcome paired with Vernaccia DOCG.
• Appetizer: Duck liver pâté with caramelized figs and walnuts, paired with Vernaccia Riserva.
• Primi: Handmade pappardelle with Cinta Senese ragù, paired with Chianti dei Colli Senesi.
• Main: Chianina beef fillet in red wine with Colonnata lard, paired with a noble Super Tuscan.
• Dolce: Lemon cream tartlet paired with Vinsanto Riserva.

C) The Manhattan of the Middle Ages: private guided tour

We conclude with a private exploration of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site where time has stood still since the 13th century.

Famous for its skyline of medieval towers, this "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" once boasted 72 stone giants; today, 14 remain as a testament to the prestige of its ancient families.

Your expert, English-speaking guide will lead you through spectacular squares and hidden streets, revealing the secrets of the palazzi and the enduring traditions of the people who have inhabited this fortress for over a thousand years.

It is, quite simply, the quintessential Tuscan experience for the true connoisseur.