Greve in Chianti: tours, villages and wine
Greve in Chianti is about 30 kilometres south of Florence. Montefioralle, Panzano in Chianti, Lucolena in Chianti and Strada in Chianti are among the settlements within its municipality.
Chianti tours
A private day tour of the Chianti wine region from Florence lasts 8 hours. It includes a private vehicle with a chauffeur, flexible stops in the Chianti countryside and visits to Greve in Chianti, Panzano and Montefioralle.
The private Tuscany day trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti takes 8 hours. A private vehicle with a chauffeur, transport between the destinations and an itinerary adapted to the group are included.
The day tour from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti lasts 10 hours and 30 minutes. It includes transport by coach with air conditioning, a professional guide speaking English throughout the tour, a guided walk in Siena with a professional city guide and entry to Monteriggioni village. A wine tasting at a Chianti estate, homemade snacks and an olive oil tasting are also included.
Greve in Chianti and its villages
The municipality extends over about 169 square kilometres, and the town has an elevation of 236 metres. Around Piazza Matteotti, shops and workshops occupy the arched loggias. Traditionally, an antiques fair takes place in the square on Easter Monday.
In Montefioralle, medieval walls surround a closely arranged network of streets and stone houses. Its Santo Stefano church contains a Madonna and Child dating from the late 13th century. Local tradition associates Montefioralle with the origins of Amerigo Vespucci's family.
Panzano in Chianti has an altitude of approximately 500 metres above sea level. The nearby Pieve of San Leolino is recorded as far back as the 10th century. Verrazzano Castle occupies a hill of about 350 metres, under 2 kilometres from central Greve. It probably began as a settlement in the Roman era.
Tuscany wine and local food
The annual Chianti Classico wine festival spans the second weekend in September and the Thursday and Friday immediately before it. Panzano is associated with the Vino al Vino wine fair. The Chianti Classico Consortium acts on behalf of 480 producers.
A guided Chianti winery tour with wine and food tasting takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Included are a guided cellar visit with expert commentary and a tasting of four estate wines, including Rosato and Chianti Classico. The food platter contains cured meats, cheeses, jams, crostini and fettunte, while water is provided for children and those who do not drink wine.
The private Chianti wine day tour from Florence lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a private driver speaking English, a private guided tasting of seven organic wines with winemaker Silvano and a tasting lunch. Lunch includes charcuterie, cheeses, bruschetta, pasta or ribollita, and Vin Santo with cantucci. A guided visit to Castellina in Chianti and free time with orientation in Greve in Chianti are included.
Mezzone salami combines pork and beef with spices, salt and pepper.
Local history and road connections
In the 11th century, Bernardo degli Uberti donated the historic settlement on San Francesco hill to the San Salvi monastery. Greve counted 27 families and 92 residents in 1551; by 1845 the population of the whole municipality exceeded 10,000. Road connections link Greve with the A1 motorway between Florence and Rome and with the main Florence to Siena road.
Where is Greve in Chianti in relation to Florence and Siena?
It is about 30 kilometres south of Florence.
Which settlements belong to the municipality?
They include Montefioralle, Panzano in Chianti, Lucolena in Chianti and Strada in Chianti.
What remains of medieval Montefioralle?
Medieval walls enclose its compact arrangement of stone houses and streets.
When is the Chianti Classico wine festival held?
It takes place on the second weekend of September, together with the preceding Thursday and Friday.
What is mezzone made from?
Its ingredients include pork, beef, spices, salt and pepper.
Frequently asked questions
