Chocolate & Wine Tour in Florence with Under The Tuscan Sun Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as activity mainly involves walking short distances and sitting during tastings.
Overview
Taste the rare pleasures of Tuscan chocolate and wine on a private, full-day tour just outside Florence. Indulge your senses in artisan flavors and panoramic vineyard views.
Details
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is known primarily for its Renaissance art, iconic architecture, and world-class cuisine. But Beyond the city’s historic heart lies a day-long journey crafted for the curious palate—Under The Tuscan Sun Tours’ Private VIP Chocolate & Wine Tour. This 8 to 9-hour experience invites up to eight guests to dive deep into two of Tuscany’s most indulgent traditions: artisanal chocolate and fine wine.
The tour begins with a drive to sun-drenched cocoa plantations just outside Florence, where the rich, earthy scent of chocolate beans dried in Tuscan sunshine fills the air. Here, visitors witness the entire chocolate-making process from bean to bar, guided by passionate experts who reveal the nuances of flavor unique to this rare Italian chocolate. Sampling sessions are layered with insights into sustainable bean growing adapted to Tuscany’s distinctive microclimate.
Next on the itinerary is a curated wine tasting in a vineyard famed for its Sangiovese grapes and bold Chianti blends. Set against rolling hills dotted with olive groves and cypress trees, the vineyard offers sweeping panoramic views that embody Tuscan countryside charm. Each sip is paired expertly with fine chocolates that highlight contrasting and complementary notes, elevating the sensory experience.
What sets Under The Tuscan Sun Tours apart is their intimate, small-group format and authentic local immersion. This isn’t the typical crowded tasting or generic day trip; it’s a bespoke sensory adventure tailored for lovers of refined tastes and curiosity about food origins. The company’s dedication to quality craftsmanship—both in their guides and the producers they collaborate with—makes this tour a standout outdoor culinary experience in the Florence region.
For travelers seeking a meaningful, slow-paced connection to Tuscan flavors and landscapes, this chocolate and wine journey offers a memorable way to engage all senses, illuminating a lesser-known facet of Tuscany’s outdoor and cultural heritage.
Adventure Tips
Bring a camera with a macro lens
Close-up shots capture the intricate textures of cacao beans and wine glasses during tastings.
Wear comfortable shoes
There’s some light walking around plantations and vineyards; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Stay hydrated
Especially in summer months, drink water alongside wine tastings to stay refreshed.
Book in advance for private groups
This exclusive experience seats up to eight and fills quickly during peak seasons.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- Small artisan chocolate shops in Florence’s Oltrarno district
- Secluded hilltop wineries near Greve in Chianti
Wildlife
- European hoopoe birds near vineyards
- Local honeybees crucial for cocoa pollination
History
Florence’s Renaissance heritage parallels Tuscany’s rich tradition of crafting fine wine and chocolate dating back centuries.
Conservation
The tour partners with sustainable producers who emphasize organic farming and biodiversity preservation in vineyards and cacao plantations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Hilltop vineyard terraces
- cocoa bean drying racks
- Florence skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for walking through plantations and vineyards with uneven terrain.
Sun hat
Protects from strong Tuscan sun during outdoor portions of the tour.
summer specific
Light jacket
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings in the Tuscan countryside.
fall specific
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during a full day of tastings and walking.