If you’re heading to Florence and want to go beyond the typical wine tasting, this Create Your Own Wine experience offers a unique chance to get behind the scenes of Tuscan winemaking. Instead of just sipping wines, you’ll become a winemaker for a few hours, crafting a blend that reflects your personal taste. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour promises a memorable, hands-on journey through Tuscany’s celebrated viticulture.
What we love about this experience is how engaging it is. First, the opportunity to taste six premium single-varietal wines offers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s diversity. Second, the chance to compose your own blend with expert guidance turns a typical tasting into a creative adventure. A potential drawback? It’s designed for those over 18, so families with children might need to consider other activities. Still, it’s perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone looking to make a personalized souvenir from their trip.
If you enjoy interactive experiences that combine education, local flavors, and a dash of creativity, this tour is a great fit. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate wine as a craft and want a memorable hands-on activity that ends with a tangible keepsake — your own bottle, complete with a custom label.
Key Points
Hands-on winemaking: You’re not just tasting; you’re blending and creating.
Expert guidance: A professional sommelier explains the process, making it accessible and fun.
Premium tasting: Six single-varietal wines showcase Tuscany’s winemaking diversity.
Local pairings: Enjoy regional delicacies that complement the wines and deepen flavors.
Souvenir: You leave with a 350 ml bottle of your own custom blend, labeled just for you.
Small group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
What Makes This Experience Stand Out?
This activity takes the traditional wine tasting and elevates it with hands-on blending, giving you a deeper appreciation for Tuscan wines. Instead of just sipping and listening, you actively participate in creating a personalized wine, guided by a knowledgeable professional. This approach makes the experience both educational and fun, especially when you start mixing different varietals to craft a blend that suits your palate.
The emphasis on local specialties paired with tastings enhances the overall experience. It’s not just about the wines but also the flavors that define Tuscany — cheese, cured meats, and regional bites. These pairings help you understand the wines better and add a delicious element to the session.
What truly sets this tour apart is the personalized souvenir at the end: your own bottle of wine with a custom label. It’s an authentic, tangible reminder of your time in Tuscany and your newfound winemaking skills.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Florence.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The experience kicks off at the Ciaofoodies Hub at La Cucineria in Florence, a convenient and lively meeting point. From there, you’ll head into an engaging two-hour session where the real fun begins. You start by sampling six single-varietal wines, each carefully selected to highlight Tuscany’s diverse wine-producing regions and grape varieties.
Your guide, a professional sommelier, will share stories and insights about each wine’s origin, characteristics, and how they’re produced. We loved the way the guide explained the differences between varietals, making complex wine concepts accessible without dumbing them down. For example, you might learn how Sangiovese’s bright acidity shapes Chianti wines, or how the aromatic profiles of Vermentino differ from those of Trebbiano.
Once you’ve identified your favorite wines, the blending process begins. With all necessary materials provided, you’ll experiment with different combinations, guided by expert tips. The goal is to create a blend that reflects your personal taste — whether that’s more fruit-forward, balanced, or bold. The process is interactive, fun, and surprisingly informative.
Throughout the session, you’ll enjoy regional food pairings that complement the wines — think cheeses, cured meats, and regional bread or antipasti. These tastings aren’t just fillers; they’re carefully selected to enhance your understanding of how flavors interact.
The session wraps up with your label creation — you’ll design a label for your personalized bottle, which is then filled and sealed, ready to take home as a unique souvenir. You also receive a digital recipe booklet with tasting tips and blending techniques, making it easy to remember and replicate your experience later.
The Value of the Experience
At around 2 hours, the experience is well-paced and offers excellent value considering what’s included. For the price, you get six high-quality wines, expert guidance, local food pairings, your own bottle, and a commemorative diploma. Compared to standard tastings, which can be quick and superficial, this hands-on approach offers depth, personalization, and a true understanding of winemaking.
The small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention, making it more engaging and easier to ask questions. This intimate setting also means you’ll likely get more tailored advice, improving your wine blending skills.
While transportation isn’t included, the meeting point in Florence is easy to reach, and the activity’s timing can be checked in advance for flexibility. Since booking is reserve-now, pay-later, it’s a low-risk option to lock in a memorable part of your trip.
Authentic Insights from Other Travelers
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the friendly atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned, “We especially enjoyed the friendliness of our guide Linda. She explained the process of winemaking from harvesting to bottling throughout the tasting and blending.” This personable approach makes the experience more approachable, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with wine terminology.
Another traveler called it a “great wine tasting and blending with a variety of Italian wines,” emphasizing the quality of the wines and the educational aspect. The reviews reinforce how much participants appreciate the expertise and storytelling shared during the session, making it both fun and informative.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Considerations
This experience lasts about 2 hours, with a flexible starting time depending on availability. It’s best suited for those over 18, as alcohol consumption is involved. The activity is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, and no pets are allowed.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water — a simple reminder that this is a relaxed, comfortable activity rather than a formal tasting. If you have food allergies or intolerances, informing the organizers in advance helps ensure your experience is enjoyable.
Since transportation isn’t included, plan to arrive at La Cucineria in Florence on your own. The small group size fosters a more personal experience, and the option to reserve and pay later offers flexibility with travel plans.
- Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence
- Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas With Vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch From Florence
- Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
- Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour With Guide
- Florence Accademia Gallery Tour With Entrance Ticket Included
- Skip the Line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Walking Tour
The Sum Up
This Exclusive Wine Experience in Florence offers an authentic and engaging way to deepen your appreciation of Tuscan wines. By blending wines yourself, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, you gain insights you simply wouldn’t get on a standard tour. The opportunity to pair regional foods and take home a personalized bottle makes it a memorable, tangible souvenir of your time in Italy.
It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy interactive activities and want a hands-on understanding of winemaking. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to add a unique experience to your trip, this tour offers value and authenticity that few other activities can match.
If you’re curious about wine and eager to create a personalized keepsake, this experience will hit the mark. Just remember that it’s best for those over 18 who enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and are open to a bit of creative experimentation.
FAQ
Is transportation included in this experience?
No, transportation to and from the activity is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point in Florence.
How long does the experience last?
The activity runs for approximately 2 hours, depending on group size and pace.
Can I reserve my spot in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your place now and pay later, which offers flexibility in planning your trip.
Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for guests 18 and over due to alcohol consumption.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended for your comfort during the activity.
Are there any dietary restrictions I should inform?
Yes, it’s advised to inform the organizers in advance of any food allergies or intolerances to ensure your local food pairings are suitable.
This tour provides a fantastic blend of education, regional flavors, and personal creation. Perfect for those wanting to take a true piece of Tuscany home with them — their own wine and a story to tell.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Wine Tours in Florence
- Made in Tuscany: Leather Craft, Local Wines & Outlet Finds
- Florence Watercolor & Wine: An Artistic Aperitivo Experience
- Florence: Brunello Wine Tour with Lunch at the Winery
- Scandicci: Bellavista Wine Tasting Experience
- Florence: Golf Cart Tour & Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
- Florence: Mozzarella Making Workshop with Wine Tasting
More Tour Reviews in Florence
- Florence: Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-line Entrance Ticket
- Made in Tuscany: Leather Craft, Local Wines & Outlet Finds
- Florence Watercolor & Wine: An Artistic Aperitivo Experience
- Florence: Walking Tour with Pizza and Gelato Making Class
- Florence: Timed Entry to Uffizi with Optional Audio Guide
- From Florence: Half-Day Pisa Tour and Optional Leaning Tower
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Florence we have reviewed
- Florence: Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-line Entrance Ticket
- Made in Tuscany: Leather Craft, Local Wines & Outlet Finds
- Florence Watercolor & Wine: An Artistic Aperitivo Experience
- Florence: Walking Tour with Pizza and Gelato Making Class
- Florence: Timed Entry to Uffizi with Optional Audio Guide
- From Florence: Half-Day Pisa Tour and Optional Leaning Tower
- Gelato Tour – Culinary Walk in Florence city Center
- Florence: Duomo Cathedral Skip-the-line Entry & Express Tour
- Specialty Coffee Workshop & Tasting Experience in Florence
- Florence: Renaissance Walking Tour of Florence
- Florentine Paper Marbling Artisan Experience
- Florence Private Tour: Brunelleschis Dome Experience