Florence: Chic-Nic Golden Hour at Ruffino

Florence: Chic-Nic Golden Hour at Ruffino — A Relaxed Evening in Tuscany

If you’re craving a way to slow down and enjoy Tuscany’s stunning landscapes while savoring good food and wine, the Chic-Nic Golden Hour at Ruffino offers a charming evening option. This experience promises an elegant picnic set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards, complemented by a lively open bar and musical ambiance. It’s a perfect way to unwind after sightseeing or to simply indulge in a quintessential Tuscan sunset.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its self-managed picnic setup—giving you the freedom to relax at your own pace—and the quality of the offerings. The food, crafted by Ristorante Tre Rane, pairs beautifully with the iconic Ruffino wines, making each sip and bite a small celebration. On the flip side, the experience doesn’t include a visit to the cellar, so if you’re eager for a full wine tour, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

This experience suits travelers looking for a laid-back, scenic evening that combines good taste with stunning views. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy a balanced mix of wine, food, and music in a peaceful outdoor setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a mellow Tuscan evening, this tour could fit the bill.

Key Points

• Sunset picnic in a beautiful garden setting overlooking vineyards
• Includes food and wine open bars, offering quality local products
• Enjoy musical accompaniment to enhance the relaxed atmosphere
• Self-managed picnic allows you to choose your pace and relax
• Held twice monthly from June to September, mainly on Thursdays
• Offers scenic views and a chance to enjoy Tuscany’s summer evenings

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Florence Chic-Nic Golden Hour at Ruffino

Getting a sense of what this tour offers helps you decide if it fits your travel style. We found that the experience is designed for those who want to enjoy Tuscany’s natural beauty without the fuss of a structured tour. Instead, it invites you to sit back, soak in the scenery, and indulge in good food and wine.

The Setting: A Garden Overlooking Vineyards

The experience begins at Tenuta Poggio Casciano, a charming estate where the picnic takes place in a garden that seems tailor-made for a summer evening. The beautifully set tables are placed on the garden islands, offering panoramic views of the vineyards stretching into the distance. We loved the way the setting perfectly balances elegance with a relaxed, picnic vibe—imagine sitting with your loved ones, raising glasses as the sun dips behind the hills.

The Picnic Experience: Tasting and Relaxing

The buffet picnic is quite the highlight. The baskets are pre-packed but seem to invite you to customize your experience, as you can fill your plate with savory delights crafted by Ristorante Tre Rane. The combination of high-quality food, open bar, and stunning backdrop makes it feel like a special occasion, even if it’s a casual event.

Food and Wine: A Match Made in Tuscany

The open bar features iconic Ruffino wines, perfect for pairing with the picnic. The lineup includes the La Solatìa Pinot Grigio Toscana IGT for those who enjoy crisp, refreshing white wines, and the Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG for a more robust, elegant red. The Prosecco DOC adds a bubbly touch for toasts or simply to lift the mood. Reviewers have appreciated the quality of the wines, noting that they match well with the food offerings.

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Musical Atmosphere

Music gently accompanies the sunset, adding a layer of enjoyment that elevates the evening. It’s not a loud concert but rather a subtle soundtrack that complements the natural surroundings. Many guests find this enhances the overall experience, making it feel like a sophisticated yet laid-back celebration.

Timing and Group Dynamics

Held twice a month from June through September, the event runs from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The group size is generally manageable, allowing for a more intimate atmosphere—ideal if you prefer socializing in a relaxed setting or simply want a peaceful evening. Since it’s a self-guided picnic, there’s no mandated schedule beyond the start and end times, giving you flexibility to linger or head off as you wish.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor settings, good wine, and light fare in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. It suits both couples looking for a romantic sunset and friends wanting to share a special evening. If you’re someone who prefers a structured tour with lots of talking and guided tastings, this might feel a bit too freeform. But for those wanting a peaceful, authentic taste of Tuscan summer evenings, it’s a delightful choice.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration: About 2.5 hours, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with check-in details to confirm availability.

Price & Value: The cost covers the garden picnic, musical atmosphere, and an open bar of food and wine. While the exact price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of premium wines and a scenic setting suggests good value, especially for a memorable sunset experience.

Reservations & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan confidently.

Language: Hosted in both Italian and English, ensuring most travelers can enjoy the experience without language barriers.

Additional info: Since the tour doesn’t include a cellar visit, those interested in more in-depth wine tastings or tours will need to arrange that separately. The focus here is on enjoying a beautiful outdoor evening, with the emphasis on relaxation and scenic views.

Final Thoughts

The Florence Chic-Nic Golden Hour at Ruffino offers an inviting way to experience Tuscany’s summer evenings. Its charm lies in the spectacular sunset views, quality local wines, and the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere of a garden picnic. It’s a great choice for those who want to combine scenic beauty with good food and drink without the formality of a guided tour.

We think this experience delivers excellent value for travelers seeking a peaceful, memorable Tuscan evening. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who appreciates a touch of elegance combined with natural beauty. If you’re after a more structured wine tour or cellar visit, you’ll want to supplement this outing, but for pure scenery and serenity, this could be just right.

FAQ about Florence: Chic-Nic Golden Hour at Ruffino

Is transportation included?
Transportation isn’t specified as part of this experience, so it’s best to plan how you’ll get to Tenuta Poggio Casciano on your own.

What’s the best time of year to go?
The event runs from June to September, mainly on Thursdays, making summer evenings the ideal time for warm weather and clear skies.

Can I arrive late or leave early?
Since it’s a self-managed picnic, you’re free to enjoy the experience at your own pace within the scheduled hours, though arriving on time ensures you don’t miss the sunset.

Are children allowed?
While the info doesn’t specify age restrictions, the relaxed outdoor setting suggests it could be suitable for older children who enjoy scenic views and wine-tasting experiences.

Is there a dress code?
There’s no formal dress code, but smart casual is appropriate given the elegant garden setting.

What if it rains?
Weather-dependent events may be canceled if conditions are unsuitable; it’s worth checking the weather forecast and the cancellation policy when booking.

In essence, this Chic-Nic at Ruffino is about enjoying the natural beauty of Tuscany in style — with good wine, tasty bites, and a sunset that’s hard to beat. It’s a simple pleasure that, when done right, can turn a warm summer evening into a lasting memory.

You can check availability for your dates here: