Imagine spending an hour savoring artisan wines in the rolling hills of Tuscany, complemented by delicious local foods and stories from the winemakers themselves. That’s precisely what this wine tasting experience at Azienda Agricola Nenci offers. It’s a chance to slow down, learn, and enjoy some of Italy’s finest natural produce without the rush of a busy tour schedule. Whether you’re a wine novice or connoisseur, this experience promises genuine flavors, heartfelt stories, and a touch of Tuscan charm.
What we really love about this tasting is how approachable and authentic it feels. You’re not just sampling wine; you’re getting a window into the land and the people behind it. The other highlight is the interactive use of QR codes and videos, offering a modern twist to traditional tasting, making the experience engaging and educational.
A possible consideration is the weather — since part of the experience can be outdoors among the vineyards, if you’re visiting in poor weather, it’s good to be prepared for indoor options. But overall, this tour suits travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate encounter with Tuscany’s wine and food, especially those who appreciate genuine, small-batch producers rather than large vineyards.
Key Points
- Authentic small-scale wines from the Chiusi hills, each with its own story.
- A delicious local platter of cold cuts, pecorino cheeses, and farm honey, crafted to complement the wines perfectly.
- Use of QR codes and videos for an interactive, educational tasting led by the winemaker.
- Opportunity to enjoy a traditional Tuscan dish based on seasonal ingredients, adding a hearty flavor to your visit.
- A warm, informal atmosphere that makes you feel like a guest in a friend’s Tuscan home or vineyard.
- Accessible and flexible: a one-hour experience, with options for indoor or outdoor tasting depending on the weather.
A Closer Look at the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chiusi.
Setting and Atmosphere
Azienda Agricola Nenci offers a welcoming, relaxed environment that encourages you to kick back and enjoy your time. The tasting takes place either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, which means you can expect a cozy indoor setting during cooler months or a picturesque outdoor experience among the vineyards when the sun is out. The atmosphere is described as informal, warm, and familiar, making it ideal for travelers who prefer genuine interactions over polished, commercialized tasting rooms.
The Wines and Their Stories
The core of this experience is tasting five distinct artisan wines, each linked to the goddess Venus, symbolizing beauty and love. The wines are from vineyards in the hills of Chiusi, an area less famous than nearby Montalcino or Chianti but equally deserving of attention for their quality and character.
- Lacrime di Venere: A floral, fresh white made from Trebbiano Toscano, Moscato, and Malvasia. It’s a perfect introductory wine—light, aromatic, and refreshing.
- Passione di Venere: A 100% Sangiovese rosé, awarded second best in Europe in 2020. Elegant with a mineral backbone, lively and bold enough to keep your interest.
- Bacio di Venere: A young red blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Juicy, vibrant, with spicy notes, it’s described as modern but balanced—a crowd favorite.
- Venere Riserva: The estate’s premium Sangiovese, aged with care, offering elegance and structure, a true tribute to Tuscany’s noble wine traditions.
- Oro di Venere: The dessert wine made from a traditional passito process, aged in historic oak barrels from the 1800s, with a sweet flavor that’s never cloying. It’s listed among Italy’s Top 100 Wines of 2022.
Each wine is presented with a QR code that links to short videos featuring Paolo, the winemaker, explaining the story behind each variety, its characteristics, and ideal pairings. This interactive approach adds a modern, educational layer to the tasting, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Food and Pairings
No Tuscan tasting would be complete without local specialties, and Azienda Agricola Nenci excels at pairing their wines with thoughtfully selected cold cuts and pecorino cheeses from small producers in the Valdichiana. The cheeses are rich and earthy, providing a perfect counterpoint to the wines’ flavors. Farm-made honey and fruit preserves further enhance the tasting, offering a sweet balance that showcases the land’s bounty.
A highlight is the traditional Tuscan dish, which varies by season—either pappa al pomodoro or ribollita. These hearty, flavorful soups are freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients, giving you a genuine taste of local culinary tradition. This isn’t a quick snack; it’s a full, satisfying plate that elevates the overall experience.
More Great Tours NearbyDuration and Logistics
The tasting lasts about one hour, making it an ideal stop for those with tight schedules or as part of a broader day exploring Tuscany. The booking process is flexible, with the option to reserve and pay later, providing peace of mind for travelers planning their trip. Group sizes are likely small, given the intimate setting, and accessibility is available for wheelchair users, making it a welcoming experience for a variety of travelers.
Price and Value
While the exact cost isn’t explicitly provided, this kind of experience offers solid value for wine lovers seeking authenticity and education without the crowds of larger wineries. You get five glasses of wine, a hearty food platter, and access to multimedia content—all in a setting that feels like a personal invitation rather than a commercial stop. For those who appreciate quality over quantity, this experience balances affordability with a genuine taste of Tuscany’s artisan spirit.
What Sets This Experience Apart?
Many visitors find that the knowledgeable guides and passionate approach at Azienda Agricola Nenci elevate the tasting from a simple wine sample to a memorable cultural encounter. As one reviewer states, “Pablo was extraordinary and extremely knowledgeable. They make you feel at home, wine tasting was fabulous.” The small-scale wines from Chiusi also offer a different perspective from Tuscany’s more famous regions, providing a more intimate sense of local craftsmanship.
The focus on sustainability and small producers ensures that your visit supports authentic local businesses and helps you discover hidden gems that larger wineries might overlook. The thoughtfully paired food, coupled with the stories behind each wine, adds depth and context that will linger long after your visit.
Who Would Enjoy This?
This experience is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany’s wine and culinary traditions. It’s well-suited for those who prefer a relaxed, informal atmosphere over large, commercial wineries. If you’re interested in learning about wine through interactive content and enjoy pairing food with your drinks, you’ll find this tour rewarding.
It’s also a good fit for those coming from nearby Montepulciano or Chiusi, looking for a meaningful break that combines wine, food, and scenic views. The tasting’s flexibility makes it suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a personalized, educational experience.
Final Thoughts
This wine and food experience near Montepulciano offers a genuine slice of Tuscany, away from the crowds and commercial gloss. From the heartfelt stories behind each wine to the thoughtfully curated local foods, it’s a chance to connect with the land, the tradition, and the people in a relaxed setting. The interactive QR codes and videos add a modern touch to an otherwise classic tasting, making learning enjoyable and effortless.
If you’re after a small-scale, authentic wine experience that emphasizes quality, tradition, and local flavor, this tour at Azienda Agricola Nenci is a splendid choice. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good wine, hearty food, and engaging storytelling.
FAQ
How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts about one hour, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring Tuscany.
Is the tasting indoors or outdoors?
It can be either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, so it’s advisable to dress comfortably and be prepared for different conditions.
Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tasting is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
What’s included in the tour?
You’ll taste five artisan wines, receive QR codes for each, enjoy a local food platter, sample farm-made honey and preserves, and taste a traditional Tuscan dish.
Are additional drinks or food available?
Additional items outside the package are not included, but the focus is on quality and authenticity rather than extras.
Can children or non-drinkers join?
While the tour is wine-focused, the warm, informal atmosphere makes it suitable for all ages, though the main activities involve tasting wine.
What is the experience provider?
The tour is hosted by Azienda Agricola Nenci, known for their dedication to quality and small-scale production.
In essence, this experience offers a heartfelt, authentic taste of Tuscany’s wine and culinary culture, perfect for those wanting a relaxed, educational, and delicious encounter with the land.
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