Chianti Rufina · Valdisieve · near Florence
Autumn in Tuscany near Florence: Chianti Rufina and fall foliage
There is a time of year when the hills around Florence slowly change colour. This is autumn in the Valdisieve and Chianti Rufina.
Summer green gives way to the yellow, copper and red of the vineyards, the air turns cooler and in the olive groves one of the key moments of the farming year draws near: the olive harvest.
Agriturismo Tassinaia is in Montefiesole, in the hills of Pontassieve, surrounded by woods and olive groves. From here you can explore the Valdisieve and Chianti Rufina, with Florence close enough for a visit during your stay.
Why discover Tuscany in autumn
Tuscany often brings to mind summer images. In autumn the landscape is different: after the grape harvest the vine leaves change colour, the woods smell of damp earth again, and in October and November the olive harvest begins.
It is a lovely season to explore the countryside on foot, stop in the small towns of the Valdisieve or drive slowly along roads through vineyards and olive groves.
To get to know the area, start with our guide to villages, hikes and nature in the Valdisieve.
September in Chianti Rufina: vineyards and harvest
Between late summer and early autumn, wine takes centre stage. Pontassieve lies at the gateway to Chianti Rufina, a historic wine area in the hills east of Florence.
Between Pontassieve, Rufina and Pelago you pass vineyards, villas, farms and wineries. In September the landscape keeps much of its summer colour, but in the vineyards it is harvest time.
October: vineyard colours near Florence
October is when the change is most visible: the vineyards turn yellow, orange and red, and the woods around Montefiesole change too.
The countryside around Montefiesole, in Chianti Rufina, is especially beautiful when the vines take on their autumn colours.
Don’t plan your trip around the foliage alone: see it as one of many reasons to visit in October.
There is no fixed week when the foliage peaks: temperatures, rain and the course of the season can bring the colours forward or delay them.
Walking between Montefiesole and the Valdisieve
Around Montefiesole there are trails, old rural roads, woods and olive groves: from Tassinaia you can explore without long drives.
The Montefiesole loop
A route of about 7.8 km through the rural landscape near Tassinaia. Further afield you can reach Acone, Pontassieve and the Vallombrosa area.
More ideas in our guide to villages and walks near Pontassieve.
Autumn by e-bike and mountain bike
Milder temperatures make September and October great for exploring the hills by bike. Around Tassinaia there are dirt roads and routes through woods and fields suitable for MTB and e-bike; the Bardellone area is especially interesting. Read more about the e-bike and MTB trails in Pontassieve.
October and November: the olive harvest at Tassinaia
At Tassinaia the olive harvest usually takes place between October and November, at veraison, when the fruit begins to change colour. After picking, the olives are taken quickly to the mill: this is how our Montefiesole extra virgin olive oil is made.
For a few weeks the olive groves, part of the scenery the rest of the year, become the heart of farm life. The whole process, from harvest to milling, is described in our article on Montefiesole extra virgin olive oil.
The taste of new oil
Freshly made oil has a very pronounced aroma: grassy notes and the slightly bitter, peppery feel typical of fresh extra virgin oils.
The simplest way to try it is the traditional one: Tuscan bread and raw oil. If you stay during the harvest, ask us how to taste our oil and which tastings are available for your dates.
What to see nearby on an autumn day
Each day can be different: the historic centre of Pontassieve, Rufina and the Chianti Rufina countryside, or Pelago. For nature, try the trails around Montefiesole or the Vallombrosa Forest.
Florence remains an option for a day of art and museums: to go without driving into the city, read our guide to visiting Florence by train from Pontassieve.
Autumn near Florence: frequently asked questions
When can you see the foliage near Florence?
It depends on temperatures and weather each year. Colours usually become more visible during October and can continue into the first weeks of November.
What to do in Chianti Rufina in autumn?
Visit Pontassieve, Rufina and Pelago, drive the vineyard roads, arrange winery visits and combine them with walks in the Valdisieve.
When is the olive harvest at Tassinaia?
Usually between October and November, at veraison.
What to do near Florence in October?
Walks, routes through vineyards and villages, e-bike or MTB rides and visits in Chianti Rufina. Florence can be added as a day trip.
Where to stay to visit Chianti Rufina and Florence?
In the Pontassieve hills, in the Valdisieve countryside. Agriturismo Tassinaia is in Montefiesole, with panoramic views, well placed for both Chianti Rufina and Florence.
Live the land, don’t just visit it
From harvest colours to foliage and the scent of new oil: combine the calm of the Tuscan countryside with Florence by train and the trails of the Valdisieve and Chianti Rufina.