Chianti Rufina · Valdisieve · near Florence

Wineries to visit near Pontassieve: a day in Chianti Rufina

Visiting a winery near Pontassieve is a way to discover Tuscany through the people who farm its land.

There is more to it than a glass of wine: a visit can reveal the work in the vineyard, the decisions made at harvest and the time a wine needs to find its balance.

North-east of Florence, the Chianti Rufina and Pomino area offers varied estates and landscapes, with hills, olive groves and the villages of the Valdisieve. From Montefiesole, you can spend a day exploring without packing too much into your itinerary: choose the kind of experience you would enjoy, book ahead and leave time for a stop along the way.

The Chianti Rufina and Pomino landscape

The hills north-east of Florence form a distinctive winegrowing area, with Chianti Rufina and, a little further on, Pomino. It is a landscape of vineyards and olive groves, dotted with villages and with estates of very different character.

You will find historic castles and villas with cellars to visit, small family-run wineries and organic producers. You do not need to start from a name you already know: what matters is the kind of place and the kind of encounter you are looking for.

What kinds of experiences you can find

What is on offer varies from estate to estate. Among the most common experiences are a cellar tour, a guided tasting, lunch among the vineyards and, when the season and farm work allow, a walk through the vines.

Some visits focus on the wines; others take in production areas, the story of the estate or a more in-depth itinerary. Around harvest time the countryside has a particular atmosphere, but not every winery offers the same activities, and availability always needs to be checked.

The Chianti Rufina Consortium’s map of wineries offering visits and tastings is a useful starting point for seeing which producers welcome visitors. If you are staying at Tassinaia, we can help you decide and, often, book for you.

How to choose, and what to ask before booking

Before arranging a visit, think about what you would enjoy. Are you looking for an introduction to local wines? Would you like to understand how a winery works? Or are you interested in going deeper, perhaps with a reserve wine and the differences between vintages? Some guests prefer historic settings; others feel more at ease at a small family estate.

Visits almost always need to be booked in advance, especially at weekends and at busier times of year. Check what is included, the timing, the language and the conditions for your dates, and do not assume you can simply arrive without a reservation.

If you are travelling with children, pets or anyone with accessibility requirements, mention this in advance: facilities and arrangements vary between estates.

Plan your return journey before tasting. If you travel by car, choose a designated driver who will not drink, or arrange transport in advance. Do not rely on finding a service at the last minute.

A day without rushing from winery to winery

For a first visit, we suggest choosing one winery and giving yourself time to enjoy it. From Tassinaia, in Montefiesole, the wineries of the area can be reached as a day trip: set off after breakfast, arrive at the agreed time and leave the rest of the day open.

A walk in Pontassieve or a scenic stop can round off the day without turning it into a race. For ideas, see our guide to villages and walks around Montefiesole.

Bear summer temperatures in mind and, if you can, choose a cooler time of day. In colder months, ask which parts of the experience take place indoors. In autumn, especially around harvest, the landscape is particularly beautiful, but the farming year makes each season different, and opening arrangements still need to be checked.

At Tassinaia: tastings and personal recommendations

At Agriturismo Tassinaia, you can combine winery visits with a stay in the countryside near Pontassieve, with breakfast included. You can discover local flavours here too: we offer tastings of our extra virgin olive oil and local products.

We produce our own cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, which you can read about in our article on Montefiesole olive oil. It is another way to get to know the landscape and farming traditions around us.