Chianti Classico Wine Festival in Greve in Chianti

September is a great month for wine festivals and my favorite is the Chianti Classico Wine Festival. This annual 4 day festival occurs on the Thursday through Sunday of the second weekend in September. It is held in Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chianti.

How it works

When you enter, look for the “cassa” where you can purchase your ticket and receive a wine glass, pouch and punch card. In 2015, the ticket price was 10 euros which entitled you to 7 wine tastings.

The piazza is fiiled with numerous individual vendors offering wine tasting. By wine tasting, I don’t mean your glass is filled, so don’t expect it. It is a few sips which is enough for you to decide whether you like the wine enough to buy a bottle.

When you request a tasting, the vendor “may” punch your card, thereby lessoning the amount of tastings you have left. Please note that riserva wines will incur 2 holes punched on your card so choose wisely!

 

Not all vendors punch your card, especially during your first visit to their stand. I have learned that a BIG smile aids in them not punching your card. I came home with 3 wine tastings left this year but I definitely had more than 7 tastings.  It was a lot of fun at the end of the night comparing with friends who had the most spots left unpunched!  A fierce competition it was 😉

 

The Program

Wine tasting on the opening night begins at 5:00 but Fri – Sat it begins at 11:00 and lasts anywhere from 8:00 -10:00.

In addition to wine tastings, you will find olive oil tastings, crafts and music.

Click Here for a video of the band and some scenes from the festival.

 

 

Getting there and back from Florence

From Florence, the most economical way to arrive is by bus. The ticket price was only 3.30 euro and the ride was 1 hour. If you plan to return back to Florence by bus, the last ride is at 8 pm. So if you plan to stay in Greve beyond 8 pm, you must look into other options. The bus schedule is here

Taxis to the festival from Florence have quoted me at 60-65 euros and private drivers will cost 80-100 euros. I wasn’t able to secure a major taxi company in Greve for the ride home so we booked a private driver for 4 which cost us 80 euros.

Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life – Anna Akhmatova