Italy's wine culture needs no introduction. The epitome of a perfect wine region, Tuscany has been producing the best wines in the world for centuries, and in fact, is where it all began. One of the best destinations for a romantic escape, drive along its winding roads, past lines of cypress trees, ancient pilgrim trails and medieval churches. Stop at one of the many award-winning vineyards to relax and appreciate both the craftsmanship of the wine and perfect scenery.
Castello di Ama
Located in a 12th century castle, this winery is home to premium reds, like Haiku Chianti Classico, an intensely flavoured variety with notes of wild berries and spices. Wander around the vineyards and olive groves, view the onsite art installations and then finish in La Terrazza di Ama, a beautiful restaurant set in a Tuscan house. Enjoy locally grown cuisine and their extra virgin olive oil, pressed in the vineyards - the perfect accompaniment to their renowned wines.
Capezzana
After a wander around scenic Florence, drive out to Capezzana, a historic estate that's been producing wine and olive oil since 804 AD. Their terrace is the perfect place to sit - with a view of the terracotta rooftops of Florence and its Duomo. Don't miss vin santo, a luxurious dessert wine made from raisins dried on racks, and enjoy their library vintages, dating from the 1930s. Tastings include three different wines and a tour of the forested estate, with its organic vineyards and olive groves. The onsite Vinsantaia wine bar offers organic food and a wide range of the estate's wine.
Salcheto
Salcheto has a unique claim to fame - it was the first self-sufficient winery in Europe. The wines here are certified organic, and are produced with eco-friendly techniques, including high-tech water reclamation processes, solar panel sourced energy in the cellar, and wine tanks which use energy converted from the excess CO2 produced by the grapes during fermentation. Tours here explore their innovative technology as well as tastings of three wines. Recommended are the Obvius varieties, which are made only using fruit (with no added sulfites, yeasts or tannins) and have a rich taste with spicy notes. Their enoteca serves simple cold cuts and cheeses with terrace seating that overlooks the picturesque town of Montepulciano.
Avignonesi (photo)
Quaint village Valiano is the home of Avignonesi, a winery with villas, vineyards, a chapel and atmospheric stone wine cellars. Tastings at their cellar door are available all summer long, as well as a variety of other romantic activities, including hot air balloon rides and falconry lessons in the stunning grounds. There are a total of eight vineyards here, each one lovingly stewarded by the estate's staff. They operate with an eco-friendly mentality, using no chemical fertilisers and pesticides and growing secondary crops among the vines. Try special wine La Tonda, where notes of cherries, plums and red fruit are complemented by delicate hints of nutmeg and violets.
Barone Ricasoli
It's hard to find a more stunning winery; nestled among trees and in a centuries old castle, Barone Ricasoli is a truly romantic destination. Barone Ricasoli has been producing wines since 1141, and produce some of the best in Tuscany. Come here for their sunset tour on summer evenings, where you can experience the castle, its historic Italian gardens and enjoy dinner at their restaurant, Osteria del Castello. The Tuscan dishes served here pair perfectly with their wines. Particularly worth a try is Castello di Brolio, their signature wine, produced with a meticulous selection of their grapes grown at a specific aspect and altitude. Set in a restored Tuscan farmhouse, the agriturismo here is a special place to stay, surrounded by the estate's green rows of vineyards.