Neat rolling hills interspersed with rows of trees arranged in beautiful patterns, breathtaking curves, rural churches, castles and medieval villages: Chianti is the best example of harmony between humanity and nature. In the famous wineries of Chianti Classico Gallo Nero, September and autumn in general is the best period to discover its flavours and beauty.

To explore the hidden gems of the “Florentine side”, we recommend starting from San Casciano in Val di Pesa about half an hour from The Mall Firenze. Here you can visit the small Church of Santa Maria del Prato which houses a crucifix by Simone Martini and Torre del Chianti, a peculiar example of industrial archaeology which offers picturesque views.

From here, we strongly suggest visiting the famous Antinori winery in Chianti Classico, a wonderful example of contemporary architecture. For lunch, you can stop at the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant overlooking the vineyards.

In the afternoon, you can head to Badia in Passignano, a fortified Vallombrosian abbey which houses a painting of the Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Only a stone’s throw away, there is the Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria di Passignano. Finally, you can spend the night in the exclusive COMO Castello del Nero & Spa in Barberino Tavarnelle.

You can start the second day of this tour with a visit to the walled medieval village of San Donato in Poggio and then go for a stroll through the streets of the historic centre of Panzano in Chianti. This is the location of the most famous butcher in Italy and perhaps in the world: Dario Cecchini, the “poet butcher” with his restaurants and the delicious grilled food served directly from his food truck. Then you can reach Greve in Chianti with perhaps a stop along the way in the picturesque village of Montefioralle. Finally, to conclude your weekend, you can enjoy a wine tasting experience in one of the historic wineries such as Castello di Verrazzano or Castello di Vicchiomaggio.