Greve in Chianti is a quaint Italian treasure that dates back to the Middle Ages. Only 30 km from Florence, it is infused with a medley of enticing history, wineries, museums, castles, and bike tours. For those seeking an authentic Italian getaway packed with the country’s rich cultural heritage, your search is finally over.
A mecha for all things wine-related, Greve in Chianti has some of the most well-known vineyards in Italy. In addition to tastefully refined vini, it offers the opportunity to cycle through enchanting trails and lush greenery. This tranquil Tuscan paradise additionally boasts a wine museum, a famous, triangular-shaped central square, and several ancient churches and castles.
Essentially, Greve, Italy is a defining landmark in the country’s picturesque Chianti region. Now, we will delve into a detailed guide with the best spots and attractions to experience in the area. Prepare to be welcomed into this destination with breathtaking views, engrossing history, and the sophisticated flavors of the Italian countryside.
5 Things to Do and See in Greve in Chianti, Italy
Greve in Chianti is not only basking in the Italian sun but also in an abundance of activities to experience. Don’t be fooled by the modest size of this town. From wine museums to bike tours, there are so many sites to explore within this ancient, whimsical community.
1. Explore the Town
Of course, a traveler’s first instinct is to follow flocking crowds and experience the central areas of a new destination. Luckily, there is much to explore within the borders of this seemingly quiet comune.
- Matteotti Square – With its distinctive triangular shape, Matteotti Square is a hub for social and commercial life in Greve in Chianti. The plaza is lined with arched loggias and charming stores that sell local products, including wine, ceramics, and cured meats. Stop by on a Saturday to shop at the town market for clothes, leather garments, handmade ceramics, and local produce.
- Parish of Santa Croce – Greve’s churches are known to hold some of Italy’s most potent history. For this reason, the Santa Croce Parish should be on your to-see list. This structure has a gorgeous neo-classic facade and was built on the site of a medieval church. A glimpse into Greve’s past with the 14th-century fresco Virgin Mary with Child and the triptych by Lorenzo di Bicci.
- San Francesco Museum of Sacred Art – A few steps from the church lies the San Francesco Museum of Sacred Art, housed in the San Francesco convent. Constructed in the 15th century, it conserves several paintings, sculptures, vestments, archeological artifacts, and décor from the 1200s to 1800s. Famous works include the Lamentation of Christ from the workshop of Baccio da Montelupo and artifacts from the Etruscan, Roman, and medieval periods.
2. Wine Museum
To intoxicate yourself with Greve’s rich wine-related history, enjoy a tour at the Museo del Vino. This highly-rated landmark offers a free immersive tour of Greve’s role in the Chianti region’s wine production.
The Falorni family has collected artifacts over the years to provide a culturally and historically educational experience within Greve’s cellars.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see firsthand the tools and equipment used in traditional winemaking, offering insights into how these practices have shaped the quality and reputation of Chianti wines over the centuries.
3. Wine Tours
After wandering the wine museum, a toast to Greve is in order. Take a tour of a local winery and indulge in the delight made from Tuscany’s most refined grappas. There are several vineyards to explore, including Montefioralle Winery, Azienda Agricola Altiero, and Accademia del Buon Gusto.
Each winery offers a unique glimpse into the artistry behind their renowned vintages, showcasing the meticulous care and tradition that goes into every bottle.
From the sun-drenched vineyards to the ancient cellars, visitors are invited to savor the flavors and aromas that make Chianti wines a global staple, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Italy’s winemaking heritage.
We will dive deeper into these locations in the “Wine Tasting in Greve in Chianti” section.
4. Verrazzano Castle
Between the vineyards and olive groves, Greve’s countryside houses one of the most spectacular castles in Italy. The family of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the discoverer of the New York harbor, still resides in The Verrazzano Castle.
Constructed in the Romanesque period, this property is one of several fine castellated villas in the Val di Greve. Make sure to try their delicious wine!
The castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, a tangible link to Italy’s noble past, and a chance to experience the continuing legacy of the Verrazzano family.
5. Bike Tours
With such inviting trails weaved into the refreshing nature of rural Italy, bike tours are an obvious pass-time in Greve. Centered on the legendary route between Siena and Florence, Greve is the best starting spot for any Tuscan cycling journey.
Chianti paths have it all– smooth roads, exquisite scenery, challenging climbs, long downhill runs, and captivating historical sights.
Each pedal through this landscape is a chance to breathe in the fresh Tuscan air, marvel at the panoramic vistas, and maybe even stop for a spontaneous wine tasting along the way.
It’s an adventure that combines physical activity with sensory delights, making it a must-do for anyone wanting to experience Tuscany’s beauty up close.
Wine Tasting in Greve in Chianti
Of course, you wouldn’t want to leave one of Chianti’s many iconic gems without tasting its world-renowned wine. Below is a list of our top picks for your vineyard adventures. It’s time to raise a glass to the wonders of the Tuscan countryside!
Montefioralle Winery
To taste the Chianti region’s classic wines, visit the Montefioralle Winery. Here, you can indulge in an appetizing and educationally enriching experience provided by the Sieni family. Unwind under a lavish gazebo enveloped by surrounding vineyards and a view of the Montefioralle village. Occasionally, a private booking is available for a vertical tasting of five historical vintages of their Chianti Classico Riserva.
Azienda Agricola Altiero
The famous Azienda Agricola Altiero offers guided tours of their cellar alongside an assortment of cold cuts, croutons, and cheeses. Since its origins in 2001, this winery has risen to fame, producing Chianti Classico wines with passion and competence. Their tasting features four delicate wines and provides a “deep explanation” of the various grapes and wine-aging methods used.
Enoteca Falorni
Taste more than a hundred wines at the Enoteca Falorni, the largest enoteca in Tuscany. Founded by the forebearers of the Chianti consortium, this cellar is located underneath the historical center of Greve. With ample lounges and arched brick ceilings, this 200-year-old shop also sells grappa and olive oil.
Best Places to Stay in Greve in Chianti
Much like the rest of its attractions, Greve in Chianti’s accommodation is entrancingly luxurious yet authentic. Greve has both extravagant and modern villas available within very close distance of the town center. Take a look at these wondrous stays that are sure to dose you with wanderlust.
Luxurious, centrally-located B&B
To sample Greve’s most lavish lifestyle, book the Terre di Baccio, which blends antique Tuscan features and Guatemalan furnishings. The pet-friendly property boasts a private pool, a restaurant, and its own oils and wines. It also offers a continental buffet breakfast, rentable bicycles, and a stunning view of the surrounding greenery.
Charming farm stays with a winery
If you’re searching for the perfect romantic getaway, look no further! For a slightly more affordable yet just as magical stay, check out the Podere Campriano Winery. This quaint and cozy destination is still only a five-minute walk away from Greve’s central square. It offers a saltwater outdoor pool, the additional option of a Tuscan cooking class, and the farm’s fresh, organic produce.
Modern vacation home
Does your taste lean toward a more contemporary style of Italian architecture? No problem. Located a 2-minute walk from Matteotti Square, the Casa Vacanze Alessandro 2 includes a private kitchen and an outdoor pool. This sleek vacation home has an Italian restaurant and resides within close quarters of all the must-see stops in Greve.
How to Get to Greve in Chianti
Greve in Chianti lies within the peaceful landscape of Tuscany, south of Florence and north of Siena. After discovering the wonders concealed within its medieval streets, you may ask yourself how to get there. Although reaching Greve by car may be the most convenient option, Italy’s public transit system is also a reliable choice.
Car
Take the SR222 provincial road, also known as the “Chiantigiana” highway passing through the Chianti wine area. This scenic drive can be taken either from Florence or Siena, both from the north and the south. You can occasionally find parking on the main square, but in the case of a crowded event in the area, you can either:
- Turn left onto via Cesare Battisti and left again onto the large parking lot on via Rosa Libri.
- Turn right onto the parking lot at via Luca Cini.
Both of these lots have direct walkways into the town.
Plane
The nearest airport to Greve in Chianti is Florence Airport, which is 26.1 km away. Other nearby airports include Pisa (75.1 km), and Bologna (105.3 km).
Read more: Airports in Tuscany – An Exhaustive Guide for a Smart Travel
Train
Two central train stations in Chianti link Florence and Siena: one in Poggibonsi and another in Castellina. All trains to and from Chianti stop in Empoli, and you can catch one almost every 30 minutes on weekdays. From Poggibonsi and Castellina, you can then take a bus to Greve. All train timetables and schedules are available on the Trenitalia website.
Bus
From Florence, there are two SITA bus routes: Grassina and Ferrone. The Grassina road takes the legendary “Chiantigiana”. Catch the 365 bus near the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station in Florence until you reach Greve. Schedules and timetables are available at the Florence train station or any Greve ticket stand.
What to See Around Greve in Chianti
Undeniably, the Chianti region has far more to explore beyond the adorable Greve. Let’s face it: touring wineries that bubble with history never gets old. The following locations are quite close to Greve and are also worth wandering through.
San Gimignano
Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” of Italy, San Gimignano’s reigning towers have remained intact for centuries. Its well-preserved medieval architecture includes fourteen tower houses that dominate the skyline, making it one of Tuscany’s most toured towns. Visitors can explore several churches and museums, including the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, Archeological Museum, and Crystal Glass Museum.
Castellina in Chianti
Taste Italy’s most revered culinary delicacies at Castellina in Chianti. Here, you can visit the amazing “Rocca” fortress, various bewitching vineyards, and even a Medieval tunnel. Enjoy the province of Siena’s soothing terrains and striking fields. Don’t miss this underrated Chianti landmark tucked between some of Tuscany’s most panoramic roads.
Radda in Chianti
Enclosed by a ring of ancient walls, Radda in Chianti features many notable buildings and landmarks. Among the most famous is the Palazzo del Podestà, a 15th-century building that was once the seat of local government. Sample the local Chianti Classico wine and enjoy horseback riding through trails that date back to the Etruscan period.
Certaldo
Travel back in time in Certaldo, a town famous for its local red onion. One of the town’s most acclaimed residents was the Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio, who lived there in the 14th century. His former home, the Casa del Boccaccio, is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. The town hosts several festivals, including the Mercantia festival in July, featuring street performers and musicians from all over Italy.
FAQs about Greve in Chianti
Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you plan your visit:
Is Greve in Chianti Worth a Visit?
Absolutely! Greve in Chianti is a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life – notably, wine. With its historic wine museum, inviting vineyards, and scenic beauty, Greve offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural splendor.
Why is it Called Greve in Chianti?
Greve in Chianti is named after the Greve river that runs through it and its position in the Chianti wine region. Historically, it has been a significant market town for the surrounding villages and castles. Over time, its name became synonymous with the high-quality Chianti wine produced in its environs, embodying the essence of this world-renowned wine-making area.
What Day is the Market in Greve in Chianti?
The bustling market in Greve in Chianti takes place every Saturday. It’s a vibrant gathering that transforms the town square into a colorful patchwork of stalls. Here, locals and visitors alike browse through a variety of goods – from fresh produce and artisan foods to crafts and clothing.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, Greve in Chianti it’s a vibrant introduction to Tuscany’s heart. With its rich wine culture, historical sites, and scenic beauty, it offers an authentic Italian experience. Whether you’re here for the wine, the bike trails, or the historical exploration, Greve promises a genuine taste of Italy. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to dive deep into Italian traditions and enjoy the simple pleasures of life amidst stunning landscapes.
