Cantine Aperte or Open Cellars, an annual event in which wineries around the country open the doors of their wine cellars to wine lovers, celebrates its 30th ear in 2023. This brilliant idea of winemaker Donatella Cinelli Colombini inspired the formation of the non-profit Movimento Turismo del Vino Toscana (Wine Tourism Movement) which has grown from 25 cellars in 1993 to an international movement involving 25,000 participants with a €2.5 billion economy.
This year’s event takes place May 27 and 28 and also includes art exhibits, music, hiking and even Jeep tours. Most venues require reservations and charge a fee for participants.
This year’s Cantine Aperte should offer opportunities for all wine lovers to get out into the Tuscan countryside and enjoy its greatest wine treasures. The wineries await your visit. For further information and a complete list of participating wineries see the website:
A few of the nearby Tuscan estates which are open to the public include:
Lamole di Lamole
Lamole (Greve in Chianti)
Reservations: Tel. +39 342-0912853 or visit@lamole.com €20 per person
“Discovering Lamole”
The experience begins with a welcome toast followed by a tour through the vineyards with guides describing the vintner’s sustainable practices. Next a visit to the 15th century cellar with tastes of Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Gran Selezione along with samples of typical local products. Tours begin at 11 am and 1, 3, and 5 pm on May 27 and 28.
Tenuta Sticciano
Val di Sticciano, 207, 50052, Certaldo (FI)
Reservations required at reception@tenutadisticciano.it or +39 057-669032
The estate offers wine tasting from 11 am to 6 pm May 27 and 28, accompanied by products of the Tuscan tradition guided by sommeliers for €25 per person.
Following at 7 pm, a sunset apericena with delicious creations of our chef accompanied by spumante sparkling wine and Sticciano wines can be enjoyed with live music by the R & V duo. €37 per person.
Poggiopiano Estate by Mauro Gilardi
Via dei Bassi, 13, Girone (Fiesole)
“Inside the Bottle”
The event begins with a guided tour of the vineyard and olive grove continuing into the cellar to discover the secrets of winemaking and aging. Participants can taste the estate’s products including three certified organic wines, organic extra virgin olive oil accompanied by Tuscan crostini, cheeses and cured meats.
Reservation required: online: https://my.book-dnatasting.it/poggiopiano/my/sitoweb/booking-engine/booking.php?id=6
Contacts: +39 338-4342483 info@poggiopiano.it – Martina
Villa Calcinaia
Via Citille, 84, Greve in Chianti
Lorenzo Mazzotta, commerciale@villacalcinaia.com Tel. +39 392-6623362
Reservation required at +39 055-853715 or shop@villacalcinaia.com €10 per person.
“Thirty Years of Open Cellars”
The villa offers tastings and guided tours with the possibility of purchasing cold cuts produced by the estate. The tours and guided tastings of products will be available all day long with the possibility of a picnic in the courtyard enjoying a selection of purchased cold cuts. The villa promises to bring out some rare and selected labels from their historic cellar for tasting and purchase.
Tenuta Artimino
Via la Nave, 11, Carmignano, Prato
+39 393-8588573 wine@artimino.com May 28 only
Visitors can visit the cantina from 11 am to 7 pm to taste wine for €15. Reservation recommended at www.artiminowines.com
In addition, the estate offers a Jeep tour through the vineyards and opportunity to see the ancient Medici walls followed by wine tasting of their award-winning wines including Carmignano DOCG, known since Etruscan times. €25 adults, €5 ages 8-17. Reservation required at www.artiminowines.com or +39 393-8588573
Throughout the day there will be local food for purchase thanks to the collaboration with food trucks, “Fuori Posto” offering hamburgers, hot-dogs and other options and “Gelateria Soffici” for various flavors of ice cream.
Casato Prime Donne by Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Podere Cassato, 17, Montalcino (SI)
Reservations required at casato@cinellicolombini.it or +39 345-5495154
The winery offers two different experiences. The Poker d’ Assi of Wine includes a guided tour of Brunello wine production and aging cellars, a taste of four wines with cheeses from the local Fior di Montalcino dairy with descriptions of the pairings. Offered Saturday May 27 and Sunday May 28 at 3 pm, €40 per person. Reservation required at casato@cinellicolombini.it or +39 345-5495154.
The Verticale of Brunello comprises a tour of the organic vineyards and cellars followed by tasting of five vintages of Brunello accompanied by cheeses from the Fior di Montalcino dairy. Sunday, May 20 at 12 noon, €46 per person. Reservation required for limited availability.
Carpineto
Strada Provinciale della Chiana, 62, Montepulciano (SI)
Tel. +39 329-3945345
Carpineto offers several experiences including “Trekking in the Vineyard” which includes tasting of two wines and sandwiches, at 11 am, €25 per person. Another option comprises “Tuscan Light Lunch” overlooking the vineyards with tasting of three wines with mixed platter and vegetables, €35 per person. For those wanting to enjoy a more classic experience, there are two options. A guided tasting of four wines, including a Rosso di Montepulciano, can be enjoyed at 3 pm for €25 per person. To experience five wines, including a Brunello di Montalcino, also at 3 pm, the price is €35 per person.
Reservations are required: tour@carpineto.com, www.carpineto.com or tel +39 347-7603727. (rita kungel)
