Sept. 6 – 9: CHIANTI CLASSICO EXPO WINE FAIR. Piazza Matteotti, Greve in Chianti. Open 5 – 10 pm (Thursday), 11 am – 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The SITA bus company from the Florence station provides public transportation to Greve.
Located in the midst of the vineyards that produce the world-famous Chianti Classico, the picturesque town of Greve is transformed into a hub of activity for four days. Seventy different Chianti Classico wine producers are setting up stands in Greve’s main piazza, alongside a larger stand representing other vineyards belonging to the Chianti Classico wine consortium.
Independent from the rest of the Chianti wine region, “Chianti Classico is in fact a trade name completely autonomous from other Chianti denominations since 1996 (Ministerial Decree, August 5),” according to a consortium spokesperson.
Not only do you sample the wines but you can also talk to the producers themselves. The town’s main square will host free olive oil, salami and cheese tastings. Fine wines and specialty food products may be purchased to take home.
The €10 entry fee gives the visitor a wine glass and a punch card providing eight tastings and a souvenir wine glass. Look out for riserva wines (those with a minimum of two years of aging in wooden barrels), which cost two punches in the card.
Every evening brings free, outdoor concerts and the event will host a crafts market on Saturday. (r.c. & e.g.)
