Radda in Chianti - Wine Tastings

[Innes1983]

Hi,

I'd just like to start by saying thank you for all the time and effort you go to in replying to all the questions in here....it really is a fantastic forum which has been very useful so far in planning our trip!

With that in mind....that time has finally arrived! We arrive in Rome on Saturday and after a couple of days there we head to stay in Radda in Chianti for 4 nights. We are hiring a car to make it easier for us to maximise our time in the area.

We are going to head to Pisa / Multipulciano etc for day trips so will probably partake in some wine when we are out and about, but it would be good to go somewhere relatively local to where we are staying to ensure we can both enjoy a few glasses of wine rather than just one of us! I was wondering what the best place near Radda in Chianti would be? I assume that we will be able to arrange a taxi to drop us off / collect us if there is nowhere within walking distance of the town?

Also, do we need to book in advance for visiting any of these winerys? Hopefully not as we haven't got anything booked up yet!!!!

Also, we were looking to visit a thermal / natural spa - are there any ones that are particularly better than others?

Really can't wait to head to what looks like a beautiful part of the world!!!

[Lourdes]

The best place to go in all of Chianti for wine tasting is actually in Radda! The Casa del Chianti Classico, the wine consortium for Chianti Classico wines, just reopened for the summer season - it is in an old convent, and offers wine tastings, classes and more - you can check their schedule here: http://www.casachianticlassico.it/
It is just down a street below Radda so within walking distance. You can taste ALL of the Chianti Classico wines there, and with its terrace overlooking the hills, you can also enjoy a nice meal there as well!

There are many wineries around Radda - Colle Bereto is directly in front of that terrace of the Chianti Classico House, and many of them are walking distance from the town. From Radda, you can see the tiny hamlet of Volpaia - we walked there once for a morning walk, had lunch and walked back - so it is doable and not far away.

Here are just a few right around the town of Radda:
http://www.collebereto.it/
http://www.valdellecorti.it/
http://www.vignavecchia.com/
http://www.castellodiradda.com/en/
http://www.montevertine.it/

Your best bet is to stop at the tourist office in Radda because they have hours and costs for tastings and winery visits. Also which ones are open on certain days and which are not. You don't usually have to reserve ahead of time at this time of the year.

As far as hot springs - there are many in Tuscany. Some are completely enclosed in modern spas, where you can also enjoy treatments and massages. There are only a few left that have the open springs outside, and those ALSO have the private spas nearby so you can head to those and have both options - here they are as far as distance from Radda goes:
- Bagno Vignoni
- San Filippo
- Petriolo
- Saturnia

You will also find hot springs near Montepulciano, Montacatini, Chianciano Terme, Rapolano Terme (closer to Radda) but all of these are enclosed within modern structures, even when they have outdoor pools.

Enjoy - and let us know how everything goes!!

[Innes1983]

Lourdes,

I cannot begin to thank you enough for that post - what a brilliant bit of news that we have all that on our doorstep!!!

The first thing we will do when we hit Radda is go to the tourist office and plan our 4/5 days in the area.

We aren't afraid to do some walking at all as we are fairly active so a couple of walks to places like Volpai is a great idea - I've just had a look online there and it looks like a lovely little spot.

I've saved all the links to reference when we are there - having taken a look at them all I am very excited to be heading there now!

Again, thank you so much and I look forward to reporting back with our experiences of your beautiful region!

[Lourdes]

Glad to offer some help! Hope you have a lovely time in Chianti in particular, it is quite magical