There are more and more people who they choose to travel to enjoy a glass of wine in company and have experiences that help them discover the beauty of the area. According to data from Wine Tourism and Direct-to-Consumer Sales Report 2024written by Divinea, 2023 represented a significant turning point for wine tourism in Italy: there has been a greater variety of experiences offered by wineries that welcome visitors even on weekends, with a consequent 11% increase in turnover deriving from wine tourism services. Wine tourism has therefore become a real trend, increasingly growing: in fact, if you look at the statistics of Airbnb on the ten most visited European destinations to taste local wines, Italy and in particular the region is in third place Tuscany which offers not only many varieties of wine to taste, but also green hills and nature reserves where you can best enjoy your green holiday at Km0 and in the name of tradition. The colors and scents of Maremmathe coast of Etruscan Coast and cities of art like Florence, Lucca and the villages to visit make this landscape the perfect place, always mild and full of many experiences that go beyond simple tasting. From pairings with typical dishes, to visits to the cellar with exhibitions and art installations, up to concerts in the vineyard and locations with a unique charm from which to admire the sunset: there are many companies that go beyond production and offer real journeys in viticulture and in the history of the territory where they were born and raised. Added to these results are two other important factors that emerged from the latest report on wine tourism: La seasonality that is no longer so clear-cut since many people decide to visit the farms even in the months of March, April, May, November and December. Furthermore, the age of the public most interested in this type of service has changed considerably over the years: visits to the winery, in fact, increasingly attract young people, so much so that 43.8% of those who have booked an experience in cellar in 2023 was between 25 and 34 years old, followed by the 35-44 year old group and then families. And if you look at the geographical area of origin, it is not only Italians who travel for this reason, but also Americans and Europeans with important presences of Germans, Dutch, Swiss and English. Taking advantage of the beautiful season and the wide range that Tuscany can offer, all that remains is to embark on a road trip to discover the vineyards, castles and innovative wineries in the surroundings of Florence and beyond. From the renowned region of Chianti up to the renowned lands of Bolgheripassing through Saint Gimignano: these three wine routes are not just routes, but real journeys through the beating heart of the wineries. Here, wine experts and curious travelers can explore cellars and taste fine wines, all even on weekends, when the doors are wide open to welcome enthusiasts. But for those who wish to completely immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Tuscany, there is more. L’Hotel Calzaiuoliin the vibrant heart of Florence, or the enchanting Hotel Villa Fiesolewhich offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Tuscan landscapes, are the perfect starting point for an unforgettable adventure.
The Hotel Calzaiuoli is a 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Florence, between the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. It embodies a mix of style, optimal location and comfort, to savor the liveliness of the contemporary city among the greatest works of art of the Renaissance and the center of high fashion shopping. The 54 rooms, distributed over 4 floors of a prestigious historic Florentine building, are characterized by elegant style and high-profile services, and are perfectly suited to every type of need and stay. They are of four types, different in style and colours, but all equally comfortable and welcoming, with parquet flooring. The excellent buffet breakfast, with sweet and savory products, is prepared in the welcoming room with large windows and a view of the Florentine street. The structure is also pet friendly, welcoming small and medium-sized pets at no additional cost.
The Hotel Villa Fiesole is a 4* boutique hotel with 32 rooms on the Tuscan hills a stone’s throw from Florence, which welcomes its guests in the atmosphere of a historic residence with a romantic view of the city. The main building, originally a greenhouse used by the monks of the nearby monastery, now houses the reception, panoramic rooms and restaurant. In the breakfast room with large windows, the rich choice of fresh sweet and savory products served as a buffet is accompanied by the wonderful view of the city. Passing through the Italian-style garden, you arrive at the nineteenth-century villa, which offers large and elegant rooms for pleasant moments of privacy and relaxation. The rooms are characterized by different peculiarities: size of the rooms, panoramic view of Florence, private terrace or patio, frescoed ceilings, parquet or terracotta floors. The frescoed ceilings, the atmosphere suspended in time and the quiet location give the all-Florentine emotion of a stay in a stately home, both intimate and familiar. The restaurant Serrae Villa Fiesolewhose gastronomic proposal from 2024 is signed by the chef Antonello Sardi, which boasts several awards including the Michelin star twice and the Michelin Green star for sustainable cuisine, is a cozy environment with a splendid terrace available to guests. With the arrival of good weather, it transforms into a delightful open-air restaurant and bar overlooking the city. Surrounded by greenery there is also the small but pleasant swimming pool, accessible from May to October. The hotel is pet friendly, welcomes small and medium-sized pets at no additional cost and also has private parking.
