Hills, Wine Glasses, and Coastal Vintages: September Wine Experiences Around Lucca
Wednesday, September 9, 2026,
An experiential journey through historic hills, rural traditions, and sea breezes on the border of Tuscany and Liguria.
When thinking of wine in Tuscany, iconic Chianti classics and vast estates often come to mind first. But the true magic, the kind we at TuscanHouses love sharing with our guest, begins when you step off the beaten path.Forget standardized group tours: our idea of wine tasting is an authentic experience where wine is deeply woven into the personal stories of the people who make it.Today, we start in the rolling Lucchese hills before heading into the Pisa countryside and finishing along the coast, traveling from Versilia to the Ligurian border. These lands guard a vibrant, intimate, and surprising wine culture. We have selected boutique wineries where tasting is just the beginning: visits often start with a stroll through the vineyards to learn about local grape varieties, followed by a tour of the cellars, an introduction to the estate's philosophy, and a guided tasting. In other places, you'll gather around a table where local wines are paired with homemade Tuscan specialties.Fattoria del Teso in Montecarlo (Lucca): Vineyard Walks, Winemakers, and Fine VintagesFattoria del Teso is a historic estate surrounded by ancient pine trees. Designed for small groups, the experience offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere.Upon arrival, you are welcomed in the courtyard by the cellar master and winemaker, who lead you on a scenic walking tour through five distinct vineyards. Among the vines, you will discover the secrets of Montecarlo DOC wines, local cultivation techniques, and the unique microclimate of these hills.After the walk and a visit to the historic aging cellar, you will settle under a romantic garden pergola or beside ancient wooden oak barrels for a tasting guided by the winemaker featuring six signature labels: Montecarlo White DOC, Vermentino IGT, the unique Orange del Teso IGT, Montecarlo Red DOC, Montecarlo Red Riserva DOC, and the Super Tuscan Anfidiamante IGT.The tasting is paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses alongside iconic Altopascio bread drizzled with the estate’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, concluding with a glass of rare 1998 Vinsanto and classic artisan cantucci cookies.Pet-Friendly Note: Four-legged friends are warmly welcomed!Chicco d’Uva in Montecarlo (Lucca): Warm Family HospitalityConnected to the historic Al Vecchio Olivo restaurant, Chicco d'Uva welcomes you into the heart of a family-run farm and olive oil mill. Producing Lucca PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Montecarlo DOC Wine, here you can savor freshly pressed olive oil and enjoy relaxed, informal tastings where selected wines are paired with traditional Tuscan dishes prepared the old-fashioned way.Tenuta Adamo & Fattoria Fubbiano (Lucca): Slow Rhythms and ConvivialityArriving at Tenuta Adamo, the scenery takes center stage: panoramic outdoor terraces offer sweeping views over the entire valley. Time seems to slow down as the sommelier pours your glass and explains how evening sea breezes influence grape ripening.The heart of the project lies in celebrating the local terroir by pairing production innovation with respect for local heritage. The estate purposefully focuses on indigenous grape varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Hamburg Muscat, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. Alongside wine, the farm produces high-quality olive oil from an olive grove dating back to the 1700s, originally planted by the House of Bourbon. Today, classic local cultivars like Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino, and Baulino thrive here.The estate produces Toscana Red, Toscana White, and Toscana Rosé, served alongside fresh crusty bread and estate extra virgin olive oil during tastings.Podere Pellicciano in San Miniato (Pisa): An Intimate Journey into the Heart of the LandIn the hills of Pisa, the experience at Podere Pellicciano begins right in the vineyards, where the owners walk guests through the vines while sharing stories of passion, dedication, and respectful viticulture.After the vineyard tour, take a seat for a guided sensory tasting featuring six distinct wines:Family Energy: start with wines named after the winemakers' children: Cimba (a fresh and lively Terre di Pisa DOC Rosé), Biondo (a bright Tuscan White IGT), and Tricche (a warm, versatile Terre di Pisa Red DOC).Pure Single-Varietals: continue with wines expressing the unfiltered identity of single grapes: Egola (an enveloping Malvasia Nera), Buccianello (100% Colorino, bold and deeply Tuscan), and Fonte Vivo (a complex Trebbiano to be savored slowly).Guests can complete the experience with a tasting of the farm's organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, paired with selected local cheeses, cured meats, and an exclusive pour of their flagship CRUs (Prato della Rocca and Griso).Il Segreto in Massarosa: Wines of the SandsHeading toward the coast, we arrive in Massarosa, where Tenute Cantine Mariani - Il Segreto stretches from the coastal hills to the Versilia sea. Nestled between the Versilia hills, Lake Massaciuccoli, and the Tuscan coast, the vineyards breathe in salty sea air, resulting in mineral-rich wines filled with scents of coastal scrub and sea salt. This isn't just a wine tasting; it's an authentic connection with a working farm where every glass tells the story of the family and the land they cultivate.Il Segreto produces traditional and Charmat method sparkling wines, including Segreto Metodo Classico Brut, Pas Dosé, and Fût de Chêne. Through the Segreto Experience, guests can sample wines paired with local specialties and organic olive oil.For a truly unique sip, try SabbiaMare. Available in white and rosé sparkling versions, it comes from vineyards inside the Migliarino and San Rossore Park, planted on sandy soil just 600 meters from the ocean. Here, vine roots sink into maritime sand once washed by tides, and sea spray settles gently on the leaves. This coastal terroir creates fresh, salty, and fruity sparkling wines with a crisp minerality suitable for aperitifs or full meals. Grape varieties include Sangiovese vinified as a white, Vermentino, and Chardonnay for the white version, and Sangiovese and Syrah for the rosé. Produced with minimal filtration and low sulfites, it is a natural, refreshing wine.Ca’ Lunae in Castelnuovo Magra: From the Versilia Coast to the Ligurian BorderFollowing the Versilia coastline, we reach Luni to complete our wine journey on the border between Tuscany and Liguria.Ca' Lunae is a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house located at the foot of the Apuan Alps. More than a winery, it serves as a cultural gathering place designed to immerse visitors in the heritage of historic Lunigiana. The estate features an aromatic herb garden and a Wine Museum showcasing founder Paolo Bosoni's personal collection of historic farming tools and rural artifacts curated alongside historians.And, of course, there is the wine! After exploring the history, guests sit down to taste famous Colli di Luni wines, led by their signature Vermentino, a true symbol of grapes grown between the mountains and the sea.Enjoy an aperitif in the garden or lunch at L'Ostaia, the estate's on-site restaurant serving traditional recipes paired perfectly with local wines.Ready to live your Tuscan wine story?Find your ideal base for exploring local wineries and food trails:Our exclusive proposals in the Lucca area.Our exclusive proposals in the Versilia area.Our exclusive proposals in the Pisa area.
Hills, Wine Glasses, and Coastal Vintages: September Wine Experiences Around Lucca: Read More
The Most Beautiful Natural Parks in Tuscany: From Sea and Apuana Peaks to Lucca's Rolling Hills
Tuesday, August 18, 2026,
Escape crowded spots and discover Tuscany’s wildest beauty: from marble peaks and coastal pine forests to rolling Lucchese hills. Plan your unforgettable outdoor getaway with our guide!
If you are looking for a Tuscany far from crowded piazzas, where nature sets the pace of the day, this article is for you!Tuscan parks and protected areas offer remarkably diverse landscapes, perfect for anyone seeking a refreshing getaway surrounded by pristine nature, history, and authentic traditions. We will take you from sandy dunes and marble peaks touching the sky to lush woods, historic villas, and fortified villages surrounding Lucca.All of these green destinations are easily accessible from our properties, making them the ideal base for an outdoor adventure featuring hiking, biking, horseback riding, or pure relaxation.Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Regional Park: Coastal WildsSpanning roughly 24,000 hectares between Viareggio and Livorno, this park is a rare treasure: one of Italy's few remaining undeveloped coastal environments, protected since 1979. At its heart lies the historic San Rossore Estate, once a private hunting reserve for the Kings of Italy and later the Presidents of the Republic.What to See & DoSan Rossore Estate: Explore ancient pine forests on foot, by bicycle, or on traditional horse-drawn carriages all the way to wild, untouched beaches where seabirds nest. more info Parco di San RossoreLake Massaciuccoli: On the Versilia and Lucca side of the park, walk along wooden boardwalks suspended over the water for birdwatching among reeds and water lilies, especially at sunset.Gourmet Tip: We recommend stopping by the park's shops to taste dune honey (made from coastal wildflowers), organic pine nuts, and local regional delicacies.Apuan Alps Regional Park: The Marble MountainsVisible from the Versilia beaches, the Apuan Alps rise dramatically above the coastline, standing sharply apart from the nearby Apennines with their rugged ridges and deep valleys. World-renowned for their pristine marble quarries, they also hide a subterranean world of extraordinary caves and sinkholes.What to See & DoRidge Hiking & Marble Quarry Tours: Panoramic trails offer breathtaking walks overlooking stark white marble, green forests, and the blue Tyrrhenian Sea. You can also book a guided tour of Versilia's marble quarries, on clear days, the cliffside views stretch all the way from the French Alps and Corsica to Mount Amiata. More info Corchia ParkCorchia Cave & Wind Cave (Grotta del Vento): From the peaks into the heart of the mountain, the Corchia cave system is one of Europe's largest underground environments, featuring roughly 70 km of mapped caverns and 20 different entrances. Ongoing explorations by speleologists continuously uncover new chambers hidden within the marble.Gourmet Tip: After a high-altitude hike, head to the mountain village of Colonnata to taste Lardo di Colonnata PGI, cured in marble troughs with local herbs and spices.The Hills of Lucca, Montecarlo & Historic Estates: Nature, Heritage & Fine WineJust minutes outside Lucca's ancient city walls lies a gentle, lush countryside filled with rolling vineyards, olive groves, and grand aristocratic villas set within historical parks.What to See & DoMontecarlo di Lucca: A charming walled hilltop village famous for its medieval fortress, cobblestone streets, and exceptional local wines.Historic Lucchese Villas: Visit the monumental gardens of Villa Reale di Marlia (featuring a lake, water gardens, and the residence of Napoleon’s sister) and Villa Torrigiani, famous for its baroque fountains and water features.Ponte della Maddalena (Devil's Bridge): Heading up the Serchio Valley toward Borgo a Mozzano, stop to marvel at this striking asymmetric medieval bridge shrouded in local folklore.Gourmet Tip: Drive along the Lucca Wine and Oil Route for a tasting of crisp Montecarlo DOC white or red wine, perfectly paired with authentic Lucchese meat tordelli or hearty Garfagnana spelt soup.Livorno Hills Provincial Park: Woods and Heritage TrailsTucked between Livorno, Collesalvetti, and Rosignano Marittimo, the Livorno Hills are a green mosaic of oak woods, aromatic Mediterranean scrub, and crystal-clear streams.What to See & DoHiking & Mountain Biking: Over 200 km of marked trails lead past old watermills, historical icehouses, and ancient aqueducts buried in green foliage.Horseback Riding: A paradise for riders, offering protected bridleways linking major coastal nature reserves.Gourmet Tip: Enjoy a seaside dining stop along the coast to savor authentic Cacciucco (traditional fish stew) or slow-cooked wild boar paired with Etruscan Coast red wines.Southern Tuscany: Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve & Maremma Regional ParkThe Bandite di Scarlino offer a dense network of trails that allow you to explore the reserve with full respect for nature, on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback. The protected area stretches from the hills—starting at Mount d'Alma—all the way to the sea, home to some of Tuscany's most beautiful beaches, accessible only on foot, with crystal-clear waters and landscapes that make it a truly special destination.What to See & DoSunset at Cala Violina: Located in Scarlino, this is one of Maremma's most iconic beaches. Its grainy quartz sand produces a violin-like sound when walked upon (daily access is capped to preserve its peace and quiet). With translucent waters framed by dense Mediterranean scrub, it is an unforgettable spot to watch the sunset.The Maremma Regional Park, also known as the Uccellina Park, stretches along the coastline between Principina a Mare and Talamone. It is a picture-postcard landscape where the Uccellina mountain range meets the Trappola marshes and dramatic sea cliffs.What to See & DoWildlife & Watchtowers: Hike through coastal ridge paths where you can spot wild boar, deer, and traditional Maremma cattle tended by local cowboys (butteri).Marina di Alberese Beach: One of Tuscany's most evocative beaches, famous for natural driftwood shelters scattered along the shore.Gourmet Break: Treat yourself to handmade Maremma ricotta tortelli paired with a glass of Morellino di Scansano DOCG red wine.Ready to go?Find your ideal home for a holiday between the sea, the Apuan peaks, and the Lucca hills, close to Tuscany's most beautiful Natural Parks.Our exclusive proposals in the Lucca area.Our exclusive proposals in the Versilia area.Our exclusive proposals in the Pisa area.Our exclusive proposals in the Pistoia area.
San Gimignano, Volterra, and Certaldo: Tuscany's Medieval and Secret Heart
Wednesday, August 12, 2026,
Soaring towers, ancient apothecaries, fortress theater in Volterra, and street performances in Certaldo: your ultimate insider guide to Tuscany's most charming medieval towns.
Medieval towers, ancient apothecaries, the Fortress of Volterra, and street theater in Certaldo: discover what to see, buy, and taste in Tuscany's most charming villages.Tucked between the Val d’Elsa and the hills of Volterra lies a corner of Tuscany that instantly transports you back in time. Here, soaring towers rise above rolling green hills, ancient Etruscan walls embrace hilltop villages, and narrow stone alleys keep traditional craftsmanship very much alive, passed down through generations.It makes for a fantastic day trip! From our homes, you can easily reach this region in just over an hour's drive along some of the most scenic roads in Tuscany.San Gimignano: The Medieval Manhattan (and its Alchemical Secrets)World-famous for its medieval towers (originally 72, 14 of which remain perfectly intact today) San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a true plunge into the 13th century.What to SeePiazza della Cisterna & Piazza del Duomo: The beating heart of the village, surrounded by noble palaces and dominated by Torre Grossa (the highest tower in town, which you can climb for a 360° view of the Val d'Elsa).Duomo Frescoes: The Collegiata church holds 14th-century fresco cycles of extraordinary beauty, including masterpieces by Bartolo di Fredi and Benozzo Gozzoli.Rocca di Montestaffoli: The ruins of this ancient fortress offer the absolute best panoramic viewpoint to photograph the town's skyline at sunset.The Apothecary of Santa Fina Hospital (The Insider Gem): Far from the crowds beneath the towers, this lesser-known spot preserves the medieval pharmacy of the ancient hospital. You can admire hundreds of 16th-century majolica jars, albarelli, and vessels filled with spices, ointments, and medicinal herbs used by monks to treat pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena.What to BuySan Gimignano Saffron PDO: A highly prized spice cultivated here since the Middle Ages, perfect for flavoring pasta dishes or cheeses.Hand-Painted Ceramics: Local artisan shops in the historic center offer beautiful Tuscan pottery.Food, Wine & Aperitivos:The Wine: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, one of Italy's oldest and most famous white wines, crisp, mineral, and perfect for warm summer days.Local Sweets: Traditional Ricciarelli almond cookies and classic Cantucci meant to be dipped in Vin Santo.Gelato & Aperitivos: In Piazza della Cisterna, a stop at the world-renowned Gelateria Dondoli is a must (try the Crema di Santa Fina flavor with saffron and pine nuts). For an aperitivo overlooking the vineyards, stop by the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience at the Rocca di Montestaffoli.Where to Eat: Osteria del Carcere, an unconventional, simple yet meticulously cared-for spot—not a classic restaurant, but a place serving food and drinks crafted with love to make guests feel welcomed as friends rather than customers. If you are looking for refined, modern Tuscan cuisine, try Ristorante Dorandò.Volterra: Etruscan Soul and the Fortress of RebirthPerched on a ridge dominating wild clay cliffs (le Balze), Volterra boasts thousands of years of history where Etruscan charm blends seamlessly with Roman and medieval heritage.What to SeePiazza & Palazzo dei Priori: The oldest civic square in Tuscany, dominated by the palace that inspired the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence.Roman Theater & Etruscan Acropolis: One of Italy's best-preserved Roman archaeological complexes, located just outside the city walls.Guarnacci Etruscan Museum: Home to "L'Ombra della Sera" (Shadow of the Evening), a famous bronze statuette dating back more than 2,300 years.The Medici Fortress & Compagnia della Fortezza (The Insider Gem): A massive structure overlooking the city, the fortress currently houses the Volterra State Prison. This medium-security facility is famous throughout Italy for its extraordinary social and vocational rehabilitation programs. Chief among them is the Compagnia della Fortezza, an internationally acclaimed theater project founded by Armando Punzo. Once a year (typically in late July or early August), the prison exceptionally opens its doors to the general public for breathtaking performances inside the complex.What to BuyVolterra Alabaster: The true symbol of local craftsmanship. In the workshops of the historic center, you can watch master artisans carve this translucent alabaster stone into unique sculptures, lamps, and home decor.Food, Wine & AperitivosLocal Dishes: Zuppa Volterrana (hearty bread, black cabbage, and bean soup), game dishes (slow-cooked wild boar and hare stew), and Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane PDO cheese.The Wine: Local Rosso di Montecatini Val di Cecina or Tuscan IGT red wines.Aperitivo Spots: Enjoy a glass of red at sunset at Lupo Nero or at the outdoor tables in Piazza dei Priori.Where to Eat: Ristorante La Delizia for fantastic wild boar pappardelle, or Osteria dei Poeti, a characteristic medieval tavern with vaulted stone ceilings.Quick Bites & Picnics: If the weather is nice, take a break inside Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiumi, located right in front of the Medici Fortress: you'll find a kiosk-bar immersed in greenery, perfect for relaxing among the ruins. A short walk away in the historic center sits La Sosta del Priore (in Vicolo delle Prigioni), an excellent shop for warm panini, traditional products, and vegetarian or vegan options. Alternatively, Al Vicolino is another historic sandwich spot downtown, ideal for a quick bite featuring local specialties like lampredotto.Certaldo Alto: Boccaccio, Street Theater, and Forest MysteriesPerched on a hilltop above Certaldo, this red-brick walled village is a perfectly preserved hidden gem, best known as the birthplace of Renaissance poet Giovanni Boccaccio.What to SeeGetting There: Riding the scenic funicular railway from lower Certaldo up into the heart of the medieval village makes for a scenic and charming arrival.Palazzo Pretorio: Featuring a facade adorned with glazed terracotta coats of arms from former Vicars, with ancient medieval prison cells open to visitors inside.Boccaccio’s House & Museum: The tower-house where the poet lived and died, now converted into a museum, research center, and library.Mercantia – International Street Theater Festival (The Unmissable Event): Every July, Certaldo Alto transforms for four days into the magical stage of Mercantia, Italy's premier street theater festival, featuring fire-eaters, acrobats, musicians, and artisans from around the globe.Canonica Park & The "Pyramid" (The Insider Gem): A few minutes from the village lies a lush green area hiding an artificial, pyramid-shaped hill shrouded in mystery and linked by local legends to Etruscan or medieval origins, ideal for a relaxing nature walk.What to BuyCertaldo Onion Jam: The famous red onion known for its sweet flavor (even mentioned in Boccaccio's Decameron) is made into delicious jams, perfectly paired with aged pecorino cheese.Food, Wine & Aperitivos:Local Dishes: Zuppa di Cipolle alla Certaldese (sweet onion soup), Francesina (beef stewed with onions), and grilled Tuscan meats.Local Sweets: Traditional fig and walnut desserts served with a glass of Vin Santo.Aperitivo Spots: Aia del Pittore, featuring a lovely patio where you can sip a Negroni or a glass of Chianti while admiring the Val d'Elsa view.Where to Eat: L'Aretino or Osteria del Vicario, where you can dine in a panoramic garden overlooking the surrounding hills.Ready to go? Find your ideal baseAfter a day spent exploring the towers of San Gimignano, the alabaster secrets of Volterra, and the red-brick alleys of Certaldo, unwinding in the peace and quiet of one of our homes is the perfect way to cap off the day. Choose your ideal base for your Tuscan vacation:Lucca and SurroundingsVersilia and SeasidePisa and SurroundingsPistoia and Surroundings
San Gimignano, Volterra, and Certaldo: Tuscany's Medieval and Secret Heart: Read More