Now I know what you’re thinking—this is Chianti so all the activities must revolve around wine. Well, I’m here to tell you, I was pregnant while in Tuscany and had so much to do that I forgot wineries were even the main attraction of the region. You could easily spend a weekend in Panzano in Chianti and never visit a vineyard, although I do recommend a few below. I may be pregnant, but I am a wine aficionado so didn’t want to stop Patrick from delighting in nature’s bounty! The medieval village of Panzano in Chianti is located halfway between Florence and Siena and a stone’s throw away from the quaint village of San Gimignano. It’s punctuated with towers and Roman architecture overlooking the verdant valley below. The bell tower and church on the hilltop rang out the hour as we arrived.
Where to Stay
Pensione di Vignamaggio Hotel, Panzano in Chianti — Welcome to Tuscany
Check into a room at Pensione di Vignamaggio for what looks like that picture perfect iconic Tuscan imagery: a window with two cypress trees frames both sides looking out for miles over rolling hills and vineyards. The hotel, built in Tuscan tradition, is in the center of this piazza. It is a mix of old and new – an old restored farmhouse with yellow soft washed walls mixed with stone. If you couldn’t think of how to make the already romantic Tuscan hills be even more romantic, leave it up to Pensione di Vignamaggio. Bring to life the love stories from famed Giovanni Bocaccio’s Decameron and you’ll fall utterly in love with La Pensione and Panzano in Chianti.
1. Wineries
Sure, I was pregnant, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy rolling hills and vineyards for miles. After all, in a place like Tuscany and specifically Chianti, it’s a sight for sore eyes. Plus I had Patrick who would do all the tastings and experiences for me. While we stuck to sipping wine poolside from Pensione di Vignamaggio, there were a few nearby wineries, particularly in Greve and Panzano in Chianti, that we had added to our radar:
- Il Palagio di Panzano (Panzano): Walking distance from Pensione di Vignamaggio. This This old farmhouse welcomes you in the cantina, or cellar, for wine tastings. Finish with lunch / dinner at Ristorante Oltre Il Giardino – more on that below!
- Le Fonti (Panzano): Walking distance from Pensione di Vignamaggio. Taste the wines of this farm in the cantina or cellar for a truly unique experience. Finish with lunch / dinner at Ristorante Oltre Il Giardino – more on that below!
- Tenuta degli Dei (Greve): Known for their breeding of trotting horses, the place also has fantastic wine. It also produces Gin Roberto Cavalli Vodka.
- Tenuta La Massa (Greve): If you’re tired of sipping Chianti Classico and are looking for a change up, this estate produces its own wines.
- Lamole di Lamole (Greve): Go here before dinner. Enjoy a wine tasting for aperitivo and then head on over to their restaurant Il Ristoro di Lamole for dinner.
2. The Piazza
After unwinding by the pool with some drinks, we showered and got dressed for dinner. We stepped outside our hotel and were directly in the center of the the small town piazza. Panzano in Chianti’s piazza is surrounded by small shops and businesses, cobblestoned walkways going up and down the narrow streets, and a fountain where a few locals were sitting around the small wall surrounding it, enjoying some vino or gelato. I smiled. It was gorgeous, it was quaint, it was intimate and small. It could be a setting for a film.
3. Eat: Dario Cecchini
Eating at The Famous Butcher Of Panzano: Dario Cecchini
“To Meat Or Not to Meat” captures dining at Dario Cecchini’s legendary establishments in Panzano in Chianti. This tiny village draws visitors for his renowned culinary artistry, including the famed Florentine steak, making each meal an unforgettable journey through Tuscany’s rich traditions. Dario Cecchini is known as one of the finest butchers in Tuscany, although he prefers the word “artisan.” This man is a butcher legend and has been featured on the Netflix TV Show, Chef’s Table. What makes him one of the finest butchers in Italy is his respect and reverence for animals. Dario Cecchini has 5 establishments in Panzano in Chianti. We dined at the communal table of Officina where plates and plates…and plates of various meats were served. It was a true culinary show.
4. Castle of Panzano & Church
The medieval castle and Church of Santa Maria of Panzano are located at the top of the hill. And when I say top, I mean, it is quite an uphill battle to get there. The castle is from the 11th century and only a few bell towers remain. The church, on the other hand, is newer from the 19th century. It was built on top of a previously medieval church. There isn’t much at the top of the hill aside from views for miles and a lot of residential homes. It’s a quite and local village. Nothing too fancy, but that’s just the way I like it.
5. The Local Sunday Market
Something that’s fairly typical in Italy is local markets. The first Sunday of each month there is an outdoor market in the Panzano in Chianti piazza that lines all the way up the hill to the Church. Here they sell everything from clothing to vintage jewelry and produce including local handmade soaps, olive oil, honey and cheeses.
6. Oltre Il Giardino
We walked by this restaurant on the first night in Panzano in Chianti, but I wasn’t sure about it. Patrick wanted to give it a try the second night and I’m so glad we did. The restaurant translates to Beyond the Garden. It is located in an old stone house with a panoramic garden with a view of the Conca d’Oro. If you get lucky enough, reserve a table by the balcony so you can view the sunset over the rolling hills. Otherwise, the pergola, a bit further back, is equally as beautiful. You still get a view of the Conca D’Oro, but get to enjoy the ever-changing greenery above you that changes from wisteria in the spring, vines in the summer, to foliage in the fall.
But the view wasn’t the only good thing about Oltre Il Giardino. The garden is stunning, the views are breathtaking, the service is surly, and the food is…well, incredible. We ordered a bruschetta to start followed by homemade tagliatelle con cinghiale, or wild boar tagliatelle. This was one of my favorite meals of the trip, I have to say. Wild boar is a dish you’ll see everywhere in Tuscany. You’ll even see wild boar stuffed animals sold throughout stores. Think of it almost as the regions official animal! The pasta is so fresh and the meat so light, don’t risk trying anything else. For dessert we got panna cotta and tiramisù.
Can’t Miss Festivals & Events!
If you’re in the area during any of these times of year, don’t forget to check out these local festivals in Panzano in Chianti. There’s always something going on!
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