Festivals and celebrations abound in Italy and if you find one of our Tuscany villas and plan a trip, no matter when you go, you are likely to encounter some in the surrounding area. However, if you find a villa in Tuscany during the summer or autumn months, in particular, you are going to discover that there are plenty of festivals to choose from, especially those related to food and wine. Food and wine are serious fixtures of Tuscan life, in general, and certainly of all festivals and celebrations but there are many that specifically honour certain products. If you love a good vintage then September is a great time to plan a vacation in Tuscany as this is the month in which there are lots of wine festivals throughout the famous Chianti region. One of the largest and most impressive is the annual Expo of Chianti Classico Wines that takes place in the town of Greve in Chianti. Now in its 51st year, this is a storied and well-established wine festival that allows visitors to try a wide selection of some of the best wines made in Tuscany.
Taking place on the second weekend of September and the preceding Thursday and Friday, the Expo of Chianti Classico Wines, or Rassegna del Chianti Classico, is scheduled to kick off at 5pm on Thursday the 8th of September 2022. On the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, then, the stalls of the fair will open at 11am each day and close for business each day at 8pm. Those visiting the festival buy a wine glass from the Segretaria as well as their ticket upon entering and this then allows you to taste up to eight of the wines that are being offered by the various exhibiting wine producers and wineries at the stands throughout the fair. This also allows those attending the festival to chat directly to the different producers, learn about the wines, be guided through the tasting, and to look into purchasing more wines – by the bottle, rather than the glass – from them or having them shipped home ahead of them. You may even decide you really like what a certain winery has on offer or stands for and then choose to arrange a visit and tour and tasting at their actual winery during your holiday in Tuscany as well: there are always more wonderful wine experiences to enjoy if you find a villa in Chianti! In addition to this main fair, with the stands and producers to visit at them, there are some other events that take place over the course of the festival. This includes tastings and wine sales in the Consortium Pavilion in Piazza Matteotti by some of the wineries involved as well as some at their actual vineyards.
A perfect wine experience in a truly stunning and picturesque setting, the Expo of Chianti Classico Wines has been without a doubt the best way for one to familiarise themselves with the incredible wines of the region since the 1970s. Organised by the Municipality of Greve in Chianti and bringing together some of the best producers from throughout Chianti, this major annual wine festival is a serious must for any wine-lovers who find a villa in Chianti and are out to try some of the best wines in Tuscany all in one spot or even for those who know very little about wine but really want to learn more. Be sure to come and enjoy the festival atmosphere, excitement, and delicious wines on your next vacation in Tuscany and then be able to go back home and wow people with your knowledge and some great wines at your next dinner party!
