Located in the Metropolitan city of Florence, the pretty town of Impruneta is just 15km from the city and is also considered by many to be the doorway to the Chianti wine region. It is, therefore, an ideal base for anyone who wants to enjoy both the delights of Florence and the bounty of the beautiful Chianti landscape throughout their vacation in Tuscany. Browse our villas in Impruneta and rentals nearby and you’ll be able to really make the most of both the impossibly rich cultural heritage of Tuscany and its long and storied wine culture.
Impruneta itself has a long history as an important base of terracotta production, with studios and workshops of artisans located all throughout town. Families in the area have been involved in the business for generations and there are centuries of tradition and mastery on display in the incredible pieces produced in Impruneta. In fact, many of the iconic terracotta roofs you will see all throughout Florence and the wider region of Tuscany are made from Impruneta terracotta. Perhaps the most iconic use of Impruneta terracotta of all, however, was for Brunelleschi’s dome of the beautiful cathedral of nearby Florence.
As early as the 16th century, some artisans in Impruneta also began to specialise in the production of oil pitchers and citrus fruit vessels as well as decorative objects for gardens, courtyards, and the exteriors of palaces and, over time, this has widened into a massive range of beautiful things including smaller, lovely household goods, decorative elements, and other items. These are the kinds of goods that can be easily purchased as special souvenirs while you are in the area to remember your holiday by. Whether you are staying in the town itself or planning a day-trip while staying in a villa in Tuscany, a wander around the various shops and artisans’ workshops is a wonderful way to spend the day if you love high-quality household goods, interior design and excellent craftsmanship. Protected by legal standards and definitions, you can be assured that you are getting the real deal by buying from the producers in town.
When you’re not shopping souvenirs, however, there is still much to be discovered in Impruneta. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, this lush part of the region really does act as a wonderful portal into the Chianti Classico wine area of Tuscany. Any serious foodies visiting the area should definitely visit one of the famous olive oil mills in and around Impruneta and join a guided tour and tasting to learn all about what sets this olive oil apart. Be sure to also stock up on some incredible bottles of oil that will totally elevate your salads and meals going forward and allow you to bring the taste of Tuscany home with you.
Then, of course, there are the numerous stunning wineries in the area. If you’re staying in a holiday rental in Impruneta itself or nearby and you have a designated driver, you could easily plan countless trips to the various options throughout your vacation. While those who are staying in a vacation rental in Florence can join tours that head out to Impruneta for the day and hit up several wineries, allowing you to sample some amazing local vintages without having to worry about who is going to drive – there are plenty of great ways to dip your toe into Chianti from town.
So, whether you’re staying in Impruneta and the surrounding area and you’re using that as a base to enjoy the best of both Florence and Chianti, or you’re planning a day-trip to Impruneta while staying in a holiday rental in Florence so you can enjoy a taste of the famously lovely Tuscan countryside and of Chianti wines, this doorway to Chianti is conveniently located and impossibly charming!
