A weekend of wine and food hiking in Chianti is the perfect opportunity to combine adventure and a desire for knowledge, good wine and traditional flavors, conviviality and relaxation.
A weekend in Chianti signed WeHike is an experience that combines sport, culture and authentic flavors. For three days, you immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscany, among rows of vines, historic abbeys and medieval villages, following an expertly chiseled itinerary where every step tells a story and every stop provides excitement.
Day 1: The magic of the Conca d’Oro in Panzano
The journey begins with a loop hiking in Panzano’s picturesque Conca d’Oro, traversing its famous vineyards on foot. At one time, this area was dedicated to the cultivation of wheat, and at harvest times the golden reflection of the setting sun colored the valley, giving the spectacle from which it takes its name: Conca d’Oro. Here one discovers theancient importance of water mills, crucial to the local agricultural economy, and walks through a landscape shaped by human labor over the centuries.
In the afternoon, we then visit a historic winery to taste some of the area’s excellent wines: a rosé made from Sangiovese, a pure Canaiolo, Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. And between sips we will have the opportunity to appreciate the history of the family that owns the winery, which started from sharecropping and managed with commitment and sacrifice to buy the land. The day ends with an unforgettable dinner at Dario Cecchini‘s, the celebrated butcher who has made craftsmanship a philosophy of life, for a five-star dining experience.
A moment of pause and joy for a group of friends on a hike, sitting on a scenic wall overlooking the hills and vineyards of the Conca d’Oro, the green heart of Chianti.
Day 2: Walking in the “Holy Land” of the Abbey of Passignano
The second day takes us inside the beautiful protected area of the Abbey of Passignano, where we will walk surrounded by nature to reach the abbey, a place charged with history, spirituality and works of art. Founded by St. John Gualberto, the Abbey is the heart of the Vallombrosian Congregation, a monastic order born in the 11th century to reform Benedictine life.
Inside the complex, second only to the one at Vallombrosa, today live five monks, dedicated to a life of prayer, silence and welcoming those seeking an oasis of meditation and refreshment from the daily grind. After the visit, relax with a scenic picnic overlooking the vineyards, many of which are owned by the Antinori family.
Group of hikers on picnic break in front of Passignano Abbey, surrounded by vineyards and green hills.
Day 3: On the trail of the explorers between Greve and Montefioralle
The third day is dedicated to discovering the symbolic villages of Chianti. We start from Greve in Chianti, the main center of the area, in whose main square stands the statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, born in 1485 in the nearby castle (Castello di Verrazzano): he is credited with the discovery of New York Bay. The triangular Piazza Matteotti is also famous for the historic market held there, the surrounding medieval loggias and the many craft stores.
Walking through the alleys in a unique atmosphere we will then ascend to Montefioralle, elected Italy’s Most Beautiful Village in 2022. This medieval jewel has just a hundred inhabitants and it is said that Amerigo Vespucci was also a native of these lands (a house in the village still bears the family crest). Before the final goodbyes, we close the trip with a visit to the historic wine cellars of Greve, for one last taste of the enological heart of Chianti.
A weekend to understand the essence of Chianti
Three days among trails, vineyards, ancient abbeys and enchanted villages: the weekend in Chianti by WeHike is a complete experience, able to give intense sensations and to introduce the essence of these places, in a combination of nature and culture, sport and food and wine. An adventure to be lived slowly, being guided by the timeless beauty of one of the most beloved territories in the world.