5 Family-Run Wineries You Shouldn’t Miss

Complete Guide to Wine & Olive Oil Tasting Near Montaione: 5 Family-Run Wineries You Shouldn’t Miss

When people think of Tuscan wine, they immediately mention Chianti. But just minutes from Montaione, in the Val d’Elsa area, you’ll find authentic, family-run wineries where you can taste excellent wines and top-quality extra virgin olive oil—far from the big crowds. This is our field-tested selection.

Chianti Isn’t Tuscany’s Only Wine Region: Welcome to Val d’Elsa

Val d’Elsa is one of Tuscany’s most underrated wine areas.

You won’t find lines of tour buses or “industrial” tastings here. Instead, you’ll meet families who have been making wine for generations, hand-tended vineyards, and a sincere, down-to-earth approach to hospitality.

By staying at Borgo La Casaccia, you’re in the perfect spot to explore this lesser-known—but incredibly authentic—side of Tuscany.

Our Favorite Wineries for a Truly Authentic Tasting

1. Tenuta Moriniello – Natural Wine & Family Hospitality (www.tenutamoriniello.com/en/)

A small organic winery just minutes from Montaione. Tastings are often hosted directly by the owners.

What makes it special

• Limited, organic production
• Strong focus on the land and terroir
• Informal, genuine atmosphere

Main wines

• 100% Sangiovese
• Natural Tuscan blends
• Unfiltered wines

How the visit works
Tastings by reservation, often paired with local products. Ideal for anyone who wants to truly understand what they’re drinking.

2. Villa Pillo – Elegant Without the Snobbery (www.villapillo.com/en/)

Villa Pillo is a historic winery—refined but welcoming—set in a breathtaking landscape between Montaione and Gambassi Terme.

What makes it special

• Internationally awarded wines
• Panoramic views over the countryside
• Well-structured tastings, still relaxed

Main wines

• Chianti DOCG
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Super Tuscan

Ideal for
Anyone looking for a refined experience that still feels authentic—also perfect for a first wine tasting in Tuscany.

3. Tenuta Mercatili – Family Tradition (www.tenutamercatili.it/en/)

One of the most authentic family-run wineries in the area, highly appreciated by guests of Borgo La Casaccia.

What makes it special

• Warm, heartfelt welcome
• Artisan production
• Excellent value for money

Main wines

• Sangiovese
• Rosso Toscano
• Vin Santo

Practical note
This isn’t a “taste and leave” kind of place: you stay, you talk, you understand the wine. And that’s exactly the point.

4. Fattoria Fibbiano – Biodynamic Farming & Research (www.fattoria-fibbiano.it/en/the-company)

A bit farther away (around 45 minutes), but absolutely worth it if you love wines with character.

What makes it special

• Biodynamic viticulture
• Complex, age-worthy wines
• Technical tastings that are still engaging

Main wines

• Sangiovese
• Ciliegiolo
• Ansonica

Ideal for
Curious, experienced wine lovers.

5. La Marronaia – Wine, Olive Oil & an Iconic View (www.marronaia.com)

Located near San Gimignano, yet still outside the busiest tourist routes.

What makes it special

• Wine and olive oil tastings together
• Spectacular views of the towers
• Direct, family-run production

Main products

• Vernaccia di San Gimignano
• Tuscan red wines
• DOP extra virgin olive oil

Not Just Wine: Discovering Tuscany’s “Green Gold”

Tuscan extra virgin olive oil isn’t just a condiment—it’s culture, identity, and landscape.

Many wineries in the area also produce exceptional EVO oil, often available through guided tastings.

What to expect from an olive oil tasting

• Tasting on bread (bruschetta)
• Explanation of different olive varieties
• Differences between new oil and more mature oil

💡 Tip: Does the oil “sting” in your throat? That’s a sign of quality, not a defect.

Tasting Tips: What to Expect and How to Behave

To enjoy the experience at its best:

• Always book ahead: family-run wineries don’t operate like big brands.
• Don’t rush: a tasting usually lasts 60–90 minutes.
• Ask questions: producers love sharing their work.
• Drive responsibly: if you’re tasting several wines, share the pours.

👉 To plan your days better, also check out our 7-day slow travel itinerary from Montaione (https://www.borgolacasaccia.it/en/tuscany-without-the-crowds.html)  and Borgo La Casaccia’s local food guide (https://www.borgolacasaccia.it/en/gastronomic-guide-to-montaione.html)

Conclusion: Authentic Tuscany Is Tasted—Not Consumed

Wine tastings in Val d’Elsa aren’t a show built for tourists.

They’re real encounters—made of people, stories, and passion.

By staying at Borgo La Casaccia, we don’t just tell you where to go:
we help you choose the right experiences, at the right time, in the right way.

📍 Book your stay on borgolacasaccia.it/en/
and discover a Tuscany you’ll remember… even in your glass.