AZIENDA AGRICOLA ALTIERO

Looked fine at first site and we were all geared up for the lovely lunch that all reviews talked about. However when we visited, end June, you had to reserve in advance. They were nice though and directed us to an adjacent small village where we found another gem :)

Wonderful small family owned winery. Great tasting with bruschetta, jams, and other various snacks. If you like a relaxed tasting with great food and wine, with detailed descriptions from the winery owners with wonderful views, give this place a try.

We made a booking in advance (you have to for a wine tasting here!) and it was 100% worth it. Great to hear all the stories direct from the makers. Samuela never stops talking about their passion for winemaking. Stunning view, great wines, accompanied with some nice food, informal atmosphere. A real highlight in our trip through Tuscany. If you want to be in a place where it's really about wine (and not PR-talks or snobbery :-) go here. And don't forget to book in advance, that's a must. Femke & JW

Really lovely little vineyard with awesome owners, interesting story - great value lunch and wine... highly recommend... booking advisable...great view too!

YOU MUST MAKE A RESERVATION! Today my wife and I drove from Florence just to visit this winery, based on the fabulous reviews we read online. We were absolutely heart broken when we were turned away for not having a reservation. We did not know this was necessary as the two other properties we visited early in the week had allowed us to either join a full tasting tour or simply enjoy some wine privately. This property is like a dream and I desired so greatly to just soak it in. They had wine tasting parties about to arrive which is why we were not served. But we were not seeking a full wine tasting nor expecting a full-service experience. Just a bottle, two glasses, and a view. But alas, this was not possible. I gave three stars based on the property view and that the owners did seem nice despite being unable or unwilling to let us enjoy a glass today. Make your reservation and come to this magical place and enjoy the wine for me please. Unfortunately, our 10th wedding anniversary trip is over and we no longer have this luxury.

A few days ago we visited a fantastic hilltop winery in the Chianti Classico area, a couple of kilometers from Greve-in-Chianti. Azienda Agricola Altiero is a hidden gem. A small boutique winery, it’s owned and managed by a lovely young couple, Paolo and Samuela, who are so passionate about winemaking and enjoying dolce vita in this paradise on earth. With only 3 hectares (6.6 acres) of mostly Sangiovese vineyards, they make about 15,000 bottles a year of some amazing reds. We toured the vineyards and the cellars, and tasted 4 wines: rose, Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. All were great, especially the last two that were 2016 vintage aged 30 months in oak barrels. We spent well over two hours there, enjoying the wine, spectacular views of rolling hills, the chat and the food prepared by Samuela: some local prosciutto and salami, fresh country bread, pecorino cheese, crostini, schiacciata, home made jams from the produce of their garden and orchard (onion, plum and wild sea-buckthorn) and of course great olive oil that they also make. Both Paolo and Samuela are kind and gracious hosts, great conversationalists, and are a wealth of interesting information. Of course we also chatted about food, another Samuela's passion. In fact, she also runs cooking classes. The winery also makes a small quantity (just a few hundred bottles) of two other wines that unfortunately we couldn't try yet because they sold out. But we were promised a taste of them later this year! These two wines are L'Burasca, a supertuscan merlot-sangiovese blend, and La Terrazze del Diavolo red, made from 100% Malvasia Nera variety which is quite rare nowadays. One of the oldest grape varieties in the world, it was widely cultivated in Italy up to the Middle Ages when it was gradually replaced by easier and more productive varieties. Because of the very small production, the winery sells most of its wines directly, and you can't find them in the shops. They also ship overseas. If you visit Tuscany, make sure to put this amazing little winery on your itinerary, it’s a pleasant 40min drive from Florence and is totally worth it. But do make a reservation, especially in the summer.

A glorious time, we were very well looked after, exceptional wine and food, lovely views. Only disappointment was that we had to leave.

This was such a great experience! Could not have been better! Amazing hosts, location, wine, dogs and very VERY passionated. Thank you so much Paolo and Judita. Very easy for me to give a 5 star review :)