The Best Wine and Olive Oil Tours in Lucca Countryside

Even if the Lucca area is more famous for its production of olive oil than for that of wine, there are still several companies known for their wine production.

What wine is Lucca known for?

Lucca province has two DOC (Designation of origin) denominations: the Colline Lucchesi DOC and the Montecarlo DOC. The Colline Lucchesi DOC includes white and red wines from blends and vines grown in the area in purity. The Montecarlo DOC, which has been famous for its wines since ancient times and imported in the region since the 1800s, produces white wines also from vines of French origin such as Roussane, Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Pinot Blanc. Among the black grape varieties, the most important is Sangiovese, accompanied in the area by Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

Generally speaking, the most important vines grown in the province of Lucca are Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, Greco, Grechetto, Vermentino, and Malvasia del Chianti with white grapes.

Another local specialty is Vin Santo (holy wine): a wine produced from grapes left to dry after harvesting (similar to a raisin wine). Vin Santo is often paired with desserts and Cantucci biscuits. It is mainly made with Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, but it can also be produced with Sangiovese grapes.   

Tenuta Maria Teresa
Tenuta Maria Teresa is an 18th-century villa at the centre of an estate in Pieve Santo Stefano, producing red and white wine, excellent olive oil and honey. Wine and olive oil tasting can be arranged by appointment.

Fattoria di Fubbiano
Located on the beautiful hills of San Gennaro, this 45 hectares (135 acres) estate comprises vineyards, olive groves and woods. The main products of the Fubbiano Estate are their award-winning extra-virgin olive oil and DOC Colline Lucchesi wines. The products can be tasted and bought locally.

Tenuta Lenzini
In Gragnano, close to Fubbiano Estate, you can find the historic estate: Tenuta Lenzini. Every August, the Stanno Tutti Bene Festival is held - a celebration combining music, theatre, quality food, and wine within the stunning frame of the Estate’s vineyards.

Fattoria La Torre
Borgo la Torre, located in Montecarlo, has a total of 13 hectares of land, seven of which are dedicated to wine production. La Torre specialises in fine wines, focusing on two whites and two reds, producing 30,000 bottles a year. The estate features a very nice restaurant with outside tables, perfect for trying local products and enjoying the summer nights. It is also possible to arrange wine tastings.

Tenuta del Buonamico
The Buonamico’s Estate is situated southwest of Montecarlo in the Cercatoia area and covers an area of 41 hectares, 36 of them with specialised vineyards. This winery also produces sparkling whites and rose wines and is one of the leaders in the area. The Estate has several big rooms dedicated to wine and olive oil tasting and offers a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar.

Tenuta di Valgiano
Tenuta di Valgiano is located in the namesake locality of Valgiano, and is an institution in wine production in the Lucca area. The Estate, in fact, is one of the first in Italy to use the biodynamic method. Biodynamic wine is made by farming all components of the vineyard as one whole entity, with a particular emphasis on the use of manures and composts, and the exclusion of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. It is possible to visit Tenuta di Valgiano only by reservation.

Montechiari
The Montechiari Estate is located in a panoramic position, right on top of a hill in the Montecarlo area. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. French vines are harvested for centuries in this area, and Montechiari gives its innovative take on the produce. Visits and wine tastings are available, preferably by reservation.

Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani
Surrounded by the Tuscan countryside, and only 4 km from Lucca centre, Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani produces wine and olive oil, and offers tours and wine tastings. The restaurant at the edge of the vineyards is also excellent.

Fattoria del Teso
Fattoria del Teso is an ancient Estate that has been owned by the same family since 1507, and the business has been passed down proudly for generations. Tastings and visits are  available by reservation.

If you are in Lucca city centre and wish to buy some wine, we definitely suggest Enoteca Vanni in Piazza S. Salvatore. Here you will find a wide selection of wines, liquors, olive oil and some typical Lucchese products. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and will be happy to recommend the best wine according to your taste. The shop also offers wine tasting, and the bar next door - run by the same owners - is dedicated to the aperitivo.

Another renowned wine shop, just outside the city walls is Vino e Convivio. This wine store has an incredible selection of wines and a small offering of simple and delicious traditional food. The kitchen is usually open for lunch during the week and for dinner only during the weekend. Vino e Convivio is also great for an aperitivo.

If you want to explore Lucca’s territory and its locally produced products, another great option is to take a guided tour.

One of the best services is offered by Simone Vergamini, a sommelier who founded the Wine after Wine, an educational and tour service, all about wine.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the territory and you like outdoor activities, you can’t miss the Bike and Wine in Lucca Tour, or the Villas and Wine Tour provided by Tuscany Ride a Bike Tour.

The Strada del Vino e dell’olio di Lucca map highlights all the wine and olive oil producers in the Lucca area. This is a very useful tool if you want to find out which of the wineries are close to you, or if you want to plan a tour in a specific area.

Finally, we have two events in Montecarlo that are dedicated to wine: Via Vinaria and the Festa del Vino. Via Vinaria takes place during a weekend in May, usually towards the end of the month. During this event, cellars and farms in the Montecarlo area will open their doors for visits and wine tasting.

The Festa del Vino is the Wine Festival held in Montecarlo, usually during the first weekend in September. This is a very typical celebration, where you can taste wine and eat local food in the charming frame of the medieval old town. During the festival there are lots of different events: music, theatrical plays and historical revivals, as well as food and wine-related events, like dinners with dedicated menus.

Lucca and its surroundings have lots to offer. Besides a visit to a winery, there is so much more to discover! That’s why we have put together a dedicated Lucca Travel Guide, where you can find all about this beautiful land.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any inquiries about any of our Tuscany villas to rent, we will be happy to support you with the planning of your dream holiday.