The Rolling Hills of Tuscany: Antinori nel Chianti

Finally wine day! 

11am Tour and Tasting at Antinori which is in Chianti, about one hour outside of Florence.  One of the biggest planning items of this trip was trying to arrange transportation on this winery day.  We ended up taking the bus out to Antinori and it was actually very cnvenient.  Woke up at 7:30, breakfast at 8:30, bus at 10:00, arrived at Antinori at 10:45.

First and foremost, I think the rolling hills of Tuscany are absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.  Don't the clouds look somehow closer to the earth here?

Antinore is a big operation.  They have been making wine since 1305 and are an old, very very rich family.  The chianti classico winery was recently built in this spot within the last 5 years and it is very modern looking. The place is huge, they produce a ton of wine, and they own multiple properties around the world. ​

Although the tour was interesting, I was definitely looking most forward to lunch.  During the tour we saw the entire winemaking process from vine to barrel to bottle. It was educational.  We watched a video in thier auditorium as well as a video in their "immersion room" where there are screens on 3 sides of you while you watch.  At the end, we tasted 3 wines​: a riesling and two red wines. I liked the reisling the best, I am always keen on sweeter wines.  The only bottle we bought there: Vinsanto- a dessert wine known in this region. 

Post-tour and tasting, we headed upstairs to their restaurant which in on the rooftop terrace of the building.  What a beautiful view!  We were both quite hungry.  The waiter brought us a pre-set menu for "trade" guests and we each got two glasses of wine as well!​

The only problem with this lunch was that we sat down at 12:45 and have a 3pm appointment at Volpaia which is 45 mins from Antinori.  I ask the front desk to call us a cab and she explains that they cannot call for us (something about the cab drviers charging them if there is a mistake) but she gives us a few numbers.  It was so damn hard to order a cab for 2:15.  One number hung up on us, another lady said to call back later...it was a hassle.  Especially because we have delicious food, amazing wine, perfect weather, and the most incredible view.  We wanted to relax and enjoy but had to figure out the cab.  Finally, we arrange for a taxi at 2:30.  ​

But the food....​ 

First a huge meat and cheese plate to share with these little breads called  coccoli like zeppoles but small and no sugar.  They were so good.  Naturally, this course was paired with crisp white wine from Antinori. The prosciutto and salami were both so salty and the ricotta and pecorino cheese were much more mild.  Each of these combined on a little coccoli was heaven.  And I mean, that view!!!

Then we waited for the main course...Florentine T bone steak for two with white beans on the side. We waited quite a bit and with our rushed state I was a bit anxious (as usual) but still I could not believe it was ours for lunch when this seak appeared... (Side note: we did not finish it.)

So we sort of dined and dashed.  They brought us little cookies for dessert and I promptly but two in my mouth and the others in my handbag for Adam to eat in the car. The food was great, the view was unbeatable, we had a great morning and had to run to our next appointment which, (spoiler alert) we were 20 minutes late for.  

But the cab driver was super nice and entertaining and made the ride (almost) worth the *gasp* $100 we paid to get from Antinori to Volpaia.