Tasting fine wines and taking souvenir photos on the Cypress Avenue are just two of the most iconic things to do in Bolgheri, the jewel in the crown of Tuscany and the Maremma hills.
Bolgheri, in the heart of the Maremma hills and the inland area of the Etruscan Coast, is one of Tuscany’s gems, a place where time seems to stand still, set among magnificent old buildings and castles and surrounded by town walls and terraced vineyards. It is the perfect place for a holiday in the pursuit of fine food and wine, relaxation and nature.
Bolgheri is the land of wine, a place to explore far and wide on a Vespa or in a vintage convertible. It is the place where the land produces fruit with intense flavours that satisfy the palate and make your heart sing. Emotions, flavours, a carefree attitude and fun: this is what a holiday in the heart of stunning Tuscany entails.
Here is a guide to Bolgheri and the many wonders it has to offer ranging from wine tasting and towns to visit.
BOLGHERI: WHAT TO SEE
1) THE CYPRUS AVENUE
The stunning Viale dei Cipressi is a 5km-long road stretching from west to east, in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci in the heart of Maremma Livornese, to the historical town centre Bolgheri. This long road, running through low rolling hills and flanked by two rows of ancient cypresses, was created by Count Guido Alberto and immortalised in the poem by Giosuè Carducci.
2) THE BOLGHERI CASTLE
The Bolgheri Castle, dating back to the 13th century, has always belonged to the family of the Counts of Gherardesca. This typical military fortress, of medieval origin, dominates the horizon at the end of the Viale dei Cipressi and currently lies at the centre of a vast estate which has become famous for the production of top-quality red wines as well as being the oldest winery in the area.
3) TERME DI SASSETTA
The Azienda Agricola La Cerreta farm and the Terme di Sassetta (thermal baths) are one and the same, nestling in the quiet of the Poggio Neri forest park. A magical place, filled with a sense of well-being, where you can become one with nature.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, immersed in thermal waters and warmed by the heat of the sun, the Terme di Sassetta is the perfect place to spend a quiet, peaceful day and enjoy your own company and those of your loved ones.
Discovering Bolgheri wines
Let’s continue now with what makes Tuscany famous the world over, namely Bolgheri wines, renowned for the depth and intensity of their flavour, which have now become a very good reason to travel to Maremma and attract many tourists every year.
BOLGHERI: WINE TASTING
Do you need to taste it to believe it? The solution is to take part in a wine tasting session held in one of the many wineries in this area.
Visit Bolgheri wineries
ORNELLAIA
Ornellaia is one of the most iconic wineries in the world and its production philosophy focuses on one goal: quality, achieved through total attention to detail. The terroir is undoubtedly one of its strengths: the company is located just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. Here, the cool sea breeze caresses the vine leaves in the summer months while the hills protect the terraces from the cold north winds during the winter. The visit to the Ornellaia winery will take you on a journey of discovery of the historic vineyards and conclude with a chance to taste some of their best wines.
FATTORIA TERRE DEL MARCHESATO
Continuing our search for the best wineries in Bolgheri for wine tasting takes us to Terre del Marchesato, located in the heart of the countryside, flanked by the hills to the east and the Mediterranean coast to the west, in a varied and diversified terroir. The winery has organised a series of tours for all wine enthusiasts and lovers of intense flavours to discover its land and products. A unique and rewarding experience to savour all the way through the vineyards, winery and barrique cellar to the last sip in the tasting room.
TENUTA SAN GUIDO
Tenuta San Guido, which takes its name from San Guido Gherardesca who lived in the 13th century, is a historic winery in the Bolgheri area, situated along the Etruscan Coast which stretches from Livorno to Grosseto in Tuscan Maremma. Covering a total area of about 2,500 hectares, the farm currently has ninety hectares of vineyards, of which more than half is dedicated exclusively to the production of Sassicaia, invented by the Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and considered one of the best wines in the world.
LE MACCHIOLE
Founded in the early 1980s, Le Macchiole is one of Bolgheri’s historic wineries, which over time has become a benchmark for quality Tuscan wine, thanks also to its strong belief in organic farming and an increasingly sustainable approach. The visit to the winery starts with a brief introduction to its history and the local area and then, continues with the wine-making techniques adopted and the visit to the barrique cellar, ending with a tasting session.
CACCIA AL PIANO
Tenuta Caccia al Piano, nestled in the lovely area around Bolgheri, enjoys the perfect combination of the Mediterranean microclimate and clay and limestone soils. The winery is the perfect blend of integration with the surrounding territory, a modern approach and attention to detail, offering visits and tasting sessions that take you on a journey through the senses: through the colours of the vineyards, the silence of the barrique cellar, the captivating aromas and the intense and elegant flavour of the wines.
TENUTA ARGENTIERA
A perfect example of the Bolgheri style, the wines of Tenuta Argentiera are the authentic expression of this part of the coastal area of Tuscany. Its name has a thought-provoking meaning: it comes from the silver mines that were once located in this area of northern Maremma, also rich in natural springs and healing waters. Of all the wineries in the Bolgheri area, Tenuta Argentiera is the closest to the Tyrrhenian coast and also at the highest point. It is the perfect place to enjoy an experience that involves and stimulates all the senses, suspended in an air of magic.
TENUTA MERAVIGLIA and TENUTA LE COLONNE
A paradise that conjures up surprises and sweet expectations, Tenuta Meraviglia and Tenuta le Colonne are two sides of the same coin – young, enthusiastic companies with a clear vision: to convey authentic aromas and flavours in a wine that blends the sun, sea and wind in an unparalleled setting. Tenuta Le Colonne, which extends into the area closest to the sea, and Tenuta Meraviglia, whose vineyards lie in the hills, occupy a total area of 95 hectares. All the vineyards and the entire production process have been certified as organic since 2019. Discover their itineraries dedicated to finding out about the passion and flavours of their incomparable wines.
TENUTA GUADO AL TASSO
Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the small but prestigious DOC area of Bolgheri, on the coast of northern Maremma, about a hundred kilometres south-west of Florence. This wine has a relatively short history (it was, in fact, established in 1994), but is renowned worldwide as a new reference point on the global wine-making scene. The approximately 320 hectares of vineyards, situated at a height of about 50 metres above sea level, are mainly cultivated with Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino grapes, the latter grown in the light and dark-skinned versions. Taste them all in the fascinating museum area of the farm.
Our journey has drawn to a close. We look forward to welcoming you on the beach front with a light breeze blowing in your hair and a lovely glass of wine in your hand.
