One vineyard stop, lots of Tuscan flavor. You get a private visit to an organic farm and vineyard near San Gimignano, where you taste wines like Vernaccia and Chianti, plus extra virgin olive oils and local pairings. The setting is genuinely pretty—outdoors with tower views—so this feels like a taste of the region, not a rushed check-the-box event.

I especially like the mix of wine + olive oil in one sitting, and the fact that the farm is small and family-run. One drawback to keep in mind: it’s just outside the town center, so you’ll want to allow extra time to find it and plan for a bit of uphill parking.

Podere la Marronaia: A Simple, Scenic Tasting Spot Outside the Old Town

This tasting takes place at Podere la Marronaia, a small family farm in San Gimignano focused on grapes and olives. In 2000 they shifted entirely to organic farming using natural products and working with the soil and the wider ecosystem. By 2003, the production became organic certified.

The tasting venue is called Sosta Alle Colonne and it sits within walking distance of the center, surrounded by countryside and vineyards. The view is the big part of the experience: you eat outdoors looking toward the towers of San Gimignano, with the Vernaccia vineyard nearby.

One practical note: since it’s not inside the medieval core, you’ll feel the difference between “in town” and “close enough.” That’s also why I suggest you build in buffer time, especially if you’re driving.

What’s Included in Your 45 Minutes (And What You Might Want to Expect)

The experience runs about 45 minutes and is a private activity, so only your group participates. It’s offered in English, and you’ll use a mobile ticket.

What you’re tasting is clearly set up as a full sensory sampling:

• Wine tasting with four wines
• Extra virgin olive oil tasting with six oils
• Snacks like bruschette and local cheeses
• A meal described as 3-course truffle-based (in practice, the tasting components are what you’ll notice most)

If you’re the type who likes learning every step of winemaking, you might find this leans more toward food-and-taste than deep vineyard touring. You still get the pleasure of being on a working organic farm, which is the real value here.

Wines You’ll Taste: Vernaccia, Chianti, Sangiovese, and the Dessert Pairing

This is not a generic “red or white” setup. You taste four specific wines tied to the Tuscan lineup, including both classics and dessert-friendly finishes.

1) Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG bio

This is San Gimignano’s signature grape, and it’s often more mineral than you might expect if you’re thinking of buttery styles. If you like bright, dry whites, this is a great match for being outdoors with a view.

2) Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG bio or a Rosato option

The itinerary states you’ll either taste Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG organic or you’ll taste a Rosato IGT Toscano. Either way, you’ll get a taste of the Sangiovese family that drives a lot of central Italian drinking.

3) Sangiovese IGT Rosso Toscano bio

This is the “hello, Tuscany” red—simple, grape-forward, and made for pairing.

4) Vinsanto and Cantucci

This is the sweet ending that turns your tasting into an actual experience rather than a quick pour-and-go. If you enjoy almond biscotti type pairings, this part is usually the most memorable.

One more thing I’d keep in mind: some people prefer fruitier, more obviously aromatic whites, while Vernaccia can read as more dry and mineral. If you’re sensitive to sourness in wine tasting, pick your expectations accordingly and focus on the food pairings.

Olive Oil Tasting: Six Oils Plus Bread, Cheese, and Infused Pairings

The olive oil tasting is a highlight because it goes beyond one bowl of oil. You’ll sample six oils, including both natural and flavored varieties.

You’ll taste:

• Natural extra virgin olive oil
• Flavored oils such as Basil, Garlic, Chili Pepper, White Truffle, and Rosemary
• And you’ll pair those oils with bruschette and local cheeses

This part matters because you’ll start to “taste the logic” of Italian oil culture. The flavored oils aren’t just novelty—they show how herbs and ingredients change the way you perceive bitterness, pepperiness, and aroma. It’s a practical way to learn what to look for when you shop.

Also, your tasting will include little snacks. Some descriptions around this experience also mention vinegar pairings as part of the tasting setup, so you may see balsamic-style accompaniments during your session. Either way, bread is clearly part of the tasting system, so it’s worth eating light before you go.

The Truffle-Based Meal: A Calm Outdoor Break With Tower Views

The tour description includes a 3-course truffle-based meal, and the location supports that pacing. You’re meant to slow down and eat outdoors, with views of San Gimignano’s towers and the surrounding vineyards.

Even if you’re not a truffle superfan, the real value here is how the meal anchors the tasting. Wine and olive oil are easier to enjoy when you have something warm and savory on the table.

Just don’t mistake the setting for a full-on restaurant experience. This is still a tasting-first program, so if you’re looking for a long multi-course sit-down with a lot of conversation, you may feel the time moves quickly.

Location and Arrival Tips: Finding Sosta Alle Colonne Without Stress

The tasting venue is at Via Martiri di Citerna in San Gimignano, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The venue is close enough to walk from town, but not inside the center.

Here’s the reality check: signage and terrain can make this harder than a simple city stop. Some people find it easier to navigate with your phone map set to the exact address, then plan to arrive early enough to regroup.

Parking is on-site, and one common concern is that it can be tight and steep, located in or near an olive grove. So if you’re renting a car, go slow and keep your maneuvering time in mind. If you’re walking from the center, you’ll get the best stress-free experience—just make sure your shoes are comfortable for an uneven path.

In winter, the tasting may shift to an interior farmhouse setting (a historical building dating back to the 1400s). So if you’re traveling off-season, dress for the weather and expect a quieter, more indoor vibe.

Price and Value: About $66 for a Private Tasting Setup

At $66.09 per person, this isn’t the cheapest wine-and-oil tasting in Tuscany. But it can feel fair if you value three things: privacy, the organic farm setting, and the breadth of what’s poured.

You’re paying for:

• A private format rather than sharing space and attention with strangers
• Four wines (including a dessert pairing)
• Six olive oils (including multiple flavored oils)
• Snacks like bruschette and local cheeses
• A meal described as truffle-based

Where it may not feel like a win is if you expect a full guided vineyard walk plus a long story-heavy tour, or if you’re hoping for a lot of bread and generous portions without limitation. Some people also find the shopping side (if you browse bottles and oils) expensive compared to other stops. If you plan to buy, go in with a budget mindset.

My advice: think of this as a curated tasting at a working organic farm—worth it for the experience, not necessarily a bargain hunt.

Who This Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This experience fits well if you want:

• A private tasting with an organic farm feel
• To sample Vernaccia and olive oils in the same stop
• Peaceful views outside the medieval center
• A truffle-oriented meal included in the program description

It’s not ideal if your top priority is a long, detailed vineyard excursion or if you’re mainly chasing the lowest price per sip. Also, if you know you strongly prefer fruit-forward whites, be aware Vernaccia can come across drier and more mineral in style.

If you’re traveling with food-focused friends or you want a first-class “one-stop Tuscan tasting” day, this is a strong pick.

Quick Flow: What Your Time at the Farm Feels Like

You’ll arrive at the meeting point and then head to the tasting venue on the farm property. Once you’re seated, the tasting moves through wine, then olive oil, then your meal components.

The outdoor view is part of the pacing. Even within 45 minutes, the setting makes it feel like more time because you’re not stuck in a shop window or a crowded counter.

A good move: order your glasses slowly and pause between tastings. Oil and wine can blur together if you drink too fast, and the whole point is to separate flavors.

Should You Book This Private Wine and Olive Oil Tasting?

I’d book it if you want a small-farm experience with a real view, plus a tasting that includes both wine and multiple olive oils. The organic story also makes the “where” feel as important as the “what,” which is rare in shorter tastings.

You might skip it if you’re worried about finding the venue (since it’s just outside town) or if you want a very education-heavy tour with lots of vineyard walkthrough time. In that case, look for something more in-town and more structured around a full guided excursion.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private wine, olive oil, and cheese tasting?

It lasts about 45 minutes.

Is this experience private or shared with others?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What languages are available?

The experience is offered in English.

What wines are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG bio, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG organic (or an organic Rosato IGT Toscano), Sangiovese IGT Rosso Toscano bio, and Vinsanto with Cantucci.

How many olive oils do you taste?

You taste six olive oils, including natural extra virgin olive oil and flavored oils (basil, garlic, chili pepper, white truffle, and rosemary).

What food is included?

You get bottled water, and snacks including bruschette and local cheeses during the tasting.

Is hotel pickup or private transportation included?

No. Hotel drop-off and pick-up, plus private transportation, are not included.

What’s the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 18, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.