Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Festival: A Celebration of Tuscany’s Iconic White Wine

A Tribute to Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Every year, wine lovers and industry professionals gather in the medieval town of San Gimignano for the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Festival, also known as Regina Ribelle. This prestigious event celebrates one of Italy’s most historic white wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, renowned for its crisp minerality and elegant aromas.

When and Where

The festival is in the heart of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and breathtaking landscapes. The 2025 edition is scheduled for May 17-18, offering two days of tastings, masterclasses, and cultural experiences in a truly unique setting.

Wine Tastings and Masterclasses

Visitors can taste a wide selection of Vernaccia di San Gimignano wines, guided by expert sommeliers and local producers. From fresh and young expressions to aged Riserva versions, the festival showcases the full spectrum of this exceptional white wine. Masterclasses dive deeper into the nuances of Vernaccia, exploring its terroir, production techniques, and perfect food pairings.

The Best AIS Sommelier of Tuscany Competition

One of the festival’s highlights is the prestigious Best AIS Sommelier of Tuscany competition, where top sommeliers from across the region compete for the title. This exciting event offers a chance to witness the expertise and passion of Italy’s finest wine professionals.

A Unique Cultural and Gastronomic Experience

Beyond wine tastings, the festival features local food pairings, entertainment, and music, creating a vibrant atmosphere in San Gimignano’s historic center. Guests can enjoy Tuscan delicacies that perfectly complement Vernaccia wines, while the Rocca di Montestaffoli hosts cultural performances, interactive exhibits, and a DJ set to close the celebrations.

The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience

For those eager to deepen their knowledge, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience at Rocca di Montestaffoli offers an immersive journey through the history and production of this iconic wine. This interactive space allows visitors to engage with multimedia displays, taste a variety of wines, and appreciate the evolution of Vernaccia over time.

Why You Should Attend

The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Festival is more than just a tasting event—it’s an opportunity to connect with local winemakers, explore Tuscany’s winemaking traditions, and experience the charm of San Gimignano. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend in Tuscany, this festival is a must-visit.

Mark your calendar for May 18-19, 2024, and immerse yourself in Vernaccia di San Gimignano! 🍷✨

Montevertine and the Birth of Pergole Torte: A Chianti Classico Icon

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Montevertine stands as one of the most revered names in the world of Italian wine. This estate, located in Radda in Chianti, has become synonymous with uncompromising quality and a deep respect for tradition. Montevertine’s journey from a personal project to an iconic winery is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Sergio Manetti.

The Early Years: A Passion Project Turns Into a Legacy

Montevertine’s story began in 1967, when Sergio Manetti, a successful steel manufacturer from Milan, purchased the estate as a countryside retreat. His love for wine led him to plant vineyards and build a small winery, initially producing wine for personal consumption and for friends. However, the extraordinary quality of his first vintage in 1971 caught the attention of industry experts, prompting him to submit his wines to the Vinitaly fair. The overwhelmingly positive reception convinced Manetti to turn his passion into a full-fledged winery.

The Birth of Pergole Torte: A Break from Convention

Montevertine was initially classified as a Chianti Classico producer, but Sergio Manetti had a different vision. He believed in the power of Sangiovese as a standalone variety, rather than blending it with the white grapes traditionally required by Chianti Classico regulations at the time. This led to the creation of Pergole Torte, first released in 1977 as a pure Sangiovese wine—something almost unheard of in the region back then.

Because the strict DOCG rules mandated the use of white grapes in Chianti Classico wines, Montevertine chose to leave the denomination behind and label Pergole Torte as a Vino da Tavola. Despite this unconventional classification, the wine quickly gained a cult following for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential. Over the years, Pergole Torte has established itself as one of the most prestigious wines from Tuscany, proving that great winemaking transcends bureaucratic constraints.

The Legacy Continues

Following Sergio Manetti’s passing in 2000, his son Martino took over the winery, staying true to his father’s philosophy. Montevertine continues to produce outstanding wines with a focus on Sangiovese, maintaining a dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity. Today, Pergole Torte is recognized as a benchmark for 100% Sangiovese wines, embodying the rich heritage of Montevertine and the vision that shaped its legacy.

Montevertine’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of passion and conviction in winemaking. By challenging conventions and trusting in the purity of Sangiovese, the estate has secured its place among Italy’s most revered wine producers, with Pergole Torte standing as a timeless expression of Chianti’s true soul.

Why a wine tour in Tuscany is a must?

Discover the Magic of Wine Tours – A Journey Like No Other

Travel trends are constantly evolving, and one experience that has captured the hearts of explorers worldwide is wine tourism. Unlike any other kind of tour, a wine tour offers an immersive adventure—taking you beyond the vineyards and into the very essence of winemaking. Imagine strolling through sun-kissed rows of grapevines, witnessing the intricate art of turning grapes into exquisite wines, and indulging in tastings that bring the flavors of the land to life. Sounds fascinating? It truly is! And if you're considering embarking on a wine tour, there’s no better destination than Italy.

From the rolling hills of Chianti to the prestigious estates of Barolo and the legendary cellars of Brunello di Montalcino, Italy offers an unrivaled selection of iconic wine regions waiting to be explored. But a bit of planning goes a long way to make the most of this extraordinary experience. Before setting off on your unforgettable journey, here’s everything you need to know.

How to Plan the Perfect Wine Tour

✅ Lock in Your Dates & Book Early
Once you've decided when to travel, contact your local travel agent and a specialized agent in your chosen wine region. If your Chianti wine tour dates are confirmed, finalize your flights and accommodations. Some travel agencies can arrange the wine tour, saving you the hassle of coordinating with local operators.

✅ Check Entry Requirements & Permits
Do you need any special permits to visit specific vineyards? Are there exclusive wine estates that require prior reservations? Ensure you gather all necessary details—your travel agent can assist with this too.

✅ Always Choose a Guided Wine Tour
A Brunello wine tour is best enjoyed with an expert guide who can unravel each vineyard's history, traditions, and unique characteristics. Plus, it’s always good to know whether tipping is customary at the end of your visit.

✅ Prepare for Currency Exchange
Don’t wait until you arrive—exchange your currency beforehand to avoid any last-minute inconvenience. Your travel agent can usually handle this for you.

✅ Pack Smart for the Climate
Weather can vary across Italian wine regions, so check the forecast beforehand. Packing appropriately ensures you’re comfortable and can fully enjoy your tour without overloading your luggage.

✅ Capture the Experience
A vineyard tour is a visual feast—don’t forget to bring your camera to immortalize those breathtaking landscapes, historic cellars, and, of course, your wine-tasting moments!

✅ Consider Staying at a Vineyard
Some wine estates offer exclusive accommodations, allowing you to wake up surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Staying on-site is the perfect way to extend your experience, fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the countryside.

✅ Budget Wisely—It’s Worth Every Penny
Wine tours, especially in renowned regions like Tuscany and Piedmont, are a premium experience. But trust me—the memories, the flavors, and the magic of the vineyards make it an investment you’ll never regret.

Ready for a Trip You’ll Never Forget?

Some holidays stay with you for a lifetime, and a wine tour in Italy is undoubtedly one of them. So why wait? Start planning your adventure and get ready to sip, savor, and immerse yourself in the world of fine wine! 🍷

Italian Wine - It's Not Just Chianti

Chianti Classico wines

Few places are more evocative of Italy than Tuscany, and its rolling hills and vineyards attract wine lovers all year round. Connoisseurs of Italian wine will of course enjoy sampling the variations of Chianti Classico on a visit to Tuscany but local restaurants will also serve up a range of wine from other wine growing regions. 

Travelling through Italy outside of Tuscany will also give visitors access to a range of interesting wines and grape varieties. 

Tuscan wines may be amongst the best that Italy has to offer but it is worth knowing a little about what else is available rather than sticking doggedly to a single type of wine.

PIEMONTE

Piemonte is one of Italy’s smaller wine regions which specializes in high-quality red wines. The town of Alba, south-west of Turin produces DOCG Barolo and DOCG Barbaresco which are strong, savoury wines made from the Nebbiolo grape. The area is also a source of two other grape types, the Barbera and the Dolcetto. To the north of Turin, DOCG Gattinara is a robust red wine produced through a combination of the Nebbiolo and Bonarda grapes. Piemonte though is probably best known however for its DOCG Asti, a medium sweet sparkling wine developed from the Muscat grape.

LOMBARDIA

This region, with Milan at its core, is at the heart of Italy’s industry and commerce. It is not a huge wine producer but has some interesting wines including DOCG Valtellina Superiore and a popular sparkling wine, DOCG Franciacorta.

EMILIA - ROMAGNA

Bordering Tuscany, this is the wine-growing region famed for the medium sweet, sparkling Lambrusco, taken from the local Lambrusco grape. Most versions at around 8% ABV  are only classified as Vino de Tavola, whilst the products exported to other markets such as the UK can be as low as 3% ABV. The more critically acclaimed wines from the region include DOCG Albana di Romagna, DOC Trebbiano di Romagna and the red Sangiovese di Romagna.

VENETO

The Veneto is one of Italy’s largest wine-producing regions after Tuscany and produces a number of wines including some speciality wines. From the Verona area are DOC Soave, DOC Valpolicella and DOC Bardolino. Using the Garganegna and Trebbiano grapes, Soave is a light white wine named after the local town whilst Bardolino and Valpolicella are light-bodied reds made from local black grapes including Corvina. Valpolicella, whilst often an unspectacular wine, can be made a lot stronger through a local method of drying the grapes indoors on wooden racks. Amarone della Valpolicella is produced by a method which ferments out all of the sugar present in the grapes, delivering a wine that can be up to 16% ABV - certainly a wine to drink in moderation. Another speciality version of Valpolicella that is produced via traditional methods is Recioto della Valpolicella. The more standard versions of Valpolicella are medium-bodied with moderate tannins. The Veneto region also produces a sweet Soave wine and a few cheap versions of Prosecco.

FRIULI VENEZIA- GIULIA

This region tucked away in the north-east of Italy produces wines that often blend a range of grape varieties. White wines might include a mix of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Riesling, Verduzzo and Picolit, whilst grapes used for the regions red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, Refosco and Merlot. The quality of winemaking in this area is generally pretty good and some of the better DOCs include Colio and Colli Orientali del Friuli.

ABRUZZO

Abruzzo tends to produce decent quality, mid-bodied red wines at reasonable prices. The most common grape is the Montepulciano and the region’s DOC wine is the DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE

This mountainous region of Italy was actually a part of Austria until the end of the First World War and many locals along the Adige Valley are German-speaking. Wines from the regions will sometimes be labelled in German as “Sudtiroller” (from the South Tyrol) rather than as “Alto Ridge.” The cool climate in the area is suitable for the production of dry whites, often made from grapes such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. Trentino-Alto Adige produces light and crisp wines as well as some medium-bodied reds made from Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes. The best wines will be sold as DOC Trentino or DOC Alto-Adige. There is also a medium-bodied red from the region’s Schiava grape known as DOC Santa Maddalena.

Laura Chapman

The Vernaccia of Wonders

Winery in San Gimignano

San Gimignano, the city of towers, produces the most famous Vernaccia, which is a wine appreciated for centuries by popes and princes, first in Italy to obtain the DOC and later the DOCG, this is the only white wine to bear the genetic improvement of varieties, carried out through field trials. The objective of this action is improvements that only specialists know, imagine for a virtually perfect wine to the palate of ordinary mortals. As for the remaining wine scene, besides the production of the Chianti area, there is the recent creation of the DOC San Gimignano to give space to other types of wine.

DISCOVER SAN GIMIGNANO’s VERNAACCIA WITH A WINE TOUR 🍷

San Gimignano, the city of towers, is famous for Vernaccia, Italy’s first DOC and later DOCG white wine, which is celebrated for its refined taste and centuries-old tradition. Beyond Vernaccia, the region also produces excellent Chianti and other distinguished wines under the DOC San Gimignano.

For an unforgettable wine experience, join a shared wine tour of San Gimignano with Italy and Wine, where you’ll visit top wineries, taste exceptional wines, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany. Cheers to a perfect wine adventure! 

VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO DOCG

Grapes: Vernaccia di San Gimignano, between 90% and 100%, the non-aromatic grapes authorized for the remaining 10%

Colour: straw yellow, tending towards golden color with age.

Smell: delicate, penetrating, characteristic.

Taste: dry, harmonious, with a characteristic bitter aftertaste.

Alcohol: 11%

Aging: up to 2 years. Qualifications "Rierva", with 11.5% and one year of mandatory aging, then up to three years.

Food pairing: white meat

WINERIES

1) Gicciardini Strozzi - Farm Cusona
Loc Cusona San Gimignano SI
ph 0577950028
www.guicciardinistrozzi.it

2) Montenidoli
Loc Montenidoli San Gimignano SI
ph 0577941565
Wine testing: Monday - Saturday book in advance
www.montenidoli.com

3) Panizzi
Los Santa Margherita 34 San Gimignano SI
ph 057794157
www.panizzi.it

4) Pietraserena
via di Casale 5 San Gimignano SI
Ph 0577940083

5) Fattoria Pietrafitta
Loc Cortennano 54 San Gimignano SI
Ph 0577943200
www.agriturismopietrafitta.com

WINE TOUR to SAN GIMIGNANO

If you want to taste this special white wine of Tuscany during your holiday in Italy, you can contact Italy and Wine to join the Friday sharing tour or to have a customized tour