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Panzano in Chianti is a charming hilltop town located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, it is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

What to do in Panzano

Go wine tasting at the local vineyards

It is no surprise that one of the best things to do in this small town is wine tasting. The region is famous for the chianti classico wine, a staple of Tuscan wine. Make sure to visit at least one or two vineyards while in Chianti. There are plenty to choose from!

We visited Vallone di Cecione, located just outside of the center of Panzano. Run by local winemaker Fernando, the wines are absolutely delicious and his winemaking process is fascinating. If you don’t have a. chance to visit, you can still place an order online with international shipping!

Visit nearby towns in Chianti

Although not technically a “region” in Italy, the term ‘Chianti’ is generally used to describe the region of rolling hills between Florence and Siena in Tuscany. In addition to Panzano in Chianti, over areas include Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti (where you’ll find Volpaia), Gaiole in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti.

If you have a few days to spare, I recommend wandering and getting lost in the various town. Wander the cobblestone streets, sip a hot drink or spritz, enjoy a wine tasting, or perhaps just have a delicious meal!

Take a cooking class at Selvabella in Chianti

I’ll go into more detail below, but Selvabella in Chianti is hands down the best place that you can stay in the area. And if you do, you’ll have the option to sign up for a cooking class with your host. It’s a bit pricey at 100 EUR per person but it is worth every single penny. The food (that we cooked over 6 hours) was some of the best that I ever tried, made from fresh herbs that we picked from the garden. Highlights include homemade pasta with eggplant and sauce and the most delicious chocolate cake.

How to get to Panzano in Chianti

Although Panzano can be reached from Florence in just over an hour by bus, I recommend renting a car and driving along Route 222. This will allow you to properly exploring this charming area. If renting a car is not an option for you, then consider a guided tour.

Book your rental car here.

Where to Stay in Panzano in Chianti

Do yourself a favor and book a least a night at Selvabella in Chianti right now. Our stay at Selvabella in Chianti was easily one of the highlights on our two week Italy road trip. The hosts, Bernardo and Marta, are the kindest people and the absolute best cooks. Their property is a little slice of paradise in Chianti.

Plus, Marta makes the cutest hand painted pottery, that makes the best souvenir of your trip.

And do not skip the breakfast. The spread was the best I’ve ever gotten at a hotel/airbnb!

Where to Eat

Ristorante Il Vescovino

Perched on the hillside in Panzano, Il Vescovino should definitely be on your list. Our dinner at Ristorante Il Vescovino was one of our best meals while on our two week road trip in Italy. I recommend booking in advance and asking for a table outside. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Tuscan hills.

Starters range from 5-15€ and entrees 10-20€. Everything is delicious, but the pastas were my favorite!

Macelleria Cecchini

The town gained its reputation from a famous local butcher – Dario Cecchini of Macelleria Cecchini. This shop is home to eight generations of butchers, and as you can imagine, sells some of the most delicious meats in the area.

When to visit Panzano

The best season to visit Panzano is between May and September, when you’ll be greeted with warm sunny days. Fall and spring can be a bit rainy, but still a great time to visit if you’re looking for less crowds.

Exploring the rest of Italy? Here are some other articles to check out:

• 7 Spots you Can’t Miss in the Dolomites
• A Guide to Hiking Seceda, Dolomites
• How to Get to the Dolomites, Italy
• Road Trip in the Dolomites
• 24 Hours in Rome, Italy

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