I am one of those that has difficulty meeting a wine tasting I don’t like.  It seems that all of the best regions in the world for growing vines also have innate naturaly beauty.  So combine the taste and smell of great wine with your eyes resting on rolling hills and the result is sensational.

About an hour outside of Florence there is a picture postcard perfect little town called San Gimignano.  A photographer could earn a living just with the views both inside and outside of this beautiful hilltop village.  Located in the Chianti region, it is always a popular tourist destination.  The characteristic medieval towers that are spaced around the city wall are visible for miles and make one want to take a trip back in time.  Walking within the town is a special treat compared to many Italian cities because almost all traffic is foot traffic, and the main piazza really retains a lot of the original charm, especially sitting on the terraza of one of the neighboring restaurants.

What really makes this town unique is that it is the home of one of the only DOC designated white wines in Italy, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.  The town nearly doubles in population during harvest time.  Wine tours that make San Gimignano part of their package will also most likely take you within the city and to Chianti producers that are nearby.  But if you would like to return from your vacation with an incredibly unique wine in addition to stunning photos, this is a don’t miss.

www.tuscan-wine-tours.com/San_Gimignano

www.italyandwine.net/tuscany/san-gimignano

www.cellartours.com/italy/wine-tours/san-gimignano