Wineries to visit in Chianti Classico

Hello, I am looking for a couple of winery suggestions in the Chianti Classico region that are interesting to visit (good wines, tour, friendly owners). I am asking for a friend who will be passing through the area in July (wish it was me!). As they will just be passing through for the day, they don't would to travel to far off the beaten track. I know from personal experience that getting lost in Tuscany can be time consuming to get back on track (though the scenery is stunning!). So, perhaps something not too far from the main highway between Florence and Siena would be ideal. Thanks.

Norm

I abstained so far from making a reply because the three estates which I have visited most often and would recommend, namely Fontodi, Vignmaggio and San Felice, are all deep into Chianti countryside along narrow winding roads.

However there is one of my future must-visit estates, namely Isole e Olena http://www.thewinedoctor.com/italy/isoleeolena.shtml which is at Barberino Val d'Elsa some 10 km off the Florence-Siena highway. Another is Fèlsina http://www.felsinawine.com/ , whose wines I buy regularly but have never visited, which is at Castelnuovo Beradenga close to the Siena-Perugia main road. Looking at the map, the latter seems closer to the main road.

The Florence-Siena highway is one of my least favourite in Italy and that is saying something. There are two quite narrow lanes with no hard shoulder for emergencies in each direction separated by a flimsy looking crash barrier and many tight curves and ups and downs. Yet many locals drive extremely fast well in excess of the speed limit (130 kph/81 mph on most Italian highways). Double check your mirrors before overtaking .

PS: In Europe it is usually advisable to make an appointment when visiting a winery. One exception in Tuscany is Fonterutoli which is geared up for tourists and even charges for tasting , very rare in Europe; it is, however, deep in the countryside.

Poggio al Sole

http://www.vinit.net/vini/cantine/Tosca ... _3177.html

http://www.vinodautore.it/schede/poggio ... -8914.aspx

beautiful wines, the owner/winemaker Johannes is a very nice and friendly person, his Swiss origin is evident in the immaculate order of his vineyards

The Florence-Siena highway is one of my least favourite in Italy and that is saying something. There are two quite narrow lanes with no hard shoulder for emergencies in each direction separated by a flimsy looking crash barrier and many tight curves and ups and downs. Yet many locals drive extremely fast well in excess of the speed limit (130 kph/81 mph on most Italian highways). Double check your mirrors before overtaking .

Yes, I recall having been on that highway in 2005 and thinking much the same thing...I was glad to be off of it!

Thanks Tim and Mike for the suggestions.

Best,
Norm