About the City
Greve in Chianti
Pearl of Chianti amidst fine wines and unspoilt nature
In the heart of Tuscany, among the gentle hills of Chianti, lies Greve in Chianti, a small village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The town is known for its medieval historic center, featuring the distinctive triangular-shaped Piazza Matteotti, its arcades, and numerous shops offering typical local products. Greve in Chianti is a unique blend of history, culture, culinary traditions, and natural beauty.
The Cittaslow philosophy is perfectly embodied in this town, thanks to the preservation of its historical features, respect for the environment, and promotion of local products. One of Greve in Chianti's main attractions is the production of fine wines, celebrated in various events throughout the year—most notably the Chianti Classico Wine Festival, held every September.
The responsible traveler will enjoy the rich network of green trails for walking, hiking, and cycling, as well as visiting the many farms and wineries and tasting the area's typical products. In the surrounding territory, visitors can also explore other historic villages and admire breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.
The Slow Experience
Greve in Chianti is a charming Tuscan town nestled among rolling vineyards and olive groves. Known as the birthplace of the Cittaslow movement, it invites visitors to embrace a slower pace, discover artisan shops, taste local wines, and enjoy authentic traditions rooted in a rich cultural heritage.
Details & Programs
• 9:30 AM – Welcome to Greve in Chianti: Individual arrival in Greve in Chianti (FI) and meeting in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti with a local resident guide. A brief introduction to the Cittaslow philosophy and the local territory. The guide will explain the history of Greve and its role in the birth of the Cittaslow movement, which started right here in the late 1990s, immediately highlighting the genuine hospitality and peaceful pace that characterize local life.
• 10:00 AM – Guided tour of the historic center: A slow-paced walk under the arcades of Piazza Matteotti, the heart of the town. Visit the Propositura di Santa Croce, known for its simple Tuscan style, and explore the historic shops facing the square. A stop at the Antica Macelleria Falorni (operating since 1729) is included, famous for its Cinta Senese and wild boar cured meats—the Falorni family has passed down traditional techniques for generations.If the visit takes place on a Saturday, enjoy free time at the weekly open-air market (8:00 AM–1:00 PM), where local producers sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, Chianti cheese and honey, and handmade crafts (ceramics, textiles, woodwork). The guide will help facilitate interaction with the vendors—an opportunity to practice some Italian and hear stories of local life.Note: If your visit coincides with special events, such as La Vetrina delle Cittaslow (in May) or the Chianti Classico Expo (in September), the tour will include these festivals, where food, wine, and crafts celebrate the region’s identity.
• 11:30 AM – Transfer to the countryside and community encounter: Short transfer to the surrounding hills to reach Montefioralle, a small medieval hamlet just 5 minutes away by car (or optionally a 30-minute walk through the vineyards). Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Chianti, Montefioralle welcomes visitors with its stone alleyways and breathtaking vineyard views.A local resident will guide the group through the village: admire the ancient parish church, stone houses, and perhaps stop by a local artisan workshop (e.g., a ceramic studio under the arches) to witness the manual skills passed down through generations.These community exchanges allow visitors to feel truly connected to the local fabric, in full Cittaslow spirit of authentic human relationships.
• 1:00 PM – Cittaslow lunch at a typical trattoria: Lunch at Ristorante La Castellana (Loc. Montefioralle, 1 – Greve in Chianti; Tel. +39 055 853134), a small family-run trattoria overlooking the hills.The venue offers a cozy atmosphere and cuisine that enhances the authentic flavors of Chianti, using fresh, local ingredients. The menu, based on Tuscan tradition, changes with the seasons: examples include homemade pappardelle with wild boar ragù, ribollita with garden vegetables, artisanal cured meats, and pecorino cheese from local farms.Everything is accompanied by extra virgin olive oil and Chianti Classico wine produced in the area. The owners will be happy to explain the km0 origin of their ingredients and may even share family recipes.The meal is enjoyed slowly, in true slow style: time to savor every course, admire the vineyard view from the terrace, and enjoy friendly conversation.(Special dietary options such as vegetarian or children’s menus are available upon request, always aligned with the philosophy of local, wholesome food.)
• 3:00 PM – Visit to winery and sustainable tasting: After lunch, a short walk leads to Azienda Agricola Montefioralle (Via di Montefioralle – Greve in Chianti; visits by reservation, Tel. +39 392 8425595), a small, family-run winery just below the village walls.The Sieni family, winemakers for generations, will welcome you. The visit begins with a walk through the nearby vineyards, where the owners explain their organic farming techniques. The winery cultivates around 4 hectares using low-impact methods and has been certified organic since 2019.Continue through the traditional winemaking and aging rooms, as the producer shares how the natural rhythm of the seasons shapes their work (from manual pruning to selective harvesting).Then enjoy a guided tasting: in a relaxed atmosphere, seated outdoors with views of the vines, you’ll sample three typical wines—such as a Chianti Classico vintage, a Riserva, and a Vin Santo—paired with local products like Tuscan bread with fresh olive oil, pecorino cheese, and finocchiona. The winemaker will explain the characteristics of the wines and the Chianti Classico region, answering any questions.This experience offers not only genuine flavors but also a meaningful cultural exchange: through family stories and anecdotes about winemaking, visitors grasp the deep connection between people and the land—a cornerstone of the slow philosophy.
• 5:00 PM – End of the day: Return to Greve in Chianti and conclusion of the tour. Before saying goodbye, visitors will have a few minutes to enjoy the town independently—perhaps grabbing a coffee or artisanal gelato in the piazza like a local, or browsing the shops of the Natural Shopping Center (the local merchant association) to buy wine, olive oil, or ceramics as souvenirs.The tour organization will assist with transfers or possible extensions of the stay.The day ends with a heart full of slow-living experiences: participants will have truly experienced the calm and authenticity of Greve, taking home not only tastes and stories, but new friendships too.
The Accomodations
