A few of my friends and I booked this trip through a company and had to meet at the train station at 7:30 am. From there, we took a bus to Chianti and proceeded to hike around the area of Panzano for three hours. Words cannot describe how beautiful the landscape is. There are so many vineyards and gorgeous houses that blend into the background. It was also the perfect day: it was just a bit chilly (autumn--l'autuno-- is definitely settling in) but the sun was brightly shining. Our guide stopped along our walk to talk about the grapes and how specific ones are only used for Chiantis. After our walk, we stopped at a church, Santa Maria, on top of a hill that overlooked the entire region. It was absolutely breathtaking. After we toured the church, we proceeded to walk to lunch which was held at the winemakers house. From the outside, it looks rather simple but it is filled with so much history. Lorenzo's family, the Sassolinis, lived in Florence many generations ago. Their family was in favor of the Republic and against the Medicis, so when the troops of Emperor Charles V conquered the town, they were banished from Florence. The Sassolinis became farmers and land owners in Panzano where they inherited a villa and the land of the Petrucci, a noble family of Siena. The inside of the villa was filled with their coat of arms, old relics, paintings and objects handed down through the different generations. I couldn't help but creep around the upstairs when I ducked out of lunch to go to the bathroom. I loved how the house was just filled to the brim with history. I wish I could have toured the entire house.
Here is a little history of Chianti wine...Chiantis are predominantly made with sangiovese grapes. It is ruby red in color and as it ages it develops garnet hues with a harmonious, dry and full flavor which is slightly tannic. The perfume is intense with notes of dark fruits and violets. The symbol of the Chianti Classico region is the Gallo Nero (black rooster). The Gallo Nero label with a red border is the basic Chianti Classico wine which is released about one year after its harvest. 
Anways, lunch and wine tasting was a blast. We tried four different wines and then grappa, a sweet Italian wine that is typically drunk after dinner. We started with bread, prosciutto, salami, and olive oil. With this we drank Chianti Classico which actually ended up being my favorite. Then we proceeded to the first course of pasta with pesto, drank with FerdinandoIII (a Chianti made from pure sangiovese grapes, compared to the Chianti Classico which is made from a blend of sangiovese, colorino, and canaiolo grapes). Another round of pasta with tomato sauce (fresh tomatoes, there is nothing better!) with Chianti Classico Reserve. This wine is the same as the Chianti Classico however it is left in the barrels for a bit longer than the regular classico. Once we finished our food, we were given a Vin Santo Chianti Classico --a dessert wine with which you eat biscotti. We ended the afternoon with Grappa Chianti Classico, a very strong wine that is taken as a shot ( not many people are able to sip this. It is 43% alcohol!). The winemaker said that it is acts as an aide to digestion-- It probably burned through everything in my stomach it was so strong. But it is obtained from the best dregs of grapes through a process of distillation. It is aged in wooden barrels for about 6 months, allowing it to acquire an amber color. It was a wonderful experience and I am so happy I was able to make it to Chianti to try the famous wines. I kept thinking of my dad and wishing he was there with me--I know he would have loved it!! I also made friends with an Italian woman-- it was great to practice my Italian with her! She was so sweet and we chatted about life in Italy, movies and politics. Italy has so many political issues, it is really too bad.
Once we returned to Florence, my friends and I actually found a Mexican restaurant in Florence! I've been craving Mexican food and it was such a surprise to find one it Italy. Granted, it wasn't the most authentic but we had a blast munching away on nachos only a few feet away from the Duomo.
I was happy to stay in Italy for the weekend and not do a major trip. Although I love traveling, it can get tiring so it was a great weekend to relax and do some adventuring in the area.
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