Wine and olive oil, one hour of heaven. This private meal in San Gimignano is set in a historic Vernaccia vineyard at Podere la Marronaia, with views of the town towers. You visit the vineyard and farm first, then you get a guided tasting explained by Davide in a way that feels simple and direct, not like a school lecture.

What I like most is that you taste the Tuscan story from two angles: organic wines and olive oil side-by-side. The lunch is also genuinely Tuscan, with fresh seasonal ingredients and a format that keeps you eating while you learn, not waiting around.

One possible drawback: the time is about 1 hour 30 minutes, so it stays relaxed and efficient, but it is not a long, slow vineyard stay. If you’re hoping for a lengthy walk and extended tour, you may want to pair it with extra time in town after.

Key highlights you should care about

• Historic Vernaccia setting near San Gimignano towers (easy to reach on foot from town)
• Guided tasting of 3–5 organic wines plus 6 EVO oils in an intentional sequence
• Organic and biodynamic methods, explained with real examples from grapes and olives
• A private meal built around Tuscan basics: bruschette, pasta, pecorino and cold meats, cantucci
• Flavor-focused EVO oil options like rosemary, garlic, hot chilly, truffle, and porcini

San Gimignano’s Vernaccia vineyard, up close

This experience starts in the San Gimignano area at a small family-run farm dedicated to grapes and olives. The tasting venue sits within walking distance of the town center, so you don’t need to lock into a long transport plan. You get that classic Tuscan mix of calm farm air plus a view back toward the towers, which makes the whole morning feel special without turning it into a big production.

The farm made an important switch back in 2000: they converted all production to organic cultivation, using only natural products and working with the soil and the full ecosystem. Since 2003, everything has been certified organic. That matters because the tasting isn’t just about what’s in your glass; it’s about how the farm gets there, from cultivation choices to how wines and oils are produced.

What the private flow feels like (and why the pacing works)

This is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That changes the feel fast: you can ask questions as they come up, and you don’t get shuffled into a noisy group rhythm. You also get a “farm-to-table” pacing that makes sense. First you see where the products come from, then you taste, and then you eat.

A typical run goes like this:

1) Vineyard and farm visit (you start with Vernaccia grapes and the farm setting)

2) Wine and EVO oil tasting (guided, with time between pours)

3) Tuscan lunch (built to match the tasting experience)

4) Wrap-up back where you started

That timing is part of the value. You’re not just consuming—your meal and tastings are connected, so each course makes the earlier samples easier to understand.

The wine tasting: organic Vernaccia, Chianti, and dessert Vinsanto

You can expect a guided tasting of 3–5 organic wines selected from the farm’s range. The lineup offered includes a mix of whites, rosé, reds, sparkling, and a dessert wine, so you’re not stuck tasting only one style.

Here are wines from their range that may appear:

• Visila della Marronaia, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG bio
• Mille Colori della Marronaia, IGT Bianco Toscano bio
• Rosa Della Marronaia, IGT Rosato Toscano bio
• Nottolo della Marronaia, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG bio
• Millenium Dino della Marronaia, Chianti Classico DOCG
• Intenso della Marronaia, IGT Sangiovese Rosso Toscano bio
• Quattrorsi della Marronaia, IGT Rosso Toscano Barrique
• Piuma della Marronaia, sparkling wine
• Santuccio della Marronaia, Vinsanto dessert wine

The “why it’s worth it” part: Vernaccia is local to San Gimignano and surrounding hills, and tasting it in its home environment makes the wine feel more real. Then you move through other regional grapes (especially Sangiovese-linked options) and you end with something sweet like Vinsanto, which pairs nicely with the end of the meal.

If you prefer a tighter set of flavors, you’ll still be happy because the tasting isn’t random—it’s guided. If you want to taste everything on the list, know that you likely won’t sample every single label in one stop. The tasting is designed to stay within the set time window.

EVO oil tasting: 6 extra virgin olive oils with real flavor names

This is not olive oil as an afterthought. The tasting includes 6 extra virgin olive oils and is guided, with the focus on how they’re produced and how biodynamic/organic methods can influence the final character.

You can expect oils from flavors and specialties like:

• Natural extra virgin olive oil
• Limited edition extra virgin olive oil
• Rosemary olive oil
• Garlic olive oil
• Hot chilly olive oil
• Truffle olive oil
• Porcini mushrooms olive oil

That range is fun because you’re tasting more than one “olive oil idea.” Some oils taste like classic green-fruity extra virgin, while others lean into herb and ingredient infusion. The guide can help you understand what you should look for in aroma and mouthfeel, and how different oils can change the impression of bread and simple foods.

Practical tip: take smaller sips than you think you need. EVO oil flavor can be intense, and your palate gets better as you move through the set. Also, eat the food at the suggested pace—pairing is part of the experience.

The organic and biodynamic angle (what it changes in your tasting)

The farm explains biodynamic winemaking and olive oil production as part of the visit. You’ll hear how organic cultivation uses natural products and leans on soil fertility and the broader ecosystem. The point is not to throw jargon at you—it’s to connect choices in the vineyard and olive groves to what shows up later in wine aroma, balance, and oil character.

This matters for you as a traveler because it turns “tasting” into “interpretation.” Instead of only asking whether something tastes good, you can also ask why it might taste that way. And when you know the context, you’re more likely to remember the experience beyond just the flavors.

Lunch in Tuscan mode: bruschette, pasta, pecorino, and cantucci

Food here isn’t a generic add-on. Your meal is built around Tuscan staples that fit the tasting theme, and fresh ingredients are used. The exact vegetable or pasta sauce can change by season, so the kitchen isn’t forcing the same menu every day.

The overview menu includes:

• Appetizers: Tuscan bruschettas with different sauces
• First course: pasta with tomato sauce
• Second course: a selection of different pecorino cheeses and cold meats
• Dessert: brick oven cantucci (typical Tuscan biscuits) with dessert wine

You’re also offered bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included as part of the overall package. That’s a big value point. Lots of wine-tasting experiences charge separately for food or treat the meal as a snack. Here, the lunch is structured and full enough to count as a real meal.

If you have dietary needs, the farm can manage allergies or gluten-free requests, but you should state them at booking. That’s your best move, since it’s easier for them to plan when they know early.

Where views and comfort actually matter

One of the biggest strengths of this setup is how “historic town” and “working farm” blend. The tasting room sits so you can look toward the vineyard and toward the historic towers of San Gimignano. If you’re the type who likes photos, you’ll get plenty. If you’re not, you’ll still appreciate the calmer mood.

You also get a cozy, private-feeling atmosphere because it’s set up for your group. Even better, the pace typically includes time between tastings to eat and reset your palate. That’s why the experience feels relaxing instead of rushed.

And yes, the vineyard portion isn’t usually a long workout. In hot weather, that shorter walk can be a blessing, not a disappointment.

Price and value: what 81.70 really buys you

At about $81.70 per person for roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, this is priced like a serious local food-and-drink experience. The cost isn’t just for wine. You’re paying for:

• guided wine and EVO oil tastings
• lunch with Tuscan courses
• bottled water and alcoholic beverages included
• a private group setting

If you tried to recreate this alone—buying wines, booking a separate food experience, and paying for a guided visit—you’d likely spend more while still not getting the same “paired” flow between tasting and meal.

One pricing note: these experiences get booked. Plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting on a Friday or during busy weekend travel days. Reserving early is the difference between getting your preferred time and getting whatever’s left.

Who this fits best (and who might want something else)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• a private San Gimignano food experience
• local focus on Vernaccia and Tuscan EVO oils
• a guided explanation of organic production and what it means in the glass

It’s also ideal for a shorter day. At 1.5 hours, you can do this and still have time for town streets, gelato, and tower views without turning your schedule into a full-day squeeze.

You might choose a different option if you’re looking for a long, extended vineyard hike or a multi-hour deep tour. This one is designed to stay comfortable, structured, and centered on tasting plus lunch. It’s not trying to replace a half-day countryside adventure.

Practical details that affect your day

• Meeting point: Via Martiri di Citerna, 2, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy
• The activity ends back at the meeting point.
• Minimum drinking age is 18.
• It’s offered in English.
• Service animals are allowed.
• You’ll get a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking time.
• Most people can participate, and it’s near public transportation.

Also, wear comfortable shoes. You’re walking between farm spaces and tasting areas, and you’ll enjoy the visit more if your feet are happy.

Should you book Podere la Marronaia’s Tuscan meal?

Yes, if you want a real Tuscan lunch experience that’s tied directly to what’s grown on-site. This is one of those deals where you get both the food and the context, without the feeling of being rushed through a checklist.

Book it especially if:

• you care about organic wine and EVO oil, not just drinking for fun
• you want a private setting with calm pacing
• you’re visiting San Gimignano and want to spend a small chunk of time outside town that still feels close to the magic

Skip or consider alternatives if:

• you’re hoping for a long vineyard tour with lots of walking time
• you’re traveling with very specific dietary needs and haven’t planned to mention them at booking

If your goal is to taste San Gimignano in one smart sitting—wine, olive oil, and lunch—this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How many wines and EVO oils are included?

The tasting is guided and includes 3 to 5 organic wines and 6 extra virgin olive oils.

What is the lunch like?

Your Tuscan lunch includes appetizers with bruschettas, a pasta course with tomato sauce, pecorino cheeses and cold meats, and dessert with brick oven cantucci plus dessert wine.

What’s included in the drinks, and is there an age requirement?

Bottled water, wine tasting, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Where do we meet for the experience?

Meet at Via Martiri di Citerna, 2, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy.

Is this a private experience?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time does not get refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Florence: Uffizi Gallery Reserved-Entry VIP TourPisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence in a Small GroupSiena: San Gimignano, Chianti & Montalcino Small-Group TourCesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Bologna