The black rooster, emblem of the historic Chianti Classico zone.

La Dolce Vita Wine Tours’ cofounders Pat Thomson & Claudio Bisio guide this tour

Our group of eager wine enthusiasts

Franca Acuti of Vecchie Terre di Montefili. “The wine was awesome,” says one guest, and theirs was indeed the group’s hands-down favorite Chianti Classico.

The old lands or “vecchie terre” of Vecchie Terre di Montefili were once farmed by the monks of Badia Passignano (now an Antinori property).

Giampaolo Motta, owner, winemaker, and provocateur at La Massa, aims for a Bordeaux-style wine in the heart of Chianti

The Castle of Meleto, once in the Ricasoli (Brolio) family, has made wine since the middle ages

A bedroom at the Castello Meleto

Castello Meleto’s backyard offers a soul-satisfying view of the Chianti countryside

A rare wonder is poured: sangiovese vinified as a sparkling rose Brut, at Castello Meleto

Cincin! Now we’re primed and ready for our cooking lesson at the castle

Time to roll up our sleeves and make fresh pasta

So far so good!

Fettuccini strands

Our practice rounds

Dinner in the castle follows

A butcher’s signage in Greve in Chianti

In Montalcino: Tasting tarious styles of Rosso and Brunello at Caparzo

The luscious Brunello of Ciacci Piccolmini d’Aragona, with the heraldic crest of Pope Pius I

Sizing up the vineyards at Icario in Montepulciano

And sizing up their wines

Perfect with Vino Nobile: aged pecorino cheese from Pienza