my favourite walk

on foot through the vineyards, without hurry

Leave the car in the car park today. I'd like to suggest a circular walk starting from Argenina — perfect for taking in the scent of the earth and the silence of the vines. Put on a comfortable pair of shoes, fill a flask with cold water, and follow my lead.

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the tractor road

Towards the Badia a Coltibuono winery

Start on the right foot — literally. Take the road that begins just below the pool and winds high through the vineyards toward the village of Monti. As you walk, take in the view: ahead of you, on the hill, you’ll spot Castello di Cacchiano with its unmistakable yellow; to your right, in the distance, the red and imposing Castello di Brolio.

The vineyards surrounding you are Sangiovese — the very soul of Chianti Classico. If you happen to be walking here between late August and early September, reach out and taste the sweetness of the clusters straight from the vine.

In just ten minutes you’ll reach the Badia a Coltibuono winery. Built in the 1990s, it was the first “modern” winery in Chianti — a genuine landmark in the story of winemaking innovation in this corner of Tuscany.

One thing to know: tastings are not available, but you can purchase their wine Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

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towards La Montanina

A small family farm

Once you leave the Badia winery, skirt around it — crossing first the car park field, then continuing straight through the vineyards ahead — until you reach Azienda Agricola La Montanina.

A small secret: if you pass this way between late August and early September, keep an eye on the path. Just before you reach the farm, on your right, you’ll find a fig tree. Stop and try one — they’re incredibly sweet and taste of summer.

One thing to know: a tasting at La Montanina requires a little planning. Being a small family operation, they need some notice. Feel free to ask me in advance to call and book on your behalf — that way, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome.

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a coffee and a sandwich

at the Bottega di Monti in Chianti

Walk through the village of Monti di Sotto until you reach the Bottega di Monti. This is a stop I’m particularly fond of: a simple, authentic little shop where ordering a coffee is really just an excuse to feel like a local for a moment — absorbed into the quiet rhythm of village life.

If you’re hungry, have them make you a sandwich, or pick up something typical to enjoy as a picnic among the vines as you continue to the next stop.

One thing to know: like all small villages, the bottega keeps early hours — open in the morning (7am–1pm) and again in the late afternoon (5pm–8pm), with a proper rest in between.

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the Rocca di Montegrossi

views and a tasting

From the bottega, continue uphill for around 18 minutes until you reach La Rocca di Montegrossi. The view from up here takes in the entire valley — quite simply, it stops you in your tracks.

One thing to know: if you’d like to taste their wines, opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am–12pm and 1pm–5pm, and Friday until 4pm. Either way, a quick phone call to book ahead is always a good idea.

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the return

on foot back to Borgo Argenina

From La Rocca, the way back is all downhill: follow the red and white trail markers through the vineyards and a small woodland, and in around 30 minutes you’ll be back at the Borgo — ready to settle into the quiet of Argenina at sunset.

I hope this slow walk stays with you.

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