Grandeur and Gastronomy in Tuscany
Text: Wolfram Scherer
Think of Tuscany and you picture gentle hills, avenues of cypresses, romantic historic towns – and vast wine-growing regions. Christian Gfeller, tour guide and wine expert at Car Rouge, succumbs to this fascination every single time. “Tuscany is not only beautiful scenery, it is also a classic in the world of wine,” he says. And he adds: “The combination of classic wine regions such as Chianti and more modern wines, for example from the Maremma, is exciting.” Already here you can tell that his great passion lies above all in discovering and enjoying good wines. And that, when he is not accompanying Car Rouge Gourmet Tours several times a year, he has turned his passion into his profession. Christian Gfeller not only runs a vinoteca in Bern, he also teaches at the Académie du Vin.
Culture and Indulgence in Montepulciano and Siena
Great wines and culinary gems were at the heart of the gourmet tour through Tuscany. The base for the excursions was the beautiful 4-star Hotel Palazzo San Lorenzo in Colle di Val d’Elsa, near Siena. “A fascinating, labyrinthine complex with real character,” says Christian Gfeller, “and every room has its own charm.” From here, the first journey in the luxurious coach led to Montepulciano and the Tenuta Vallocaia estate of Bindella. In recent years, this relatively small winery has grown into a complete work of art. “And yet,” says Christian Gfeller, “it has an extremely warm character.” And, of course, outstanding wines, which the guests enjoyed at a tasting and a delicious lunch.
The following day took the group to the historic city of Siena – including a stop in Monteriggioni, where guests sampled delicious cheeses and olive oil at a working farm. In Siena itself, the travellers enjoyed an interesting guided tour through winding lanes to magnificent palaces and churches and, of course, to the “square of squares”, the Piazza del Campo. “Siena is an impressive city, and wine and fine food are everywhere,” confirms Christian Gfeller. “When it comes to eating, I like to recommend Osteria le Logge to my guests, with its typical, down-to-earth yet very fine cuisine.”
Visiting Cantina Antinori and Castello Banfi
The fourth day of the gourmet tour was devoted to a great name in Italian wine culture: Cantina Antinori. “The Antinori estate is very impressive,” explains Christian Gfeller, “the Antinori family have created a monument to themselves with the architecture alone.” But of course also with magnificent wines, one of which Christian Gfeller praises above all. “Tignanello, made from the best grapes of the Chianti region, is a Super Tuscan that is traded worldwide as a top wine.” The guests of the gourmet tour discovered which other fine wines the Antinori estate produces at an exclusive wine tasting and at lunch in the nearby Tignanello vineyard, before the journey continued to timelessly beautiful Florence. Here, in the city of artists, writers and scholars of every kind, guests learned a great deal about the rich culture of Florence on an engaging city tour.
One last highlight awaited the connoisseurs of the Car Rouge tour the next day. It was the visit to the famous Castello Banfi, where the Mariani family, behind historic walls, explore the possibilities of the Sangiovese grape, known in this region as Brunello, and take it in new directions. Guests learned from Christian Gfeller just how magnificently these wines develop at a tasting and a fine lunch.
Many Personal Conversations and One Shared Passion
For Christian Gfeller, the 2024 gourmet tour to Tuscany was once again a wonderful experience. “The contact with the guests is very personal. We share the same interests and a passion for great wines.” His personal highlights? “On the one hand, the lunch at the Antinori estate amid the vineyards, but above all, of course, satisfied guests and positive feedback.” He received plenty of that on this trip too. “That makes me very happy,” says Christian Gfeller, adding: “If I can make guests happy with an exciting and enjoyable journey, they like to come back. Including for the 2025 Maremma Gourmet Tour.”
