Four wines, six olive oils, one view.

This private tasting takes you to an organic farm and vineyard near San Gimignano, set up at Sosta Alle Colonne with countryside views and the town towers in sight. You’ll also eat outside with a truffle-based meal feel, while you taste what Podere la Marronaia grows.

What I like most is the focus on organic production at a real family farm (their switch to organic methods began in 2000, with organic certification following in 2003). I also love that the tasting isn’t just wine—there’s a whole olive oil segment with natural and infused oils, plus breads, cheeses, and snacks.

One thing to consider: this isn’t in the exact heart of town. It’s about 800 meters outside the center, and parking can be a bit of a puzzle, so plan for a short walk and take your time finding the farm.

Key takeaways before you go

• Organic farm, not a showroom: Grapes and olives are grown and made using organic methods on the estate.
• Tower views from the tasting spot: Sosta Alle Colonne is in the countryside, with San Gimignano’s towers visible.
• A full tasting lineup: 4 wines plus 6 extra virgin olive oils, including flavored options.
• Food is part of the pacing: Bruschette, local cheeses, and snacks are served alongside sips.
• Private format, but not a long tour: You’re paying for a tasting experience, not a guaranteed lengthy vineyard walk-through.

Podere la Marronaia: A small organic farm just outside San Gimignano

Podere la Marronaia is a small, family-run operation focused on grapes and olives. Their big story is the conversion to organic growing: they started using organic methods in 2000, and by 2003 their products were organic certified.

That matters because your tasting isn’t coming from mass production. When you drink Vernaccia or pour extra virgin olive oil, you’re tasting the same farm identity you’d hope to find when you come to Tuscany for real local flavors.

The tasting venue is called Sosta Alle Colonne. It’s close enough to San Gimignano that you can fit it into a day in town, but far enough that you’re sitting with countryside air, not street noise. One review said the setting felt peaceful, and that tracks with how this spot is described: it’s a farm table with open views.

Finding Sosta Alle Colonne without losing time or patience

Your meeting point is Via Martiri di Citerna, 53037 San Gimignano SI. From there, the experience ends back at the meeting point.

Here’s the practical bit: this is about 800 meters from the town center, and it’s described as being just outside the city center. That’s walkable for most people, but if you arrive without a clear sense of where you’re going, it can feel harder than it should. One past booking mentioned it was difficult to find and that parking was challenging.

If you’re driving, be ready for farm-style parking rather than a flat city lot. The venue parking is described as being in an olive grove area, with directions that may involve careful maneuvering. If you’re traveling as a couple with a car, go slow and follow the directions you’re given.

If you’d rather avoid stress, use a mix of common sense and timing: arrive with enough slack to park, walk, and still enjoy your first pours without rushing.

Wine tasting: the 4-bottle lineup you’ll actually remember

This tasting includes four wines, all chosen to show Tuscany through a few different lenses.

1) Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG bio

This is the house signature. Vernaccia is often mineral and crisp rather than buttery. If you’re expecting a fruit-forward white like many supermarket styles, you may find it tastes sharper or more mineral-driven. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of the grape identity.

2) Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG (organic/bio) or Rosato IGT Toscano (organic/bio)

The description allows for either Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG organic/bio or a bio rosato. Either way, you’re in the Sangiovese orbit, which usually means flavors of cherry, herbs, and acidity that plays well with food.

3) Sangiovese IGT Rosso Toscano bio

This red is the backbone grape in many Tuscan classics. Here, you’re tasting a bio Sangiovese designed to pair with the meal and cheeses on offer.

4) Vinsanto and Cantucci

This is the sweet finish: Vinsanto is a classic Tuscan dessert wine, often paired with cantucci (almond biscuits). It gives your tasting a natural end point, especially if you like your wine experiences to include a satisfying finale.

You’re getting a compact progression: dry white to red options to a dessert pairing. At about 45 minutes, that’s a smart format—you taste widely without turning it into a full day.

Extra virgin olive oil tasting: natural vs infused flavors

The olive oil portion is the real wow factor for many people because it’s more than one pour and done.

You’ll taste six oils:

• Natural extra virgin olive oil
• Flavored oils: Basil, Garlic, Chili Pepper, White Truffle, Rosemary
• Then you’ll taste them with food: bruschette and local cheeses, plus little snacks

This is where your palate starts to “read” the oils. The natural EVOO gives you the base character: grassy, peppery, slightly bitter notes, depending on the season and style. Then the infused oils teach you something useful: how quickly flavors like chili or rosemary can take over, and how white truffle flavor (even when it’s not the same as fresh truffle) can shift the whole tasting mood.

A couple of practical notes:

• Start with the natural EVOO so you can reset your taste expectations.
• Try one oil with a bite first, then repeat the same oil on bread or cheese if you can. Pairing matters here.
• If you prefer simple flavors, focus attention on the natural EVOO and skip the infused ones only if you really don’t enjoy flavored oils.

One earlier booking said the olive oil and balsamic vinegar elements were delicious. Even if the exact spread of vinegars isn’t detailed in your included list, the overall intent is clear: you’re there to taste Tuscany’s savory side as much as you’re there for wine.

Food outdoors: the truffle-based meal feel and pairing support

You’ll enjoy your meal outdoors with views of the towers of San Gimignano and the surrounding vineyards. The experience highlights a 3-course truffle-based meal, and the included items list also calls out bruschette and local cheeses along with bottled water.

So how should you picture it? Expect a food setup built for pairing: bread for dipping and tasting, cheeses to soften sharp notes, and snack-style portions that keep pace with the wine and oil.

This matters because Tuscany tastings go better when you’re not tasting everything on an empty stomach. Also, if you’re buying bottles or oils, food helps you judge what you actually like with meals—rather than just what tastes strong on its own.

If you’re ordering lunch later the same day, plan to slow down. Even a short tasting can set you up for a lighter appetite afterward.

How much time is really enough (45 minutes, private and focused)

The tour is listed at about 45 minutes. That’s a key detail because it shapes your expectations.

This is private, so you’re not stuck with a large group’s pace. But it’s also not a long multi-stop excursion. One person felt it was more of a tasting than a full vineyard and cellar storytelling session, and that can be true if you’re expecting a deep guided walk through production steps.

If what you want is “taste, learn the basics, leave satisfied,” this format works. If you want an hour-long cellar tour with heavy technical explanation, you might feel the experience is too short to go deep.

In practice, the best way to get value out of the limited time is simple:

• Ask a question early about the wine or oil choices.
• Taste slowly for the first half, so the last pours don’t blur together.
• If you want more story, request it right away while you’re still there.

Price and value: what $66.09 buys you

The price is $66.09 per person for a tasting experience that includes:

• Bottled water
• Wine tasting
• Snacks like bruschette and local cheeses

The tasting lineup is fairly generous on paper: 4 wines plus 6 olive oils, including flavored options, and it comes with food to support the tasting.

Now, here’s the honest trade-off. One past booking felt the venue was too hard to find and that the tasting felt basic for the price, especially compared with other Tuscany experiences. Another booking liked the setting and said the tasting value was good, including a broad board for oils and food.

So the best way to think about price here is this:

• If you love structured tastings and you want both wine and olive oil to be the centerpiece, the value can feel fair.
• If you want a guided farm walk, a cellar story, or a larger, more substantial meal experience, you may judge the price more harshly.

One detail worth noting: one review mentioned that when they purchased a case, shipping costs were handled with no extra shipping fee. That’s not listed as a standard included item, but it hints that the farm is set up to sell beyond just tasting-table moments.

Who should book this private tasting

I think this fits best if you:

• Want San Gimignano without the tour-bus vibe
• Care about organic farming and want to taste what that feels like in the glass
• Enjoy olive oil tastings, especially when multiple styles (natural and infused) are part of the session
• Like a food-and-drink pairing format that stays short and practical

It may not be ideal if you:

• Expect the “full excursion” experience with a vineyard and cellar walkthrough
• Need an extremely easy-to-find venue with zero walking
• Dislike flavored olive oils (basil, garlic, chili, rosemary, and white truffle are part of the set)

If you’re visiting San Gimignano for a day and want one standout, centered activity that’s close enough to town to pair with exploring the medieval center after, this works well.

My practical tips for a smoother tasting

• Wear shoes you can walk in. The venue is close to town, but it’s still farm ground.
• Bring a plan for parking or walking time. If you’re driving, expect it to be less simple than a city garage.
• Pace yourself. With 4 wines and 6 olive oils, rushing means you’ll lose nuance fast.
• If you want answers, ask early. The experience is short, and you’ll get the most helpful info by asking questions before you’ve tasted everything.
• Consider buying only after you taste with food. Olive oil and infused flavors can change how a bottle tastes in your head once bread and cheese get involved.

Should you book Podere la Marronaia?

If you’re the kind of visitor who likes a tidy, high-flavor stop—organic farm, scenic views, wine plus a full olive oil tasting—I’d say book it. It’s private, short, and designed so you leave with specific flavors you can name, not just vague good memories.

If your idea of Tuscany is a long guided production tour with lots of behind-the-scenes steps, adjust your expectations. This is a tasting-first experience, and the best value comes when you’re there for the set menu of wine and olive oil.

One last decision helper: if you know you’ll enjoy olive oil tastings with infused flavors, this is a strong match. If you’d rather keep things simple and classic, make sure natural EVOO is the centerpiece for you, and treat the infused oils as optional exploration.

FAQ

How long is the private wine and olive oil tasting in San Gimignano?

It lasts about 45 minutes.

Is this experience private or shared?

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

What’s included in the tasting?

It includes wine tasting, bottled water, and snacks such as bruschette and local cheeses.

Which wines are included?

The tasting includes Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG bio, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG organic/bio or Rosato IGT Toscano organic/bio, Sangiovese IGT Rosso Toscano bio, plus Vinsanto and Cantucci.

How many olive oils are tasted?

You’ll taste six extra virgin olive oils, including natural EVOO and flavored oils (Basil, Garlic, Chili Pepper, White Truffle, Rosemary).

Do I need private transportation to reach the farm?

Private transportation and hotel drop-off/pick-up are not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the venue is described as within walking distance from the center of San Gimignano.

Is there a minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 18, and the minimum drinking age is also 18.