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Trips > Tuscany: Chianti Classico with Aldo Sohm

Tuscany: Chianti Classico with Aldo Sohm

$6,450

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Sohm is the wine director at New York’s legendary, three Michelin-starred Le Bernardin restaurant. He is also an author and has been named Best Sommelier in the World by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. Aldo’s reputation as a sommelier is world renowned, but what you might not know about him is that he’s also a passionate cyclist and an old friend of inGamba.

We’ve wanted to do something together for some time now but this year, we’re making it happen, blending our classic Tuscany trip with all of Aldo’s wine knowledge to create the ultimate #MangiaBeveBici experience in Chianti. It promises to be an unforgettable experience exploring some of the region’s greatest wines, while also uncovering a few hidden gems and rising talents in the process.

Watch this space for a more detailed itinerary in the near future, or better yet, get in touch and we’ll fill you in on what we’ve got planned!

 

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included

**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

Trip at a Glance

Start Location:

Florence

Finish Location:

Florence

Days Riding:

6

Group Size:

8 – 12

Total Distance:

385km

Total Elevation:

6,804m

Longest Day:

Day 5. Gargonza. 87km

Biggest Climbing Day:

Day 3. Dudda. 1,778m

...

Day by Day Breakdown

1

Il Giro del Barone

Benvenuti in Italia! Our first ride is an easy spin to shake off the cobwebs, but it’s also very pretty, heading south through the quiet Chianti countryside until San Giusto Alle Monache. There, we’ll loop back north, passing the stunning Castello di Brolio on the hill above San Regolo and finishing on our home climb up to Lecchi. This is the time to make sure everything with your bike is perfect – if something’s not quite right, let a mechanic or a guide know and we’ll be sure to fix it before the tough riding begins.
2

Castellina

This morning we will climb toward the town of Radda before turning to Castellina. The earliest definition – in 1716 – of the wine area of Chianti, Lega del Chianti, is the region we explore on today’s ride. This will be a day of truly incredible views from the bike, especially after our left turn in the town of Colombaio at 35km, where the roads open up to provide plenty of quintessentially Tuscan views.
3

Dudda

Although this region is always hilly, today’s ride includes more sustained climbing. After reaching the town of Panzano, we’ll start to really climb, rolling on some tiny roads with great views to the north towards Florence. After the summit, our Cima Coppi of the week, there’s a long, technical descent out of Albola that will test even the most-experienced riders. Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery.
4

Castelnuovo Berardenga

This is a relaxed route, inspired by the traditional coffee shop ride taken by inGamba’s founder, João Correia, when he was a pro racer, living and training in Tuscany. Expect gentle rolling hills and plenty of time for on-the-bike conversation or some horsing around by Raul as we make our way to Castelnuovo Berardenga. The famous battle of Monteaperti was fought here in 1260, and today the town is alive with a street market.
5

Gargonza

Today’s ride takes us south towards Rapolano, an area just beside Crete Senesi that’s famous for its natural thermal spas and for the beauty of its rolling landscape. You can expect plenty of picturesque medieval towns and some stunning panoramic views along the way, but there’ll be some testing terrain too so this is much more than just a sightseeing loop. The day’s biggest climb comes just after the midway point, but it’s undulating throughout so you’ll need to manage the efforts carefully.
6

Crete Senesi

Today’s ride will take you south toward the town of Montalcino where the rolling Tuscan clay-colored views of postcards will be in full effect. This is the Crete Senesi, a region known for its production of white truffles. The highlight of our ride is the ridge south of Arbia.
7

Departure

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations. 

YOUR Guide

Giorgio Valvassori

The Storyteller

You may hear the sweet, sweet notes wafting towards your window at Borgolecchi, as our resident aristocrat practices his new found love of the clarinet. We’re never quite sure if all of his stories are based on reality, but they are without a doubt highly entertaining. Probably the greatest tale Giorgio is prone to tell you is that he’s not really a cyclist. This yarn is not to be believed.

BIKE OPTIONS

PINARELLO DOGMA F

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

PEDALS:

Speedplay (or your own)

SADDLE:

Selle Italia

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

PINARELLO NYTRO

FRAMESET:

Nytro E-Road Bike (available for an additional fee)

COCKPIT:

Zipp Service Course SL

GRUPPO:

SRAM Force

PEDALS:

Speedplay (or your own)

SADDLE:

Selle Italia

WHEELSET:

Zipp

Tires:

Vittoria

BOTTLE CAGE:

Elite

BIDON:

Elite

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 820