Italy is not a famous beer-producing country, unlike many of its neighbouring European counterparts further north. If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany, you are likely to be thinking of evenings spent sipping wine on a terrace, meals accompanied by excellent vintages and wonderful local wines, and day-trips to some of the region's incredible wineries and vineyards both small and intimate and massive and famous (read about some of our favourite Tuscan vineyards here). However, despite this long history of wine production and this reputation for being excellent producers of wine over beer, a craft brewing scene has developed in Tuscany in recent years, as it has in many far flung places the world over. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany and like wine well enough but can't quite give up your beer (and who can blame you; does anything hit the spot quite like a cold brew when you're on holidays?), then never fear! Read on to our guide to some of the must-see and must-sip craft beer spots that can be found in Tuscany.
Today, in fact, there are over 100 craft breweries in Tuscany alone! Despite the restrictions and intense specifications that are enforced in the production of craft beers in Italy, the industry has flourished in the region. The oldest example of one such establishment dates back to 2006...
Today, in fact, there are over 100 craft breweries in Tuscany alone! Despite the restrictions and intense specifications that are enforced in the production of craft beers in Italy, the industry has flourished in the region. The oldest example of one such establishment dates back to 2006...
1. Atlantic Oil, Poppi
Strange though this name may sound at first, this beloved brewpub is the oldest example of a craft brewery in Tuscany and has a reputation for especially friendly service and great food and beer at very reasonable prices. The beers that they serve include the Atlantic Oil original, the Bionda (a lager), the Resina (a double malt), the Gotica (a dark beer), and the Solea (a red). In addition, you can order their famous pizzas and pork, as well as a menu of other dishes including pasta, starters, and desserts or simply some anitpasti to accompany a beer or two. Keep in mind that this is a busy local establishment and a pub so it can get very loud and busy on weekend evenings, in particular. However, many craft brewery fans will enjoy this vibrant atmosphere full of local fans, loyal customers, live music, and fun. For a quieter experience you can sit outside or visit earlier in the evening. This friendly and lively pub is the perfect place to grab a drink for those staying in Stia or Poppi.
Strange though this name may sound at first, this beloved brewpub is the oldest example of a craft brewery in Tuscany and has a reputation for especially friendly service and great food and beer at very reasonable prices. The beers that they serve include the Atlantic Oil original, the Bionda (a lager), the Resina (a double malt), the Gotica (a dark beer), and the Solea (a red). In addition, you can order their famous pizzas and pork, as well as a menu of other dishes including pasta, starters, and desserts or simply some anitpasti to accompany a beer or two. Keep in mind that this is a busy local establishment and a pub so it can get very loud and busy on weekend evenings, in particular. However, many craft brewery fans will enjoy this vibrant atmosphere full of local fans, loyal customers, live music, and fun. For a quieter experience you can sit outside or visit earlier in the evening. This friendly and lively pub is the perfect place to grab a drink for those staying in Stia or Poppi.
2. Birrificio San Gimignano, Barberino
Located not far from the magnificent walled medieval city of villa in San Gimignano, along the historic via Francigena pilgrimage route, this craft brewery was established in 2013 and, like Atlantic Oil, was quickly embraced by locals to become a popular hot spot for excellent craft beers. Brewing mostly Belgian style beers with organic raw materials, they produce sixteen different brews and are regarded as one of the best craft beer producers in Tuscany. Some of the beers that they produce include: Detour, a Belgian-style brown ale; Sigeric de Canterbury, a blonde ale; Errante Blanche, a wheat beer; Altrove Hoppy Saison, a saison farmhouse ale; and Roma, an IPA; among others. Come to tour the premises and learn about the beer-making process and then stock up on their local craft beers in the onsite shop to bring home as souvenirs or back to a villa in San Gimignano to enjoy immediately.
Located not far from the magnificent walled medieval city of villa in San Gimignano, along the historic via Francigena pilgrimage route, this craft brewery was established in 2013 and, like Atlantic Oil, was quickly embraced by locals to become a popular hot spot for excellent craft beers. Brewing mostly Belgian style beers with organic raw materials, they produce sixteen different brews and are regarded as one of the best craft beer producers in Tuscany. Some of the beers that they produce include: Detour, a Belgian-style brown ale; Sigeric de Canterbury, a blonde ale; Errante Blanche, a wheat beer; Altrove Hoppy Saison, a saison farmhouse ale; and Roma, an IPA; among others. Come to tour the premises and learn about the beer-making process and then stock up on their local craft beers in the onsite shop to bring home as souvenirs or back to a villa in San Gimignano to enjoy immediately.
3. Chianti Brew Fighters
Heading right to the most famous wine-producing part of Tuscany to open a craft-brewery seems like risky business but Chianti Brew Fighters did just that and, as their name might suggest, they fought and won by establishing what is now one of the most popular craft breweries in Tuscany. Take a tour of the brewery, chat with the knowledgeable and friendly staff about their beers, sample them at the bar, and buy some to bring on home with you! There are four beers to try: La Villana, a clean and refreshing golden ale; La Serpe, a sweet and malty amber California Common-style beer; La Bestemmia, a Belgian-style strong ale with a dry and slightly bitter finish; La Selva, a dark and flavourful stout that recalls Irish stouts. This is a must if you are staying in the Chianti area and want to experience something other than wine.
Heading right to the most famous wine-producing part of Tuscany to open a craft-brewery seems like risky business but Chianti Brew Fighters did just that and, as their name might suggest, they fought and won by establishing what is now one of the most popular craft breweries in Tuscany. Take a tour of the brewery, chat with the knowledgeable and friendly staff about their beers, sample them at the bar, and buy some to bring on home with you! There are four beers to try: La Villana, a clean and refreshing golden ale; La Serpe, a sweet and malty amber California Common-style beer; La Bestemmia, a Belgian-style strong ale with a dry and slightly bitter finish; La Selva, a dark and flavourful stout that recalls Irish stouts. This is a must if you are staying in the Chianti area and want to experience something other than wine.
4. Piccolo Birrificio Clandestino, Livorno
If you're spending time on the Tuscan Coast and are looking for an excellent local brewery, then this is the one for you. Located in the lovely seaside city of Livorno, this brewery came into existence in 2010 after making one beer, their red Santa Giulia, that became so popular that locals demanded more! In fact, they now have a few locations, one of which directly overlooks the sea on Viale del Tirreno. Popular and buzzy, you can expect great food and beer at reasonable prices and plenty of fun and excitement as locals pack out the place night after night. However, the real star of the show is the beer and the brand is famous for their exceptional quality, producing excellent examples such as the beloved Santa Giulia, the Villa Serena Blond Ale, the Riappala 2.0 American IPA, Oimmena American Pale Ale, the Montinera Imperial Russian Stout, and more.
If you're spending time on the Tuscan Coast and are looking for an excellent local brewery, then this is the one for you. Located in the lovely seaside city of Livorno, this brewery came into existence in 2010 after making one beer, their red Santa Giulia, that became so popular that locals demanded more! In fact, they now have a few locations, one of which directly overlooks the sea on Viale del Tirreno. Popular and buzzy, you can expect great food and beer at reasonable prices and plenty of fun and excitement as locals pack out the place night after night. However, the real star of the show is the beer and the brand is famous for their exceptional quality, producing excellent examples such as the beloved Santa Giulia, the Villa Serena Blond Ale, the Riappala 2.0 American IPA, Oimmena American Pale Ale, the Montinera Imperial Russian Stout, and more.
5. Archea Brewery, Florence
Head now to Florence, where there are endless excellent bars and restaurants to choose from but, if you're looking for great local beers, there is really only one choice: Archea Brewery. Located on Via dei Serragli, a three minute walk from Santo Spirito, in the charming historic core of the city, this independent brewery was opened back in 2012 and serves up an ever-changing selection of 12 draft beers of varying kinds and styles, as well as around a hundred different kinds of bottled beers from all over Italy and the globe. Inviting and very much a local neighbourhood bar, this is the place to be if you want to avoid tourist crowds, try something different, and taste some excellent beers.
So, if you're a beer-lover on holidays in Tuscany, take note and be sure to dive into the vibrant beer scene in the region that many visitors are not aware of and overlook – you won't regret it (but don't blame any hangovers on us)!
Head now to Florence, where there are endless excellent bars and restaurants to choose from but, if you're looking for great local beers, there is really only one choice: Archea Brewery. Located on Via dei Serragli, a three minute walk from Santo Spirito, in the charming historic core of the city, this independent brewery was opened back in 2012 and serves up an ever-changing selection of 12 draft beers of varying kinds and styles, as well as around a hundred different kinds of bottled beers from all over Italy and the globe. Inviting and very much a local neighbourhood bar, this is the place to be if you want to avoid tourist crowds, try something different, and taste some excellent beers.
So, if you're a beer-lover on holidays in Tuscany, take note and be sure to dive into the vibrant beer scene in the region that many visitors are not aware of and overlook – you won't regret it (but don't blame any hangovers on us)!
