Explore Tuscany's 'wine heart'

Located around 100 kilometres to the south of Florence, Tuscany's Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys boast "charming" towns, famed for their delightful red wines, Reuters reports.

Visitors to the Tuscany area can expect to find quaint narrow streets, ancient palaces and stunning churches, all set against a backdrop of luscious green hills.

One of the best places to enjoy a bottle of the region's fine wine is said to be the Caffe Fiaschetteria Italiana, which has a long and varied wine list.

Those interested in discovering how their favourite tipple is produced can take an excursion with Tuscan Wine Tours.

Departing from Florence several times a week, a Tuscan Wine Tour enables visitors to sample the offerings of family-owned wineries, enjoy lunch in a hill-top village and benefit from the experience of an "expert guide".