Natural Path opens up ancient wine estate to mountain bikers

To Tuscany's guests can now take a two-wheeled tour of one of Chianti's top wine estates with the opening of a new Natural Path, which leads deep into its vineyards and olive groves.

Ancient byways once used by labourers to move around the local farms have been restored using recycled materials to form the newly opened route on the Dievole Estate. The 19km circuit can be expanded to 26km by following its 15 side trails. It has been clearly marked according to difficulty, length and altitude, with viewpoints suggested and sights such as an 18th-century stone aqueduct featured along the way.

The hilly terrain of the 11th-century vineyard is particularly ideal for mountain bikers, with its challenging mix of uphills, downhills and fords to negotiate. But walkers, horse-riders, and cross-country runners are welcome to follow the new path, too.

The Natural Path, which opened in May is just the latest hand-picked recommendation from To Tuscany for visitors travelling to Chianti to celebrate the upcoming harvest. From helping to pick the fruit to joining in centuries-old festivals, the villa-booking website offers extensive information about hand-picked local wine experiences. Guests can even create a downloadable guide to take with them.

To Tuscany offers two great hamlets with shared pools within walking distance of the Dievole Estate. Pretaccione (pictured centre left) has seven villas and apartments for two to eight people, from £387 to £1,256 per week. Vignale (pictured centre right), with six properties, for four to eight people, costs from £411 to £1,011 per week.

Among the latest places to stay in the heart of the vineyards this harvest is Casa Di Pesa (pictured far right), close to Radda, the capital of Gallo Nero wines. A new addition to To Tuscany's collection, this pair of recently restored one-bedroom apartments, with private pool, is available to hire as a whole – a great choice for wine-loving friends who wish to holiday together. Price £1,156 per week in late September.

For more information, visit to-tuscany.com or to book call 0121 286 7782. Follow developments on Twitter @ToTuscany and facebook.com/ToTuscany.

To request images or further information, please contact Little Black Book Creative: Simone Kane on 07811 161839 and simone@lbbcreative.co.uk and Kate Simon on 07939 526109 and kate@lbbcreative.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

Prices quoted are the total cost for the apartment or villa hire for one week, not per person, and they do not include international travel. To Tuscany is an easy-to-use, online-booking site, which features more than 650 high-quality holiday properties across the price range. The site allows customers to book direct with owners yet benefit from the peace of mind of paying through a secure portal. To Tuscany was set up in 1998 by Sean Caulfield, who lives in the region, and is supported by a small team back in England, who are always ready to help with online and phone enquiries.