Tuscany is one of the world's finest wine regions known for its rolling hills of vines and the Chianti, Montepulciano and Montecucco that result from them.

Many of these family-run wineries have been passing down their craft from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

One newer trend is the increase in architecturally-led cellars and wineries - from sunken cellars and stunning spiral staircases to sweeping glass structures and near-invisible structures, designer wineries are on the up in Tuscany.

Cantina Antinori Via Cassia per Siena

Located among olive trees, vineyards and forests, the Antinori nel Chianti Classico Winery, has a spiral staircase in muted copper colours connecting the building's three levels.

Built entirely with locally sourced materials, the structure is designed to be respectful of the Tuscan landscape, as well as having a low environmental impact and maximum energy savings.

Visitors can get a taste of 600 years of wine-making history with cellar tours, a tour of the family's private art collection and tastings of some of the best Chianti's in the region.

www.antinori.it/en

Stay at Podere Celli

A Tuscan farmhouse, Podere Celli and its old stone walls blendinto the vine-smothered hills of western Chianti.

Restored and renovated interiors provide a modern and comfortable country retreat for up to 26 people.

Two large fireplaces create a cosy atmosphere whilst guests can try their hand at making pizza in the wood oven.

The farmhouse has hand-painted murals, a swimming pool and a large terrace and set on a winding road minutes from Barberino Val d'Elsa.

Salcheto Via Villa Bianca

In the old Tuscan dialect, salco means willow, a historically important tree in winemaking used to bind vines.

Since it was founded in 1997, Salcheto continues to replant willows, helping it to create a biomass to independently power the winery and a symbol of its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Daily tastings and cellar tours give visitors an opportunity to learn about the vineyard's annual production of 230,000 bottles of Montepulciano, Chiusi and Val D'Orcia.

www.salcheto.it/en

Stay at La Badiole

La Badiole sits on a hilltop enjoying views of the rolling hills with Montepulciano against the skyline.

This restored farmhouse has a terraced garden with extensive lawns and flower beds with large cypress trees offering total privacy.

The six-bedroom home is furnished with a blend of antiques and contemporary furniture.

The nearby villages of Valiano and Petrignano are within walking distance.

Tenuta dell'Ammiraglia by Frescobaldi - Strada Provinciale Montiano

Frescobaldi's ultra-modern Tenuta dell'Ammiraglia is located in the heart of southern Tuscany's Maremma region.

The huge sweeping glass façade was designed to integrate into the surrounding countryside.

Gravity is harnessed to bottle the wine and renewable energy is used.

The roof is covered with vegetation, ensure an integration with the local surroundings and to create the ideal microclimate in the cellars below.

Although the Marchesi Fescobaldi family Tuscan winemakers for more than 700 years, Tenuta Ammiraglia was opened in 2011.

www.en.frescobaldi.com/estates/estate-ammiraglia

Stay at I Poggi

I Poggi is an eight-bedroomrestored, rambling stone farmhouse with ahillside setting offering views stretching from Monte Amiata across to the islands of Elba and Montecristo off the coast.

Inside, the traditional beamed ceilings and terracotta floors are highlighted by antiques.

A series of paved terraces descends the hillside below the house, which lies within a working farm surrounded with acres of farmlands that are home to a herd of long-horned Maremma cattle.

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