Rubino Mediceo Competition

A challenge among local wines

The Rubino Mediceo Competition is the wine contest that kicks off the wine season in Cerreto Guidi, a charming village in the Province of Florence, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Medici Villa. Organized by the Pro Loco Tourist Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Cerreto Guidi, the competition acts as a true preview of the Medicea Wine Festival, the summer event that brings the historic center to life with tastings, wine trails, and music.

Wineries and labels in the running

Each edition features wineries from the Empolese Valdelsa and Montalbano areas, two of Tuscany's most renowned wine-producing regions. The 2026 edition saw 27 participating wineries, with over 80 labels submitted for evaluation. The wines compete in six distinct categories:

• Sparkling wines
• White wines
• Rosé wines
• Chianti D.O.C.G. wines
• Red wines (excluding Chianti D.O.C.G.)
• Dessert wines

How the evaluation works

The heart of the competition is the blind tasting, held during a dedicated evening at the "L. Rossetti" ARCI Club. The labels are judged by a technical committee of qualified sommeliers and oenologists, alongside six public juries—one for each category—composed of participants from the wine appreciation courses organized by the Pro Loco. This formula blends professional rigor with the fresh perspective of wine enthusiasts.

From competition to celebration

The Rubino Mediceo is not a standalone event; it is the first chapter of a journey that culminates in the Medicea Wine Festival. The winning wines are not announced immediately, but are proclaimed during the grand July event, when the village of Cerreto Guidi transforms into a showcase for Tuscany's food and wine culture. It is on this occasion that the awarded wineries receive their recognition before an audience of curious visitors, tourists, and wine lovers.

A local landmark

Beyond its competitive aspect, the Rubino Mediceo Competition is a vital opportunity to promote the region and highlight the hard work of local producers. In an area where viticulture has been part of the identity for centuries, the competition strengthens the bond between wineries and the community, helping to bring lesser-known but high-quality labels to light. Admission to the tasting evening is free, reflecting the event's popular and educational mission.