Italy in August - Is it really that bad

Dan - Here is what I have it narrowed down to for Tuscany. 90% sure this will not change. Ran into a couple wineries that are off due to holiday in mid August (San Giusto, Querciabella, Castello di Ama) and a couple others that said check back closer to my trip (Isole e Olena) to confirm they are available. Good luck in your search.
Monday August 9th - Chianti region

  1. Fattoria Felsina - 15€ tasting
  2. Meeting with Jamil Ghanem at San Felice - 15€ tasting

Tuesday August 10th - Montalcino

  1. San Felice - Calling back in late July to confirm if they are available.
    a. Backup is Castello Banfi - which won’t return my emails but hoping they are open since they are a larger winery.
    Lunch in Montalcino- Enoteca di Fortezza - Small plates and wine bar with multiple wines from the region we hope to try. http://www.enotecalafortezza.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
  2. Casanova di Neri - They have two options. 30€ or the €50 tasting. Since we are with another couple, we decided with the 30€ which includes Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. The 50 includes Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello Tenuta Nuova, Brunello Cerretalto and PietradOnice. I am hoping I get to make up for not doing the higher tasting with trying a few better brunellos back at the Enoteca at lunch that day.

Overall I am happy with the list. A couple like I said were closed but we are all very excited with these wineries.

Side note: I liked an idea another board member did, which was to bring a bottle of something produced in the U.S. to share with those who work at the wineries. I have a few in mind I may bring. An exchange possibly. I think the Enoteca can also ship wines back to the U.S. I am going to email them to confirm before I buy too many wines in advance.