Wine Experiences Montepulciano

More information on Montepulciano

If your ideal trip includes plenty of wine tastings and winery visits in one of the most quintessential Italian sceneries, Montepulciano is the place for you. This beautiful medieval town is located in the south of Tuscany, perched on the top of one of the sunny hills that characterize the landscape, surrounded by hectares of vineyards. Furthermore, Montepulciano's unique layout, characterized by a difference in height of about 60 meters, allowed the construction of the town's historical underground cellars, dug into the tuff rock the town lies on. Thanks to its strategic positioning, Montepulciano is a great starting point for your Tuscan wine tour, allowing you to easily reach other locations of interest such as Pienza, Siena, Val d'Orcia or Val di Chiana.

Montepulciano's secular winemaking tradition, stunning landscapes and rich historical background make it the ideal location for travelers who want to combine wine tastings and winery visits with some more traditional sightseeing. Montepulciano's Vino Nobile was one of the first wines in Italy to obtain the DOC (controlled designation of origin) recognition and in 1980 it was the first Italian wine to achieve further recognition, DOCG (controlled and guaranteed designation of origin). Other typical wines of the area are: Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, Bianco Vergine della Valdichiana DOC, Chianti Colli Senesi DOC and Vin Santo DOC.

Which food to taste in Montepulciano?

The best way to accompany a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG during your next wine tasting is with some typical food from the area. Some specialities that cannot be missed are Pecorino di Pienza DOP, prosciutto di Cinta Senese DOP, pici alle briciole, Chianina steak, almond cantucci dipped in Vin Santo.

Which wines to taste in Montepulciano?

During your wine tastings in Montepulciano, you will be able to taste different grape varieties, at times combined to obtain a well-balanced and rounded wine. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, for example, has the same base grape variety as other well renown Italian wines, like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino: Sangiovese, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. Other local grape varieties include Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia. Of course, the Tuscan hills of this area host some international varieties as well, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Which is the best season to visit Montepulciano?

The best season to plan your holiday, weekend or even just a wine tasting in Montepulciano is summer. This will allow you to enjoy the landscape at its maximum beauty and liveliness. On the last Sunday of August, the Bravio delle Botti is held, a competition between the eight districts of the town where competitors - known as the "pushers" - have to roll empty wine barrels uphill for more than a kilometer.

What things to do in Montepulciano?

Between a wine tasting and a winery visit, don't miss out on these highlights of Montepulciano: the old town, including its main square - Piazza Grande - and the Duomo, Montepulciano's thermal baths, Palazzo Bucelli, Tempio di San Biagio.