3 Unforgettable Wine Experiences in Tuscany to Transform Your Italy Trip
When you think of Tuscany, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is wine. There is something peaceful and relaxing about rows of lush vineyards creating a beautiful patchwork across the countryside. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious, here are three unforgettable wine experiences in Tuscany to inspire you. Each one goes beyond the usual tastings to add something extra special to your itinerary.
1. Wine Experiences: Pienza – Capitoni Marco
While planning my husband’s first trip to Italy with me, I discovered the Capitoni Winery. He grew up on a farm and has a degree in horticulture. So, it was important to find a place where he could see the vines and connect with the winemakers.
Luckily, I found Capitoni, a small family winery in Val d’Orcia. It was the perfect chance to explore a lesser-known wine region that is gradually stepping into the spotlight alongside its renowned neighbors, Montepulciano and Montalcino.
On the drive to the winery, you travel through the breathtaking landscapes of Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once there, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the rolling hills and the nearby town of Pienza.
A relaxed and inviting visit awaits, giving you the chance to meet an amazing Italian family. Angelo and his mother, Antonella, share stories about their winery’s history, their decision to start selling their wine, and how it’s made. Even during the busy harvest season, they warmly welcomed us and took time to answer questions.
This place delivers a truly genuine experience, and it’s backed by glowing feedback—160 Google reviews, all with 5 stars.
There’s no charge for the tasting, but you need to book in advance either online or by phone.
Wine Profile: Orcia Sangiovese Riserva
This red wine is smooth and rich, with notes of cherry, plum, and a subtle hint of spice. Aged for 30 months—24 of those in oak barrels—it offers a medium-full body that bridges the gap between Nobile and Brunello. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, hearty pasta dishes, and aged pecorino cheese.
2. Wine Experiences: Montalcino – Wine Room of Enoteca di Piazza
Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Montalcino is a picturesque town focused on wine. Here you can explore wine experiences to your heart’s content plus do some sightseeing too if you wish.
The signature wine in the area is Brunello di Montalcino and there are literally hundreds of wineries that produce it. These range from small family-run operations to larger estates. And many offer exceptional tastings and tours.
For those who want to sample a variety, the Wine Room of Enoteca di Piazza (their Via Matteotti location) gives you the opportunity to sample wines from over 100 area wineries. Thanks to their state-of-the-art Enomatic system, each wine stays fresh and maintains its quality after being opened.
You can explore a variety of labels, sampling by the glass for high-end wine experiences. Just choose your wine, insert your card, and press the button to pour. Don’t forget to wrap the label around the stem to keep track of your choices.
My daughter, Hannalore, and I had a great time choosing wines to ship home. The knowledgeable staff was a huge help, offering excellent guidance that made it easy to explore and enjoy the best labels.
What made the experience even better was the stunning view of the countryside through the glass doors near our table. We relaxed, savored our wine, and enjoyed the beauty of the countryside
Sites to See
If you have the time, there are several other great things to do and see in Montalcino, including:
- Museo di Montalcino offers a deep dive into the cultural, historical, and viticultural legacy of Montalcino. Its setting is the ex-seminary of Sant’Agostino which includes two 16th century cloisters. The large, airy gift shop at the museum’s entrance offers an array of books and products for all ages.
- Church of Sant’Agostino is worth a visit for its 14th century frescoes, including those by Bartolo di Fredi. Free entry through the museum gift shop.
- Fortezza di Montalcino is a fortress built in 1361 at the highest point of the city with amazing panoramic views. Inside, there is a wine shop and wine bar too.
- Palazzo dei Priori in the Piazza del Popolo – A late 13th century palazzo with heraldic coats of arms of mayors who have governed the city (with dates inscribed to test your Roman numeral IQ). The portico holds a 16th century statue of Cosimo I de’Medici. Stroll or enjoy an aperitif or meal while listening to its medieval tower bells that ring hourly.
Wine Profile: Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino is a robust red wine, featuring bold notes of ripe cherry, plum, and red berries, underscored by earthy accents and a touch of spice. It’s a wine that can develop beautifully with age, lasting up to 30 years or more in exceptional vintages. By regulation, it must age at least five years post-harvest, including two years in oak barrels.
To enjoy Brunello di Montalcino at its best, decant it in a carafe and serve at room temperature. Its intense, full-bodied character pairs perfectly with rich dishes like game, hearty meats, and aged cheeses. Personally, I enjoy it with a plate of ossobuco.
3. Wine Experiences: Montepulciano – De’Ricci Cantine Storiche Historic Cellars
My daughter, Hannalore, and I came across De’Ricci almost by chance. I vaguely remembered a Rick Steves recommendation and mentioned it in passing. Curious, we decided to stop and ask about tour availability.
Though we learned that advanced booking was required, our visible disappointment must have caught the guide’s attention, and he kindly added us in to a smaller group. It was a lucky break as this became one of the highlights of our entire trip and stands out as one of our top wine experiences.
What’s remarkable (and different) about Montepulciano is that the grapes are brought into the city to be processed, a tradition dating back centuries. So, as you stroll the streets, wine lays slumbering and maturing underneath the palazzos and buildings you pass.
The Wine Cellar Tour
Nestled beneath Palazzo Ricci, these ancient cellars are some of the most impressive in Italy and have been producing and storing wine for centuries. At De’Ricci, the tour starts by descending into these underground cellars where you’re surrounded by massive oak barrels.
Our guide was exceptional, offering a mix of engaging knowledge and humor that elevated the entire experience. You begin the tour by learning about the intricate process involved in producing wine, with a special focus on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the region’s signature wine. The guide’s blend of expertise and lightheartedness made the experience both informative and enjoyable.
In addition to the wine-making process, the guide shares the fascinating history of the noble De’Ricci family, whose origins date back to 1150. This rich history is intertwined with the symbol of the hedgehog, which appears on each De’Ricci wine label. The guide’s storytelling brings this historical connection to life, offering a deeper understanding of the family’s impact on the region’s winemaking tradition.
The Wine Tasting
You finish with wine tasting along with various local products. De’Ricci members circulate offering helpful suggestions for meats and cheeses that pair best with each wine.
De’Ricci is becoming a well-known and a sought-after experience in Tuscany. Fortunately, they’re adapting to meet the demand without compromising the quality of the experience. They’ve even expanded their options to include an experience at the vineyard that explores the art of wine and meal pairings. This is definitely on my list for the next time I’m in Montepulciano. Don’t take a chance like we did. Rossi makes it easy to book a tour. If you need a last-minute booking, give them a call to check availability at +39 0578757166.
Wine Profile: Nobile di Montepulciano
This wine has been around for a while. Since the 16th century, Nobile di Montepulciano has been a choice of Popes, European courts, and American Presidents. In 1685, the poet Francesco Redi celebrated its excellence with a line from Bacchus declaring, “Montepulciano is the king of every wine!”
Nobile di Montepulciano offers a delightful combination of fruity flavors and floral aromas. Made from at least 70% Sangiovese grapes, it must be aged for 2 to 5 years after the harvest, with the potential to improve for up to 15 years in the bottle. Nobile di Montepulciano is a versatile wine, complementing meats, pastas, cheeses, and even vegetarian dishes.
Vin Santo: Tuscany’s Liquid Gold
Mainly produced in Tuscany, Vin Santo is a unique Italian wine you should experience during your visit. Simply look for Vin Santo and Cantucci (almond biscuits) on the dessert menu at local restaurants.
In the past, families made small quantities of Vin Santo for personal use and to share with friends. As interest in the wine has grown, its availability is expanding to a wider market.
I came across Vin Santo for the first time on a dessert menu in Tuscany. After a full meal, I wanted something light to finish. In came a carafe of glistening, golden wine and a plate of Cantucci.
Dipping Cantucci into this liquid gold made a perfect ending. However, I discovered Vin Santo can shine alone without any accompaniment. There and then, I knew I had to bring some home with me.
How to Find Vin Santo in Italy’s Wine Shops and Cellars
I found that while some wineries produce Vin Santo, it’s not always easy to find. It’s often tucked away and you have to ask for it.
I asked at De’Ricci, and the young man became very solemn. He said that a grandmother had died, and they were keeping all of the Vin Santo from that year in her honor. The deep sense of family Italians have truly touches my heart.
Undeterred, I continued my search and discovered the Contucci Winery. When I asked, a delightful woman led me to a bottle tucked away in a quiet corner.
She explained that Vin Santo is meditation wine, saying that after work you come home, you pour the wine, you sit, and you meditate. (With an alcohol content of at least 16%, that is very true.) That sounded wonderful and I arranged to ship three bottles home.
A great advantage of Vin Santo is that it is oxidized during the aging process which gives it a long shelf-life closed or open. So, keep it in your refrigerator, meditate, and enjoy!
Wine Profile: Vin Santo
Vin Santo is a straw wine traditionally made from white grapes, with the red variant known as Occhio di Pernice. Its origins date back to at least the Middle Ages, with deeper roots tracing to Etruscan times. Once used in Mass, it earned the title of “holy wine.”
The wine is created by drying over-ripe grapes to concentrate their sugars, resulting in a rich, full-bodied sweetness and high alcohol content. This process gives Vin Santo a smooth, velvety texture. Aged in barrels for 3-10 years, it’s perfect as a dessert wine or served chilled as an aperitif with cheeses.
Tuscany is full of amazing wines, and each one has its own story to tell. Whether you’re exploring the local vineyards or just enjoying the incredible flavors, there’s always something new to discover. I’d love to hear about your own wine experiences in Tuscany—drop a comment and share your favorites!
Buon viaggio!
P.S. – The simplest way to visit these places is by car. Find out what you need to drive legally in Italy here.
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