For the discerning traveler, Montepulciano is the epitome of the Tuscan dream. This charming village perfectly blends traditional hospitality with modern luxury. Here, you’ll find beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture, delectable cuisine, and, of course, some of the finest wines in the world.

Begin your journey in the heart of Montepulciano, where every corner tells a story. The village flourished during the Renaissance with its Etruscan roots and medieval layout, leaving a legacy of breathtaking monuments and fairy-tale landscapes. Stroll through Piazza Grande, visit the Museo Civico Pinacoteca Crociani, and marvel at the Accademia di Palazzo Ricci.

These aren’t just stops on a tour; they’re immersive experiences that have inspired filmmakers to create masterpieces like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Under the Tuscan Sun, and New Moon.

For those who crave a blend of history and adventure, Montepulciano offers a gateway to authentic Tuscany. The serene Lake of Montepulciano lies outside the village walls, nestled within a 470-hectare natural reserve. Here, you can indulge in eco-friendly boat rides, bird watching, or exploring trails on a mountain bike.

The Sentiero della Bonifica, a picturesque bike path along the Canale Maestro della Chiana, offers a journey from Etruscan civilization to the works of Grand Duke Leopold’s hydraulic engineers.

After a day of exploring, unwind in the therapeutic waters celebrated for centuries. The Montepulciano Spas offer an oasis of relaxation, harnessing the healing properties of sulphurous, salt-bromine-iodine waters. Enjoy a range of wellness treatments, from massages and baths in the Moon Grotto to sessions surrounded by fragrant essences, soothing lights, and music.

No visit to Montepulciano and Montalcino is complete without savouring their culinary and vinous treasures. Taste the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Brunello di Montalcino, alongside the Rosso di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montalcino, and Vin Santo, wines that embody centuries of winemaking tradition. The Etruscans began cultivating these lands, and over millennia, the techniques have been perfected to deliver wines with impeccable balance, flavour, and aroma.

Begin your journey in Montepulciano, where you’ll immerse yourself in the world of the esteemed Nobile wine. Explore the town’s rich history through its 14th-century palaces, the Loggia del Mercato, and the exquisite church of San Biagio, designed by Antonio da Sangallo.

As you make your way towards Montalcino, don’t miss the opportunity to stop in Pienza, the ideal city envisioned by Pope Pius II. Finally, arrive in Montalcino, home to another great red wine, Brunello di Montalcino, completing your intimate encounter with Tuscany’s finest wines.

Enhance your gastronomic journey by visiting local wineries, where you can sample these exquisite wines in monumental cellars. Or, explore artisanal dairies, olive oil mills, and cured meat producers to discover the authentic flavours of Tuscany.

Wine lovers must visit Cantine Dei, a 50-hectare vineyard producing the classic Nobile di Montepulciano. The wine tour begins with a circular ramp descending into the cellar and culminates in a wine tasting.

Podere Casanova, another ambassador of this prestigious ancient wine, produces around ten labels. Discover the estate on foot or by bicycle, and immerse yourself in the mood with guided tastings, vineyard picnics, and romantic dinners among the rows.

The wine experience at Avignonesi in Montepulciano offers an immersive journey through vineyards and cellars guided by expert sommeliers. Guests enjoy tastings of exquisite wines paired with local delicacies set against the backdrop of the picturesque Tuscan landscape. The experience highlights the estate’s commitment to quality and tradition, providing wine enthusiasts a memorable and enriching visit.

And Vallocaia? It’s a wine destination imbued with beauty, surrounded by the magical scenery of Val di Chiana. Here, experience a blend of nature, art, and food: the cellar opens to views of Montepulciano and Cortona, enhanced by a collection of art and antiques accompanying the wines through their ageing process. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, Roman memorabilia, and ancient terracotta jars throughout the estate.

But the wine roads also lead to Montalcino, the petite capital of Brunello and an artistic gem. Outside the town, CastelGiocondo, a fortress built in 1100, houses a wine crypt where Brunello and Tenuta Luce cru wines have aged for years. CastelGiocondo is also a tiny but precious contemporary art museum, with installations by young creatives scattered among the cellars, common areas, and vineyards.

In the nearby Casato area, Cantina Casato Prime Donne stands as the standard-bearer of female winemaking. Directed by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, founder of the Movimento Turismo del Vino and president of the Associazione Donne del Vino Toscane, this winery tells a modern, feminine story.

Here, in addition to tasting Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino between vineyard treks and picnics among the rows, you can become a winemaker for a day and create your own Supertuscan.

Just minutes from Montalcino’s historical centre, the Castiglion del Bosco estate has always been linked to wine history (it’s among the founding members of the Consorzio del Brunello). Its golden book includes the two main denominations of the area (Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello), which are consistently listed in the Top 100 Wines of Italy.

The resort features a state-of-the-art winery, two restaurants, a cooking school, and an 18-hole golf course, the only private one in Italy.