Maremma Private Wine Tour

Fly into Rome airport, and upon arrival, your elegant driver guide will be waiting for you in arrivals. You will transfer to the Maremma, about an hour and 30 minutes drive. Stop en route at Niki de Saint Phalle´s (the late French-American artist) fantastic mosaic and sculpture garden, Il Giardino Dei Tarocchi and Tarot’s garden.

You´ll have lunch on your own in charming Capalbio, a medieval “Borgo” (Hamlet) with stone walls, flowered covered balconies, ancient brick archways, and narrow lanes. After lunch, have a look around the darling town and check out the Renaissance Palazzo Collacchioni, the majestic “Rocca” (Fortress), the Arco Santo (Holy Arch), etc.

Next on the agenda is a fabulous tour and tasting at Monteverro wine estate. The first vintage was 2008, but this wine estate is already on the right track for a seat in Italy’s powerful Super Tuscan sanctum. Discover their flagship wine, made from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, as well as their complete range of wonderful wines.

In the late afternoon, arrive at your fabulous seafront hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy a swim, a walk or just relax. Tonight we have a special candlelit dinner planned for you at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, complete with a serenade. Welcome to Tuscany!

Today is all about exploring the pristine coastline, islands, and the Maremma national park with its breathtaking coastline. Your driver will drop you off in the port, where your private captain will lead you on an unforgettable day. Sail along the Monte Argentario peninsula, making as many stops as you like and then head to Isola del Giglio, and enjoy the views over the sparkling, turquoise sea so similar to Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda; hike along the walls of the castle in Giglio and take in the fantastic views; enjoy the beaches of Cannelle or Arenella, and try fresh seafood in Giglio´s picturesque little port, paired with wines made on the island. The main local grape here is white Ansonica, locally called Ansonaco. If you like orange wines, do not miss Ansonaco Vigneto Altura, macerated for two weeks on the skins.

Once you are back on the peninsula, you can visit Porto Santo Stefano, a charming small resort town that still retains the charm of a fishing village. You could also visit beautiful Orbetello, located on a small strip of land between two lagoons. Orbetello lagoon traditional fishing and Orbetello bottarga are Slow Food Presidia. Bottarga is made from mullet eggs, salted and dried. Called “gold of the lagoon”, it is intense and rich; thinly sliced and served with EVO and lemon juice or grated on simple, plain pasta, it is simply to die for.

Before sunset, you have a unique and unforgettable experience in-store- you will be led on your own private horseback riding tour of the Parco della Maremma by Butteri (Tuscan cowboys). Ride “Maremmano” style (similar to Western) through lush forestlands and along beaches. Finally, after a full and exciting day, you’ll head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or in Porto Ercole (by taxi).

Wine tasting and an exquisite gourmet lunch are planned for today. From the seaside, you will drive northeast to the Morellino di Scansano wine region. Morellino di Scansano is DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, Italy’s highest classification of origin) since 2006. Based mainly on the Sangiovese grape (at least 85%), it can also taste with Tuscan grapes like Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Malvasia, and Colorino or with French grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

The first winery of the day is Poggio Cagnano, a small, organic winery producing elegant wines like Altaripa: 100% Sangiovese, sleek nose with spices and red berries notes, silky tannins, long and persistent finish. You’ll have a vineyard tour first, followed by a winery tour and tasting with the winery owner himself, Alessandro. You will taste the complete range of products, as well as barrel tasting of still-aging wines.

Lunch is next: a tasting menu with traditional, peasant cuisine, such as pappardelle with wild boar, acquacotta soup (made with tomatoes, celery, and onions; simple and delicious), tortelli maremmani (spinach and ricotta filled pocket pasta), sfratti (honey and walnut cookies). You will love the quaint atmosphere of the underground cellar.

After a fulfilling lunch, enjoy a digestive walk, then carry on to the last winery of the day to a stellar estate such as the highly-rated Le Pupille, which made the region’s reputation. You’ll learn all about their wines, history and production philosophy, before enjoying a tasting. You will taste also their flagship wine Saffredi, a top player within high-quality Italian winemaking, rated 98/100 by Wine Advocate-Parker and 99/100 by James Suckling. 2017 marks Saffredi’s 30th vintage. In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel for a free evening to relax.

Today will be a relaxed gourmet day focused on a bit of spa time, charming little Ancient Etruscan villages, and a superb Michelin starred lunch. Head east (about one hour and 15 minutes) to the ancient Etruscan and Roman spa town of Saturnia, where you will spend the morning relaxing at the Terme di Saturnia. Legends say that Saturnia hot springs were created by Saturn’s lightning bolts, thrown because he was sick of constant wars among humans.

You´ll have free time to enjoy the natural thermal pool, as well as an hour-long heavenly massage. Saturnia is considered to be one of the best spa towns in Europe, have fun! Head to the nearby tiny village of Montemerano, where a monumental gastronomic lunch awaits.

The tasting menu at Michelin starred Da Caino is a once in a lifetime experience, and you´ll taste the “best of” of chef Valeria Piccini´s dishes paired with the mythical Masseto wine as well as a surprise white wine selected from their 20,000 plus bottle cellar. While the food is extremely elegant, the atmosphere of this restaurant is cozy, with wood-beamed ceilings and a fireplace, very warm and inviting. After a relaxed, long lunch, carry on to the striking towns of Sovana and its Etruscan necropolis, Sorano and Pitigliano. This area was home to the Etruscan civilization, one of the most complex and mysterious ancient cultures.

You will also visit Via Delle Cave; gigantic corridors carved out of tufa rock. Their ancient purpose is still a mystery, but a walk through these labyrinths is an unforgettable experience.

Apart from Etruscan patrimony, Pitigliano, called the “Città del Tufo” (Tufa city), has a fascinating history and is known as “Little Jerusalem” as it had a vibrant Jewish population in medieval times. This legacy can be appreciated by visiting the 16th-century synagogue, the Ghetto, and the Forno Delle Azzime (kosher bakery).

Enjoy your free time here, and don’t forget the camera. In the early evening, you will transfer back to lively Porto Ercole. Free evening to dine out, although you won’t be starving!

At your preferred time, after a luxurious breakfast and perhaps a trip to the spa, your private chauffeur will take you to your next port of call such as Rome or Florence airports.

We hope you had a stellar time in the majestic Maremma!