This delightful one-day excursion is designed for food and wine lovers staying in Florence. Our elegant and friendly driver-guide will pick you up at your villa or hotel, and the day will be chauffeured so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the wine!
Montepulciano is a splendid medieval hamlet located between the Valdichiana and the stunning Val d’ Orcia. The village is surrounded by wineries on all sides and has a magical, almost fairytale-like quality. The wines here have a fascinating pedigree. The DOCG red wines made here are called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, i.e., Noble wines. Indeed, the wines have been famous in the aristocracy since the 15th-century poet Poliziano brought them to the court of none other than Lorenzo dei Medici. Legend has it that in the late 17th century, English King William III sent his envoys to the area to buy wine after reading a poem called Bacchus in Tuscany dedicated to Nobile di Montepulciano wine. These days, luckily, those of us not born into the aristocracy can also enjoy these voluptuous and wonderful wines.
The wineries of Montepulciano are mainly boutique and family-run, and top names like Antinori’s La Braccesca, Boscarelli, Avignonesi, Poliziano, Salcheto, and Bindella have found a home in wine collectors’ cellars worldwide. On this VIP tour, you will visit two of the region’s best wineries and enjoy lunch right in the picturesque village of Monticchiello. This is a day to remember and a wine lover’s treat.
Signature journey
Highlights include Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Tasting Tour, Private Chauffeured Mercedes, Excursion to Montepulciano and Monticchiello, and Wonderful trattoria lunch.
Day 1Florence - Montepulciano - Florence
View of vineyards from Salcheto winery
Morning: Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or villa at a pre-agreed time. Arrive at a charming wine estate such as Valdipiatta or Dei. The visit today is ultra VIP, and you will even get to taste their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines straight from the barrel- a rare and exclusive opportunity.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your hosts and begin the tour in the vineyards with an overview of the region and the wines of Montepulciano. A detailed and exciting tour of the pretty cellars will commence, and you will conclude your morning with a tasting- of course! You will try the Rosso di Montepulciano as well as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and top single vineyards and Riservas, along with the estate’s excellent Grappa and even Olive Oil.
Lunch is coming up in the tiny hamlet of Monticchiello and is a four-course affair. Daria – attentive owner and skilled sommelier – will select the best wines to match your fabulous food, topped off with grappa and locally made spirits. Benissimo!
Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy a short walk and take some photo opportunities. Check out the Rocca, and admire the tidy stone houses with flowers spilling from their balconies, so darling.
You will enjoy a second winery visit to a contrasting estate, perhaps to one of our favorites, such as Salcheto. This is one of the most interesting and relatively new wineries in the appellation, and the owners are very dynamic. Visit the vines and cellar and taste some fabulous wines, such as their delicious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vecchie Viti del Salco.
Evening: On the way back to your hotel in the afternoon, you will stop in the striking medieval Montepulciano to take some photos of the dramatic views of the valleys below and browse the wine shops.
You will be dropped back at your hotel by about 6 p.m.
“A VIP Deluxe Wine Tasting Excursion!”
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
Alexandra and Timothy Levin, Philadelphia
It was a great day trip. The driver was prompt and courteous and knowledgeable
Fantastic tour at Altesino!! I loved our guide there- Sabine. We enjoyed the wines, and the lunch was delicious. The chef came out so we could meet her. The lunch was great, local food. We loved the Carletti Poliziano wines as well, and the tour and tasting were great. I would absolutely recommend Cellar Tours after this experience.
