Chianti Classico, Montalcino and Montepulciano

The landscape is an exquisite blend of natural and man-made harmony, which has existed for centuries in matchless equilibrium. Through the hilly expanses of the old vineyards and olive groves, covering most of the splendid Chianti territory, we reach Greve where one can enjoy the charm of its historical square flanked by open galleries, wandering around the fascinating shops offering local hand-crafted items as well as typical Chianti products.

Once more, we drive on to Castellina, an ancient village, perched on a hill, where we visit a historical wine-cellar. Just outside the village, in one of the area’s most famous wine-farms, you will be offered a wine-tasting session of different wines of the Chianti area, extra virgin olive oil on Tuscan bread, vin santo (Holy Wine) with locally produced cantuccini and lavender honey.

Proceeding along a scenic route we admire the picturesque village of Monteriggioni, a small mediaeval jewel still surrounded by its ancient walls. Further on, the unmistakable landscape of the Crete Senesi, where impressive, dramatic, clay ravines and cavities split the hillsides.

We drive on to an area - which is a total contrast to the Crete territory – the lusciously green Val d'Orcia, another UNESCO heritage site, a harmonious succession of hills dotted with cypresses and castles, churches, ancient villages of Etruscan origin and farms strung out along the famous Via Francigena, a High Medieval Pilgrim’s Way. Here, in a historical farmhouse, you will be served lunch and will be guided through a wine-tasting session of the renowned Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello and Supertuscan wines. You will be able to enjoy a large selection of typical products of the territory and a delicious homemade fruit pie.

All this is followed by a visit to the wine-cellars and some free time to enjoy the countryside. We then drive on to the medieval village of Montalcino, its boundary walls studded by towers, with the imposing 14th century fortress that offers one of the most beautiful views onto Val d’Orcia. In Moltalcino, one can also wander along narrow streets with dozens of wineries and artisans’ shops selling local produce.

Finally, after a short journey along a scenic route, we reach Montepulciano, enclosed by fortified walls and perched on a hill 600 metres above sea level between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. The town is renowned for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, obtained from the grapes growing in the surrounding vineyards. We stop briefly in the town to take a walk through its steep streets and elegant squares and admire the splendid Renaissance buildings and churches, and visit one of the many wine-cellars of the old town to taste their delicious wine, after which we drive back to Florence.

Tasting of 3 types of wine,

Olive oil on Tuscan bread,

Vin santo with cantuccini,

Lavender  honey,

Grappa,

Appetizers  and bread-sticks.

 

Tasting in Montalcino:

Tasting of 3 types of wine: Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, Super Tuscan,

Two types of crostini,

Toasted bread,

Tuscan bread,

Vegetable Omelette,

Cheese,

Cold cuts,

Dessert.

• Relish following the scent of Chianti wine, driving through the most famous wine districts: the Black Rooster Chianti, Montalcino, Brunello and Montepulciano. You will appreciate the genuine, ancient, farming tradition that produces wine, oil and typical products.
• Visit a historical farmhouse, where you will be served lunch and will eat local products and be guided through a wine - tasting session of  Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello and Supertuscan wines.
• You will visit Greve and its historical square flanked by open galleries, Castellina an ancient village perched on a hill  with its historical wine - cellars, Monteriggioni a small medieval  jewel, Montalcino where you will wander along narrow streets between wineries and craftsmen’s workshops.