6 Best Vineyards In Montepulciano You Must Not Miss

Montepulciano Vineyards and Wineries – A tour

Montepulciano shines as a gem in the heart of Tuscany, offering breathtaking landscapes, a rich history, and—most importantly—renowned wines. If you’re a wine lover, a tour of Montepulciano’s best vineyards is for you. Just a stone’s throw from Montalcino, Montepulciano offers its own renowned wines like Vino Nobile. These wines provide a unique taste of Tuscany that deserves attention. We’ll explore the differences between these two wine regions in another blog. For now, let’s dive into why Montepulciano is a must-visit for any oenophile.

How to get to Montepulciano

To kick off your Montepulciano adventure, fly into Florence (Peretola) or Rome (Fiumicino). Both airports are well-connected to international destinations and offer a scenic drive to Montepulciano (about 1.5 hours from Florence or 2 hours from Rome). Renting a car is a must; Tuscany’s winding roads through vineyards and medieval towns are best explored on your own schedule. It’s quite difficult to source taxi’s and Uber is non-existent!

What time of year is best to visit Montepulciano?

Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit are late spring (May) and early fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and the vineyards are in full swing. During the summer months, the vineyards will be vibrant and colourful. If you go in September, the air will be alive with the anticipation of harvest. The moisture levels of the crops are checked daily. When the timing is perfect, all the grapes are picked at once. It really is a sight to behold.

Where to stay in Montepulciano

Villa Svetoni

Villa Svetoni — I don’t usually love spending much time in the hotel I’m staying in as I like to be out and about, but this hotel is essentially its own ‘day out’ so to speak. As a wine producer in their own right, they nestle the hotel among the vines. Imagine lazing by the pool gazing upon the Tuscan countryside. I highly recommend! The added benefit of this particular hotel is that it is home to one of the best vineyards in Montepulciano. The onsite wine production offers the perfect introduction to Tuscan wines, and you can enjoy a guided tour of the estate and its cellars. The hotel has a pretty locally famous restaurant attached to it which offers fine dining. We had the tasting menu with wine pairing and it was incredible.

Relais Ortaglia

Relais Ortaglia is the place to be. A hidden gem I highly recommend. Set in a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse, it offers the perfect blend of luxury and rustic comfort.

The location is unbeatable — right in the heart of wine country, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, making it an ideal spot to relax after a day of wine tasting. What really stands out at Relais Ortaglia is the attention to detail, from their beautifully designed rooms to the warm hospitality of the owners. The owner Sandy, a lovely american lady who moved to Italy about 10 years ago to follow her dream o running an Italian hotel was the perfect host. Plus, they offer their own wine and olive oil tastings, so you can savor local flavors without even leaving the property! If you’re planning a wine tour in Montepulciano, this place is a must-stay.

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    Vineyards in Montepulcinao

    Montepulciano is famed for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a red wine primarily made from Sangiovese grapes. It’s elegant and well-structured, with a rich taste that often features notes of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco. Here are some best vineyards in Montepulciano to explore during your stay. I’ve linked each vineyard so that you can book your tasting directly saving you the hassle!

    Palazzo Vecchio – Number 1 Best Vineyard in Montepulciano

    Palazzo Vecchio: This hidden gem ranks at the top of my list of the best vineyards in Montepulciano for its rustic charm and intimate setting, Palazzo Vecchio produces some of the finest Vino Nobile in the area. Their tours are both informative and relaxed, offering an authentic Tuscan experience. Don’t miss their wine tasting in the old stone cellars, paired with a platter of local cheeses and meats. This is

    Boscarelli

    Boscarelli: One of the best-known producers of Vino Nobile, Boscarelli allows visitors to get up close with their vines and wine production process. The tours often include behind-the-scenes looks at the cellars, offering insights into the art of winemaking. With their unrivaled views of Tuscany’s hills, this vineyard is as much about the scenic experience as it is about tasting their premium Vino Nobile. It certainly has earned it’s spot as one of the best vineyards in Montepulciano

    Icario

    Icario: Known for blending modern architecture with ancient winemaking traditions, Icario offers an art gallery experience alongside its exceptional wines. Their estate is beautiful, and the wine tastings are often paired with panoramic views and light snacks. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.

    Dei

    Dei: If you’re looking for sustainably produced wines, Dei is the place to go. They focus on organic farming and produce stellar Vino Nobile with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Their modern, elegant tasting room provides a relaxing environment to enjoy their well-crafted wines.

    Avignonesi

    Avignonesi: A large and well-known estate, Avignonesi specializes in both Vino Nobile and Vin Santo, Tuscany’s famous sweet wine. Their wine and food pairings are exceptional, offering seasonal dishes made with ingredients sourced from their own organic farm. It’s a perfect spot for lunch and a leisurely afternoon tasting.

    Svetoni

    Svetoni – You can also just book the tasting and tour at svetoni if you dont fancy staying here. Although it is absolutely gorgeous and is to date still one of my most favourite hotels!

    Best places to eat in Montepulciano

    Montepulciano offers more than just vineyards and wineries, the food scene is also incredible. Montepulciano itself is steeped in history. The local vineyards often supply wine directly to local restaurants so your wine tasting can continue with dinner.

    • La Grotta: For an upscale, fine-dining experience, La Grotta is the place to be. Located right next to the famous San Biagio Church, it offers a refined menu showcasing the best of Tuscan cuisine, paired perfectly with local wines from the surrounding Montepulciano vineyards.
    • Osteria Acquacheta: If you’re craving something more casual, Osteria Acquacheta is a popular spot known for its Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This cozy, unpretentious restaurant serves up hearty, rustic dishes, and the wine list is stellar.
    • Trattoria di Cagnano: For a mix of local flavors in a warm atmosphere, this trattoria is perfect. The fresh pasta dishes and house wines are crowd-pleasers, and it’s a great place to end a day of exploration.

    Wine Regions and Vineyards Near Montepulciano

    While this blog focuses on the best vineyards in Montepulciano, Montalcino is just a short drive away, and it’s home to the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The difference between Brunello and Vino Nobile lies mainly in the grapes (Brunello uses 100% Sangiovese, while Vino Nobile blends Sangiovese with other varieties) and aging requirements. I’ve covered the key differences in another blog HERE

    Conclusion – Vineyards in Montepulciano

    Montepulciano itself is steeped in history. Stroll through the medieval streets, and visit landmarks like the Piazza Grande, the Palazzo Comunale, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The Tower of Palazzo Comunale offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and it’s a great way to take in the beauty of the region. Soaking up the sun whilst engaging in magical wine tours of the most spectacular vineyards is the perfect way to spend a summer vacation.