A Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino
Southern Tuscany is where the postcard views actually come from. Cypress lined roads, hilltop towns, and vineyards rolling toward the horizon fill the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. For wine lovers, three names sit at the centre of it: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino. Here is what a day among them looks like, and why it is one of the best food and wine trips you can take from Florence.
Montepulciano, where lunch and wine meet
This handsome hill town is famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy’s oldest DOCG wines, made mostly from the Sangiovese grape. A traditional Tuscan lunch here often begins with cured meats and pecorino cheese, then moves to pici, a thick hand rolled pasta typical of the area, served with a slow cooked ragù. Tasting the lighter Rosso di Montepulciano and the fuller Vino Nobile alongside the food is the best way to understand the difference between them.
Pienza, a Renaissance town with a view
A short drive away, Pienza looks like a film set, and in a way it was designed to. In the 15th century, Pope Pius II rebuilt his birthplace as an “ideal” Renaissance town, and the neat squares and honey coloured stone still show it. This is also pecorino country, so the cheese shops are worth a slow browse. Walk to the edge of town for one of the finest views over the Val d’Orcia.
Montalcino, home of Brunello
Montalcino gave the world Brunello di Montalcino, made from 100 percent Sangiovese and aged for at least five years before it is released. That long ageing gives the wine its depth and its reputation as one of Italy’s finest reds. A guided cellar visit here explains how it is made and why it is worth the wait, tasting included.
Why a guided tour makes the day easier
Reaching three hill towns in one day by public transport is difficult, and wine tasting does not mix with driving. That is where a our group tour helps. Our Tuscany Wines and Lunch: Montepulciano and Montalcino Experience leaves Florence in the morning by air conditioned coach, includes lunch with tastings in Montepulciano, free time to explore Pienza, and a guided Brunello tasting in Montalcino, with a licensed tour leader throughout. You get to relax, taste, and enjoy the scenery while someone else handles the driving and the bookings.
One day, three sides of Tuscany
Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino each give you something different: a memorable lunch, a perfect view, and a legendary glass of red. Put together, they make one of Tuscany’s most rewarding days out.
If you would like to see this part of Tuscany without planning the route yourself, joining a guided wine tour from Florence is a relaxed and easy way to do it.
Where does the Tuscany wine tour depart from?
This tour departs from Florence, with round trip transport by air conditioned coach. The meeting point is at Villa Costanza, the Florence coach station.
Same tour has also departure from Rome center. If you would like to check also that option see From Rome: Tuscany, Montepulciano Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch tour we offer.
What wines will I taste on the tour?
You will taste several wines across the day, including Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano at lunch, plus a guided Brunello di Montalcino tasting at a winery.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional Tuscan lunch in Montepulciano is included, with cured meats, pecorino, and pici pasta. A vegetarian pasta option is available.
How long is the tour?
It is a full day out, lasting around 11 hours from the morning departure to the return to Florence.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Families are welcome, though the day is built around wine and food. Note that infant seats are not available and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
