I will be in Pienza for a few days. I am struggling to prioritize the one, two or three wineries I must visit. Most require a reservation. Favorite in Montepulciano and Montalcino?
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Tuscany
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If you're staying in Pienza and looking to make the most of your wine time in Montepulciano and Montalcino, you're in one of the best spots in Tuscany for wine lovers. Both areas are home to some of Italy's most prestigious wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino. And yes—reservations are definitely a must, especially for smaller, family-run estates that offer more personalized experiences.
In Montepulciano:
Cantina Boscarelli – A top choice for elegant, age-worthy Vino Nobile. It’s a family-owned winery that combines tradition with finesse. Their tastings are very intimate and informative.
Salcheto – Known for being innovative and fully sustainable. Their wines are excellent, and they have a fantastic wine terrace with views of the valley. Great if you're also into organic and natural approaches.
De’ Ricci – If you’re short on time, their underground cellars right in Montepulciano’s town center are worth seeing—carved into ancient Etruscan rock!
In Montalcino:
Podere Le Ripi – A biodynamic estate founded by one of the Illy coffee family members. Beautiful setting, high-end Brunello, and they offer vertical tastings for serious wine enthusiasts.
Casanova di Neri – One of the more prestigious names in Brunello, consistently earning top marks. Their cellar tour is sleek, and the wines are as impressive as their reputation.
Caparzo – A larger but still very high-quality estate. Great if you want to taste different expressions of Brunello (they own vineyards in all of Montalcino’s subzones).
If you’re interested in a guided wine tour that handles the appointments and transportation, check out Italy and Wine’s full-day tour to Montepulciano and Montalcino https://www.italyandwine.net. They partner with small boutique wineries and include vineyard walks, cellar tours, and tastings—ideal if you want to relax and not worry about logistics.
Let me know if you'd like help booking something or need more tips!
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Palazzo Massaini will do drop-ins, as I recall. Beautiful setting.
Capatoni Marco. If he's there, will do drop-in. Very nice, small farm. Passionate and friendly.
Fabbrica Pienze. Modern building, but good wines. Nice people. I think you can drop in there as well.