Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino wine tour

Brunello is my favorite wine on earth. That being said, if you haven’t had an amazing Chianti then by all means stick closer to Florence to taste them. The Chianti riservas are what to look for. They are aged for five years like the brunello. I always ask the waiter pick the wine at the restaurants and have yet to be disappointed, but I will say ‘12 and ‘14 are fantastic vintages.

I had a great experience on a Brunello focused clay hills of Tuscany tour with informative personable guide driver, max 8 guests, 2 winery stops, lunch at the 2nd, and brief (>1.5 hrs) Montalcino visit in April 19 and can recommend www.toursbyroberto.com. The two different operations were distinct and fascinating in their history, land use and techniques. Lunch was sublime. Had a wonderful even if brief time in Montalcino, it was great being dropped off with some instructions on which way to go to see defensive remnants as well as amble down the main drag of a really lovely Tuscan town. Molto bene.

Hi! I was wondering about the clay hills tour! They sent me a few options and I never heard of clay hills. To be honest, I wasn't sure about their private vineyard tour. I also ready some bad reviews, so it is good to hear that you enjoyed it!

A Roberto Bechi bad review? I’m surprised but certainly don’t speak for others and what they experienced. Mine was aces, from pick up point in Florence near the Duomo to drop off nearer the Arno and our hotel. Our guide couldn’t have been more qualified and adept at his job.

Theresa, was it a full lunch? Was it a lot of driving? What kind of vehicle? We are four people. I have 2 adult children 19 & 22.

I have to jump in and add our thoughts about Roberto Bechi’s tour. We booked one of the joinable tours in 2018...it included Montepulciano (Vino Nobile!) and Montalcino in Val d’Orcia with lunch at a wonderful family winery that produced the most wonderful Brunello. In looking at his website, it looks like that exact itinerary is not currently listed as a joinable tour, but they put together private tours as well. We were fortunate to have Roberto that day and it was simply wonderful! He picked us up at our B&B just outside Siena, stopped for the others in our group (I think we had seven total), and we were off.

Cathy, this one sounds like the one you did?

BRUNELLO VAL D’ORCIA + Madonna Bella farm wine.jpgVisualizza immagine di origineCastle keep by Firkin
We begin with a panoramic drive through the Val D’Orcia, one of the most unique landscapes in Tuscany, so exquisitely plotted and planned that the human effect on the natural environment is a positive improvement for once, even recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. We start with a stop for photographs and a look at the lovely city of Montalcino. Then it’s on to a “boutique” family-owned organic wine operation for a tour and to raise a glass with the owners, before going to on to have a visit of our own Madonna Bella Farm, right outside Siena with views on the city and out over the countryside, where we will visit the olive groves and vineyards, and see how olive oil and fresh/dried pasta is processed. Finally we’ll sit down to learn about food and wine pairing and enjoy an abundant tasting of all the products of the farm - fresh pasta, dishes graced with our olive oil, and 2 types of wine, in a friendly competition between the Madonna Bella Chianti vs the Brunello di Montalcino from the family winery we visited in the morning, after which it’s back to the town where the tour originated.

No....a bit different. Madonna Bella is owned by Roberto’s brother, and that’s probably why this is a new tour. We were able to purchase, and have shipped, Madonna Bella Chianti (and olive oil), along with a wonderful Brunello from the family winery we visited in 2018, which I’m guessing is the same one referenced in your description. We haven’t opened the Chianti, but the olive oil is wonderful...will be a “drizzle-only” in our home!

I could go on, but just know that we would do another tour with him or one of his guides, at the drop of a hat...he’s so knowledgeable, funny and passionate about wine, Etruscan history, and Tuscany in general.

Oh...so it didn't include his brother's winery. That was what I was unsure about. Every tour stops there so it feels a little like the tours were created to bring people to the family winery. I don't know if it is good, which is why I am weary. The rest of the tour sounds great, I just haven't heard much about that specific winery.

Lunch at Azienda Agricola Santa Giulia was complete with antipasti, pasta and bread. Met family members, toured their farm, came away with vino and grappa and regret not purchasing their olive oil. The 10-person Mercedes van was new, clean and comfortable. Our drive in Tuscany featured gorgeous scenery with plenty of informative commentary provided by our guide, stops for photos plus the 2 wineries and Montalcino visit. The first winery included small bites with their generous tastings as well as a tour of their property. It was a beautiful and delicious outing from start to finish and a great way to spend the day.