We will be traveling to Italy the last two weeks of Sept., and the first week of October. We will be staying somewhere in Tuscany from Sept. 24 to Sept. 29. Would like to stay somewhere that gives us good access to wineries, but also historic towns such as Assisi, Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza, etc. Looking for a place that is more historic than resort like. Would like it to be a functioning winery with onsite tours and tastings if possible, and we would also like a place that serves al fresco meals at dinner time. It's just the two of us, and we don't need anything except a double room. Getting very confused because it seems like every time we find an Ag on TripAdvisor or Agriturismo.it, there are always some very negative reviews, even if the bulk of the reviews are positive, the negs give you the willies! Any personal favorites that fit the requirements mostly would be appreciated.
Posted by
Ventura, CA, USA
297 posts
We stayed at IL Grepo, http://www.ilgreppo.it/ , in 2003. A working winery just outside of Montepulciano. Family operated, It wasn't modernized then, but looking at their web site, looks like they did some work. It was rustic, but charming. The owner's son had just finished college and bringing the winery to the 21st century. He gave us a tasting during each process, from fresh picked grapes to finished product. He even loaned us his car for the day so we could go into Montepulciano, which is a wonderful town. Close to Pienza and Montalcino. I would recommend IL Grepo, although like I said, I was there in 2003. When we stayed in Montepulciano in 2013, we noticed IL Grepo now has a wine store in the town.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
In comparing those negative reviews, remember to check how old they are, and also whether they really address an issue that you would care about, or just that one reviewer cared about.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks for the suggestion. Will look at it. We have looked at Ag Nicolai near San Gimignano, Ag Marciano, and Ag El Caggiole near Montepulciano. Anybody stay at any of these?
Also, I agree about the not putting too much stock in the negatives.
Posted by
NH
219 posts
We stayed here http://www.spannocchia.com/home/why-visit-spannocchia/ in 2006.
It is a working farm and dates back to the 1100 or 1200's.. We stayed in the main castle portion. It was a very memorable trip:)
Excellent homemade, homegrown food, beautiful setting. I'm not sure that they make their own wine though
Posted by
Pasadena, MD, USA
44 posts
if you are looking for THE BEST Agriturismo in the area you are looking at, click on this link for Cretaiole just outside of Pienza!
http://www.cretaiole.it/index.php/en/
I cannot say enough about Isa, Carlo, Luciano and Carlotta who are now like family to us; we've stayed here twice, and they are so very accommodating. We even renewed our wedding vows here for our 25th anniversary! They are simply the BEST! Good luck!
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
See if any of these will tickle you...
http://www.borgorapale.it/...easy access to everything you want to see. Great property!
Assisi...1 1/2 hrs 70 miles. Cortona...50 minutes. Montepulciano...50 min. Siena...25 min.
San Gimignano...1 hr.
http://www.collelungo.com/en/...Very centrally located. Has its' own winery.
Assisi...2 hrs. Cortona...1 hr. Montepulciano...1 hr. Siena...20 min. San Gimignano...35 min.
http://www.lasovana.com/en/home/ Has everything, winery and restaurant.
Assisi...1 1/2 hrs. Cortona...1H15m. Montepulciano...20 min. Siena...1 hr. San Gimignano...1 1/2 hrs.
Hope this helps.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. In the meantime we booked with AG Fattoria Santa de Vittoria in Val de Chiana. Small vineyard with tours and tastings, evening dinner choices, etc. seems to be small and friendly. We shall see. I'll get back to this thread after our trip to report. Meanwhile I'm sure the content of this thread will be helpful to others.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Looks beautiful. Be sure to report back.