Traveling July 2018 (just my husband & I)
Staying 5 nights in the Val d’ Orcia region
Will have car & willing to travel (day trips) 😊
Looking for off-the-beaten path vineyards with good wine and beautiful scenery. Not into the “store-front” corporate, stand at a counter type tastings.
Also need recommendations for a nice cooking class (preferably in someone’s home) where we can sit and enjoy the finished meal with the chef(s) in a nice setting.
Thank you in advance!!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
You might consider the sagrantino wine trail in Umbria. check out Montefalco, Umbria, it is a bit east of you but doable.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1150 posts
Is your lodging already booked? Generally a stay at an agriturismo will provide the option for cooking classes, wine tours, etc. this particular agriturismo is on our agenda next year: http://www.agriturismopoderecunina.com
I think that they can also help you plan other outings if you so choose. If you google or go to trip advisor, look for agriturismos in Vald’Orcia and it should bring up lots of great options for you.
Italian wineries aren’t like those in America, in that you can just drop in. You almost always need an appointment. They don’t have many of the large corporate, stand at the counter type experiences like the US.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11985 posts
Ventolaio is a charming family operation outside of Montalcino. You do need to contact them, although it can be the day prior or even morning of a proposed visit. There is contact form on the website, which might be a good way to go if you do not speak Italian. One of the best Brunellos for the price we have had.
Posted by
seattle
2217 posts
We have used the DK Eyewitness Backroads Italy book for several trips. They detail several good routes and many great sites.