Exploring the Charms of Montepulciano: A Tuscan Adventure

A Tuscan Goodbye

As our Tuscan adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the moments that made this trip so special. Today was a day of contrasts, from the solemn beauty of an ancient abbey to the sun-drenched vineyards of a renowned winery. It's hard to believe our ten days here are already over, but the memories we've created with TravelWith Klaus will last a lifetime.

Our final day in Montepulciano began with a delightful breakfast at 99 GRADI di Fiorino Davide. I savored a cappuccino while Klaus enjoyed a hearty sandwich. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our morning excursion to the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore. The drive itself was breathtaking, with rolling hills and picturesque landscapes stretching as far as the eye could see. Even though I'd forgotten my umbrella, the weather held up nicely for us.

The Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore is nestled amidst the Crete Senesi, a landscape characterized by grey clay soil that creates a striking contrast with the abbey's red brick buildings. As we approached, the sight of the abbey, framed by tall cypress trees, was truly awe-inspiring. Founded in 1313 by Bernardo Tolomei, the abbey exudes a sense of history and tranquility that immediately captivates you. The abbey is the mother-house of the Olivetans.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Tuscany.

We wandered through the abbey's grounds, taking in the Romanesque-Gothic bell tower and the Gothic façade of the church. The Chiostro Grande, with its stunning frescoes by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma, was a highlight. The frescoes depict the life of St. Benedict, and their vibrant colors and intricate details are a testament to the artistic mastery of the Renaissance period. The church was renovated in the Baroque style in 1772. I was particularly moved by the wooden inlaid choir, dating back to 1505. The library houses around 40,000 volumes and is accessible via stairs decorated with frescoes by Sodoma.

The beauty of Tuscany lies not just in its landscapes, but in its ability to transport you to another time.

After spending a couple of hours exploring the abbey, we decided to have lunch at La Pentolaccia in Montepulciano. This charming osteria is known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We shared a plate of pici pasta with sausage and truffles, a local specialty that was absolutely divine. Klaus also enjoyed a hearty portion of *il peposo*, a traditional Tuscan beef stew cooked with black pepper. The staff was friendly, and the service was excellent, making our dining experience all the more enjoyable. The interior design is simple yet elegant, with wooden tables and chairs and walls adorned with children's drawings. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes. I appreciated the warm and inviting ambiance, a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family. The food was delicious, and the prices were reasonable, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking for an authentic Tuscan dining experience.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine and fresh seafood at La Pentolaccia in Montepulciano – a true taste of Tuscany.

In the afternoon, we drove to Castiglion del Bosco Winery, a renowned estate in Montalcino. As we drove, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I appreciate these moments with Klaus. Life in Heidelberg can get busy, and these trips are a wonderful way for us to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. We were ready to immerse ourselves in the world of Brunello di Montalcino.


Discover the beauty and flavors of Tuscany at Castiglion del Bosco Winery, where exceptional wines and breathtaking scenery await.

Castiglion del Bosco is not only a winery but also a historic estate dating back to 1967, with 62 hectares of vineyards. We opted for the Wine Experience tour, which included a visit to the Capanna vineyard and a tasting of six of their finest wines. The views from the vineyard were simply breathtaking, with rolling hills covered in vines stretching as far as the eye could see. Our guide explained the unique microclimate and soil composition that contribute to the exceptional quality of their Sangiovese grapes. The estate's 2,000 hectares are largely occupied by dense woods of holm oak, oak, and beech, in addition to meadows, organically farmed crops, and 62 hectares of vineyards planted exclusively with Sangiovese, the historical grape. There are two distinct vineyards defined by unique aspects, soils, and weather conditions: the 20-hectare Gauggiole just beneath the Borgo and the 42-hectare Capanna, where the top wines are produced.

After the vineyard tour, we explored the cellars, where we learned about the winemaking process from grape to barrel. The attention to detail and the passion of the winemakers were evident in every step. The highlight of the tour was, of course, the wine tasting. We sampled a range of Brunello di Montalcino vintages, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. I particularly enjoyed the Millecento Brunello Riserva, with its complex aromas of dark fruit, spice, and tobacco. The tasting was paired with a selection of Tuscan cheeses, cold meats, fresh bread, EVO oil, and honey, which complemented the wines perfectly. The modern, functional winery extends across two floors and is perfectly at one with the hill slope, almost hidden amidst the poplar and beech trees.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Montepulciano for our final evening in Tuscany. Before dinner, we stopped by Perbacco Wine Club, a cozy wine bar in the heart of town. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the selection of local wines was impressive. We enjoyed a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a perfect way to toast our Tuscan adventure. The Maramai Family has been dedicated to the world of fine wine since 2006, the year they founded the renowned restaurant-enoteca Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano, Tuscany. The passionate sommeliers, Giacomo and Francesco Maramai, have spent years selecting the incredible wines showcased at Osteria del Borgo and Perbacco Wine Experience.


Experience the essence of Tuscany at Perbacco Wine Club, a premier wine bar in the heart of Montepulciano, offering exclusive tastings and masterclasses.

For dinner, we chose Osteria Pizzeria Sotto le Logge del Papa in Siena, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan dishes. We shared a delicious pizza and a bottle of local wine, savoring every moment of our final meal in Italy. The staff was friendly and the service was excellent, making our dining experience all the more memorable. The restaurant is easy to find due to its great location. Many people underline that the staff is competent at this place. Guests of this spot note that they found prices adequate.


Experience authentic Italian dining at Osteria Pizzeria Sotto le Logge del Papa in Siena - where flavor meets tradition.

As I sit here reflecting on our time in Montepulciano, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. This trip has been a wonderful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, and I am so grateful to have shared it with Klaus. Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Heidelberg, filled with memories that will last a lifetime. While I will miss the rolling hills and delicious food of Tuscany, I am also looking forward to returning to our garden and the familiar comforts of home. Until next time, *arrivederci*!

I'm already looking forward to planning our next adventure. Perhaps we'll explore the lavender fields of Provence or hike the Swiss Alps. The world is full of wonders, and I can't wait to discover them, one journey at a time.

And who knows, maybe I'll even try incorporating some German idioms into my next blog post. After all, a little bit of Heidelberg can go a long way, even in Tuscany!

Even though I had forgotten to pack an umbrella, the weather was great for walking around and taking photos. I was grateful for that oversight, since it gave me a chance to pop into a local shop and purchase one with a beautiful Tuscan design.

This trip has been a reminder of the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple things in life. From the taste of fresh pasta to the beauty of a sunset over the Tuscan hills, every moment has been a gift. And as we prepare to return home, I know that we will carry these memories with us, inspiring us to live each day with gratitude and joy.