Family Adventure in Montepulciano: Wine, History, and Culture

A Tuscan Farewell

As our Tuscan adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible memories we've made. Today was all about soaking in the last drops of Italian sunshine, savoring the flavors of the region, and embracing the rustic charm that Montepulciano and its surroundings so generously offer. It's bittersweet, knowing this chapter is closing, but I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences we've shared as a family.

Our final day in Montepulciano began with a collective decision to explore the picturesque Val d'Orcia. The rolling hills, dotted with cypress trees and golden wheat fields, seemed to stretch out forever, creating a landscape that looked like it had been painted by the Renaissance masters. Pieter, Alessia, and I piled into our rental car, eager to capture the essence of this iconic Tuscan valley.


Explore the picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and delectable cuisine of Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Tuscany.

The drive itself was an experience. With each turn, a new vista unfolded, revealing yet another postcard-perfect scene. We stopped frequently, of course, to take photos. I mean, how could I not? Alessia, with her boundless energy, ran through the fields, chasing butterflies and giggling with delight. Pieter, ever the patient husband, helped me find the best angles and lighting, turning our family outing into a mini photography workshop.

The beauty of Tuscany lies not just in its landscapes, but in the way it nourishes the soul.

Our first stop was a charming little shop called Le Sac| Negozio di Pelletteria| Montepulciano. It was a delightful little leather shop. I was looking for a small, artisanal leather bag. The shop was filled with the aroma of genuine leather, and I spent a happy hour browsing the beautifully crafted items. I finally settled on a small, crossbody bag in a rich, earthy tone. It was the perfect souvenir, a tangible reminder of our time in Montepulciano. Alessia picked out a small leather bracelet with a little charm, excited to have a keepsake of her own.


Explore exquisite handbags and fashion accessories at Le Sac in Montepulciano, where Italian craftsmanship meets modern elegance.

Next on our agenda was lunch, and we had three enticing options to choose from: Osteria del Borgo, Boscarelli In Città, and Locanda e Cantina Cicolina. After much deliberation, we opted for Osteria del Borgo, drawn in by its promise of traditional Tuscan cuisine and its location in a historic building dating back to 1300. We were not disappointed. The osteria exuded a warm, family-run atmosphere. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the menu was filled with local specialties.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano - a culinary journey through Italy's finest flavors.

Pieter, ever the adventurous eater, ordered the wild boar ragu, while I opted for the handmade pici pasta with cacio e pepe. Alessia, predictably, chose the simple yet satisfying tomato pasta. Every dish was a testament to the region's culinary heritage, bursting with fresh, local flavors. The wine, of course, was exceptional – a robust Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that perfectly complemented our meal. As we ate, we chatted with the friendly staff, learning about the history of the osteria and the secrets behind their delicious recipes.

After our leisurely lunch, we decided to immerse ourselves in a bit of local tradition. We learned about the Bravio delle Botti, a historic barrel race that takes place in Montepulciano every August. The race involves teams from the town's eight contrade (districts) rolling heavy barrels uphill through the narrow streets to the Piazza Grande. The history of the race dates back to the 14th century, when it was a horse race held in honor of the town's patron saint. In 1974, the race was revived as the barrel race we know today.


Experience the excitement of Bravio delle botti, a unique barrel-rolling race in Montepulciano, celebrating Tuscan culture and community spirit.

The Bravio delle Botti sounded like an event we would love to witness! The friendly owner of Osteria del Borgo told us that the competition is fierce, and the atmosphere is electric. Each contrada takes immense pride in their team, and the entire town comes alive with excitement. Although we won't be here in August to see the race firsthand, learning about it gave us a deeper appreciation for the town's rich cultural heritage. We even walked part of the race route, trying to imagine the scene with the barrels rolling and the crowds cheering. Alessia was particularly fascinated by the idea of the race, imagining herself as one of the barrel pushers, leading her contrada to victory.

Before heading back to our vacation rental, we made one last stop to simply enjoy the views of Val d'Orcia one last time. We found a quiet spot overlooking the valley and sat down to soak in the scenery. The golden light of the late afternoon cast a magical glow over the landscape, creating a moment of pure serenity. Alessia, tired from her day of exploring, snuggled up next to me, her little hand in mine. Pieter put his arm around us both, and we sat in comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other's company and the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Montepulciano, our hearts full of gratitude for the experiences we had shared. We stopped to get some groceries, as we wanted to cook a simple meal at our vacation rental, as a final goodbye to the beautiful region. As I prepared a simple pasta dish, Pieter and Alessia set the table, creating a cozy atmosphere. We ate by candlelight, savoring every bite and reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. We talked about the delicious food, the stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Tuscan people. Alessia, already missing Italy, asked if we could come back next year. I smiled and assured her that we would definitely return to this magical place.

Tonight, as I sit here writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Our family adventure in Montepulciano has been everything I had hoped for and more. We've explored ancient towns, tasted incredible wines, and created memories that will last a lifetime. And while I'm sad to be leaving, I know that we'll carry a piece of Tuscany with us wherever we go. Tomorrow, we embark on our journey back to Haarlem, filled with stories to tell and photos to share. Until next time, arrivederci, Montepulciano!

I am grateful for having had this experience with my family. It reminded me of how important it is to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and cherish the moments we have together. As a freelance translator, I often get caught up in my work, spending hours in front of my computer. This trip has been a welcome reminder to step away from my desk and embrace the world around me. And as a mother, it's been a joy to see Alessia experience the magic of Italy, connecting with her roots and creating memories that she'll carry with her for years to come.

Now, it's time to pack our bags and prepare for our departure. But before I go, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has followed along on our journey. Your comments and messages have meant the world to me, and I'm so grateful to have shared this experience with you. Stay tuned for more adventures from around the world. Ciao!