Family Adventure in Montepulciano: Wine, History, and Culture

A Day of Discovery in Montalcino and Montepulciano

Today was a day of delving deep—literally and figuratively—into the heart of Tuscany. From exploring ancient underground cellars to scaling the walls of a formidable fortress, and immersing ourselves in the story of Brunello wine, it was an adventure that engaged all our senses. Pieter, Alessia, and I set out eager to uncover the layers of history and culture that make this region so captivating.

Our first stop was the Ercolani Cellars - Underground City and Museum, also known as the Underground City and Museum, right here in Montepulciano. I'd read about this place, and it sounded intriguing, but nothing prepared me for the reality. Descending into the depths, we entered a labyrinth of Etruscan tunnels that have been repurposed over centuries for storing and aging wine. It felt like stepping back in time, with each stone whispering stories of generations past. Alessia was absolutely thrilled, imagining knights and secret passages at every turn. Pieter, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the structural ingenuity of the cellars. The tour was complimentary, and it ended with a wine tasting – a delightful introduction to the local Vino Nobile. I even picked up a bottle of their 2008 reserve wine, something I usually wouldn't do, but the experience was so unique I just had to.


Explore the enchanting underground cellars of Ercolani in Montepulciano, where wine, history, and tradition intertwine in a unique tasting experience.
From the cool depths of the cellars, we drove towards Montalcino, a hilltop town famous for its imposing fortress and, of course, its Brunello wine. The drive itself was stunning, with rolling hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see. I couldn't resist pulling over a few times to capture the scenery with my camera. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love photography so much – the ability to freeze a moment in time and share its beauty with others.

The Fortress of Montalcino dominates the skyline, a testament to the town's strategic importance throughout history. Built in 1361, it served as a defensive stronghold and later as a refuge for Sienese nobles resisting Florentine rule. Climbing the ramparts, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia. The landscape unfolded before us like a painting, with its patchwork of fields, vineyards, and olive groves. Alessia, never one to be still for long, ran along the walls, her laughter echoing in the ancient stones. Pieter and I took our time, soaking in the view and imagining what life must have been like centuries ago.


Discover the rich history and stunning views at the Fortress of Montalcino, a captivating Tuscan landmark nestled in the heart of Italy's wine country.

To truly know a place, you must taste its stories and feel its history beneath your feet.

After exploring the fortress, we were ready to immerse ourselves in the world of Brunello wine. We headed to the Tempio del Brunello - Interactive Museum – an interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of this renowned wine. The museum offered a multi-sensory experience, with virtual reality stations, immersive videos, and exhibits that brought the story of Brunello to life. We learned about the unique terroir of Montalcino, the Sangiovese grapes that give Brunello its distinctive character, and the meticulous winemaking process that transforms these grapes into liquid gold. Alessia even got to participate in a virtual grape stomp, much to her delight!


Explore the rich heritage of Brunello wine at Tempio del Brunello, an interactive museum in the heart of Montalcino, Italy.
For lunch, we decided to try Pulcino Di Matassini Ercolani Gabriella Fattoria, a restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food was hearty and delicious. We shared a platter of local cheeses and cured meats, followed by homemade pasta with wild boar ragu. It was the perfect way to refuel after a day of exploring.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Pulcino Di Matassini Ercolani Gabriella Fattoria in Montepulciano - where tradition meets taste.
In the late afternoon, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, we made our way back to Montepulciano. But the day wasn't over yet. I had heard about Perbacco Wine Club, a cozy wine bar in town, and I was eager to check it out. We stopped in for a pre-dinner drink and were immediately charmed by the atmosphere. The owner, Francesco, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wine, and he guided us through a tasting of several local varieties. It was a delightful way to end the day, savoring the flavors of Tuscany and learning more about its rich winemaking heritage. I must say, I was tempted to join the wine club after the amazing experience.


Explore the finest Tuscan wines at Perbacco Wine Club in Montepulciano, where every sip tells a story of tradition and excellence.
Tonight, we opted for Baccano Hostarìa Montepulciano for dinner. The reviews promised a delightful experience, and it did not disappoint. The ambiance was charming, the staff welcoming, and the food was simply divine. We savored traditional Tuscan dishes, each bite a celebration of local flavors and culinary artistry. Alessia, surprisingly adventurous, even tried the pici pasta with a hearty meat sauce and declared it her favorite meal of the trip so far.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Baccano Hostarìa Montepulciano, where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences we’ve had today. We’ve explored ancient cellars, scaled fortress walls, and immersed ourselves in the story of Brunello wine. We’ve tasted the flavors of Tuscany and connected with its people. It’s been a day of discovery, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the picturesque Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the Bravio delle botti, the traditional barrel race that embodies the spirit of Montepulciano. I’m particularly excited to capture the beauty of the Val d'Orcia through my lens. It’s known for its rolling hills, cypress trees, and charming villages – a photographer’s dream!

This trip has been particularly special to me. Being back in Italy, even though it's not my hometown of Matera, fills me with a sense of belonging. Sharing this experience with Pieter and Alessia makes it even more meaningful. I love seeing Alessia connect with her Italian heritage, even in small ways, like ordering gelato in Italian or trying new foods with gusto. And Pieter, ever the supportive husband, is always game for whatever adventures I throw his way. It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to have them in my life.

Until tomorrow, *arrivederci*!