Family Adventure in the Heart of Tuscany: Montepulciano

A Day of Tuscan Sun and Wine

As the Tuscan sun painted the rolling hills with strokes of gold, I knew today would be special. Montepulciano, with its timeless charm, was about to reveal its liquid treasures. With Liam and Maya in tow, I set out on a wine-filled adventure, eager to taste the region's famed Nobile wines and soak in the picturesque beauty of the vineyards.

Our first stop was Lalma Cafe & Tearoom for breakfast. This cozy spot, nestled near the Santa Maria Church, was a delightful start to our day. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of artisanal pastries, creating an inviting atmosphere. I opted for scrambled eggs with Tuscan bacon and pecorino, while Liam enjoyed a frothy cappuccino. Maya, of course, couldn't resist a chocolate-filled pastry. It was the perfect way to fuel up before our wine adventures.


Discover Lalma Cafe & Tearoom in Montepulciano: A cozy haven for breakfast lovers offering exquisite coffee and delightful pastries amidst stunning Italian scenery.

With our appetites satisfied, we headed to our first winery of the day: Icario Winery. As we approached, the modern design of the winery struck me. It was a beautiful contrast to the traditional Tuscan landscape. Inside, the state-of-the-art cellar was impressive, a testament to Icario's innovative approach to winemaking. We joined a tour led by a knowledgeable sommelier who shared the winery's history and philosophy. The vineyards stretched across the landscape, a mix of high zones with sandy soil and low zones with clay. It was fascinating to learn how these different soil compositions contribute to the unique characteristics of their wines. We opted for the Platinum Wine Tasting and Tour. This premium experience included a stroll through the vineyards and a visit to the cellar. We sampled a diverse selection of Icario's wines, including their renowned Tuscan reds, unique whites, and refreshing rosés. Each sip was a journey through the Tuscan terroir. I particularly enjoyed the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, with its rich blackberry and cherry notes. Liam favored the Vitaroccia Riserva, a robust wine with a long, satisfying finish. Maya, of course, contented herself with snacking on some grapes, declaring them the best grapes ever.


Experience the authentic flavors of Tuscany at Icario Winery in Montepulciano, where tradition meets elegance in every glass.

Wine is bottled poetry.

After Icario, we ventured to Contucci Winery, a name synonymous with Montepulciano's winemaking history. The Contucci family's legacy dates back to the 11th century, and their Palazzo stands proudly on Piazza Grande. The family, who cultivated grapevines as far back as the Renaissance, is considered the predecessor of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano red wine, according to a document from 1773. The Contucci Winery, which dates back to the 12th century, was built before the Palazzo Contucci, which was constructed in the 16th century and frescoed by Andrea Pozzo. This historic Contucci residence, just like the winery, overlooks Montepulciano's magnificent Piazza Grande square. Featuring Renaissance style, it is furnished with restored period furniture. The cellars, dating back to the 13th century, were a sight to behold, a maze of tunnels carved into the rock. Here, the Contucci family ages their wines in large Slavonian oak barrels, a tradition passed down through generations. We tasted their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino grapes. It was a wine with a sense of place, deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Montepulciano. The family crest, a rearing unicorn, symbolizes pride and truth, a fitting emblem for this esteemed winery.


Experience the rich heritage and exquisite wines at Contucci Winery, a historical gem in the heart of Montepulciano, Tuscany.

For lunch, we chose Trattoria di Cagnano, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine. The trattoria is located on the small Cagnano square, and has a lovely summer terrace. We started with a selection of local cured meats and cheeses, followed by handmade pici pasta with ragu. Liam opted for the cinghiale al vino Nobile, wild boar cooked in Vino Nobile wine. Maya, always a fan of pizza, devoured a margherita. The food was simple, honest, and delicious, a true reflection of Tuscan culinary traditions. It was the perfect midday refuel before continuing our wine explorations.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria di Cagnano in Montepulciano, where every dish tells a story of Tuscan heritage.

Our final winery of the day was Azienda Agricola Canneto, a family-owned estate known for its commitment to sustainable farming. Daniela, who is in charge of reception, showed us around the cellar. The estate is situated on the western side of Montepulciano, near the splendid church of San Biagio and has a long wine-making tradition. Having purchased it, the new owners renovated the buildings respecting their original purpose, building a new cellar, buying machinery and equipment, taking care of and renewing the vineyards and olive trees. The vineyards, facing mainly south, are situated at 350 and 400 m above sea level, on marl soil mixed with gravel. We tasted their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva, a complex wine with notes of cherry, plum, and spice. It was a fitting end to our wine-tasting journey. Canneto adopts an innovative system which uses nitrogen to prevent oxidation of the wine after it has been uncorked, maintaining intact the characteristics of the wine and guaranteeing the perfect temperature.


Experience the artistry of Tuscan winemaking at Azienda Agricola Canneto, where every sip tells a story amidst stunning vineyards.

Before dinner, I managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping at Le Sac| Negozio di Pelletteria| Montepulciano. I was looking for a leather handbag, and this shop offered a beautiful selection of locally made goods. I finally settled on a small crossbody bag, perfect for carrying my essentials while exploring the town. I am a sucker for good-quality leather, a weakness I probably inherited from my grandfather.


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

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Rosso Rubino Trattoria for dinner. This small restaurant, with its intimate atmosphere, was the perfect setting for a relaxed evening. We started with bruschetta, followed by handmade pasta with truffle sauce. Liam enjoyed a hearty meat dish, while Maya opted for a simple tomato pasta. The food was delicious, the service was attentive, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Rosso Rubino Trattoria in Montepulciano - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

As we strolled back to our guesthouse, the stars twinkled above us, casting a magical glow over Montepulciano. Today had been a sensory feast, a celebration of Tuscan wine, food, and culture. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Montepulciano's cultural treasures, including the Museo Civico Pinacoteca Crociani and the Pulcinella tower. We'll also take in the stunning views of the Val d'Orcia from Montepulciano. And, of course, we'll end the day with a glass of wine at Enoteca La Dolce Vita, savoring the sweet life of Tuscany.

Before I drift off to sleep, I find myself reflecting on the day's adventures. I am also thinking of what I may have forgotten to pack. I am pretty sure I forgot Maya's favorite bedtime storybook. I will need to see if I can find a bookstore tomorrow.