10 Best Wine Tours in Montepulciano: Where to Taste Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Timeless Wanderers: Posted March 9, 2026
Wine tours in Montepulciano are one of the best ways to experience the vineyards, rolling hills, and local culture of this historic Tuscan hill town.
I’ve been to Montepulciano several times, and it’s one of those places I always love going back to.
It’s not a loud town.
It’s not trying to impress you. You just arrive and start walking.
In the mornings the streets are usually quiet.
The cafés are opening, and if you walk toward the edge of the old town walls you can look out over the countryside toward the Val d’Orcia hills.
Some days there’s a little mist sitting low over the fields.
What I like most is that Montepulciano still feels like a working wine town rather than a tourist stage.
The town is known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and many of the wineries are family-run places where you can taste wine in old stone cellars without everything feeling formal or scripted.
If you want Tuscany that feels slower, quieter, and more local, this is one of the places that still has that character.
Table of Contents
Why Take a Wine Tour in Montepulciano
You can walk around Montepulciano and taste wine inside town cellars, but taking a wine tour really changes how you experience the place.
The biggest difference is that many of the best vineyards are actually outside the historic centre.
Without a car, it can be difficult to reach them, and even if you are driving, you can spend a lot of time navigating the narrow countryside roads.
A tour removes that stress and lets you focus on the experience instead.
What I like about wine tours here is that they feel personal rather than commercial.
Many of the wineries around Montepulciano are still family-run, and you often end up talking with someone who has worked the land for years.
The countryside around the town is also beautiful in a very Tuscan way — rolling hills, long vineyard rows, olive trees scattered across the landscape, and the distant outline of Val d’Orcia.
A good tour also helps you understand why Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is so respected.
It is not a wine meant to be rushed.
It is made to age, to sit in oak barrels, and to be paired slowly with food.
For me, the best wine tours here are not about learning technical wine details.
They are about sitting in a vineyard for a while, tasting a few glasses, and letting the countryside be part of the experience.
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What Makes Vino Nobile So Special
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the reasons Montepulciano has earned a place on every serious wine lover’s Tuscan itinerary.
It’s made primarily from Sangiovese grapes — known locally as Prugnolo Gentile — which gives it a firm structure, deep cherry and plum flavours, and a subtle earthy quality that makes it stand out from lighter Tuscan reds.
What really sets Vino Nobile apart is how it’s aged.
By law, it must spend at least two years aging, with a portion of that time in oak barrels.
Many of the family-run wineries we’ve visited go further, aging some bottles for three years or more to develop richer, more complex flavours.
This patience shows in the depth of the wine and the way it pairs so naturally with food.
Speaking of food, Vino Nobile is a wine that loves company.
It pairs beautifully with Tuscan classics like pici pasta with ragù, roasted meats, pecorino cheeses, and hearty soups.
The wine also carries history.
It has been produced in the area for centuries, and the name “Nobile” was used as far back as the 16th century to indicate its quality and connection to Montepulciano’s nobility.
Vino Nobile isn’t just a drink — it’s a taste of Montepulciano’s heritage.
10 Best Wine Tours in Montepulciano
1. Avignonesi — Organic and Biodynamic Excellence
Avignonesi is one of my favourite estates, not just for the wines but for the experience.
Their vineyards stretch across the hillside, offering some of the best views in the region.
The tour includes a walk through the organic vineyards, followed by a guided tasting of their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a Riserva, and often a few experimental blends.
Each wine has a story, and the guides are happy to explain the biodynamic approach.
If you arrive at the right time, you might catch the sun hitting the rows of vines in a way that’s almost magical.
Tour & Taste
Get a behind-the-scenes look at biodynamic winemaking with a guided tour of the estate, followed by a tasting of four top wines and their premium extra virgin olive oil.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Tours available daily at 10 am and 3 pm.
• Reservations required.
Tours cost roughly €40–€70
2. Contucci Winery
Located right in Piazza Grande, this is one of the oldest producers of Vino Nobile.
The historic underground cellar dates back to medieval city walls and can be visited with a guided tasting.
This visit lasts about 2 hours and costs € 40,00 per person.
If the group is not interested in the plate of local products, the 4 wines for tasting can be accompanied by snacks and the cost drops to € 25,00 per person.
The CONTUCCI EXPERIENCE is organized from April 1st to January 6th on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the morning at 11.00 a.m. and in the afternoon at 3.30 p.m.
A typical experience includes a cellar tour and tasting of Rosso di Montepulciano plus three Vino Nobile wines, often paired with local pecorino and cured meats.
3. Poliziano Winery
A respected family estate producing structured and elegant Vino Nobile wines.
The tour walks visitors through vineyards, the cellar, and historical archives before a tasting in the estate tasting room overlooking the countryside.
Tour costs €40- €60
Visits are available by reservation and typically include vineyard and cellar tours followed by wine tasting.
4. Cantina De’ Ricci Underground Cellar Tour
One of the most atmospheric wine experiences in Montepulciano is at Cantina De’ Ricci.
The cellar sits beneath the historic town and features impressive vaulted brick tunnels and aging rooms.
During the tour, visitors walk through the historic cellar spaces where wine is stored in large oak barrels.
The visit ends with a tasting of several Montepulciano wines, including Vino Nobile.
Because the winery is located in the town center, it’s a convenient stop while exploring the historic streets.
Typical experience: Historic cellar tour + tasting
Tour Cost: €25 – €35
5. Podere Boscarelli Wine Estate Tour
Boscarelli is widely considered one of the top producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The family-owned estate is located in the countryside near Cervognano and is known for producing refined, balanced wines.
Visits usually include a tour of the vineyards and winery followed by a guided tasting of several wines.
Because Boscarelli is a smaller producer, the tastings often feel more personal and relaxed.
Typical experience: Vineyard and cellar visit + tasting
Tastings cost €60–€120, but the attention to detail and the views of the surrounding hills make it worth it.
6. Cantine Dei Wine Tasting Experience
Cantine Dei is a well-known estate producing elegant Vino Nobile wines.
The winery sits in a scenic part of the Montepulciano countryside surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Wine tours usually include a visit to the cellar where the wines age in oak barrels followed by a tasting of several estate wines.
Many visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful views across the Tuscan landscape.
Typical experience: Cellar tour + tasting
Guided Tour: €40-€60
7. Bindella Tenuta Vallocaia Wine Tour
Bindella Tenuta Vallocaia is a beautiful estate known for its vineyards and restaurant overlooking the Tuscan hills.
The winery produces several styles of Vino Nobile and offers a variety of tasting experiences.
Guests can tour the winery before tasting several wines paired with local food.
Many visitors choose to combine the tasting with lunch at the estate restaurant.
Typical experience: Winery visit + tasting
Tastings with Lunch: €45 – €70
8. Montemercurio Wine Tasting
Montemercurio is a small family-run winery located just outside the historic town.
The estate produces traditional wines using grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards.
Wine tours often include a visit to the cellar followed by a guided tasting of several wines.
Because the winery is relatively small, the experience often feels intimate and personal.
Typical experience: Winery tour + tasting
Tastings: €15 – €35
9. Talosa Historic Cellar Tour
Fattoria della Talosa offers one of the most unique cellar visits in the town.
The underground cellars sit beneath a Renaissance palace and extend into historic tunnels beneath Montepulciano.
During the tour, visitors explore the cellar before tasting a selection of wines produced by the estate.
The historic setting makes it one of the most memorable wine experiences in the town.
Typical experience: Historic cellar tour + tasting
Tastings including Lunch: €30 – €52
10. Cantina Nottola Wine Experience
Cantina Nottola is known for its modern winery and panoramic terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
The estate produces both Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile wines.
Wine tours usually include a visit to the production area and barrel cellar followed by a tasting of several wines on the terrace.
The views across the vineyards make it a great place to relax and enjoy the landscape.
Typical experience: Winery tour + terrace tasting
Tastings depending on wine and Food: €35 – €60
*Hidden Gem Winery Near Montepulciano
“For those looking to escape the crowds, La Braccesca (Antinori Estate) provides an authentic Montepulciano experience with personal tastings and scenic vineyard views.”
La Braccesca (Antinori Estate)
La Braccesca is a smaller estate within the famous Antinori group, tucked into the rolling hills just outside Montepulciano.
While Antinori is well-known internationally, this particular estate is often overlooked by visitors sticking to the classic top wineries.
La Braccesca produces excellent Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as well as elegant Tuscan reds and whites.
The estate offers guided tastings that feel personal despite the Antinori connection, often including vineyard walks and explanations of sustainable vineyard practices.
Pairings with local cheeses and olive oils make the experience authentically Tuscan, and the location offers beautiful countryside views without the crowds of the main tourist estates.
Typical Cost: €40–€90
Wineries Within Walking Distance of Montepulciano
“If you’re staying in Montepulciano without a car, several wineries including Cantina Contucci, Fattoria del Cerro, and Cantina Neri are all within walking distance of the historic centre.”
Montepulciano’s historic centre is perched on a hill, and several quality wineries are reachable on foot from town.
You can enjoy a tasting and stroll back into the cobbled streets, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
Cantina Contucci
Just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Grande, Cantina Contucci is a historic family winery dating back to the 18th century.
Tastings typically include Vino Nobile di Montepulciano along with their Chianti-style reds. The cellar atmosphere is authentic, and the staff often share stories about the estate’s long history.
Walking time from town: ~5 minutes
Cantina Fattoria del Cerro
Located just below the town walls, Fattoria del Cerro produces organic wines with a focus on traditional Montepulciano reds. Tastings are intimate, and visitors can walk among the vineyards or enjoy the rustic cellar.
Walking time from town: ~10–15 minutes
Cantina Neri
Cantina Neri is within a short stroll of the town’s centre and offers guided tastings of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, plus other local varietals.
The experience includes insights into vineyard practices and the history of Montepulciano winemaking.
Walking time from town: ~10 minutes
Self-Guided Wine Tasting Route in Montepulciano
One of the best ways to experience the wine culture of Montepulciano is by creating a simple self-guided tasting route.
Because several wineries are located inside the historic town while others sit just outside in the surrounding countryside, it’s easy to combine a few tastings in a single day.
A relaxed route usually starts in the historic centre, where visitors can explore underground cellars before heading into the vineyards surrounding the town.
Morning: Historic Town Cellars
Start your wine tasting day in the historic centre of Montepulciano where several wineries operate centuries-old cellars beneath Renaissance buildings.
Two excellent places to begin are:
Contucci
Cantina De’ Ricci
Both wineries are located near Piazza Grande and offer tastings in atmospheric underground cellars where large oak barrels age the region’s famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Because these wineries are within walking distance, they’re perfect for a relaxed morning tasting while exploring the town.
Lunch in Montepulciano
After a morning of tastings, take a break for lunch at one of the small trattorias in town.
Many restaurants serve local specialties such as pici pasta, pecorino cheese, and cured meats that are perfect with Vino Nobile.
Lunch is also a good moment to slow down before heading into the countryside for more winery visits.
Afternoon: Vineyard Wineries
In the afternoon, head out into the vineyards surrounding Montepulciano.
Many of the region’s most respected producers are located just a short drive from town.
Great wineries to visit include:
Avignonesi
Poliziano
Cantine Dei
These are my favorite estates they offer a different experience compared to town cellars, with vineyard walks, winery tours, and tastings overlooking the countryside.
Many vineyards sit on hills that look toward the rolling landscapes of Val d’Orcia, making them some of the most scenic places to taste wine in Tuscany.
Sunset Wine Tasting
Not to be missed If you have time for one final stop, choose a winery with panoramic views and enjoy a late afternoon tasting as the sun sets over the vineyards.
This slower pace is part of what makes visiting Montepulciano so special — it’s less about rushing between wineries and more about enjoying the wine, landscape, and local culture.
Montepulciano Vineyard Tours
What to Expect on a Wine Tour
Wine tours around Montepulciano are usually relaxed experiences rather than structured educational classes.
Most of the time, the focus is simply on enjoying the countryside, learning a little about local winemaking, and tasting wines without feeling rushed.
The cellar atmosphere is often one of the highlights.
Many wineries still use historic stone rooms where barrels of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are aged quietly in the cool underground air.
The temperature inside these cellars is noticeably different from outside, and the spaces feel calm and slightly timeless.
During tastings, the pace is usually slow.
You will typically sample three to five wines, with the host explaining each one in simple, practical terms rather than technical wine science.
Interaction with the winery staff is often informal — questions are welcome, and conversations tend to feel natural.
Landscape experience is another important part of the tour. Many vineyards sit on hills overlooking the Tuscan countryside, and it’s common to spend a little time standing outside between tastings just taking in the view.
Overall, expect a friendly, unhurried experience where wine, scenery, and conversation matter more than rigid schedules or formal presentations.
How Much Wine Tours Cost
Wine tours in Montepulciano can vary widely depending on the style of the experience and the winery.
Simple cellar tastings, usually held inside historic underground rooms with a few wines to sample, typically cost between €25 and €50 per person.
These tours are perfect if you want a quick introduction to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano without spending a full day.
Tours that include walks through the vineyards, a guided explanation of the grape-growing process, and tastings of multiple wines usually run from €40 to €90.
These give a fuller picture of how the wine is made and allow you to enjoy the countryside along the way.
Premium or private experiences, often including multiple wines, food pairings, or luxury estates, start around €100 and up.
These are ideal if you want a more immersive, leisurely day focused on wine and the Tuscan landscape.
No matter your budget, there’s a Montepulciano wine experience for you.
Tips for Choosing a Wine Tour
If you are visiting Montepulciano in summer, booking your wine tour early is a good idea.
The town is popular between June and September, and many of the smaller wineries and guided experiences can fill up quickly.
I’ve seen more than a few travellers arrive hoping to book on the same day and struggle to find availability.
I personally prefer small-group tours when possible.
They feel more relaxed, and you usually get more time to talk with the guide or winery host.
Large group tours can sometimes feel rushed, especially during tastings of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Transport is another important consideration.
If you are staying outside the historic centre, check whether the tour includes pickup.
The countryside around Montepulciano is beautiful but can be difficult to navigate without a car.
If you are staying inside town, don’t forget that some of the best cellar tastings are actually walkable.
Visiting underground wineries within the historic centre can be a very easy and enjoyable option.
Finally, try to choose tours that combine wine tasting with countryside scenery. Montepulciano is not just about the wine — it’s about the landscape around Val d’Orcia as well.
Underground Cellar Tours in Montepulciano
How to Spend 7 Magical Days in Tuscany by Car
Car rental– If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable.
Best Time of Year for Wine Tours
It really depends on the kind of experience you want.
Spring is probably my favourite for vineyard scenery.
The hills around Val d’Orcia turn bright green, wildflowers start appearing between the vines, and the weather is mild enough for walking through vineyards comfortably.
Summer is busier, but the sunset tastings are beautiful.
Many wineries host evening experiences where you can sit outside and watch the light soften across the Tuscan countryside while tasting Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Autumn is harvest season, and there is a special energy in the air.
You may see grapes being collected and processed, and the landscape has that golden, late-summer colour that Tuscany is famous for.
Winter is quieter but very authentic.
Some wineries close, but those that remain open offer a slower, more personal tasting experience without crowds.
It feels closer to how locals experience wine.
Where to Stay in Montepulciano
If you are planning wine tours around Montepulciano, where you stay really changes how the experience feels.
Staying inside the historic centre is the most convenient option if you want to walk to cellar tastings and explore the town in the evenings.
Small boutique hotels and historic accommodations inside the old walls let you move slowly through the streets, visit underground wineries like Cantina Contucci, and enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about transport.
If you prefer the countryside, an agriturismo stay is one of the best choices around Val d’Orcia.
These farm-style accommodations are usually quieter and offer beautiful vineyard or hilltop views.
Many also serve simple local breakfasts and sometimes produce their own olive oil or wine.
Vineyard stays are another excellent option if you want a deeper connection to the wine landscape.
Waking up surrounded by vines and watching the light move across the Tuscan hills is one of the most memorable ways to experience the region.
I wouldn’t overcomplicate accommodation choices in Montepulciano.
The town is small, and the real magic is in choosing a place that lets you slow down and enjoy the countryside rather than rushing between attractions.
FAQs About Montepulciano Wine Tours
Do I need to book winery visits in advance?
Yes, especially during the busy season in Montepulciano.
Many of the smaller family wineries work by reservation only, so it’s better to book ahead rather than hope for a walk-in tasting.
Summer and early autumn are the busiest periods.
How many wineries should I visit in one day?
I usually recommend visiting two wineries in one day.
Three can feel rushed unless you are taking a full-day tour.
The best experiences are slow and relaxed, especially when tasting Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Can I visit wineries without a tour?
Yes, but having a car or transport helps because many vineyards are located outside the historic centre.
Some of the best tasting experiences are inside town cellars such as Cantina Contucci.
Are Montepulciano wine tours suitable for beginners?
Absolutely.
You don’t need any wine knowledge to enjoy the experience.
The tours are usually relaxed and focus on tasting and learning in a simple, accessible way rather than technical wine details.
What should I wear on a wine tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are the most important thing because some tours include vineyard walks.
Casual countryside clothing works well.
In summer, bring sun protection because the Tuscan countryside around Val d’Orcia can be very bright and warm.
Are wine tours romantic?
Many visitors treat Montepulciano wine tours as a romantic experience.
Sunset vineyard tastings are especially popular, and the views across the Tuscan hills are beautiful in the evening.
Are Montepulciano wine tours worth it?
If you enjoy slow travel, countryside scenery, and authentic local wine culture, then yes.
Montepulciano is one of the more genuine wine towns in Tuscany and feels less commercial than some larger destinations.
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Final Thoughts
Every time I visit Montepulciano, I’m reminded why slow travel works so well here.
Sitting in a vineyard, tasting Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and looking out over the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia makes you feel connected to the land in a way that sightseeing alone never does.
Montepulciano isn’t flashy or crowded — it’s a place where wine, history, and rolling hills come together naturally.
Taking the time to linger in cellars, walk between vineyards, and enjoy the quiet rhythm of the town is my favorite part. This is Tuscany at its most authentic.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
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Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.