Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town in Tuscany. The renowned destination that is surrounded by vineyards is known worldwide for its Vino Nobile red wine. Just like many places in Tuscany, Montepulciano is a pretty town that is loved by tourists especially wine lovers thanks to its numerous wineries which produce exquisite and authentic wines. The beautiful Montepulciano landscape in addition to a small population makes it one of the best places for wine exploration. Some of best wineries to explore around Montepulciano include:

1. Talosa

Talosa, a winery found in Via Pietrose, is owned by the family of a famous entrepreneur, Angelo Jacorossi. Talosa makes wine with love, passion, and dedication, an awesome trilogy which most Italian families live by. Because of Angelo’s strong bond with nature especially land, he decided to venture into wine production as a way to express his passion.

Talosa has 33 hectares of vineyards and to produce world-class wine, the estate uses strict cultivation and harvesting techniques to obtain high-quality grapes. Wine lovers can have free access to Talosa’s Piazza Grande, a charming square that hosts the winery’s historic cellar. Talosa Winery is synonymous with the production of DOCG and DOC wines such as Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, Chianti dei Colli Senesi, Extra-virgin olive oil and others.

2. Gattavecchi Winery

Also known as the Cantina Gattavecchi, Gattavecchi Winery is one of the popular and best wineries in Montepulciano, Tuscany. It is owned by the Gattavecchi family who have dedicated themselves to wine production for more than a hundred years. The Gattavecchi winery has a unique wine production style that is based on innovation, respect for traditions and also the land. As a matter of fact, they describe the land which contains their vineyards as – the land of unique wines of noble origin.

Each generation of the Gattavecchi family has significantly contributed to the production of some of the world’s fine wines as well as spirits. This winery is popular with tourists and wine tasters thanks to its high-quality DOC and DOCG wines which include Rosso di Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and others.

With three wine tasting options, visitors can taste two wines for ten euros, two Vino Nobile wines which are accompanied by cheese, cold cuts and bread for 15 euros or three riserva wines that are accompanied by cold cuts, cheese, and bread for 18 euros.

Apart from the guided wine tasting tours, visitors can also get the chance to taste the local cuisine that is made with local products like cheese and other specialties. Lilian’s kitchen has tasting menus where visitors get the unique opportunity to taste wines and extra-virgin olive oil paired with local specialties. Gattavecchi Winery is an amazing place to taste Montepulciano’s fine wine. It is located in Via di Collazzi.

3. Contucci

Contucci’s wine production style is based on tradition and innovation which the winery has carried and implemented for more than 1000 years. Located in Via del Teatro, Montepulciano, this winery has been owned for centuries by the Contucci family. Since the 1700s, this family has established itself among the top wine producers in Italy. A 1773 document shows that the Contucci family were among the “putative-fathers” of the Vino di Montepulciano. They have significantly contributed in making this wine famous and as a result, they have won numerous certificates and medals.

Contucci produces wines such as the Sansovino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and extra-virgin olive oil. The winery has arched enclaves which are stacked with barrels of wine and wine tasting is free here.

4. Tenuta Valdipiatta

Located in Via Della Ciarliana in Montepulciano, Tenuta Valdipiatta’s hilltop location makes it a picturesque destination for wine tours. The winery which is located on a 75-hectare of land boasts of over 30 hectares of vineyards. The stellar wine farm has one of the most prestigious wineries in Montepulciano.

This farm property which was founded by Giulio Caporali in the 1980s uses a strong and innovative style to produce its wines. They use this style because of their profound respect for land and also the need to produce world-class wines. Tenuta Valdipiatta is renowned for the production of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine. Their other DOC and DOCG wine produce include Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano-«Vigna Alfiero» and
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano -«Riserva».

5. Avignonesi

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Avignonesi is one of best wineries in Montepulciano’s to explore. Located in Via Colonica, this winery which was first established by the Avignonesi family is currently owned by the Virgine Saverys. Avignonesi uses a technologically advanced style to ensure that they preserve the land and they produce high-quality wine. Virgine Saverys are constantly doing research and development to ensure that the wine they produce expresses the true character of Montepulciano. They use biodynamic and organic farming methods to brew fine, distinct and authentic wines with strong character. Their state-of-the-art wine cellars and unique wines have earned this winery a much-deserved place among the top wine producers in Tuscany.

Avignonesi conducts tours and wine tasting from May through October. The tours including walking through its vast vineyards, visiting the cellars to get the full view of the wine-making process etc. Visitors are allowed to taste more than five different types of wines

Not only does Avignonesi offers wine tasting tours, the winery has a bar and it offers wine and gourmet Ferrari tours, cooking classes with wine-paired lunch, hot-air balloon tours with wine-paired brunch among others. The sophisticated winery has numerous fun activities which are paired with wine-tasting. Apart from Vin Santo di Pernice, their award-winning premium wine, Avignonesi also produces DOC and DOCG wines such as Rosso di Montepulciano, Vin Santo di Montepulciano, extra-virgin oil and others. It is one of the most explored wineries in Montepulciano.

Montepulciano, just like a bottle of fine wine, has aged well. The longer you take to explore its wineries, the more you will fall in love with it. What makes the wineries which are found here to stand out is that each has a unique style of production but they all produce fine and top-rated wines.