Tuscany Tour 2026

Tuscany Tour 2026

Montepulciano - Days 17 and 18

From Lake Bolsena, we made our way to Montepulciano, which stretches across a limestone hill. Since there was still a market at the camper parking lot below the city, we first parked the camper and settled in the evening.

The city is a Renaissance site with a medieval layout and offers a wonderful view of the Tuscan landscape, with its rolling hills, fields, and the cypress trees that are so typical of this area.

Apart from its many attractions, Montepulciano is internationally renowned for its wine. Montepulciano is a red grape variety prevalent in central Italy and is processed into the well-known Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in the Abruzzo region.

Also worth seeing are the Cantine monumentali (monumental wine cellars). We visited one of them.

In some, the famous Brunello di Montalcino is also stored in huge wooden casks.

Strict regulations apply to the production of Brunello di Montalcino. The famous Brunello can be enjoyed no earlier than five years after the harvest. Only a minimum aging period of four years in wooden barrels and in bottles gives the red wine its fullness and intensity.

For the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, the commercial release due to the longer aging is only available one year later.

These long aging times, along with the considerable amount of 'handcraft' in production, unfortunately also reflect in the price. You don't just buy it on a whim - at least we didn't, even though it is truly delicious.

The historic center of Montepulciano is best explored on foot, starting from the city gate 'Porta al Prato' in the lower town to the Piazza Grande. However, there are very steep streets leading to the hilltop, which you literally have to climb; it has nothing to do with a leisurely stroll.

The Piazza Grande is also the focal point of the town. In Montepulciano, you can admire impressive Renaissance palaces, craft shops, churches with magnificent facades, and beautiful, interesting interiors.

Notable is the lovely tower and the Gothic facade of the Palazzo Comunale. Across from the town hall is the cathedral, which dates back to the late 16th century.

Below the entrance wall, you can visit the beautiful church of Madonna di San Biagio, a Renaissance work executed by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio. The church is regarded as a significant architectural model that is said to have inspired Michelangelo in his designs for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

In the many streets, there are also several restaurants where you can eat and, above all, enjoy the delicious wine. We, of course, couldn't pass by without having a taste.

After another night, we drove to the nearby town of Montalcino, just a few kilometers away.