Montepulciano

Montepulciano

A compact, walkable hill town defined by medieval lanes, Renaissance piazzas and a reputation for Vino Nobile. Start at Piazza Grande to see the cathedral, palazzi and the fortress; then drop into cellar doors along Via di Gracciano for tastings and tours. The town’s narrow streets open onto long views across the Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana—best enjoyed at sunrise or late afternoon light. Practical pointers: wear solid shoes for steep cobbles, book winery visits in advance, and pair a tasting with local pici pasta or pecorino. Visit in late spring or harvest season for livelier markets and vineyard colour, and plan onward connections to Siena, Florence or local train stations.


Why Visit Montepulciano?

Visit Montepulciano to drink Vino Nobile, walk compact medieval streets and look out over the Val d’Orcia from a true Tuscan hilltop. The town delivers a concentrated mix: Renaissance architecture around Piazza Grande, stone-carved cellars where wine ages for generations, and narrow lanes lined with enoteche and trattorie serving pici and robust local olive oil. Walk up to the Fortezza for sunset views, book a cellar tour to taste directly from the barrel, or time a visit for the Bravio delle Botti in August to see the barrel race. Practical notes: go in spring or autumn for mild light and fewer crowds, reserve tastings ahead, and bring comfortable shoes for steep, cobbled streets.

By law, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano must be at least 70% Sangiovese (locally Prugnolo Gentile) and age a minimum of two years (three for Riserva).

By law, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano must be at least 70% Sangiovese (locally Prugnolo Gentile) and age a minimum of two years (three for Riserva).

Trusted Eateries

Start with where the food tells the story. For reliably excellent pizza and gelato, try Menchetti Montepulciano ; for inventive takes on Tuscan classics in an elegant, atmospheric setting reserve a table at L’Altro Cantuccio Ristorante ; and for warm, family‑run hospitality paired with cellar tours and carefully sourced seasonal dishes, book Il Pozzo Montepulciano . These three spots give a quick, well‑rounded sense of Montepulciano’s dining scene — from informal, flavour‑forward plates to full‑service, local‑ingredient menus. Plan the order: gelato and pizza for a quick, satisfying wander; Il Pozzo for an unhurried evening where service and wine make the meal memorable.

New for 2025: the DOCG introduced a “Pieve” tier with 12 named subzones; the first bottles (vintage 2021) reached the market in February 2025.

New for 2025: the DOCG introduced a “Pieve” tier with 12 named subzones; the first bottles (vintage 2021) reached the market in February 2025.

Wine & Cellar Tours

Montepulciano’s story is poured by the glass. Visit the atmospheric vaults of Ercolani Cellars - “Underground City” and Museum for a guided tasting that pairs history with generous pours; choose the intimate terrace tastings at Chiacchiera Cantina to meet winemakers and sample small, thoughtful selections; and drop into La Vineria di Montepulciano for relaxed, knowledgeable hospitality and a concise regional wine list that’s perfect for a mid‑afternoon stop. These three capture the range — museum‑level immersion, boutique producer warmth, and a friendly wine bar where sampling turns into conversation.

Tastings at the Enoliteca inside Montepulciano’s restored fortress pour 100+ labels daily, over a glass floor that reveals excavated Etruscan and Roman remains beneath.

Tastings at the Enoliteca inside Montepulciano’s restored fortress pour 100+ labels daily, over a glass floor that reveals excavated Etruscan and Roman remains beneath.

Markets & Delis

Stock up like a local. For a one‑stop supermarket with bakery, deli and a solid wine selection visit Conad — practical for picnics and late arrivals. For a convivial deli experience with generous platters and tailored wine pairing recommendations try Alimentari Enoteca Lo Sfizio Fuori le Mura Montepulciano . For neighbourhood essentials and friendly service, head to alimentari la spinella s.a.s. di marites bautista & c. — a compact shop valued by locals. Together they cover everyday supplies, picnic provisions and authentic deli stops when you want to eat well without a formal meal.

The Tempio di San Biagio—Antonio da Sangallo the Elder’s travertine, Greek‑cross masterpiece—was built between 1518 and 1545 just outside the town walls.

The Tempio di San Biagio—Antonio da Sangallo the Elder’s travertine, Greek‑cross masterpiece—was built between 1518 and 1545 just outside the town walls.

Active Tours & Views

If you want movement and fresh air, go straight to two easy booking picks and a top lookout. Rent scooters and cover more ground with Montepulciano Adventure , which keeps the process quick and lets you explore rolling hills at your own pace. For a playful, guided way to discover the town’s hidden corners try Caccia al Tesoro a Montepulciano - Segreti e Magie — it’s great for families and groups. Finish a morning or late afternoon with the panoramic sweep from the Viewpoint on Montepulciano , where benches and stone walls invite you to linger and photograph the patchwork vineyards below.

Montepulciano’s Bravìo delle Botti barrels weigh about 80 kg and are pushed uphill for roughly 1.6 km to the finish in Piazza Grande on the last Sunday of August.

Montepulciano’s Bravìo delle Botti barrels weigh about 80 kg and are pushed uphill for roughly 1.6 km to the finish in Piazza Grande on the last Sunday of August.

Local Flavours & Life

Slow down and taste the everyday pleasures. Pop into buongusto gelateria for carefully made scoops and friendly guidance on flavour choices; browse seasonal produce and artisanal treats at L’ortolano for picnic ingredients or a light lunch; and keep the map handy as you wander montepulciano itself — winding streets, quiet courtyards and panoramic vantage points make simply walking the town one of the best ways to understand it. These three stops are about short, memorable moments: a perfect scoop, fresh produce, and the town that connects them.

A few kilometres east of town, the Lago di Montepulciano Nature Reserve (470 hectares, established 1996) protects one of central Italy’s key wetlands and a major bird‑migration stopover.

A few kilometres east of town, the Lago di Montepulciano Nature Reserve (470 hectares, established 1996) protects one of central Italy’s key wetlands and a major bird‑migration stopover.