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There’s a teeny-tiny slice of Tuscany that’s probably been poured into your wine glass before –– Montepulciano.

Besides the fact that Montepulciano is a fab wine, this cute village perched atop a limestone ridge is *also* basically Tuscan perfection.

Sepia-soaked medieval buildings that don’t seem to have changed a bit.

Green gorgeous hills sweeping across the horizon. 

Cypress trees dotting the landscape perfectly, like a painting playing on the brain.

(Or was it just that extra glass of Montepulciano?)

Montepulciano just wines and dines your senses in a whole different way.

Here’s a couple of reasons why we adore this Tuscan town:

Montepulciano’s surrounding towns of Montalcino and Pienza have just as much to offer, but it helps to know how to get around, think about what to call your home base and what to keep on your radar.

montepulciano vista and flowers

montepulciano wine and food

How far is Montalcino from Montepulciano?

Largely renowned for its Brunello wine, Montalcino is another dreamy hilltop town to the west of Montepulciano and is smack dab in the middle of the gorgeous Val D’Orcia.

If you’re thinking about visiting Montalcino from Montepulciano, here’s how to make the trip:

What is Brunello di Montalcino?

Let’s go back to that Brunello wine for a second –– because wine critics often point to this wine as the best in Italy! It’s that good.

So, what’s the big deal?

Let’s start with the vine –– Brunello di Montalcino is made with a Tuscan type of the Sangiovese vine, called Brunello.

Brunello is known for producing wine with an incredibly bold and fruity flavor, high tannin (that’s what makes wine taste “dry”) and high acidity. 

Super high amounts of tannins and acidity are important because that’s what typically extends the lifespan of a wine.

That means that Brunello di Montalcino wines actually reach total perfection a decade or more after they’ve been bottled.

Brunello di Montalcino wines are also DOCG certified, meaning they have a controlled and guaranteed destination of origin –– the EU’s trademark on food whose unique features totally depend on the environment where they’re produced. Wines that have a DOCG label are known for being incredibly reputable and are likely a good pick.

P.S. Want to get a taste of more fab food, wine and sweet sights in Tuscany? Check out our tours in Florence!

montepulciano and montalcino wine and pasta

montepulciano tuscan landscape at sunset

How far is Pienza from Montepulciano?

Known as the perfect Renaissance town, Pienza is squeezed between Montepulciano and Montalcino. Ridiculously romantic (scenes from Romeo and Juliet were filmed here) and obsessed with cheese and wine in equal parts (you’ve gotta try pici con cacio e pepe and see their Festival of Cheese at some point), it’s the perfect middle ground if you want to explore both towns on your trip.

From Montepulciano, here’s how to get to Pienza:

Florence to Montepulciano

After you’ve wrapped up tours in Florence during your stay, Montepulciano is a great day trip from Florence or makes for a nice stopover for a few nights if you’re traveling through Tuscany. 

To get to Montepulciano from Florence:

There’s a couple of ways –– while car or bus is the most straightforward option, here are a couple of suggestions broken down by speed.

montepulciano streets and cypress trees

How we can help you go to Montepulciano

Feel free to borrow our ideas for Montepulciano, share it with your friends, or print it out.

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Want more insider intel on traveling Tuscany? Here you go:

Here are more blog posts too:

Got questions about what to do and see in and around Montepulciano?

Share with us in the comments below!

montepulciano d'Abruzzo

montepulciano streets and cypress trees

6 Responses

  1. Hi Bianca. I spent 2 weeks there in October 2017. Took Italian classes at Il Sasso, perhaps the best Italian Language school in Italy. Montepulciano is a spectacular town. Definitely worth a visit.

    1. Wow Lynda! That sounds like quite the experience. What a magical town to spend your time in, learning a new language!

  2. I was surprised that you did not recommend having a steak dinner at Osteria dell’ Aquacheta. May very well be the best steak I’ve ever had. Quite an experience as the proprietor brings out the cuts of meat to show you before placing on the fire.

    1. Wow Marshall! That is quite a recommendation indeed. Thanks so much for sharing!

  3. Really amazing article. The photos that you shared are truly worth watching. And the information is also helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your memories.

    1. We’re so glad you found the information helpful and the photos inspiring! Thanks for taking the time to share with us 🙂

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