Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

3 hours

Florence Tours: Food and Wine Tours

Lunch and Wine Tasting at Cantine de' Ricci and Visit to Montepulciano

 

Indulging in the Tastes and Sights of Tuscany

Embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of Tuscany with Your Own Italy’s “Lunch and Wine Tasting at Cantine de’ Ricci and Visit to Montepulciano.” This immersive experience combines the culinary richness of Tuscany with the historical and architectural beauty of Montepulciano, a town famed for its Renaissance buildings and exquisite wines. Begin your adventure at the historic Cantine de’ Ricci, a prestigious winery nestled in the ancient cellars beneath Montepulciano, for an exclusive wine tasting and gourmet lunch. Then, explore the charming streets of Montepulciano, where breathtaking views and architectural wonders await.

Indulging in the Tastes and Sights of Tuscany

Cantine de’ Ricci Wine Tasting: Your Tuscan experience starts with a visit to the Cantine de’ Ricci, an iconic winery known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Discover the extensive underground cellars carved out of tufa rock, where the wine ages to perfection. During the wine tasting, savor the depth and complexity of the Vino Nobile and other selections, guided by an expert sommelier who will share insights into the winemaking process and the characteristics that define this celebrated wine.

Gourmet Lunch at Cantine de’ Ricci: Following the tasting, enjoy a meticulously prepared lunch featuring Tuscan specialties. Each course is paired with wines from Cantine de’ Ricci, enhancing the flavors and providing a deeper understanding of food and wine pairing principles. This meal is not only a culinary delight but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Tuscan gastronomic culture.

Explore Montepulciano: After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through Montepulciano, renowned for its stately Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, and stunning panoramas of the Tuscan countryside and Val d’Orcia. Visit key landmarks such as the Piazza Grande, the heart of the town, and the Tempio di San Biagio, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Enjoy the blend of art, history, and the vibrant local life that makes Montepulciano a jewel of Tuscany.

Your Own Italy: A Taste of Tuscany’s Finest

Your Own Italy’s “Lunch and Wine Tasting at Cantine de’ Ricci and Visit to Montepulciano” offers an exquisite blend of culinary exploration and cultural discovery. Designed for lovers of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and Italian heritage, this tour invites you to experience the essence of Tuscany in an intimate and memorable way.

Ready for a Tuscan Adventure?

Are you eager to delve into the heart of Tuscany, exploring its celebrated wines, delectable cuisine, and historic towns? Contact Your Own Italy to customize your journey to Cantine de’ Ricci and Montepulciano, and prepare for an unforgettable experience in one of Italy’s most beloved regions.

What's Included

Your journey into the heart of Tuscany begins with a personalized pickup from your accommodations, setting the stage for an unforgettable day at the Estate and Vineyards of Cantine de’ Ricci. This experience combines the rich flavors of local cuisine with the exquisite taste of fine wines, all within the breathtaking landscape of Montepulciano.

Private Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of being picked up by your private driver, ensuring a comfortable journey to the vineyard.
Estate and Vineyard Visit: Discover the beauty and traditions of the Cantine de’ Ricci estate, where you’ll get an insider’s look at the vineyard’s operations and the meticulous process of wine production.
Lunch and Wine Tasting: Relish in a lunch featuring local Tuscan cuisine, perfectly paired with a tasting of 6 wines from the estate. This immersive experience not only tantalizes your taste buds but also deepens your appreciation for the region’s viticulture.
Historic Cellar Tour: Explore the historic cellar in the center of Montepulciano, a testament to the area’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage. This visit offers a unique glimpse into the aging process of wine, surrounded by the ambiance of ancient architecture.
Explore Montepulciano: After the cellar visit, take the opportunity to wander through the streets of Montepulciano at your own pace. This medieval town is a treasure trove of Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, and panoramic vistas over the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys.

This day trip offers a comprehensive experience of Tuscany’s rich cultural and enological heritage, set against the backdrop of its stunning landscapes. Enjoy the blend of historical exploration, culinary delight, and the art of winemaking as you journey through this beautiful region.

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Tips for Your Tour

Comfortable Footwear: Prepare for walking through vineyards and cobbled streets with sturdy shoes.
Camera: Capture the stunning views, historic architecture, and memorable moments of your visit.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the Tuscan sun, especially during the vineyard tour.
Stay Hydrated: While wine tasting is a highlight, remember to drink water throughout your adventure to stay hydrated.
Local Purchases: Consider supporting the local economy by purchasing wine or other products directly from the estate or shops in Montepulciano.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Duration Of Tour

Walking Tours last approximately 3 hours unless otherwise specified.
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.