A Walk Through Montepulciano in Pictures
Our agrtourismo was planted in the midst of a sea of bright, luscious vineyards. Rows and rows of vibrant green vines producing the seductive wines of Montepulciano lined the hills and teased us in the distance. The panorama was so real and appeared so close that I could reach into the sundrenched Tuscan horizon and snap off a juicy Sangiovese berry. This was terrior, and we were lodging in the middle of it. From our balcony, we could get lost for hours just breathing in the fresh country air and the view that until now had only been a dream.
But yet, something was calling us away. Teasing us. Luring us out of our wine induced trance. An ancient voice. The town of Montepulciano stood a mere mile away overlooking our overlook. Protecting us like it has done the surrounding countryside against enemy attacks for centuries. Except our enemy was not the Republic of Siena, but the temptation of a wine coma. We listened to its calling.
Whenever we had an extended downtime during our week long culinary excursion, we became restless even with our perch overlooking the vineyard. We were entranced by Montepulciano and its centuries of history, culture, and gastronomical delights. What past lay behind those ancient walls? What mysteries were found buried in the layers of caves beneath the city? More importantly, what wine cellars would we stumble upon while exploring those caves?
Our driver would drop us at the gates of the city, and we would amble for hours getting lost in the village’s streets, alleyways, and stairways. Stopping in at cheese stops for samples. Savoring a mid-morning snack of gelato. Sipping a cappuccino for a quick pick-me-up. Chasing any sign that read “free wine tasting”, especially if it teased with a tour within the caves. Delighting on a meal of Tuscan fare.
What follows is a photo montage of Montepulciano, the town that is the center of the connoisseur of wine regions. Pour a glass of red wine and enjoy!
Click on any photo to view as a slideshow.
Beautiful. Lovely post. Thank you.
Oh how I love that city. Gorgeous photos, and what a great time you’ve had…wow. Did you go to Montalcino as well? Probably my favorite day trip in Tuscany is going from Montepulciano to Montalcino via Siena. Arrive in Montepulciano the first day, leave for Siena the next in the morning, lunch there, then off to Montalcino…
Yes, we did visit Montalcino but didn’t stay as long as Montepulciano. Our tour went there for an afternoon but it was raining so we didn’t see much. I do prefer the wines of Montalcino and wish our visit was longer and drier.
Great photos. How can you not love that part of the country? I went there my first trip but we did Montalcino, Volterra, and San Gim the 2nd.
How did Montalcino compare? We were so short there and it was raining.
These photos are stunning! It’s the light – there’s a warm glow in all the photos!
I’d credit the camera. I’m not much of a photographer. Thank you though.
Sure thing – good eye!
Now, that’s the way to savor Italy!
Congrats for this captivating experience. The photo reportage is great!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by!
Holy smokes! How did I miss this??? Third picture down on the left side. I stood in exactly that same spot and took the very same picture except the little umbrella thing was closed when I was there. Look at the cover pic on my Facebook page! Sheesh, what a small world. We loved wandering the little alleys and back ways all over that town. Just magical.
Loved it there! I’m not sure which photo you are referring to though as they are randomized.