Stunning Val d’Orcia and Montalcino’s Hidden Gem: Day Trip

It’s hard to not be extremely excited for a day riding around Val d’Orcia, but this is truly the quintessential experience of Tuscany. The valley, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is one of the most stunning settings in the world, no wonder it is so often associated with romance. We will spend our morning, quietly riding around to some of our favorite spots to take in the scenery.

The distinctive landscape is made up of layers upon layers of endless rolling hills that change shade and color as the sun passes through the day. The aesthetically pleasing network of farms and perfectly organized pastures are broken up by cypress tree framed roads, leading up to jaw dropping villas. The rustic, countryside styled hilltop towns display an ambiance of renaissance architecture and artwork, waiting to be discovered. The natural song of the sky and breeze dances through the air while the clinking of glasses and hushed tones of polite conversation meanders along the cobble stone streets. Did we paint the picture yet? You need see and feel it for yourself.

Stops along the way include the stunning towns of Montichiello and Pienza, along with view points of Monte Amiata (the regions’ extinct volcano), Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, Cipressi di San Quirico, Gladiator Road and other spectacular lookouts upon winding roads, hilltop towns, and colorful valleys. 

We will take a brief stroll through Montichiello, a Tuscan gem, to enjoy the tranquil streets and one of the best panoramic views of Italy. This tiny village displays Val d'Orcia and Tuscany at its best, rustic, peaceful, and charming.

In Pienza, we will explore shops, particularly those with cheese. Pienza is not only famous for its outstanding viewpoints and beautiful architecture, but it is home to one of the best cheeses of Italy, Pecorino di Pienza. This town will be a perfect spot for a little bit of free time and to have a class Tuscan lunch, a panino.

On our way to Montalcino, a few more photo stops along the way. Before wine, a brief stop in the actual town of Montalcino itself to explore some of its shops, perhaps a coffee, and take in the panoramic view. Our main attraction is just a few minutes down the hill. 

When it comes to Sangiovese, Montalcino is the King. The microclimate of Montalcino differs immensely from the surrounding area, so that Sangiovese Grosso, known here as Brunello, thrives into its ultimate expression. The protection of the once active Volcano, Monte Amiata to the South, Apennine mountains to the East, and the Sea Breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast to the west give a strong influence to this famous wine growing region. The natural factors that play into Montalcino make for one of the longest growing seasons in Tuscany, providing Sangiovese the ability to fully mature. Teamed up with an immense variation of soils, wines from Montalcino are packed with explosive flavor, helping to produce one of Italy’s most famous, powerful and age worthy wines.

Although the wines of Montalcino have probably been cultivated for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years, it was not until the 1980’s market boom that there was an increase in both price and quality. There are more than 200 producers in the area, a few of which produce a large majority of the export. While these producers are famous for good reason, it is the small producers with lower yields and extremely high quality that make Brunello di Montalcino what it really is.

There are many remarkable small producers in this region, but we will have the privilege to spend our time with none other than Fabio at La Fornace. The property was once upon a time a furnace in the late 1500’s, before transitioning to a farm for the production of olive oil and grapes in the 1960’s. It has been a family business ever since, producing their first Brunello di Montalcino vintage in 1988. Fabio took over the full management in 1998 and the rest is history!

Fabio will walk us through the vineyards and show us the production of his elegant Brunello. For the tasting, we will experience a Rosso di Montalcino DOC, a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino Origine DOCG, and Riserva di Montalcino DOCG.

This vineyard is situated on an East facing slope of clay and sand, overlooking the Val d’Orcia in the distance. His 4 hectares of land are entirely made up of Sangiovese Grosso, the powerful clone that makes Brunello di Montalcino. With his method of production and use of his terroir, these wines are a gorgeous expression of Montalcino at its very best. Fabio makes four different wines, all different in method and character, but they all exemplify their terroir. Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Origine, and Riserva Brunello di Montalcino. The entire process is done hands on as Fabio himself does the work in the vines, in the cellar, and in the marketing. 

There is something extremely romantic about a traditional style wine being done with every ounce of love and passion from a producer. A tasting with Fabio is always full of laughs as he truly has a one of kind personality.

After finishing up a lovely tasting of some of Italy’s most famous and powerful style of wines, Golden Hour has begun. The two hours leading up to sunset in Val d’Orcia are nothing short of jaw dropping. We will start to make our way back to Montichiello where we will be having our farewell dinner, but first we will stop to enjoy the sunset the right way, with a blanket, a bottle of wine, and some snacks. The last sunset of the trip needs to be done right!

Dinner will be a sad farewell, but your tastebuds will be extremely happy. We are finishing up our Tuscan adventure in style at Ristorante Daria in Monticchiello. This restaurant is tucked away down a side street of the tiny town of Monticchiello. The late and great Daria Cappelli poured her love and charm into this incredible property. Today, the restaurant is run by her daughter, Deborah, and still embodies an atmosphere showcasing the style and flair of Daria. The food is always to die for and the wine list is sensationally extensive. Ristorante Daria personifies comfort, elegance, and authenticity. Get ready to clink glasses and enjoy mouth watering foods one last time!

This day trip is part of our Grand Tour, and Nobile Wines, Organic Vines, and Val d'Orcia's Quintessential Taste, and "Dalla Botte" Tuscan Wine Club adventures. To learn more about these tours, click below!

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