Montalcino: Vertical Tasting

Unique Experience Among Montalcino Vineyards at Villa le Prata

The Montalcino: Vertical Tasting offers a refined look into the world of Tuscan wines, priced at $65 per person for a one-day journey. This tour is perfect for those interested in wine tasting combined with history, as it takes place at a 19th-century villa that dates back to the 1800s.

Located in Tuscany, Italy, the experience is set amidst the picturesque vineyards of Montalcino. It’s a chance to enjoy a small group environment, limited to only 4 participants, ensuring personalized attention from a professional sommelier. While the tour does not include transport, it begins at the charming Villa le Prata, which has been owned by the Losappio family since 1980.

This experience is ideal for wine lovers eager to explore Brunello, CRU, and natural wines, alongside tasting extra virgin olive oil. It’s a rich, land-focused experience that combines history, tradition, and flavor in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Historic Villa and Its Vibrant Surroundings

The tour begins with a visit to the villa, originally built as a hunting lodge for the Count of Vecchi and later used as a summer residence by the Bishops of Montalcino. Today, the villa is a elegant estate that blends historic architecture with modern winemaking facilities.

As you walk along the cypress-lined avenue, surrounded by vineyards, the guides share stories of the villa’s past and details about the vineyards. Inside, the Cantinetta delle Annate offers a cozy space to sample wines while enjoying the villa’s historic ambiance. The setting adds a layer of charm and authenticity to the tasting experience.

The Winemaking Heritage: Brunello, CRU, and Natural Wines

The winery produces a variety of wines, including Brunello, CRU, and natural wine. During the tasting session, you sample three different vintages, giving insight into how climate and aging influence flavor profiles across years.

The tastings include not only wines but also extra virgin olive oil, allowing a food pairing experience that enhances the flavor profiles. The professional sommelier guides you through the characteristics and differences among the vintages, explaining winemaking techniques and vineyard influences.

What Makes the Tasting Special: Multiple Vintages and Olive Oil

A standout feature of this vertical tasting is the opportunity to compare three vintages of the same or different wines, offering a deeper understanding of wine aging and vintage variation. This focus on multiple vintages is particularly valuable for enthusiasts interested in wine development over time.

The extra virgin olive oil tasting complements the wines, giving a taste of local production. This added element provides a well-rounded appreciation of Tuscan land products.

The Logistics: Meeting at Villa le Prata and Small Group Intimacy

The meeting point is Villa le Prata, with no pickup or transport included, so guests should arrange their own transportation. The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer a personalized, unhurried experience.

The tour features live guides speaking both English and Italian, allowing for a rich storytelling experience. It lasts approximately a full day, with a focus on quality over quantity in the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Language Options and Booking Flexibility

The tour is offered in English and Italian, accommodating a diverse range of visitors. With a cancelation policy allowing full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, the booking process offers reassurance for those with changing plans.

The availability depends on the selected date, so checking starting times in advance is recommended. Cancellation is simple, and the small group format guarantees an engaging, personalized environment.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Montalcino

What makes this vertical tasting unique is its combination of historic setting, vineyard visits, and an intimate tasting of multiple vintages. The villa’s history and its connection to land and tradition provide an added layer of authenticity.

Unlike larger, more commercial tours, this experience emphasizes personal interaction with experts and personalized attention. The tasting of three vintages showcases the vineyard’s evolution, making it particularly appealing for wine enthusiasts who want deeper insight.

The Limitations: No Transport and Child Restrictions

A consideration for potential visitors is that transport is not included, meaning guests need to arrange their own travel to Villa le Prata. This might be less convenient for those relying on public transport or staying outside the immediate area.

Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 9 years, making it a more adult-focused experience. The duration and content are geared toward those with a genuine interest in wine and history.

Affordable Luxury with a Focus on Quality

Priced at $65, the tour provides a focused and quality-rich experience in a small group, making it a good value for those seeking personalized wine tasting in Tuscany. The professional sommelier enhances the experience, offering expert insights in an intimate environment.

The inclusion of multiple vintages and EVO oil tasting sets this experience apart from standard wine tours, emphasizing land, tradition, and craftsmanship.

Who Will Enjoy This Montalcino Tour Most

This vertical tasting suits wine amateurs and connoisseurs alike who appreciate history, landscape, and land-based products. It’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed, personalized experience in Tuscany with a focus on Brunello and local oils.

Because of its small group format and historic setting, it’s perfect for travelers seeking authenticity rather than mass-market tours. It’s especially suitable for mature audiences who value a dedicated, quality-focused wine experience.

Final Thoughts on the Montalcino: Vertical Tasting

The Montalcino: Vertical Tasting at Villa le Prata offers a unique glimpse into Tuscan winemaking. The historic villa, vineyard walks, and multiple vintage tastings create a rich, educational, and personalized experience.

While no transport is included and child restrictions apply, the small group size and expert guidance ensure a focused, authentic introduction to Brunello and regional oils.

For those interested in land, history, and wine in Montalcino, this tour delivers a well-rounded and memorable taste of Tuscany’s land-based treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transport included in this tour?
No, guests need to arrange their own transportation to Villa le Prata.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately a full day.

What wines are tasted during the session?
Three different vintages of Brunello, CRU, or natural wines are sampled, along with extra virgin olive oil.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 4 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can children participate in this tour?
No, it is not suitable for children under 9 years.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Italian.

Is the tasting experience suitable for wine amateurs?
Yes, the experience is designed to educate and delight both beginners and more experienced wine enthusiasts.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $65 per person.

How can I cancel the booking?
Full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is at Villa le Prata.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby