BOLGHERI: Vertical Wine-tasting at Terre del Marchesato

Discover Bolgheri’s Finest Wines with a Vertical Tasting at Terre del Marchesato

The Bolgheri region in Tuscany is renowned for its exceptional wines, and this Vertical Wine-tasting tour at Terre del Marchesato offers a perfect way to explore its rich vinicultural heritage. Priced affordably and lasting 1.5 hours, this experience combines visits to the vineyard and winery with an insightful tasting of four different vintages of either ALDONE (a pure Merlot) or MARCHESALE (a Bolgheri DOC Superiore). The tour is accessible and includes bruschetta topped with their own extra virgin olive oil, making it a well-rounded sensory journey.

Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of vintage evolution, this experience is hosted in English or Italian and is wheelchair accessible. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it offers flexibility for travelers with changing plans. While the tour emphasizes tasting of select vintages, note that vintages may vary depending on availability, which keeps the experience fresh and aligned with the latest harvests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, including vineyard visit, winery tour, and tasting
• Location: Terre del Marchesato, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Highlight: Vertical tasting of 4 vintages of ALDONE or MARCHESALE
• Includes: Guided vineyard and winery tours, tasting of premium wines, and bruschetta with own E.V. oil
• Languages: Conducted in English and Italian
• Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance

Visiting Terre del Marchesato in Bolgheri

The tour begins at the Terre del Marchesato estate in Bolgheri, a region famed for its high-quality wines. The initial step involves a guided tour of the vineyards, lasting 15 minutes, where the guides explain the estate’s history, philosophy, and the influence of the Bolgheri terroir on their grapes.

The vineyard visit offers a clear understanding of how climate, soil, and vine cultivation shape the wines. This part sets the tone for the subsequent tasting, giving context to the vintages that follow. Travelers can expect a friendly and informative guide who shares insights into the estate’s winemaking approach.

Exploring the Cellar: Winemaking Techniques

Following the vineyard visit, the group moves into the winery cellar for another 15-minute guided tour. Here, the focus is on main winemaking methods, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how the estate produces its renowned wines. The cellar tour clarifies how different vintages are crafted and stored, setting expectations before the tasting.

Visitors can observe the wine aging process and learn about the importance of vintage variation. This part of the experience is straightforward and designed to enhance appreciation for each glass poured during the tasting.

Tasting Four Vintages of Bolgheri Wines

The core of the experience is a 1-hour wine tasting in the visitor center. Guests sample four different vintages of either ALDONE or MARCHESALE. The choice between the two depends on the booking preference at the moment, offering either a focus on pure Merlot or a Bolgheri Superiore.

The tasting emphasizes vertical tasting, showcasing how each vintage differs in flavor, aroma, and structure. The wines are accompanied by bruschetta topped with the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil, adding a delightful savory element. This pairing enhances the tasting experience and highlights the estate’s local produce.

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The Experience of a Vertical Tasting

Vertical tasting allows an in-depth look at the evolution of a wine over time. Each vintage reflects unique climate conditions and harvest timings, making this an insightful journey through vintages. Visitors can observe how flavors and aromas develop, providing a deeper understanding of the estate’s craftsmanship.

The vintages served are subject to availability, which keeps the tasting aligned with current stock and recent harvests. The focus on four glasses ensures a manageable pace for the hour-long experience, making it suitable for both wine newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Practicalities and Booking Details

This tour lasts around 1.5 hours and operates with live guides fluent in English and Italian. It is accessible to wheelchair users, making it inclusive for a range of visitors. To secure a spot, travelers can reserve now and pay later, with the flexibility to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before.

Arriving 5 minutes early is recommended to ensure smooth check-in. Note that participants must be 18 years or older to partake in the wine tasting, aligning with legal regulations.

The Charm of Bolgheri’s Wine Heritage

The Bolgheri region has a reputation for producing some of Italy’s most sought-after wines, thanks to its unique terroir. This vertical tasting experience at Terre del Marchesato provides a tangible taste of this reputation. Visitors get to compare vintages side-by-side, appreciating how climate, vintage conditions, and aging influence the final product.

The estate’s focus on local traditions and quality winemaking shines through in every sip. The bruschetta with local extra virgin olive oil adds a genuine Tuscan touch, enriching the tasting with regional flavors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those interested in wine aging and vintage variation. It suits visitors looking for an educational yet relaxed activity that combines vineyard landscapes, wine cellar insights, and tastings. The small group format and guided approach make it perfect for travelers who want an authentic, immersive experience without feeling overwhelmed.

However, it’s important to note that vintages may vary, so those seeking a specific year should check availability ahead of time. Also, while the experience is accessible, it lasts only 1.5 hours, so it’s best for those with a moderate interest in wine.

Final Thoughts on the Bolgheri Vertical Wine Tasting

This tour offers a compact but comprehensive look into Bolgheri’s wine production. The guided vineyard and cellar visits provide context, while the vertical tasting showcases how wines evolve across vintages. The pairing with bruschetta adds a savory touch that complements the wines beautifully.

The friendly staff, flexible booking options, and accessibility make this experience appealing for a wide range of visitors. While vintages vary, the focus on premium local wines and the educational aspect make it a worthwhile addition to any Tuscan itinerary.

Those who enjoy learning about wine, appreciate local Tuscan flavors, and want a short yet rich experience will find this tour satisfying and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to choose between Aldone and Marchesale vintages when booking?
Yes, at the time of booking, you can select whether you’d like a vertical tasting of ALDONE or a Retrospective of MARCHESALE.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is approximately 1.5 hours, including vineyard visit, winery tour, and tasting.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund with no penalty.

What is included in the tasting?
The tasting features 4 different vintages of either ALDONE or MARCHESALE, accompanied by bruschetta with estate-produced extra virgin olive oil.

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