Brunello and Montepulciano Wine Tour from Cortona

The Brunello and Montepulciano Wine Tour from Cortona offers a full-day exploration of some of Italy’s most celebrated wines against the scenic backdrop of southern Tuscany. Priced at $390.89 per person, this approximately 8-hour experience provides round-trip transportation from Arezzo, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy wine tastings without the hassle of driving. With group discounts and a luxury air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, the tour balances comfort and convenience.

The tour emphasizes visits to two distinguished wineries—one in Montalcino and another in Montepulciano—plus a stop in Pienza for a cheese tasting. The pairing lunch at a historic winery, featuring Tuscan specialties, is a highlight that marries culinary delights with wine tasting. Guided by knowledgeable drivers, who share insights along the way, this tour appeals most to those eager to learn about Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in a relaxed, well-organized setting.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $390.89 per person for roughly 8 hours of Tuscan wine discovery.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes 2 winery visits, wine tastings, lunch, transport, and bottled water.
• Expert Guidance: An English-speaking driver provides commentary and local insights throughout the day.
• Scenic Stops: Highlights include Montalcino, Val d’Orcia, Pienza, and Montepulciano with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Convenience: Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cortona or nearby areas make the day easy and stress-free.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers, fostering an intimate atmosphere.

Departing from Arezzo for a Scenic Drive through Tuscany

The tour begins at 8:30 am, with hotel pick-up arranged for convenience. Once onboard the luxury air-conditioned vehicle, travelers are treated to Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected or share photos during the journey. The driver acts as a guide, sharing stories about the region as the bus navigates the winding roads of Tuscany.

The departure point is flexible, with hotel or nearby pickups available, making this tour accessible for most travelers in the Arezzo and Cortona area. The small group size of up to 8 guests ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.

Visiting the Boutique Winery in Montalcino for Brunello Tasting

Montalcino serves as the first stop, where visitors explore a boutique winery famous for Brunello and Riserva offerings. The 2-hour visit includes a tour and tasting, during which the owners personally introduce the wines. Expect to sample Brunello, Riserva, and Supertuscan varieties. The focus here is on educating about the nuances of big reds from Tuscany.

This winery’s intimate setting offers a personalized tasting, giving an in-depth look at what makes Brunello di Montalcino one of Italy’s top wines. The free admission allows guests to enjoy the experience without additional cost, making it a valued part of the day.

Scenic Drive through Val d’Orcia to a Historic Brunello Winery

Next, the tour takes the group on a spectacular drive through Val d’Orcia, one of Tuscany’s most celebrated landscapes. The second Brunello winery is one of the region’s oldest and most renowned, offering a 2-hour tasting and tour. Guests appreciate the famous vineyards and the fascinating history behind this historic estate.

The visit is included in the tour price, allowing guests to enjoy a second wine tasting in a setting that combines beautiful scenery with quality wines. The drive itself offers plenty of photo opportunities of rolling hills and classical Tuscan vistas.

Exploring Pienza and Tasting Pecorino Cheese

A short stop in Pienza offers a chance to walk around the “pearl” of Val d’Orcia. Visitors can admire the cathedral and the charming city center, known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture.

Of particular note is the cheese tasting, as Pienza is famous for Pecorino. This hour-long visit provides an authentic taste of local cheese varieties, enriching the experience beyond wine. The combination of historical scenery and culinary sampling makes this stop both picturesque and flavorful.

Lunch and Nobile di Montepulciano in a Historic Underground Cellar

The highlight of the afternoon is a 3-hour tasting and lunch at a historic winery in Montepulciano. The underground cellar, built centuries ago, sets a dramatic scene for pairing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with a Tuscan lunch featuring local specialties.

Guests learn about the culture, traditions, and history behind Nobile di Montepulciano in this educational and delicious session. The lunch offers a chance to sample regional dishes while sipping some of Tuscany’s most acclaimed wines.

Transport, Comfort, and Additional Amenities

Throughout the day, travelers benefit from air-conditioned comfort and bottled water, ensuring a pleasant experience despite the summer heat or long drives. The Wi-Fi on board helps with sharing moments or checking messages during transit.

The driver is described as knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall experience with local insights. The small group size contributes to a personalized atmosphere where questions are welcome.

Flexibility and Booking Details

This tour operates with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity, providing peace of mind. The confirmation is received immediately upon booking, and the meeting point is flexible, with hotel pickup and drop-off included within immediate surroundings of Cortona.

The most travelers can participate, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and physical abilities, provided that guests are comfortable with some walking during the stops.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Tuscany

The combination of multiple winery visits, regional sightseeing, and culinary experiences makes this tour a comprehensive way to enjoy Tuscany’s wine heritage. The expert guides and small group setting foster an intimate, informative atmosphere praised consistently in reviews.

The lunch at a historic winery paired with the wine tastings provides excellent value, especially given the full-day duration. The tour’s emphasis on Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ensures a focus on top-tier wines that are highly regarded worldwide.

However, some reviews suggest that wine tastings are generally good but not necessarily exceptional, and knowledge of the driver about wines can vary. Still, the scenic drives, delicious food, and personalized service tend to overshadow these minor points.

Final Thoughts on the Brunello and Montepulciano Wine Tour

This 8-hour guided experience offers a relaxed, educational, and delicious introduction to Tuscan wines. It suits wine enthusiasts and cultural travelers who enjoy scenic drives, authentic food, and intimate tastings.

The small group size and hotel pickup enhance comfort, while the diverse stops—from wineries to Pienza—provide a well-rounded view of the region. Price-wise, it offers good value when considering the all-inclusive nature and quality of experiences.

While some may find the wine tastings basic, the informative guides, stunning landscapes, and culinary highlights make this tour a highly recommended way to spend a day in southern Tuscany.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Brunello and Montepulciano Wine Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, beginning at 8:30 am with hotel pickup included.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $390.89, which covers transport, two winery visits, wine tastings, lunch, and bottled water.

Are meals included?
Yes, a pairing lunch at a historic winery is included, featuring Tuscan specialties and wines.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered for hotels within immediate surroundings of Cortona or the meeting point.

How many wineries are visited?
Visitors explore two wineries—one in Montalcino and another in Montepulciano—plus a stop in Pienza.

What wines are sampled?
The first winery features Brunello, Riserva, and Supertuscan, while the second offers Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of scenic drives, historical sites, and personalized tastings in a small group setting creates an authentic Tuscan experience.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as it is designed to be accessible and comfortable, with hotel pickup and small group size.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Who operates this tour?
It is offered by Forzoni Tours, known for their knowledgeable guides and well-organized experiences.

Where can I find more similar experiences?
Additional Tuscan activities like cooking classes or e-bike tours are available through the same provider or similar operators online.