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Siena and its surroundings are one of the precious areas of wines in Italy: Montepulciano, Brunello and passito can be considered the excellence of red wines not only here but probably in the world. These wines are known all over the world and are also one of the most important point of attraction for the tourists.

Wine tourism is becoming more and more a way to visit a destination in a different way: tailor made experiences that takes you to know Siena and the surroundings as a local and not as a tourist.
So, before talking about a possible itinerary, let's talk about the different wines you can find here.

Wine landscapes in Siena

Brunello di Montalcino. The Italian red wine with increased longevity, together with Barolo, is Brunello di Montalcino, which owes its name to the dark red grapes produced locally.
It's essential to know that Brunello is produced exclusively with Sangiovese grapes and it goes along with dishes of roast meat and game.
Wine remains in the cellar minimum 5 years before being on the market. All Brunello di Montalcino wine is made exclusively from grapes grown on the slopes around Montalcino – a classic Tuscan hilltop village 20 miles (30km) south of Siena. The word Brunello translates roughly as 'little dark one', and is the local vernacular name for Sangiovese Grosso, the large-berried form of Sangiovese which grows in the area. Two of these years must be spent in oak, and the wine must be bottled at least four months prior to commercial release. For information, visit the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino: www.consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it.

Vernaccia is typical of the sunny area of San Gimignano and especially recommended if you taste a vintage wine. This is the first Italian wine to receive the DOC label (now DOCG) and the area of production is very restricted, because it coincides with the town of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers that dot the landscape.

Itineraries around Siena

Montepulciano and Montalcino are two charming boroughs, not so far from one each other. Before taking your way to one of the cellars scattered around the hills, take your time to pass through the Orcia Valley with its dreamy landscapes. In this area you will also visit the Sant'Antimo abbey, lost in the middle of nowhere, among the yellow fields of grain.
San Giminignano, on the other hand, lays in the north of Siena. Volterra is the nearest town you can also visit, if you are planning to go there. Famous for its multiple towers, San Gimignano is built at the top of a hill. Driving along the Volterrana route, you will see it far away with its towers.
Tasting wine is not a simple affair: let yourself be guided by the producers that will explain you all that you need to know about these wines.