Montepulciano Wine Tour from Florence: Vino Nobile Small-Group Day Trip
Small-Group Montepulciano & Vino Nobile DOCG Wine Tour from Florence (Max 8 Guests · 2 Family Wineries & Tuscan Lunch)
- Duration
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Group
- Small group · 2–8 travelers
- Transport
- A/C minivan included
- Lunch & Tastings
- Seated lunch & wines included
About This Tour
Italy and Wine operates a full-day small-group Montepulciano wine tour from Florence (strictly capped at 8 guests, €280 per person), departing from central Florence (Lungarno Cellini 33) into southern Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG appellation. Led by an English-speaking sommelier and wine tour expert, the itinerary includes guided vineyard and cellar visits at two family-owned Montepulciano estates, tastings of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Riserva, and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, a traditional multi-course Tuscan lunch at a winery, and free time to explore the Renaissance hilltop town of Montepulciano.
Known since 1685 as "the King of All Wines" and awarded Italy’s very first DOCG seal in 1980, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted from at least 70% Sangiovese (locally called Prugnolo Gentile) grown on sandy-clay and marine tufo hillsides between 250 and 600 meters of elevation. By law, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG must age for a minimum of two years (including at least one year in oak casks), while Vino Nobile Riserva requires three years of aging, yielding a velvety Tuscan red with notes of dark cherry, violet, and spice that bridges the aromatic vibrancy of Chianti Classico and the power of Brunello di Montalcino.
Between cellar tastings, gather at the second family estate for a homemade Tuscan lunch featuring local pecorino from neighboring Pienza, cured meats, and hand-rolled pici pasta paired with estate wines. Before returning to Florence, enjoy a scenic walk through Montepulciano’s historic center — from Piazza Grande and its Renaissance palazzi designed by Sangallo and Vignola to panoramic terraces overlooking the Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana.
Highlights
- Visit family-owned wineries producing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Guided tastings of Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano
- Tuscan lunch paired with a curated selection of local wines
- Stroll through Montepulciano's historic center with views of Val d'Orcia
Itinerary
Pickup
Meet your guide at the tour's meeting point and head south into Montepulciano wine country.
First winery — vineyard & tasting
Visit a family-owned winery for a guided tasting of Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano.
Second winery — cellar visit & lunch
Tour the cellars of a second estate, followed by a Tuscan lunch paired with a curated selection of local wines.
Montepulciano old town
Stroll through the Renaissance palaces and alleys of Montepulciano's historic center, with views over the Val d'Orcia.
Return
Drop-off back at the meeting point.
Your Wine Expert Guide
Boutique Family Wineries across Montepulciano
Meeting Point
Lungarno Cellini 33, Florence
Tour Area
Cancellation Policy
| Notice before departure | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 14 days | No charge |
| 48 hours – 14 days | 50% of tour price |
| Less than 48 hours | 80% of tour price |
| No-show | 100% of tour price |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino?
Both are excellent Sangiovese-based DOCG wines from neighboring towns, but Nobile allows a small percentage of other grapes and ages for only 2 years (Brunello requires 5), giving it a softer, more approachable style at a generally lower price.
Will I be sharing the tour with other travelers?
Yes — this is a small-group tour with a maximum of 8 participants, typically a mix of couples, friends and solo travelers. It is a good option if you would rather not book an entire private vehicle.
What happens if it rains?
Wine tastings and lunch take place indoors, so the tour runs as planned rain or shine. Only the outdoor vineyard walk is shortened — your guide adjusts it on the day.
Reviews
★ 5.0 · 6 verified reviews
Christie Artuso
Our Montepulciano wine tour from Florence was one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. Niccolò was an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about sharing Tuscany’s history, culture, and wine traditions. The journey through the Tuscan countryside was as memorable as the wine tastings themselves. We visited welcoming, family-owned wineries in the Montepulciano region, where generations of winemakers have preserved their traditions while producing outstanding wines. Each vineyard offered a unique experience, with authentic hospitality, fascinating family stories, and exceptional local wines. This was much more than a wine tasting tour from Florence: it was a meaningful introduction to the people, culture, history, and traditions of Tuscany. By the end of the day, Niccolò felt more like a friend than a guide. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an authentic Montepulciano wine tour and a truly unforgettable day in Tuscany.
Diane Peschka
We chose this small-group experience to discover Montepulciano and its wines, and it became one of the highlights of our time in Tuscany. Niccolò was an engaging, exceptionally knowledgeable guide, adding context and character to every part of the day. Both wineries were set in beautiful surroundings, and the tastings were genuinely memorable—we enjoyed the wines enough to take a few bottles home from each estate. We also loved our time in Montepulciano itself: exploring the historic center and taking the local shuttle gave us the chance to appreciate corners and views we might otherwise have missed. Relaxed, personal and thoughtfully organized, this is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to experience Tuscany beyond the usual itinerary. We left already hoping to return, perhaps for a longer stay among the hills.
Jeroen Koppenol
We had a wine tasting tour guided by Andrea Colato. First of all, Andrea is really knowledgeable about all the differences in the wine-making. His enthusiasm made our day and tour. Then we experienced the beauty of Tuscany and Montepulciano. The view was breathtaking. Thank you very much / grazie mille!
Pam Bothello
A wonderful tour, and Andrea was the best guide we could have asked for!
David Olsen
Andrea was a wealth of knowledge! Such an amazing experience! We learnt so much, not only about Italian wine but wine in general. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a learning experience with exposure to the some of the best wines of the area.
Keith Kindler
A cancelled Viator booking turned out to be a blessing in disguise — searching for a replacement led us straight to this tour with Andrea. We ended up being the only guests that day, and he gave us his full attention throughout: two well-chosen vineyards, a beautiful lunch, and a walk through Montepulciano itself. Andrea was knowledgeable, easygoing and clearly loves what he does. Highly recommend asking for him if you're exploring this region and its wines.
