Wineries in Montepulciano won’t be hard to come by, as they’re the very backbone of this beloved Tuscan hilltop town.

While the ideal scenario would be to sip and savor at each of them, I’m breaking down some of the top wineries to help maximize your time.

Besides, this will free up room on your Italy itinerary for all of the other wonderful things to do in Montepulciano! So whether you’re going full-on vineyard hopping or sizing up the options, I recommend visiting at least one winery while you’re in town. Speaking of, don’t forget to check out the best wine hotels in Tuscany while you’re at it!

So without further ado, let’s raise a glass to some of the best wineries in Montepulciano!

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One of my favorite fun facts about Italy is that it’s the largest wine exporter in the world, so it’s easy to see why vineyard-hopping is such a popular activity in Montepulciano!

Plus, this wine-focused town is famous for producing some of the best wines across the globe, so it really is a can’t-miss experience when in Tuscany.

While there are a significant number of Montepulciano wineries within city limits, that’s only the beginning of what you’ll find in this incredible region. You’ll also find a bevy of them perched atop Montepulciano’s rolling hills and nestled in the landscapes of Tuscany.

While the region of Tuscany is known for a variety of wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, the most famous variety – and the one we’ll touch on most in this guide – is Nobile di Montepulciano.

Generally regarded as the best wine in Montepulciano, this medium-bodied red is produced from the Sangiovese grape. It’s recognized for its vibrant, fruity aromas of plum, cherry, and strawberry, all of which are accented by subtle spicy and earthly notes.

Avignonesi is one of the most special wineries I’ve visited on my travels (and trust me, I’ve been to quite a few)! Located just over a 5-minute drive from Borgo Tre Rose – one of the loveliest vineyard hotels in Tuscany – this winery is best known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made predominantly from Sangiovese grapes.

The Avignonesi estate was originally founded by the family who bears its name back in 1974. In 2009, it was acquired by Virgine Saverys who built it into the impressive 420+-acre Montepulciano vineyards you see today. Avignonesi is so large, in fact, that you can reach the property by helicopter!

Beyond Avignonesi’s initial beauty, you’ll find a truly unique and special winery that places an emphasis on sustainability and minimal intervention with nature and the ecosystem.

In addition, Avignonesi loves to share its sustainable mission with wine lovers through a variety of tours and classes. My husband and I did the “Tour & Taste” option and loved every minute of it.

During this tour, we visited the La Stella and La Tonda vineyards and got to observe the grapes at various stages of the winemaking process, from the drying room, to the barrel, to their final retirement in the cellar.

The tour concluded with a tasting of four wines, which was an absolute delight!

Plus, we even had the chance to meet the winery’s cutest employee after the tasting! As the staff said, she’s the one who truly runs this place!

In any case, I highly recommend that you join one of the available tours if you make the visit.

Avignonesi offers the following tours and classes:

• Tour & Taste – This is the most popular experience Avignonesi offers. This estate tour runs for approximately 90 minutes and provides an overview of how the winery is run through biodynamic viticulture. It includes a visit to two of the property’s most famous vineyards: La Stella and La Tonda and concludes with a tasting of four wines. Reservations are required.
• The Cellar Door Experience – This casual experience is held in Avignonesi’s wine bar and includes a 2-person lunch platter. Wine is available at an additional fee, whether you choose to enjoy your favorite variety or sample a range of different wines. Walk-ins are gladly accepted and no reservations are required.
• The Grand Experience – This special experience runs for approximately three hours, fusing a seasonal and organic gourmet lunch with a tasting of Avignonesi’s top wines on the winery’s panoramic terrace. It includes a visit to one of the most renowned wine plots in the country as well as the fascinating wine aging cellars. Reservations are required.
• The Cooking Class – Under the guidance of a top winery chef, this class will teach you the ins and outs of preparing a healthy four-course Tuscan meal – all while you’re sipping Avignonesi wine, of course! The class will conclude with a tasting of what you’ve made – including delicious pici pasta – so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Since this tour runs for approximately five hours and thirty minutes (from 9AM – 3:30PM), be sure to set aside time in your schedule for this exciting half-day experience. Reservations are required.
• Private Dinner – Avignonesi is proud to serve as the centerpiece for those special life events, from weddings, to anniversaries, to milestone birthday dinners.

In addition, the property itself is also gorgeous and definitely worth exploring independently after a tour.

Avignonesi closes its doors for the winter season in January and February. Beyond that, the winery is open year-round from March – December.

Avignonesi is located at Via Colonica, 1 53045 Valiano di Montepulciano, SI.

Named after the Ricci family of 1150, Cantina De’ Ricci is a beloved winery located in Montepulciano’s old city. The first barrel from this winery’s cellar dates back to 1337!

Part of the thrill of visiting this iconic winery is the exciting descent you’ll make down the long staircases into the ancient cellar. Here, you’ll get a look behind-the-scenes at the wine as it ages in massive barrels – upwards of 10k liters to be exact – protected by the cellar’s huge vaults. How impressive is that?!

Underneath the impressive vaulted ceilings, wine tours and tastings are provided to curious travelers and history lovers. You can read about the winery’s interesting history here.

In addition to cellar tastings, wine tastings with a view are offered on Palazzo Ricci’s terrace when weather allows.

Beyond the city-centric winery are the countryside vineyards, where the wine process begins.

Cantina De’ Ricci derives its wine from nearly 75 acres of vineyards located across three separate areas in Montepulciano. These are all ideal for cultivation.

There are a number of red and white grape varieties which are used for the different wines you’ll find at Cantina De’ Ricci.

Red grapes include:

• Sangiovese
• Petit Verdot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah

White grapes include: 

• Malvsia
• Grechetto
• Trebbiano

Cantina De’ Ricci is located at Via Ricci, 11, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

There are actually two separate entrances in Montepucliano’s old city: one from Via Ricci and another from Via di Collazzi. Via Ricci (the common entry point) is located near the iconic Piazza Grande, at the highest point of Montepulciano’s old city. From here, you can access the winery from a large brick staircase.

Podere Casanova is more than just one of the best wineries in Montepulciano – it’s actually a winery/farmhouse combination!

Surrounded by enchanting forests, vineyards, and lavender fields, you can enjoy a taste of delicious wine and a taste of country life with an overnight stay!

This 37-acre property was realized by a husband-and-wife team and pays tribute to Giacomo Casanova. While it offers a variety of Tuscan wines, it places a special emphasis on Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the unmistakable stars of the region.

In addition, the peaceful property offers ample opportunities for you to soak in everything the landscape has to offer, from guided tours and tastings, to a romantic dinner, to a relaxing picnic organized by Podere Casanova.

Plus, if you’re interested in exploring beyond the farmhouse, Podere Casanova offers a guided, 4-hour “wine trekking” experience. This tour will take you through the hills and vineyards surrounding the farm cellar for an up-close look at the viticulture. And, since it’s always wise to save the best for last, the tour will conclude with a cellar visit and a wine tasting with a delicious lunch!

Podere Casanova is located at Strada Provinciale 326 Est, n, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

Talosa dates back to 1972 and was started by the Jacorossi family. Its historic cellar and wine shop are located in Montepulciano’s old city, not far from the Piazza Grande.

Wine tastings are held in the impressive historic cellar, located under the Piazza Grande.

You can easily access the cellar through the wine shop entrance on Via Talosa 8.

While touring the cellar, you’ll get a look at the giant barrels that house the winery’s supply of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Here, it’s aged for a period of two years alongside the sister variety, Vino Nobile Riserva, which ages for three. 

In addition, private cellar visits may also be arranged. These include a guided tour of the cellar followed by a sampling of several wines in an exclusive tasting room.

Beyond the wine shop and cellar, Talosa welcomes you to book at stay at their beautiful villa in the Montepulciano countryside.

Here, atop a hill surrounded by vineyards, you can enjoy a relaxing retreat.

Guests of Talosa Villa will receive a 10% discount on E-bike rentals to best explore the beautiful countryside!

Talosa’s historic cellar is located at Via Talosa 8, 53045 Montepulciano SI, about 20 meters from Piazza Grande.

The Poliziano Estate on which the Azienda Agricola Poliziano sits was first established in 1961 by Dino Carletti. This family business is now on its third generation. With humble beginnings of a “mere” 54 acres, this wine estate has blossomed into a whopping 640-acre area in between Montepulciano and Cortona.

Upholding a similar mission to Avignonesi, the wine estate owes its success to its hands-off-the-land approach, allowing nature to run its course with minimal intervention. The focus is on strategically planting (and reassessing and replanting) where there’s optimal soil for the estate’s predominantly Sangiovese grapes.

In addition, solar panels provide power for more than 20% of the winery.

A tour of the winery will be an experience to remember. You’ll discover the process of winemaking from the vine to the cellar and finish with a tasting of the estate’s best wines in the newly-renovated Angelo Ambrogini room.

Poliziano specializes in 6 different wine varieties:

• Poliziano Rossi Di Montepulciano DOC
• Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG
• Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG
• Poliziano “Le Caggiole” Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG
• Poliziano “In Violas” Merlot Cortona DOC
• Poliziano “Le Stanze Del Poliziano” Toscana IGT

Too enamored by the picturesque property to leave? Not to worry! The estate also has a villa for those who wish to spend the night in rural luxury.

Azienda Agricola Poliziano is located at Via Fontago, 1 53045 Montepulciano SI.

Tenuta Vadipiatta is a beautiful example of Tuscan biodiversity.

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This magnificent estate vineyard and winery was originally founded in the 1960s and was later acquired by Giulio Caporali in the 1980s. In 2001, Caporali turned it over to his daughter, Miriam. In 2018, it received its official EU organic certification.

Tenuta Vadipiatta offers the following tours & tastings:

• Wine & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting – This tasting includes 4 Valdipiatta wines paired with Tuscan bread and EVOO.
• Classic Tour & Tasting – This experience includes a tour of the fermentation room and wine-aging cellar followed by a tasting of 4 Valdipiatta wines.
• Flavours of Tuscany – This tour begins with a visit to the wine production facility and aging cellar followed by a tasting of 4 Valdipiatta wines paired with sheep-milk cheeses, cold cuts, and Tuscan bread with EVOO.
• Old Vintages Tasting – This experience begins in the wine cellar for a look at the winemaking process followed by a tasting of three varietals.
• Valdipiatta Experience – This thorough, 90-minute wine cellar and production facility tour will conclude with a tasting of all Tenuta Valdipiatta’s wine production.
• Private Barrel Wine Tasting – For a more exclusive experience, this private tour includes the unique and special opportunity to sample wine right from the source – the barrel!
• Private Winemaking Class – This 2.5-hour experience will cover the ins and outs of the wine production process, including a vineyard visit. For the grand finale, you’ll have the opportunity to sample wines from different oak barrels.
• Yoga & Wine – For a full body-mind-and-soul experience you won’t soon forget, you can practice yoga in nature followed by a wine tasting with this 2.5-hour event.

Tenuta Vadipiatta is located at Via Ciarliana 25, 53045, Montepulciano SI.

Born in the 1980s, Salcheto is one of the most unique and energy-efficient wineries in Montepulciano. Salcheto’s mission is to produce territorial wines in an off-the-grid fashion.

Housed in a 13th-century farmhouse, this sustainable, energy-autonomous winery makes use of everything from solar skylights, to adiabatic irrigation of the roof, to photovoltaic-produced energy. Each of these measures helps to reduce waste and lower the carbon footprint.

Salcheto produces a combination of reds, whites, rosés, and dessert wines. This winery is also the proud recipient of international awards for its spectacular Vino Nobile.

In addition to a wine bar (which is open daily), Salcheto offers cellar tours followed by a tasting.

Alternatively, you can grab a seat at the wine bar and order an à la carte lunch with a tasting.

In addition to the winery, there’s also the Salcheto Winehouse, located in the center of the wine estate. This 6-room farmhouse is available for rent, with rooms offering sweeping countryside views.

The kitchen is open daily from 10AM – 5PM for lunch/brunch.

All guests of the Salcheto Winehouse will receive a complimentary breakfast with their stay.

Salcheto is located at Via Villa Bianca, 15 53045 Montepulciano SI.

The Icario Estate began in 1999 and has since become one of the leading producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Located in between Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia, this 126+-acre winery practices holistic precision farming in an effort to reduce chemical processes on its vineyards.

If you’re interested in a tour or tasting, you’ll have the following options to select from:

• Icario Class Experience (Wine Tastings) – With this classic experience, you’ll receive an introduction to the Icario Winery followed by a sampling of five wines and olive oil. Tastings are available by appointment only.
• Icario Premium Experience (Wine Tours) – Wine tours include a visit to the vineyards and cellar and a lesson from a certified sommelier on winemaking and aging techniques. A tasting of six wines and olive oil will follow. Tours are available upon request.
• Icario Masterpiece Experience (Wine Tours) – Led by an art expert and sommelier, this tour will provide an introduction to the works of international artists on display in the glass-floored art gallery. A tasting of six wines and olive oil will follow. Tours are available upon request.
• Icario Prestige Experience (Icario Wine Lounge Terrace) – This customizable experience can be tailored to meet your individual wishes. It will include a guided tour of the cellar, a tasting of two vintages, a three-course lunch on the wine lounge terrace, and even a bonus gift! Tours are available upon request.

If you don’t want the fun to stop once your tasting/tour is over, you can enjoy a luxurious stay at the Villa Icario, including an infinity pool and concierge service. Rentals are provided on a weekly basis.

Icario is located at Via delle Pietrose, 2 53045 Montepulciano SI.

Founded in 1967 just outside of Greve in Chianti, Carpineto encompasses an impressive five estates throughout Tuscany: Dudda Estate, Montalcino Estate, Montepulciano Estate, Gaville Estate, and Gavorrano Estate.

As we’re specifically focusing on wineries in Montepulciano right now, I’ll exclusively be covering details for the Montepulciano Estate.

That said, you may wish to pay a visit to some of the sister estates, depending on how much time you have in your itinerary.

Carpineto’s Montepulciano Estate covers an impressive 442 acres of land in Tuscany’s desirable Vino di Nobile region. Of the 442 acres, approximately 300 of them are sustainably-farmed vineyards planted predominantly with Sangiovese grapes for Vino di Montepulciano.

In addition, some international varietals are also grown on the estate for the production of Farnito wines.

Beyond the vineyard, the estate is home to an impressive ventilated winery equipped with a solar panel system for improved sustainability as well as a spacious bottle-aging cellar.

Plus, perhaps the most impressive addition is the estate’s wildlife refuge, which is home to migratory birds seeking shelter.

A tour and tasting combination is available at the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Estate. The tour will begin with a brief introduction to the Carpineto mission followed by a walk through the vineyards, the highest density vineyards of their kind in all of Italy!

After the vineyard walk, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the barrel cellar followed by a wine tasting overlooking the cellar.

The tasting will include:

• 1 Dogajolo Bianco
• 3 Carpineto wines
• 1 Super Tuscan

Alternatively, if you’d like to pair your tour and tasting with a picnic, that’s an option as well! The “Merenda Toscana” tour begins in a similar fashion to the traditional tour and tasting, but it’s followed by a picturesque open-air picnic overlooking the vineyards and a lake.

You can review the availability and pricing for each of the tours here.

Carpineto is located at Strada Provinciale della Chiana, 62, 53042 Montepulciano SI.

Fattoria Svetoni – formerly Leopoldina and owned by the Grand Duke of Tuscany – has been producing wine since 1865. With nearly 57 acres of vineyards, a centuries-old cellar, and an elegant wine resort and villa available for rent, you can enjoy the royal Tuscan experience!

While Fattoria Svetoni is most known for its Sangiovese grapes, this farm and winery produces everything from reds, to whites, to rosés.

Fattoria Svetoni offers three tasting options:

1. Visit & Wine Tasting – This classic experience begins with a tour of the production facilites and cellar followed by a tasting of three wines.
2. Svetoni Tasting – This next-tier experience includes a tour of both the vineyards and the cellar followed by a tasting of five wines.
3. Sangiovese Tasting – This ultimate experience includes a full tour of the winery followed by a tasting in the historic cellar paired with fresh local produce.
   

As I mentioned, Fattoria Svetoni is more than just a winery; it’s also an intimate 12-room villa surrounded by gardens (including a vegetable garden), an olive grove, and the vineyard where Fattoria Svetoni is produced. Here, you can enjoy a comfortable stay with a pool surrounded by nature.

In addition, if the idea of a wine resort appeals to you, be sure to check out the most romantic wine hotels in Tuscany so you won’t miss out on the best ones!

Fattoria Svetoni is located at Via Umbria, n. 63, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

Inspired by Greek-Roman mythology – particularly the God of Mercury – Montemercurio opened in 2007 and began selling wine four years later.

Although this winery is relatively new compared to the others on this list, the winery actually has a longer timeline dating back to the 1960s, when the first three hectares (7+ acres) of the vineyard were planted.

Specializing in Vino di Nobile Montepulciano, Montemercurio implements a strict manual harvesting policy to best maintain the integrity of their wines. The winery offers wine tours that incorporate a visit to the vineyards and cellar with a tasting.

Montemercurio is located at Via di Totona, 25, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

La Braccesca Estate was named after the farm that once stood in its place. It’s one of seven impressive estates/properties located throughout Italy.

These estates include: Marchese Antinori Montenisa Estate, Aldobrandesca Farm, The Mortelle, The Braccesa, the Monteloro Estate, Tormaresca, and Prunotto.

La Braccesca encompasses 1255 acres, and vineyards cover 840 of them. The estate is known for its red wines, including Cervognano, Santa Pia, and Gracciano.

Here, you can join a personalized tour through the vineyards and the wine-aging cellar followed by a tasting of the wine.

But wine is only the beginning! La Braccesca is also renowned for its wonderful culinary experiences. In fact, guests will also enjoy a delicious lunch as part of the tasting experience.

Plus, the estate also offers cooking classes where you can learn all of the behind-the-scenes techniques of making pici, the delicious local pasta.

La Braccesa is located at Via Stella di Valiano 10, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

Dating back to 1964, Azienda Agricola Dei Maria Caterina (Cantine Dei) was started by Alibrando Dei in Bossona. In 1991, Alibrando’s daughter, Caterina Dei, took over to continue the mission of protecting Vino Nobile di Montepucliano by respecting the environment in which its produced.

A tour and tasting at Cantine Dei will be an experience to remember. The tour will begin with a descent into the wine cellar for the history of the Dei family. Next, you’ll get an overview of the production process for the estate’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Of course, the grand finale will be the wine tasting!

In addition to the winery, Cantine Dei is home to La Carliana Farmhouse, which consists of three apartments – one inside the main structure and the others within the barn.

A rustic stay here is sure to quench the spirit and round out your Tuscan experience.

Cantine Dei is located at Via di Martiena, 35, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

Podere Le Bèrne is an estate winery and farm founded in 1960 by the Natalini family. With nearly 46 acres of land – and almost 25 of those acres occupied by vines – the estate’s been producing wine since 1995.

Podere Le Bèrne specializes in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, and Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC.

Le Bèrne has been proud to offer an inviting on-site tasting room since 2004. Here, wines can be enjoyed and paired with the winery’s own EVOO.

In addition to wine, Podere Le Bèrne also produces a modest amount of EVOO with a delicate flavor.

Podere Le Bèrne is located at Via di Poggio Golo, 7, 53045 Cervognano SI.

The newest of the wineries in Montepulciano on this list, Metinella opened in 2015.

Spanning nearly 52 acres (almost 45 of which are vineyards), Metinella produces classic wines of the region, including Montepulciano DOCG, DOC, and IGT. In addition, the winery dabbles in a few other lesser-known varieties.

The winery underwent a full restoration in 2016, including a renovation of the cellar and oak barrels, realignment and replanting of the vineyards, and the replacement of several supportive structures.

Metinella offers three distinct wine tours:

1. Allier Tour – This 30-minute experience includes a tasting of 3 wines (one white & two reds).
2. 90-Minute Oak Tour – This guided experience provides a tour of the production facilities, including the vineyard, fermentation room, and aging room. It will conclude with a tasting of three wines paired with cured meats, pecorino cheese, Tuscan bread, and the winery’s own EVOO.
3. 45-Minute Oak Tour (Plus Lunch) – Similar to the 90-minute oak tour, this experience also includes a tour of the production facilities. In addition, it includes a tasting of four wines along with a four-course lunch.

Metinella is located at Via Fontelellera, 21, 53045 Montepulciano SI.

While visiting these Montepulciano wineries independently can be fun, perhaps you’d prefer more of a guided experience on your first visit.

If that’s the case, there are a number of Montepulciano wine tours to choose from. Most of these tours include a visit to Montepulciano’s most historic cellars – and all include the grand finale of a wine tasting!

I hope you’ve enjoyed uncovering some of the best wineries in Montepulciano. Again, visiting at least one winery is a must while you’re in the area!

Have you ever visited one of these vineyards in Montepulciano? If not, which one is calling your name? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more Tuscan countryside inspiration? Check out my other posts on this magical region:

• 25 Most Romantic Wine Hotels in Tuscany
• 20 Awesome Things to Do in Montepulciano
• Breathtaking Landscapes of Tuscany: An Essential Photo Guide
• 20 Best Day Trips from Florence (Within Two Hours)