Those who truly love wine aren't satisfied with just the classic tasting experience. They want to uncover the secrets behind the label, understand where that particular wine comes from, and what makes it unique. What better way to do this than by going directly to the source? Tenute del Cerro offers wine enthusiasts a truly unique and adventurous experience: visiting the vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro aboard a 4x4 off-road vehicle. This exclusive off-road tour not only allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape but also discover the secrets of viticulture right in the field.
Emanuele Nardi, the winemaker at Tenute del Cerro, tells us more about the opportunity to take off-road excursions in the splendid Tuscan setting.
Why visit the vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro?
Visiting the vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro is much more than a simple excursion. It is a journey into the most authentic Tuscan winemaking tradition, a region renowned worldwide, especially for its fine wines. Walking among the vines and admiring the breathtaking landscapes of the Tuscan hills is certainly a rejuvenating experience, but doing so aboard an off-road vehicle adds an extra touch of adventure, making it even more memorable. Guided by an expert agronomist, guests have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable moment and explore, from a privileged vantage point, the rows of vines that produce some internationally acclaimed wines. Moreover, this tour allows you to closely observe the various stages of grape cultivation and gain a deeper understanding of the profound connection between the land and its products.
“It is a very interesting and exciting experience, especially for those who are new to the world of wine and want to learn more about it", begins Emanuele Nardi. “The customers 'put on'—metaphorically speaking—the shoes of the agronomist during his usual inspection tour of the vineyards and the state of the vegetation", a rare opportunity. As Nardi explains, “typically, wine tourism focuses on tasting the company's wines, possibly accompanied by a visit to the cellar and a sampling of local products. Often, vineyard visits are conducted quickly and superficially, only when the vineyards are close to the cellar, or it's an experience that isn't even offered".
However, discovering the history and visiting the places where wine is produced is fundamental: “with this experience, we provide the opportunity to delve deeper into this essential part of our work, especially considering that without grapes, wine cannot be produced. Beyond the cellar, it is important to highlight the vineyard and its characteristics. This is particularly true for a company like Tenute del Cerro, which owns over 180 hectares of vineyards".
The vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro: what makes the experience unique
"One of the great virtues of Fattoria del Cerro, recognized by everyone, is the beauty of the landscapes", the winemaker continues. "Every vineyard offers spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside. This is undoubtedly one of the aspects that makes this experience so unforgettable for those who live it". But that's not all, as Nardi explains: "Some of the lands traversed during the experience are particularly rich in fossils. It's not uncommon, therefore, while walking among the vines, to also find fossils of shells because thousands and thousands of years ago, this area was covered by the sea. I think this is a particularly exciting element. Our goal is precisely this: by delving into the origins of the land, we want to excite and bring the guest closer to this wonderful world, to understand why that wine has certain characteristics and not others".
Off-road excursions in Tuscany: all the information for visiting the vineyards
The off-road excursion, which is only available by reservation, lasts approximately one hour and represents an unmissable opportunity for those who want to discover the secrets of viticulture directly in the field, as we have seen. On board sturdy and comfortable vehicles, guided by an experienced agronomist and driver, visitors can explore hidden corners of the vineyards, usually inaccessible to the public, and admire the landscape that unfolds before them. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to learn new details about the life cycle of the vine, cultivation techniques, and the production philosophy of Fattorie del Cerro. "The visit begins by exploring from the lowest cultivation areas up to the highest vineyards, ranging from approximately 230 meters to 430 meters above sea level. This altitude difference may seem small, but in viticulture, it leads to significant differences, with different terrains and exposures".
During the journey, strategic stops will be made to closely observe the varieties of grapes cultivated and to listen to anecdotes and curiosities related to the history of the estate and the vineyards. Guests will be able to see for themselves how the natural environment influences the quality of the grapes and, consequently, the taste of the wines. As the winemaker explains, "at first glance, the vineyards may seem more or less similar. But the extra touch is precisely to take this tour with an experienced person, who allows for an in-depth exploration and analysis of all these differences and subtle variations. For a more complete experience, we recommend taking this tour from spring onwards, until the harvest period. I think the most spectacular time is the last part of the year, between October and November, during the foliage. The plant begins to prepare for the winter dormant phase, the leaves lose chlorophyll – the classic green color – and depending on the variety, they take on a particular color, ranging from the yellow of Sangiovese, which is the basis of great wines like Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, to the intense red of Colorino. It's a special moment."
As Nardi explains, the tours at Tenute del Cerro are customizable according to the needs and desires of the clients. For those interested, at the end of the tour, it's possible to add the option of tasting some of the wines produced, accompanied by local typical products. The visit to the vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro aboard an off-road vehicle is therefore a complete experience that combines adventure, knowledge, and sensory pleasure. It's a unique opportunity to experience the world of wine in an innovative and engaging way, perfect for those who want to enrich their oenological culture and, at the same time, enjoy the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
