A brief guide to the Sienese and Pisan territory, regarding its biodiversity, its historical evidence and its wines.
Soft hills combed by rows of vines, medieval villages perched on ridges overlooking the sea, an incredibly rich gastronomy and an ancient wine making tradition appreciated all over the world. These are the elements that, over the years, have contributed to the extraordinary growth of tourism in Tuscany: a dream destination for Italians and foreigners looking for relaxation in the midst of nature.
Our itinerary to discover this region, its biodiversity and the winemaking excellence that distinguishes it, starts from the surroundings of Pisa and then winds through the Sienese hills that make up the Val d’Orcia and ends in the village of Montalcino.
Stopping in Val di Cornia for Vermentino
History, good wine and outdoor holidays lovers cannot miss a stop in Val di Cornia: an area straddling the provinces of Pisa and Livorno, mainly hilly inland and flat along the coast.
Monterufoli Estate, which was recently reopened after renovations, stands in the Pisan part of this area, deeply linked to Etruscan traditions and culture. The estate is nestled inside a natutal park surrounded by a thousand hectares of uncontaminated nature, secular trees, a myriad of thermal springs and evocative vineyards, from which our Vermentino di Toscana and the iconic red Poggio Miniera are produced. Our guests have the opportunity to visit more than 1030 hectares of land on which the estate extends riding an E-bike, or aboard an off-road vehicle. In fact, in this splendid scenery there are numerous paths that offer scenic beauty and links to the traditions of the territory also rich in minerals.
A tour of the Tuscan cellars between Montepulciano and Pienza
From the province of Pisa we move to Siena to reach the magnificent village of Montepulciano, which rises between the Valdichiana and the Val d’Orcia. Renaissance architecture, monuments and breathtaking views are worthy of a film. This location has inspired internationally renowned movie producers and directors over time. For food and wine lovers it’s inevitable to dedicate time discovering and tasting in the cellars the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, one of the most prestigious wines in the world.
Moving a few kilometers to the west you will find the small village of Pienza which dominates the entire Val d'Orcia and offers its visitors a breathtaking view. Known as the "ideal" city of the Renaissance, it is a creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II, who used his economic possibilities and his influence to transform his humble native village (Corsignano), into what he believed it should be a utopian city and that it should embody the principles and philosophy of the classical age and the great Italian Renaissance.
Fattoria del Cerro is located in a strategic position: it’s close these two medieval villages and close to art cities such as Florence and Siena; and it’s also close to thermal sites such as Chianciano Terme.
The possibility of booking a guided tour in the cellar is also a great way to taste the Vino Nobile DOCG produced on the estate, appreciating its history and characteristics.
Discovering Montalcino and its wine
Twenty kilometers east of Pienza stands the village of Montalcino. Surrounded by medieval walls and dominated by an imposing castle, this town has maintained its integrity since the 16th century. Homeland of Brunello, it is one of the most famous places in Italy for the production of wine. In the area of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, an area known for the particular elegance and balance of the grapes, you can visit La Poderina estate.
Surrounded by an agricultural landscape of great history and beauty that has been listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco since 2004, this location offers to our guests the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the local winemaking tradition by booking a cellar visit and four wines tasting paired with local appetizers.
