Green turns yellow, dives into orange and explodes into red: autumn dissolves the memory of summer in the brown tones of winter and does so with a color palette that adds a special touch to the territories. This is a special moment to plan a trip to Tuscany: the magic of the foliage, which dresses the villages in warm caramel tones, offers a unique show and is an invitation to visit this splendid land. But autumn is also harvest time, one more reason to carve out an itinerary among vineyards and cellars. If you are looking for ideas, we take you with us on a journey between Montalcino and Montepulciano, to discover the authentic soul of the province of Siena.
From Torrita di Siena to Montalcino passing through Montefollonico
Our trip to Tuscany has a strong chromatic imprint and takes us where the vegetation best expresses its colors: we follow a special path that, in addition to connecting the medieval fortresses of Torrita di Siena and Montefollonico, gives us a dip in nature. The route, in fact, winds for 7 km in the silence of the woods, entering the "Il Tondo" Park, a green area where holm oaks and cypresses follow a particular circular arrangement and frame the fascinating panorama of the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno. Fans of autumnal atmospheres will love walk along the silent tree-lined paths, being surprised by the wildlife: roe deer and pheasants offer unexpected encounters and open a window on the fascinating biodiversity of the forest.
After a full immersion in the vegetation, there is nothing better than a walk to discover the fascinating villages of the area.
Torrita di siena
Ancient feud of the Republic of Siena, Torrita in medieval times played a strategic role of crucial importance in the battles against Florence, Perugia and Montepulciano for dominance over the Valdichiana. The village still preserves the layout of the access gates to the city intact and in the richness of its artistic heritage it still shows today the important role it has played in past centuries. Those who arrive here for the first time will be enchanted by the timeless atmosphere that you breathe and by the magnificence of sacred buildings such as the Church of Santa Flora and Lucilla, the Collegiate Church of Santi Martino and Costanzo and the Oratory of the Madonna delle Nevi, considered a miniature Sistine Chapel.
Montefollonico
Our autumn journey in the heart of the Valdichiana continues towards Montefollonico, a small village perched on a hill between Torrita, Montepulciano and Pienza. From its privileged position it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view over the Val d'Orcia. The structure of the village, faithfully anchored to the medieval layout, dates back to the sixth century, when the first inhabitants of the area moved to the hills in search of protection. Historically linked to the processing and dyeing of wool, Montefollonico is today a town to be discovered: outside the traditional tourist circuits, it reserves for visitors small artistic treasures such as the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Church of San Leonardo and the Palazzo di Giustizia.
Tenuta La Poderina: discovering Brunello
Those who choose to visit the province of Siena starting from Torrita and Montefollonico also have privileged access to the spectacular landscapes of the Val D'Orcia, that's why to complete the itinerary with a dip in the wine tradition of the territory there is nothing more engaging than a stop at Tenuta La Poderina. Here, in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, this charming cellar offers the opportunity to stay in one of the two small apartments available to visitors and to taste an excellence of Tuscan wines: the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, which in the estate is also produced with the label “Poggio Abate Brunello di Montalcino Riserva". Those who arrive at Poderina have the opportunity not only to discover the production of this fine wine, but also to taste it in pairing with local cheeses and cured meats. Among the proposals not to be missed during a stop in the cellar there are also the "Rosso di Montalcino DOC" and the "Moscadello di Montalcino DOC". The estate is also perfect for a vineyards tour with off-road vehicle, a fun way to get to know the native Tuscan vines and to enjoy the spectacle of the foliage that here gives a truly unique experience.
Chianciano Terme and Montepulciano, between wellness and Vino Nobile
Those who love trekking, but do not want to give up the pleasure of a relaxing mini-holiday, will find the perfect combination along the route that winds through the woods around Chianciano Terme: here, along Via della Foresta up to the Convento dei Cappuccini "La Maddalena" you can immerse yourself in nature and admire the magic of the leaves that change color. The 22-hectare forest that surrounds the religious structure, in fact, offers an unforgettable naturalistic experience: Turkey oaks, oaks, holm oaks, firs and cypresses are some of the tree species that mark the path, framing some very suggestive panoramic points. From here you can admire the splendor of the Val d'Orcia by glimpsing Montepulciano with its lakes in the distance.
A break at the spa
After a lot of walking, the moment of well-deserved rest also arrives: a little healthy relaxation at the spa is what you need. On this front Chianciano represents a center of the highest level thanks to its waters already known to the Romans and Etruscans for their beneficial properties: Holy water, Fucoli water, Santissima and Sillene water offer a range of treatments ad hoc, while the establishments of Theia and Terme Sensoriali are the ideal solution to indulge in thermal baths, saunas, mud baths and aromatherapy and music therapy sessions. A real panacea to treat yourself to a pampering before continuing your itinerary or perhaps to conclude it before making a last stop in Montepulciano: here a dinner based on delicious local dishes accompanied by a good glass of wine will allow you to explore the culture Tuscan winemaking. The perfect location is Fattoria del Cerro, in Acquaviva.
A stop at Fattoria del Cerro
If after a day of trekking and relaxation at the spa you want to enjoy the authentic soul of Tuscany, Fattoria del Cerro is ready to welcome you in one of the 11 rooms of the elegant Relais Villa Grazianella. The historic estate immersed in the vineyards of Prugnolo gentile is the ideal reference point to discover the precious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG which is produced here in the “Riserva DOCG", “Silineo" and “Antica Chiusina" versions. Furthermore, the Fattoria del Cerro production site offers visitors the opportunity to take a guided tour with tasting in the barrel cellar to closely observe all stages of production, but not only: here visitors have the opportunity to get in touch with the rural vocation of the area during an e-bike ride through the vineyards.
Tuscany is a real treasure chest of places, scents and incomparable atmospheres: if you want to observe them under a different light, autumn, with its colors, will conquer you with its golden yellow embrace. Are you ready to go?
