This was by far one of the best tours we took in Italy. IF you are lucky enough to have Enrico(Elio?) as your guide, you will be regaled with tales and history of the area. He taught us about the unique qualities of the Brunello grape, the very specific growing methods and processes used on the vineyards (organic). The three vineyards shared their reasons for barrel choices and we were treated to gorgeous views of the vineyards and olive groves overlooking the hillsides. We enjoyed the various ‘seasons’ of the wine…some very young and others more mature, and we could, of course purchase our favorites. We had a lovely lunch at one of the vineyards, hosted by it’s rather demonstrative owner.
The actual travel through the region was so picturesque, and we stopped at a medieval Abby to enjoy the gardens and revel in the mystique of its ancient history. Montalcino was a quiet, quaint town nestled in the hills and we roamed the narrow cobblestone streets and climbed the entrance to an ancient fortress, enjoying the rolling scene below. What I’ve learned on these tours is that your guide is the important factor—and ours was AMAZING. His family has a small vineyard in the Chianti region and he shared so many interesting facts about the entire process, peppered with stories of his family and personal life. For a short while, we were all an Italian family, eating and drinking our way through the day.