Best Wine Tours in Montepulciano: Chosen by a Regular Visitor

This is a curated list of 11 wine tours in and around Montepulciano – from one-hour cellar tastings in the historic centre to half-day vineyard visits by ebike, full producer meet-and-greets, and a meal in the vines at Podere Casanova.

I’ve visited Montepulciano several times, stayed in the town, eaten in its restaurants and drunk more Vino Nobile di Montepulciano than I can accurately account for. 

It’s a wine I keep coming back to – I still order bottles from the winery I visited there for special occasions at home. The tours below reflect what I’d actually look for when choosing how to spend a wine-focused day here.

Vino Nobile is one of the main reason to come to Montepulciano, and most people won’t have heard of it before stepping foot in the town.

It’s made predominantly from Prugnolo Gentile – a local variant of Sangiovese – and has a distinctly softer, more rounded profile than Chianti. 

The clay-limestone and sandy soils around Montepulciano produce a wine with real elegance: cherry, plum, a smooth structure. The lighter Rosso di Montepulciano is the approachable entry point and worth trying too. Most tours here will include both.

3 Top Picks at a Glance

Top Pick: Montepulciano Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour

Montepulciano Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour

Duration: 1 hour

Selling points: Intimate insight into Tuscan winemaking

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11 Wine Tours in Montepulciano: Quick Comparison

11 Wine Tours in Montepulciano

1. Montepulciano Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour

★ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✓ Book now

My top pick for anyone arriving in Montepulciano and wanting to understand the wine quickly, without losing a full day to it. 

This is a one-hour cellar tour and tasting in Via Ricci – one of the main streets of the historic centre – which means you can slot it into a morning or afternoon without rearranging your whole itinerary. 

The cellar itself is the draw: Slavonian oak barrels aging Vino Nobile alongside French oak counterparts, set in tufa stone that dates the place more convincingly than any tasting note could. 

You taste five wines – DOC and DOCG – with pecorino, bruschetta and crostini. At 4.9 stars across a solid review base, this is the most consistently praised tour on the list. 

I’d recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time who wants a proper introduction to the wines before exploring the town.

Reviews:

“Splendid tour. The wine cellar was spectacular with so many various sizes of barrels. This ancient cellar was amazing. The wine tasting and exploration of each by our guide was excellent. Lasted 1.5 hours to 2 hours start to finish. Excellent local wine.” – GetYourGuide traveler

Read more reviews here.

2. Wine Tour Ebike Experience

★ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✓ Book now

I chose this one because Montepulciano’s position on a rocky outcrop means the surrounding Nobile wine route – all rolling hills, vineyard tracks and views of the Val d’Orcia below – is best experienced in motion rather than through a cellar window. 

Five hours on an electric bike, two winery stops with tastings, lunch included, private group. 

The ebike takes the sting out of the hills so you can actually enjoy the ride rather than just surviving it. One previous guest described it as being “out of a movie set” – which, from the Val d’Orcia countryside, is not an exaggeration. 

I’d point this at active travellers and couples who want the wine experience to feel earned rather than just walked into. Not suitable for anyone with back problems.

Reviews:

“Amazing. Rolling hills, small bed-and-breakfasts, wineries, mountains with endless vines… it was out of a movie set. Both of our wine tasting experiences were phenomenal. Our guide Pierre was outstanding. Worth every penny.” – Georgina_M, Oct 2023

Read more reviews here.

3. Montepulciano: Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Typical Winery

★ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✓ Book now

I included this because it combines the cellar tour with a proper Tuscan lunch, which changes the pace of the experience entirely – you’re not in and out in an hour, you’re settling in for something. 

The cellar dates to the 14th century and the tour is led by a professional sommelier. 

You taste four wines including Rosso di Montepulciano DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, then choose between two lunch options: an appetiser with a main course, or an appetiser with two courses. The pasta dishes – seasonal, traditional – are made on site. 

I’d recommend this to anyone who wants wine and food together rather than separately, and who has a relaxed afternoon to spend here rather than a tight schedule.

Reviews:

“A really pleasant and interesting experience. In addition to the lunch and the tasting made with excellent products and wines, it was very interesting to learn about the history of the cellar and the winemaking characteristics. Congratulations to the whole team.” – GetYourGuide traveler – Italy, March 22, 2023

Read more reviews here.

4. Montepulciano: Winery Tour and Tasting

★ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✓ Book now

This one earns its place because of the cellar. 

A 16th-century underground space carved into tuff, with vaults and tunnels that have been producing wine on the same site for five hundred years – that context changes how you drink the Nobile that comes out of it. 

A sommelier takes you through four wines with traditional Tuscan appetisers. There’s also a private collection of old wine bottles down there, and an Etruscan tomb within the cellar walls, which is not something most wine tours can claim. Group size goes up to 15. 

I’d recommend this to anyone who is as interested in where the wine is made as in what’s in the glass – it’s the history of the place that sets this one apart.

Reviews:

“The wine cellar and sommelier were fantastic, really knowledgeable about the history of the region’s grapes and the wines produced. It was a great tour!” – Shaun, Australia, September 20, 2023

Read more reviews here.

5. Montepulciano: Historical Cellars Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

★ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✓ Book now

What distinguishes this one from the shorter cellar tours is that it starts at Piazza Grande and takes in the historic centre of Montepulciano before going underground – so you’re getting a proper orientation of the town as well as the wine. 

Two underground cellars, gigantic oak barrels, Vino Nobile DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, 2.5 hours. It frequently runs as a private or near-private experience, which several reviewers flag as making a significant difference to the depth of engagement with the guide. 

I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to understand the town as well as the wine, and who has the time to do both properly rather than rushing either.

Reviews:

“The tour was amazing! It ended up being private and we got a thorough tour of the town along with lots of education about the wine. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we loved seeing the town and getting recommendations for what to do after. Perfect amount of time.” – Maddy, United States, September 14, 2023

Read more reviews here.

6. Montepulciano: Winery Tour & Tasting Experience

★ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 20 minutes | ✓ Book now

Set in the same historic cellar complex at Via Talosa 8, this Viator-listed version of the tour is capped at 15 travellers and runs at multiple times daily – 11am, 3pm and 3.30pm – which makes it the most flexible entry point to that particular cellar. 

An Etruscan tomb sits within the cellars, alongside a private collection of antique bottles. 

Four wines, local products, sommelier-guided. At 4.5 stars it’s well-regarded, and the smaller group ceiling means the experience remains personal. 

I’d use this one specifically if the GetYourGuide version of a similar tour isn’t available at your preferred time – or if you want the Viator booking infrastructure for ease.

Reviews:

“Great experience. Small group tour. Friendly and knowledgeable guide. We learned new things about wines and process but weren’t overloaded with information. All together a great experience.” – Sandy_e, Sep 2023

Read more reviews here.

7. Italian Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in Montepulciano

★ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 15 minutes | ✓ Book now

I included this because it does something none of the other tours on this list do: it takes Montepulciano’s wines and places them in the context of the wider Italian wine canon. 

Nine wines in two hours and fifteen minutes – Vino Nobile, Brunello, Super Tuscan, Chianti Classico, Barolo, Amarone – with a professional sommelier explaining the regional distinctions between each. 

It starts with an aperitif on the terrace at Osteria del Borgo, which I can personally recommend as a restaurant (one of the two I ate at in Montepulciano and would go back to). Five stars and genuinely enthusiastic reviews suggest the sommelier – Tassos, named in several reviews – is exceptional. 

I’d recommend this to serious wine lovers who want to use their time in Montepulciano as an education in Italian wine more broadly, not just the local appellation.

Reviews:

“It was educational, fun and very tasty! I never learned as much about the story behind the wines and the region as during this wine tasting. Tassos is an excellent sommelier and great speaker. I loved every second of this event. They are pet friendly too, also my dog was all ears for Tassos’s stories. Thanks guys for a great afternoon!” – Mandy_V, Oct 2023

Read more reviews here.

8. Montepulciano: Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Typical Winery

★ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes | ✓ Book now

The Viator-listed version of the lunch-and-tasting format, running at 1pm from the Via Talosa cellar complex with a maximum of 15 travellers. 

Four wines with sommelier guidance, choice of two lunch options featuring seasonal Tuscan pasta dishes – lasagna, cannelloni, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro. Vegetarian options available on request. 

At 4.5 stars with consistently warm reviews, the format works well. 

I’d recommend this as a practical alternative to tour 3 for anyone who prefers Viator’s booking system, or whose schedule suits the 1pm slot better than other available times.

Reviews:

“Unique Tuscan experience! The winery below street level was so amazing. Barbara, our guide, was knowledgeable and fun. We enjoyed learning about wine production and tasting the differences. The lasagna lunch was excellent too.” – Susan_Z, May 2023

Read more reviews here.

9. Tour of the Historical Cellars in Montepulciano

★ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes | ✓ Book now

This is a private town and cellar tour starting at Piazza Grande – two underground cellars, Vino Nobile DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, with a guide who runs the tour for your group alone. 

The review from Laura’s tour illustrates why this format works: private attention from a knowledgeable guide changes the quality of conversation you can have about the wines. 

I’d recommend this specifically to people who dislike group tours, and to anyone who wants the cellar visit to feel like a private experience rather than a structured group activity.

Reviews:

“Laura was excellent. Very knowledgeable and a great pleasure to spend time with. We were very fortunate to have a private tour with her and we thoroughly enjoyed her expertise and her company.” – Sarah_T, Oct 2022

Read more reviews here.

10. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Tour – Meet the Producers

★ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes | ✓ Book now

This is the tour I’d choose if I were going back to Montepulciano specifically for the wine rather than as part of a wider itinerary. 

Three and a half hours, two boutique wineries in the countryside outside town – one family-run and intimate, one larger and more professional – with vineyard walks, explanation of winemaking processes and seven wines across the two stops. 

You’re meeting the people who make the wine, not a hired guide explaining someone else’s product, and that matters. 

The review from Ellen captures it well: you hear about the specific challenges of that year, that harvest, those vines.

I’d point this at anyone with a genuine interest in how Vino Nobile is actually produced, who wants access beyond the cellar door.

Reviews:

“Amazing vineyard tours! Each of the producers were different: one was very homey and clearly a family-run vineyard; the other was a bit larger and professional. The tours were amazing and I learned so much about the process and the challenges they faced this year with weather, etc. The food was delicious and the wines amazing. We got to taste 7 wines in total and they were all delicious.” – Ellen_K, Sep 2023

Read more reviews here.

11. Meal with Wine Tasting in the Vineyard of Podere Casanova

★ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 🕰 TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✓ Book now

This is the most atmospheric option on the list and the one I’d book for a special occasion. 

Four hours at Podere Casanova – a guided winery tour followed by a meal served in the vineyard itself, surrounded by vines and views of the Val d’Orcia. The menu features handmade Tuscan dishes: pici with ragout, spaghetti with local sauce. 

Five stars and reviews that consistently mention Sophia, the host, by name – which is usually a reliable indicator that the personal element of the experience is being delivered, not just the product. 

Requires a minimum of six guests and is priced accordingly. 

I’d recommend it to groups or couples who want the wine experience to be the centrepiece of the day rather than an add-on to sightseeing.

Reviews:

“A 10/10 experience of a fabulous Tuscan winery. Our host and guide Sophia was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed learning about the wine making process and then tasting the lovely wines. We enjoyed a meal on the balcony overlooking the winery and the food was sensational. They really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to make our visit memorable.” – Buddy, Sep 2023

Read more reviews here.

What to keep in mind when choosing Montepulciano wine tours

Understanding Montepulciano Wines

When selecting wine tours from Montepulciano, it's crucial to remember the unique character of its wines, setting them apart from other Tuscan varieties like those from Chianti.

The region's flagship, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, crafted predominantly from the Prugnolo Gentile variant of Sangiovese, offers a distinctly softer and more rounded profile than the sharper Sangiovese found in Chianti.

This difference is a direct reflection of Montepulciano's varied terroir, where clay-limestone and sandy soils contribute to a gradual, harmonious grape maturation. As a result, Vino Nobile charms with its balanced notes of cherry and plum, complemented by a smooth, elegant structure.

Also, the lighter Rosso di Montepulciano provides a fruitier, more approachable option. These wines embody the rich history of Montepulciano, tracing back to Etruscan times and revered by Italian royalty.

Understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your wine tour experience, offering a deeper appreciation of Montepulciano's distinctive wine legacy.

Tour Duration and Activities

Delve into the details when considering whether you want to experience a Montepulciano winery visit, or go wine tasting in the town. These tours vary in duration and activities.

Some of the tours I've included offer immersive cellar visits and deep insights into winemaking traditions.

Others present opportunities for leisurely walks or electric bike rides through picturesque vineyards. Your choice should align with your interests and energy levels.

Physical Accessibility

Keep in mind that not all Montepulciano wine tasting tours are accessible to individuals with mobility challenges. Certain tours may require walking in car-free zones or navigating hilly terrain on bikes.

Ensure the tour you select accommodates your specific needs in terms of physical accessibility. If in doubt, check first with the provider before making your booking.

Group Size

The size of the tour group can significantly impact your experience. Smaller group tours often provide an intimate and personalised atmosphere. In contrast, larger groups can offer a more sociable but less tailored adventure. Consider your preference for group dynamics when reviewing these wine tasting tours in Montepulciano.

Seasonal Considerations

The time of year can add an extra layer of enchantment to your tour. Whether you visit during the vibrant summer or the picturesque autumn, the season can influence your experience.

Witnessing vineyards in full bloom or during the harvest can enhance the tour's charm. Summer will be hot, so make sure to wear attire that is suitable for scorching temperatures!

Food Pairings and Meals

Think about your culinary desires. Some tours emphasise wine tasting exclusively, while others offer the opportunity to savour local Tuscan cuisine. Decide whether you want a tour that focuses solely on wine or one that invites you to indulge in delectable Tuscan fare.

Going wine tasting in Montepulciano: FAQ

1. What is Montepulciano known for in terms of wine?

Montepulciano is renowned for its production of two exceptional red wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano.

Vino Nobile, considered the "noble wine" of Montepulciano, is a robust and aged wine, while Rosso di Montepulciano offers a younger and more approachable taste. Both wines are unique to this region and are a must-try for wine enthusiasts.

2. How do I choose the right Montepulciano wine tour?

Selecting the perfect Montepulciano wine tour depends on your preferences. Consider factors like tour duration, group size, physical accessibility, and the inclusion of activities such as cellar visits or bike rides. Determine whether you want a tour focused solely on wine or one that combines wine tasting with Tuscan cuisine.

3. What should I wear on a Montepulciano wine tour?

Dress comfortably and casually, but it's a good idea to avoid wearing strong perfumes, as they can interfere with the wine tasting experience (you want to be smelling the floral tones of your wine, not your fragrance!).

Depending on the season, bring layers for varying weather conditions, and don't forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for outdoor tours.

4. Is there a best time of year to visit Montepulciano for wine tours?

The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer vibrant vineyard views, while autumn showcases the picturesque harvest season. Each season has its unique charm, so choose the one that resonates with you the most.

5. Do I need to be an expert in wine to enjoy the tours?

No prior wine knowledge is required to enjoy Montepulciano wine tours. These tours are designed for both novices and wine enthusiasts. Professional guides provide insights into the wine-making process, allowing you to appreciate the experience regardless of your expertise.

6. Are reservations required for Montepulciano wine tours?

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking in advance ensures your spot on the tour and allows tour providers to accommodate your preferences, such as dietary restrictions.

7. Are there age restrictions for wine tours in Montepulciano?

Age restrictions may apply, and the legal drinking age in Italy is 18 years. Some tours may allow underage participants if accompanied by an adult. Be sure to check with the tour provider regarding their specific age policies.

Before You Book

Tour 10 - the Vino Nobile producer visit - is my personal pick for anyone who wants to understand the wine rather than just drink it. 

If you're short on time or arriving mid-afternoon, Tour 1 (the one-hour cellar tasting in Via Ricci) is the most efficient way to get properly acquainted with Vino Nobile without rearranging your day. 

And if you're here with a group and want the wine experience to be the occasion itself, Podere Casanova (Tour 11) is the one to book ahead for.

For the wider Montepulciano and Val d'Orcia context:

• For Brunello-focused tours if you're also spending time in Montalcino: Best Brunello Wine Tours
• For how Montepulciano fits into a self-drive Tuscany itinerary: Tuscany Road Trip: Florence, Chianti, Val d'Orcia & Siena by Car
• For wine tours across the Siena region more broadly: Best Wine Tours in Siena, Italy