Siena and Montalcino

Montalcino and the DOCG wine region of Brunello are located about 50 Km south of Siena. According to some historians the name of the town comes from the roman goddess Lucina, for others it most likely refers to Mons Ilcinus, that in latin stand for "the mount of the holm oaks", a special variety of oak trees still very common in the area. The production of wine around Montalcino is documented since the Middle Age: the period of the harvest was strictly regulated by the governament. Along the centuries many important visitors had mentioned the high quality of the wines produced in Montalcino. But it's only in the XIX century that farmers begun to experiment with a native grape variety cultivated in the surrounding territory, called Brunello. It was a special variety of Sangiovese. Brunello di Montalcino, originated as delicacy of an elite of wine experts, got its popularity in the second half of the XX century: it was registered as DOC wine in 1966 and it was the first wine to become DOCG in 1980. Since then it has been considered one of the best Italian wines in a worldwide ranking. Our daytrip is a wonderful opportunity to discover and explore the region and the town of Montalcino. Departing early in the morning from our meeting place in Florence we'll be in the Brunello region arond 10:30 am. Our first stop will be in a local family-owned winery where we'll have a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar. An expert winemaker will inform us about the history of the family, with a description of the estate and its wine production. Under his guidance we hope to unveil some of those secrets that made the legend of the Brunello wine! We'll then enjoy a lovely wine tasting, to appreciate their wines and possibly buy them. After this fantastic wine experience, we'll visit the town of Montalcino where we'll have a typical Tuscan lunch at a local restaurant. Back to the car we'll be on our way to Siena. In Siena we'll enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the "secret path" of San Domenico, we'll then stop by at the Santa Caterina Sanctuary, and we'll visit the Duomo and Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala. Following the ancient pilgrims road "Via Francigena" we'll go to Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena where twice a year the famous horse race called "Palio" takes place. In the shell-shaped square we'll see "Torre del Mangia", the city tower, "Palazzo Pubblico", the town hall, and "Fonte Gaia", the marbled fountain sculpted in the XV century by Iacopo della Quercia. On our way back to the car we'll also see Palazzo Tolomei and Palazzo Salimbeni, some of the most prestigious palaces of Siena. We'll be back to Florence around 6pm. Families and kids are more than welcome!