Amazing Tuscan countryside and views
by sue_stone
There is no denying that in general, the Tuscan landscape is very picturesque. We thought the most beautiful area of all was the Orcia valley, surrounding Montalcino.
The valley is filled with rolling hills and dales, fruit laden vineyards, farming land and plenty of those lovely tall cypress trees which line driveways and circle homesteads. The loveliest time of day was sunrise, when we gazed out of our hotel room window in awe - a lovely pink sunrise was developing, casting a beautiful light across the valley which was shrouded in mist - just magical.
Later in the day we followed the winding roads through the valley, stopping along the way to take photos of this beautiful part of Tuscany.
Enoteca
by Aurorae
Tuscan wines are world famous, especially the region of Montalcino. There are many wine shops (enoteca) on every corner, including the little town of Montalcino itself. But I'd rather recommend one of the little winaries along the road... For instance, this one:
Enoteca FonTe PeTri
Loc. Fontepetri 46, 53024 Montalcino (SI)
fontepetri@tiscalinet.it
++39 0577 806241
Mozart in the Vineyard
by Callavetta
We passed this sign nearly every day for two weeks, thinking that there must be occasional concerts at this specific winery. It turns out that Paradiso is doing an experiment with Bose. They have placed Bose speakers throughout the vineyards. Apparently they think that if they blast Mozart music out over the vines while the grapes are ripening it will improve the quality of the grapes.
We drove up the steep gravel road to the vines to take a look. Sure enough the speakers are everywhere. But on this afternoon they were silent.
Later we talked to Lorenzo, the winemaker at Le Chiuse and he said that he plays music while the wine is in the oak casks. The vibration, he claims, helps the development of the wine.
Hmmm, Italian vintners.
Visit the beautiful Abbey of San Antimo
by Beausoleil
As you leave Montalcino, you see a beautiful church down the hill. Resist the temptation to drive by and head down the little road to the church. It is the Abbey of San Antimo and is beautiful and peaceful, set in fields of poppies and olives. There are hiking trails and plenty of parking.
The Abbey is open to visitors and some of the services are sung in Gregorian Chant. If you miss it, they do have recordings for sale.
(Click on the little painting to see some photographs of the Abbey.)
Visiting hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and no payment is required to visit the church. Visits are not allowed during religious services but you may attend the services if you like. Check the web site below for hours of services and more information.
Pienza
by sue_stone
Located just 23km from Montalcino is the delightful town of Pienza, which is perched on a hill overlooking the rolling landscape of the Val d'Orcia. This tiny walled town is refreshingly not overrun with big tourist groups and is quiet enough to lose yourself to the stunning scenery surrounding it.
There is not a lot to see here, it is more about its location in one of the most stunning parts of Tuscany. It is a place to stop and sample the creamy, locally made Pecorino cheese and perhaps a glass or Brunello produced in nearby Montalcino.
Take a stroll along the town walls, enjoy the colours of Tuscany and plot your return.
It is an easy day/half day trip from Montalcino. Arriving by car, you will find small parking lots around the edge of the old town. There isn't a huge amount of parking though, so grab whatever you can find. We found a shady, free parking spot about 5 minutes walk from Piazza Dante Alighieri.
For more information, visit my Pienza page.
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Mozart in vigna
The pool!
A lunch stop
Entrance to the Abbey of San Antimo
