Savouring Tuscany: a journey of wine tasting

But it’s not just your eyes that will revel in the richness of our land, which exudes aromas and flavours you won’t find anywhere else. Take, for example, the notes of Tuscany’s great wines, born from sun-kissed rolling hills gently caressed by the most favourable winds.

If you stay at Hotel Ilaria, located in the historic centre of Lucca, you’ll have the opportunity to visit renowned wineries nearby and embark on wine tours with full-bodied aromas that that will stay with you as cherished memories of your trip to Tuscany.

Begin your wine itinerary in the hills surrounding Lucca, where you’ll find the charming village of Montecarlo, a hub of excellent wines. White wines are primarily made from single grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Pinot Blanc. Montecarlo Rosso and Montecarlo Riserva are also crafted under strict production standards, ensuring their exceptional quality, evident in every drop.
Among the most famous wineries is Fattoria del Teso, where you can enjoy a selection of wines accompanied by local products. Another must-visit, in our opinion, is Tenuta del Buonamico, renowned for its excellent sparkling wine produced using the traditional method.

Just a short distance from the Tuscan coast lies the picturesque village of Bolgheri, where the maritime climate plays a vital role in producing some of the region’s finest wines. The vineyards surrounding the town benefit from the refreshing breezes of the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a microclimate that fosters the production of refined wines such as the renowned Bolgheri Reds, made from international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
A visit to one of Bolgheri’s historic wineries, such as the Castello di Bolgheri, offers a tasting experience that beautifully combines the area's natural beauty with its exceptional winemaking tradition.

If you wish to combine natural beauty with excellent wines, we recommend a tour of Val d’Orcia, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique landscape. This area resembles an Impressionist painting, with its enchanting vistas, and is also famed for its full-bodied and aromatic wines.
Val d’Orcia includes the town of Montalcino, one of Tuscany’s most renowned wine-producing areas. Here, the famed Brunello di Montalcino is born, one of the most appreciated Tuscan wines both in Italy and abroad. In Montalcino, be sure to visit Biondi Santi, the winery that, according to tradition, created Brunello di Montalcino as we know – and love – it today. Nearby, discover Podere Le Ripi, a biodynamic winery celebrated for its complex and long-lasting Brunellos.

If you’re planning to visit Siena, make sure to stop first at Monteriggioni, a small medieval village encircled by walls, as if straight out of a fairy tale. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample excellent wines, such as those produced by Fattoria Lornano, a historic estate offering tastings of its Chianti Classico directly in its ancient cellars.
Once in Siena, take the time to explore the medieval historic centre and enjoy a coffee in the iconic Piazza del Campo, the setting of the famous Palio di Siena. Near the city, we suggest a wine tasting at Fattoria dei Barbi, close to Montalcino, one of Tuscany’s oldest wineries, known for producing superb bottles of Brunello.

Last but not least, it’s time for Montepulciano. The characteristic town of Val di Chiana features narrow stone streets and imposing medieval buildings. Here, architectural beauty combines with fabulous views of the surrounding hills, lined with vineyards and olive groves. From these finest local vineyards comes an unforgettable excellence – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a refined and intense red wine that truly embodies the winemaking tradition of the area.
In Montepulciano, visit Cantina Contucci, located in the heart of the town, and taste Vino Nobile directly in the historic underground cellars – it will be an incredible experience.

Book your stay at Hotel Ilaria now and discover the uniqueness of our wines with wine tastings at Tuscany’s most renowned wineries.