If you’re looking to turn a simple wine tasting into a genuine, hands-on experience, this tour at Azienda Agricola Nenci offers just that. Set in the lush countryside close to Montepulciano, it’s a chance to connect with real Tuscan land, learn from a passionate producer, and taste wines that are part of the region’s authentic fabric.
What really makes this experience stand out? We love the personal touch of being guided by Paolo himself, the chance to see how true Tuscan wines are made, and the opportunity to sample exclusive products you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, the relaxed, rural setting promises a break from the crowds, ideal for those craving authenticity over commercial gloss.
One consideration? The experience is about two hours long, which is perfect for a quick educational escape, but it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy engaging, small-group activities. If you’re after a deep dive into wine production while savoring local flavors, this tour is a wonderful fit.
This experience suits those eager to learn about wine beyond just drinking, wine lovers wanting a taste of rural Tuscany, and travelers seeking a more intimate, authentic perspective on Tuscan traditions.
Key Points
- Personal Connection: Guided by Paolo, the owner and winemaker himself, ensuring an authentic, passionate experience.
- Exclusive Products: Sampling wines and olive oils that are only available through the winery’s tastings.
- Hands-on Learning: Practical insights into how Tuscan wines are crafted, with direct guidance from an expert.
- Local Flavors: Tasting top-quality wines paired with local cured meats, cheeses, honey, and jams.
- Scenic Setting: Walk through vineyards and explore the land that influences every bottle.
- Value: A comprehensive experience that combines education, tasting, and cultural insight for a reasonable price.
A Close Look at the Experience
Hungry for more Montalcino flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots
The Setting and Welcome
Arriving at Azienda Agricola Nenci feels like stepping into a genuine Tuscan family home. Paolo greets guests warmly, ready to share his love for the land he’s cultivated for years. The location’s combination of rolling vineyards, rustic cellar, and cozy tasting room creates an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts visitors at ease.
Guided Tour of Vineyards and Cellar
Your journey begins with a roughly 40-minute stroll through the vineyards, where you’ll get a sense of the terroir that shapes the wines. Paolo will explain how factors like climate, soil, and tradition influence the grapes’ character. Expect to touch the soil, see the vines up close, and appreciate the landscape’s beauty — a real reminder of how rural life in Tuscany is intertwined with winemaking.
The subsequent 20-minute visit to the wine cellar is where the magic happens behind the scenes. Here, you’ll learn about the aging process and different types of barrels used, gaining insights into how each step impacts flavor. The emphasis is on clarity and practical knowledge; Paolo’s storytelling makes complex topics accessible and engaging.
The Tasting and Food Pairings
After the tour, everyone gathers in a charming, informal tasting room. This is where the experience truly blossoms: tasting five of Nenci’s finest wines, each introduced with a lesson on tasting techniques, aromas, and structure. Reviewers rave that this isn’t just a sip-and-swirl affair but a genuine chance to learn how to taste wine properly.
What sets this apart? Alongside the wines, a generous platter of local cold cuts, cheeses, honey, and jams elevates the tasting. These are carefully selected or produced by the family, echoing the flavors of Valdichiana. Multiple reviews highlight the quality of the food, with one reviewer mentioning the “spectacular” house specialties, making the experience feel both educational and indulgent.
More Great Tours NearbyExclusive and Authentic Focus
The wines offered are exclusive to the company’s tastings, which adds a layer of rarity and value. One reviewer pointed out that Paolo’s blending of old-world tradition with a modern touch results in wines that are both classic and fresh. The second-best rosé in Europe is among the options, providing a special highlight for rosé lovers.
Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Montalcino
- Montalcino: Vineyard Picnic With a Bottle of Wine
- Castiglion Fiorentino: Wine Flight & Charcuterie Board
- Montalcino: Walk of Wine Tour With Vertical Brunello Tasting
- Day Trip to Montalcino With Wine Tasting From Rome
- From Siena: Vip Montalcino, Pienza, and Chianti Wine Tour
- Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle
The Personal Touch
Unlike large commercial wineries, Azienda Agricola Nenci keeps the experience intimate. Paolo’s enthusiasm and storytelling foster a friendly, relaxed environment, making it easy to ask questions and truly connect with the land and craft. The reviews emphasize Paolo’s passion and personalized approach which transforms this from a typical tasting into a memorable, heartfelt experience.
Additional Flexibility
The tour includes a chance to purchase the products tasted at a special price, allowing you to bring home a piece of Tuscany. The tour is available with flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it convenient for spontaneous travel plans or last-minute decisions.
The Practical Side: What You Need to Know
- Duration: Around 2 hours; starting times vary, so check availability.
- Language: Tours are conducted in both English and Italian.
- Pricing: Offers great value considering the guided nature, the tasting of five wines, plus food pairings.
- Includes: Vineyard and cellar tour, five wine tastings, local food platter, and the option to purchase products.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking, camera, credit card, cash, and casual clothes suited for an outdoor environment.
- Group Size: Typically small, fostering a personal, engaging experience.
The Experience Flow
The itinerary includes a scenic walk among the vines, a visit to the wine cellar, and a convivial tasting session with food. While the stops are straightforward, each is thoughtfully designed to deepen your appreciation of Tuscan wine and land.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike more commercialized tastings, this tour emphasizes authenticity and personal connection. The owner’s direct involvement ensures that you’re not just tasting wine but understanding its story, production, and place in Tuscan culture.
The Reviews Confirm the Experience
Claudia describes it as “less of a traditional wine tasting and more of a personal experience,” highlighting Paolo’s storytelling and genuine hospitality. Randal praises Paolo’s blending of old and new, calling it a “genius” touch that elevates the visit beyond expectations. Both reviews underline the value of engaging guides and high-quality products.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a small-group, intimate atmosphere over large winery visits. It suits those who want to understand wine production, enjoy local flavors, and connect with Tuscan traditions. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate personal stories, exclusive products, and relaxed rural settings.
The Sum Up
This wine lesson and tasting near Montepulciano offers far more than a standard wine tasting. It combines educational insights, authentic local flavors, and personal storytelling in a setting that feels warm and genuine. Paolo’s passion shines through in every aspect of the experience, making it a memorable highlight for anyone eager to understand and taste the true essence of Tuscany’s land.
If you’re after an authentic, small-scale experience that values tradition and quality, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to pair learning with the pleasure of tasting top-tier, exclusive wines and local delicacies.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply want a meaningful way to spend a couple of hours amidst Tuscany’s beautiful landscape, this experience is a quiet gem that leaves a lasting impression.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tasting includes lessons on tasting techniques, making it friendly for those new to wine tasting while still being interesting for seasoned enthusiasts.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately two hours, including the vineyard walk, cellar visit, and tasting.
Can I purchase the wines and products I taste?
Yes, there is an opportunity to buy the wines, olive oils, and other products at a special price after the tasting.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through vineyards and cellar visits. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is best.
Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the tour is available in both English and Italian.
What is included in the experience?
The tour includes a guided visit to the vineyards and cellar, tasting of five exclusive wines, and a local food platter with meats, cheeses, honey, and jams.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel schedule.
Are children allowed?
While not explicitly stated, the experience focuses on wine and food; minors might be permitted but should be checked with the provider.
Is transportation included?
Transportation is not provided; you’ll need to arrange your own travel to Azienda Agricola Nenci, which is located near Montepulciano.
This tour offers a genuine slice of Tuscan rural life, perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, intimate connection with the land, wine, and local culture.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Montalcino
- Montalcino: Vinyard Tour with Vertical Brunello Tasting
- Seggiano: Guided Tour of the Olive Grove and Food Tasting
- Montalcino: Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch
- MONTALCINO : Wine Tasting with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese
- Montalcino: Winery Tour & Brunello Vertical Tasting
- Chianciano: Olive Mill Tour with Oil and Food Tasting
More Tours in Montalcino
- Montalcino: Vinyard Tour with Vertical Brunello Tasting
- Seggiano: Guided Tour of the Olive Grove and Food Tasting
- Tenute Silvio Nardi: wine tour of 30 years of Brunello
- Montalcino: a unique and engaging tour of the Brunello winery
- Montalcino: Winery Tour & Brunello Vertical Tasting
- Chianciano: Olive Mill Tour with Oil and Food Tasting
More Tour Reviews in Montalcino
- Montalcino: Vinyard Tour with Vertical Brunello Tasting
- Seggiano: Guided Tour of the Olive Grove and Food Tasting
- Tenute Silvio Nardi: wine tour of 30 years of Brunello
- Montalcino: Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch
- Montalcino: a unique and engaging tour of the Brunello winery
- MONTALCINO : Wine Tasting with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese
Still browsing? Here are more Montalcino experiences we've covered recently
- Montalcino: Vinyard Tour with Vertical Brunello Tasting
- Seggiano: Guided Tour of the Olive Grove and Food Tasting
- Tenute Silvio Nardi: wine tour of 30 years of Brunello
- Montalcino: Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch
- Montalcino: a unique and engaging tour of the Brunello winery
- MONTALCINO : Wine Tasting with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese
- Welcome to Casale del Bosco
- Montalcino: Winery Tour & Brunello Vertical Tasting
- Montalcino: exclusive vineyard picnic with wine
- Chianciano: Olive Mill Tour with Oil and Food Tasting
- Montalcino: Vineyard Picnic with Rosso di Montalcino Wine
- Exclusive Wine Lesson and Tasting near Montepulciano