Montalcino, in Tuscany, is a must-visit for wine lovers. This small hilltop town produces world-famous Brunello di Montalcino, a robust red wine with a character that speaks of the land, climate, and centuries of tradition. What makes Montalcino stand out isn’t just the wines — it’s the variety of tours available, each offering a different way to experience this region’s rich viticulture. Whether you prefer a family-run winery, a hands-on wine class, or a scenic picnic in the vineyard, there’s something for every style of traveler. We especially love the exclusive vineyard picnic (link here) for its intimate setting and breathtaking views, or the Brunello vertical tasting (link here) for those wanting to taste wines across vintages.
If you’re considering a visit, this guide will help you compare the top wine tours in Montalcino to find the one that matches your taste, budget, and curiosity. Let’s explore what each experience has to offer.
1. Montalcino: Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch
This tour combines a tasting of organic wines with a typical Tuscan lunch in a setting surrounded by vineyards. It’s an ideal choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded experience that includes both wine and local cuisine. The visit starts with exploring a finely renovated cellar, where the staff shows off their passion for natural winemaking. Afterward, you’ll walk through organic vineyards, taking in the sweeping views that make this region so special. The highlight? A hot homemade bread and a platter of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses, served alongside tastings of their organic wines.
Guests love the warm, family-run atmosphere, with many reviews praising the authenticity and personal touch. One reviewer noted, “The lunch is a big highlight, especially with the family helping around, creating a welcoming atmosphere.” The tour lasts from 2 to 6 hours, making it adaptable to your schedule. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience with local flavors and beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s wine and food culture, served in a cozy, family setting. Ideal for lovers of organic wine and rustic meals.
2. MONTALCINO: Wine Tasting with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese
At number 2, this shorter, two-hour tasting focuses on Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, paired with a generous platter of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses. The experience takes place on a beautiful property high in the mountains, giving you not only excellent wines but also a chance to admire the extraordinary landscape. The winery is a small family-owned operation, which means you’ll enjoy a more personal and passionate explanation of what makes Montalcino wines so special.
One guest commented, “The Brunello wines were outstanding along with the charcuterie board,” emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the tasting. The highlight is the chance to taste wine directly from the barrel, giving insight into the aging process and how terroir influences flavor.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a quick, high-quality tasting experience with a focus on Brunello and local charcuterie, in a scenic mountain setting.
3. Exclusive Wine Lesson and Tasting near Montepulciano
For those interested in learning how Tuscan wines are made, this hands-on experience combines a wine and olive oil tasting with an educational component. Led by Paolo, the wine producer and owner, you’ll go through the entire process of making and tasting wines, including the second best rosé in Europe. The tour is a personal journey into the rural lifestyle, where you’ll explore vineyards, walk among frescoed cellars, and learn traditional techniques.
The itinerary includes a guided vineyard walk, a cellar tour, and a food pairing with local cheeses and wines. Guests describe Paolo’s passion and personal stories as a highlight. The intimate setting makes this ideal for wine enthusiasts eager for an educational experience beyond simple tasting.
Bottom Line: If you’re keen to understand the craftsmanship behind Tuscan wines, this personalized guided class offers depth and tradition in a relaxed atmosphere.
4. Discover Brunello Wines
Number 4 on our list is a full-day tour designed to explore boutique wineries, avoiding the crowds often found at larger operations. This tour emphasizes authenticity, with visits to small, family-run wineries that produce exceptional Tuscan products. You’ll taste Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino, and local specialties, all while learning about local traditions.
What sets this apart is the focus on authentic, less commercialized experiences, perfect for travelers who want to see behind the scenes and enjoy local flavors in a relaxed setting. The reviews note the expertise of the staff and the opportunity to enjoy true Tuscany away from tourist hotspots.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those seeking an authentic taste of Montalcino, with intimate visits and genuine local wines.
5. Montalcino: a unique and engaging tour of the Brunello winery
A guided visit that combines art and wine. You’ll tour a winery decorated with frescoes depicting Montalcino’s history and see Brunello barrels up close. There’s also a video projection showing the village’s sounds and images, creating an immersive experience. This tour is unique because it blends cultural storytelling with wine tasting, including Rosso, Brunello, and Riserva.
Guests describe the frescoes and art installations as captivating, and the video presentation adds a modern twist. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate culture alongside their wine. The tour is relatively short, around an hour, making it a great quick overview.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Montalcino’s history, art, and wine in one compact, engaging experience.
6. Montalcino: exclusive vineyard picnic with wine
Imagine enjoying a private picnic in a serene vineyard setting just outside Montalcino. This two-hour experience offers an intimate, elegant atmosphere with views over rolling hills. You’ll relax in the cool shade, tasting local wines and homemade specialties. The experience emphasizes peace and privacy, perfect for a romantic or special occasion.
Guests rave about the breathtaking scenery and personalized service. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a luxurious, laid-back picnic in the Tuscan countryside.
Bottom Line: If a scenic, peaceful vineyard picnic with wine is your idea of a perfect afternoon, this is an excellent choice.
7. Montalcino: Vineyard Picnic with Rosso di Montalcino Wine
This two-hour private picnic combines Tuscan specialties, spectacular views, and Rosso di Montalcino or Brunello in a very intimate setting. You’ll enjoy a homemade picnic basket with local cured meats, cheeses, and fresh bread. The highlight is relaxing while watching the sunset over the valleys, making it ideal for romantic afternoons.
Reviews highlight the personalized experience and the delicious homemade food. It’s best suited for travelers who want a romantic, relaxed experience with beautiful scenery and good wine.
Bottom Line: Romantic and scenic, this picnic is perfect for lovers wanting to combine wine, food, and sunset views.
8. Montalcino: Winery Tour & Brunello Vertical Tasting
This tour offers a deep dive into Brunello with a vertical tasting of four vintages, comparing how climate and aging affect flavor. The winery tour includes visits through vineyards and the vaulted cellar, giving insight into biodynamic practices and sustainable farming.
Guests say the comparison of vintages is a highlight, revealing layers of complexity in each wine. The tour lasts around 45 to 105 minutes, fitting into a half-day schedule. It’s ideal for wine geeks eager to understand terroir and vintage differences.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want to taste multiple vintages and learn about wine aging and sustainable practices.
9. Tenute Silvio Nardi: wine tour of 30 years of Brunello
This private two-hour tour highlights 30 years of Brunello production, including visits to vineyards and aging cellars. You’ll taste seven wines, each showing the evolution of the style over three decades. The underground cellar is a highlight, with its biodiversity and historic vats.
The reviews note the magnificent setting and wines. It’s ideal for serious wine lovers interested in history and the progression of Brunello.
Bottom Line: An excellent opportunity to trace decades of Brunello development in a luxurious, educational setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Montalcino Wine Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time, and interest level. If you want a luxurious, scenic experience, the vineyard picnic (link here) or the Brunello vertical tasting (link here) are excellent options. For those eager to learn and get hands-on, the exclusive wine lesson (link here) offers an educational twist.
Travelers short on time might prefer the short tastings (link here), while culture enthusiasts will enjoy the art and history at the Brunello winery (link here). Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot in these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
The options for wine tours in Montalcino are diverse enough to satisfy every kind of traveler—from those seeking a personal connection with local winemakers to culinary aficionados eager to taste authentic Tuscan cuisine. The vineyard picnic and the vertical tasting stand out as particularly memorable, but the best choice depends on your interests.
If you love learning about wine and history, go for the 30-year Brunello tour. For a romantic escape, the vineyard picnic (link here) is hard to beat. Whatever your preference, plan ahead and book early to enjoy these exceptional experiences in Montalcino.