There are sooo many options when considering a tour of a vineyard in Tuscany. I'm sure I'll add to this list as time goes on...but here goes:
1. Biondi Santi – Tenuta il Greppo - Montalcino
In 1888, the first Brunello di Montalcino was bottled here. In 1970 the late Franco Biondi Santi took over running the estate from his father Tancredi. He maintained the traditions set down by his father and grandfather, insisting on very low yields of about half the authorised maximum, and was resolutely opposed to the use of barriques to age the wine.
In 2013, Franco Biondi Santi died at the age of 91, leaving his son Jacopo Biondi Santi, the fifth generation, at the helm of one of the world’s most famous wineries. Creating world class wine and then sticking around until 91- I'm a fan of Franco Biondi Santi.
Tenuta Il Greppo is high up in the hills of Montalcino. The ancient, rocky clay, Tuscan galestro, is the best soil to cultivate Sangiovese grapes, and wines here are old school, ageing up to three years in big Slavonian oak casks.
Visiting here is like taking a step into Brunello history. Friendly staff lead guests through the beautiful estate, including the cellar – and by the barrel used to store the world’s first Brunello. The tour concludes with a tasting of current release Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino or, if desired, a more extensive tasting.
Hours and visits: Weekdays, by appointment only. Basic tour and tastings are €15 per person, but can cost more, depending on what you taste. There’s the bonus of being able to buy an incredible selection of vintage bottles that have never left the estate. Currently drinking well are the liquorice- and violet-laden 1985, the balsamic, mineral 2001 Riserva, and the cherry- and cranberry-driven 2007. Villa Greppo 183, 53024 Montalcino. +39 0577 848087;biondisanti.it
2. Contucci Winery - Montepulciano
Owned and managed by the Contucci family, this glimpse in to history can be seen in their historic site and tasted in the Nobile di Montepulciano that it produces. As far back as the Renaissance the Contucci family were cultivating the grape and by 1700 their efforts came to fruition. In fact they were one of the "founding fathers" of Vino Nobile, as is documented in 1773; having a major role in making it world famous: "a noble wine destined for the table of nobles". A bonus is that this estate welcomes tourists all weekdays and holidays.
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