ITALY IS A DREAM
Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life …
—Anna Akhmatova
Tuscany, where culture flourishes, is as renowned for its history, art, architecture and cuisine as its lush vegetation and spectacular vistas. Reachable by plane from all major U.S. cities, this “nation within a nation” is also the epicenter for Italian winemaking, notably the area surrounding the medieval town of Montepulciano.
Montepulciano itself is a compelling site to behold. Founded in the 6th century B.C., this hilltop town boasts medieval houses, travertine palazzos and Baroque churches in its beautiful skyline. It’s a quintessentially enchanting Italian village that overlooks the most scenic wine terroir in all of Italy, as further evidenced by the number of Hollywood films that have been shot within and around the city’s walls.
While the warmth of its people and walkability of its cobblestone streets make it a constant draw for those wanting to visit an Italian medieval village, its reputation as Italy’s leader in food and wine production continues to be a major attraction to all tourists alike. What makes this particular Tuscan town a consistent must-stop destination for any wine enthusiast is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano — namely one of the best and highest-rated red wines in the country. One sip and you’re drinking in the soul of the culture.
YOUR HOME BASE FOR TUSCAN EXPLORATION
While Montepulciano offers plenty, venturing to nearby towns will certainly enhance your Tuscan experience. At the top of this list is Montalcino, a must for wine enthusiasts. Only a 40-minute drive from Montepulciano, this village boasts Tuscany’s most prestigious wine, Brunello, a favorite among serious wine collectors all over the world. Additionally, the famed wine region of Chianti is only 40 miles away. Truly an exploration of Tuscan wine is not complete without a visit to both!
Also nearby are the villages of Piensa (20-minute drive), Siena (53-minute drive) and Cortona (38-minute drive). Each medieval town boasts Tuscan charm, Renaissance art, medieval architecture and stunning vistas of the Val d’Orcia. The ancient hot springs and thermal spas of Bagno Vignoni are also very close (20-minute drive). However, what makes Montepulciano a most strategic location for anyone desiring to experience quintessential Italy is its proximity to Rome (two-hour, 15-minute drive) and Florence (one-hour, 26-minute drive). Unpack your suitcase at Fattoria Svetoni and you’ll be set for a luxury stay that puts you minutes away from the greatest cultural experiences Italy has to offer! Additionally, day trips from Fattoria Svetoni are far more affordable than those offered at resorts in Montalcino and Chianti.
HOW TO GET HERE
Montepulciano is a two-hour drive from Rome. Car service from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or a Rome hotel is available. However, many people prefer the train ride from Rome Termini to the town of Chiusi. Here an associate from Fattoria Svetoni will meet guests at the Chiusi train station and drive them the rest of the journey to Montepulciano (25 minutes). It is not recommended that you take the train to Montepulciano Stazione. Chiusi is on the main train route, and you can avoid local trains that are typically only third class.
Alternatively, you may elect to fly into Florence’s Peretola Airport, which is less than an hour-and-a-half drive from Montepulciano. Car service to the wine resort or car rentals can be arranged for this transport as well.
If you arrive at Fattoria Svetoni and then decide you prefer the independence of self-driving, we’ll happily arrange for a rental car.
For concierge help, contact Patrizia Bombagli at +39-0578-775751.
Tuscany is enchanting year-round!
TRAVEL SEASONS
Tuscany is enchanting year-round, but each season presents its own factors for travelers to consider. Late September through October and April through May offer travelers mild temperatures and lighter crowds. We believe this is the best time to travel to Tuscany. November through February is considered off-season. Hotels and resorts outside of the big cities can be quite empty and some sites and wineries will be closed or have limited hours. Days will be shorter, chilly and possibly wet. Higher temperatures and heavy crowds will be experienced from June through August, but days are long and usually dry.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Montepulciano hosts more than 200 events a year, including spectacular food and wine festivals as well as concerts, agricultural festivals, and musical and theatrical performances that take place in the city’s Piazza Grande. A few of the most notable are:
Anteprimo Vino Nobile (February)
Festival di Pasqua (Easter time)
Cantine Aperte (May)
Giostra del Saracino di San Biagio (June)
Bruscello Poliziano (August)
Bravio del Botti (August)
Christmas Market (Christmastime)
No matter when you visit, encountering cultural experiences unique to Montepulciano is almost a certainty!