Bolgheri: Terre del Marchesato Wine Tasting & Cellar Tour

Summary

Bolgheri’s vineyards, cellar aromas, DOC wines & local stories

You’ll wander through sunlit Bolgheri vineyards with a local guide before stepping into cool cellars at Terre del Marchesato. Taste three DOC Bolgheri wines paired with fresh bread and Tuscan olive oil as stories flow between sips. It’s not just about wine — it’s about slowing down and feeling part of something rooted here.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed pulling up to Terre del Marchesato was the light — that kind of soft gold you only get in the Tuscan countryside. Rows of vines stretched out, just a few minutes from Bolgheri village, and the air smelled like warm earth and something green. Our guide, Francesca (she switched between Italian and English so easily), waved us over with this big smile. She started walking us through the vineyard, stopping every so often to brush her hand along the leaves or point out a cluster of grapes she said would be “magic” in a few months. I tried to imagine what harvest must feel like here — probably noisy, sticky, everyone yelling across the rows.

Inside the winery it was cool and dim, with that faint woody smell you get from old barrels. Francesca told us Terre del Marchesato is one of Bolgheri’s oldest wineries — her pride was obvious when she talked about their DOC Bolgheri wines. There was this moment where she let us touch one of the barrels; it felt rougher than I expected, not polished at all. We laughed when she described how her uncle still insists on tasting every batch himself (“he’s stubborn,” she said). The whole place felt lived-in, not staged for tourists.

Then came the wine tasting — three glasses lined up with slices of bread drizzled in local olive oil. The white (Papeo) was crisp and sort of floral; honestly, I’m no expert but it tasted like summer to me. The reds were deeper — Emilio Primo had this earthy thing going on, while Marchesale (the riserva) was heavier, almost smoky. I tried to say “grazie” properly after my second glass; Francesca grinned and corrected me gently. There was something about sitting there with everyone else quietly sipping that made me feel oddly connected to this patch of Tuscany.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bolgheri winery tour and wine tasting

• Drive to Terre del Marchesato winery
• Visit vineyards
• Tour the winery
• Taste three Bolgheri wines
• Enjoy bread with olive oil

Top questions

How far is Terre del Marchesato from Bolgheri village?

It’s about 3 miles (5 km) from the center of Bolgheri, roughly a 10-minute drive.

What wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste Papeo (DOC Bolgheri Bianco), Emilio Primo (DOC Bolgheri Rosso), and Marchesale (DOC Bolgheri Superiore riserva).

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, both transportation options and the experience are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this winery tour?

Infants and small children can attend in a pram or stroller but must be 18+ to taste wine.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is guided in either Italian or English.

Is food included during the wine tasting?

Bread with extra virgin Tuscan olive oil is served alongside each wine tasting.

How long does the wine tour last?

The winery tour and tasting lasts approximately 75 minutes.

What’s included

Your visit includes a guided walk through Terre del Marchesato’s vineyards near Bolgheri, an insider look at their working cellar, tastings of three DOC Bolgheri wines paired with fresh bread and Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, plus guidance in English or Italian throughout your time there.