Montepulciano wine tasting and lunch: 16th-century cellar

Savor Tuscan flavors where history lingers beneath Montepulciano’s streets

A 1.5-hour wine tasting and lunch class in Montepulciano held in an ancient underground cellar attributed to Etruscan civilization. You taste four local wines—Rosso di Montepulciano and Nobile di Montepulciano among them—guided by a professional sommelier who explains the production methods, then eat a full Tuscan lunch of cold cuts, cheeses and seasonal pasta. English or Italian guide; vegetarian option available.

The Experience

The cellar itself is the first thing you encounter: a 16th-century underground space of vaults and tunnels carved into the stone. A professional sommelier meets you there and walks you through the history of the place and the techniques behind the wines you're about to taste. This is not a rushed tasting—the sommelier explains each wine in depth, focusing on the particularity of the two most important Montepulciano designations, Rosso di Montepulciano DOCG and Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, both known worldwide.

The tasting itself comes with local Tuscan products—cured meats, cheeses—to complement the four wines. Then you move into the lunch portion: a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, followed by a first course that changes with the season (lasagna, cannelloni, ribollita or pappa al pomodoro are typical examples). The whole experience runs 1.5 hours. You can book in English or Italian, and if you eat vegetarian, the operator has an option for that.

The cellar is in the heart of Montepulciano itself, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving. Wheelchairs and people with impaired mobility can access the space. Note that this is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to the nature of the underground setting.

What’s included

• Professional sommelier guide in English or Italian.
• tasting of four local Montepulciano wines.
• local Tuscan snacks paired with the wines.
• full Tuscan lunch with cold cuts, cheeses and seasonal pasta.
• access to the 16th-century underground cellar.
• vegetarian option available.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hidden Experiences

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn how Montepulciano's most famous wines are made while tasting them in the actual cellar where they're stored—the underground setting and the sommelier's explanation of production methods are what turn a tasting into an education. The fixed 1.5-hour slot means you know exactly when you'll finish and can plan the rest of your day around it.

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Top questions

What wines will I taste during this Montepulciano tasting?

You taste four local wines, including Rosso di Montepulciano DOCG and Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. The sommelier explains the production methods and the characteristics of each wine in depth during the tasting.

What's included in the lunch after the wine tasting?

The lunch includes a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, followed by a first course pasta dish that changes seasonally—examples are lasagna, cannelloni, ribollita or pappa al pomodoro. A vegetarian option is available if you need it.

Is the sommelier guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a professional sommelier guide is included. You can choose an English or Italian guide when you book.

How long does the whole experience take?

The wine tasting and lunch together take 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Can I get to the cellar if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

Wheelchairs and people with impaired mobility can access the cellar. However, this experience is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries because of the underground setting with vaults and tunnels.