Val d'Orcia Food & Wine Tour from Siena: Private Gourmet Day

Summary

Private Wine Tasting & Local Cuisine in Val d'Orcia

You’ll taste real Brunello wines in a family-run cellar, share lunch with locals on their terrace (think homemade pasta and fresh cheese), and soak up those rolling Val d’Orcia views—all without worrying about driving or planning a thing.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air was cool when we pulled up to the small winery just outside Montalcino. Our guide, Matteo, waved us over—he's got that easy way of making you feel like an old friend. Inside the cellar, it smelled faintly of oak barrels and crushed grapes. We wandered between rows of bottles while Matteo explained how Brunello is made—apparently, patience is everything here. The tasting itself? Three reds, each with their own quirks. I liked the second one best—bit of cherry, bit of earthiness. You could tell these folks really care about what they do.

Next stop was a farmhouse tucked behind a row of cypress trees. The owner, Signor Paolo, greeted us at the door with a grin and led us straight to his Balsamic vinegar cellar. He told stories about his father starting the first barrel decades ago—there’s even a faded photo on the wall. Lunch was out on the terrace; you could see all the way to Monte Amiata if you squinted past the olive groves. The pasta was simple but perfect—Paolo’s wife made it that morning—and there was Pecorino cheese so fresh it squeaked between your teeth. Olive oil drizzled over everything, sharp and grassy. Dessert came with a spoonful of Paolo’s oldest vinegar—sweet and tangy at once.

On our way back toward Siena, we stopped wherever caught our eye—a field of poppies here, an old stone chapel there. The light in Val d’Orcia gets golden late in the afternoon; it’s hard not to want to linger for just one more photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine and Gourmet Food Experience

• Visit boutique winery and wine tasting
• Tour Balsamic vinegar cellar
• Enjoy homemade lunch with local products
• Panoramic tour of Val d'Orcia

Top questions

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch at the farmhouse is paid separately on site. It’s worth it for the homemade food and local flavors.

How long does this tour last?

The experience usually takes most of the day—plan for around 7-8 hours including travel time from Siena.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes! Just let us know ahead of time so Paolo’s family can prepare something special for you.

Can we buy wine or products during the tour?

Absolutely—you’ll have chances to purchase wine at the cellar and local products at the farmhouse if you wish.

What’s included

Your private driver picks you up in Siena in an air-conditioned vehicle. Wine tasting at a boutique winery is included. All transport between stops is covered—you just relax and enjoy each bite and sip along the way.