Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a hilltop town in Tuscany, in the province of Siena, well known for its red wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the first Italian wines to receive DOCG status. The historic centre runs along a main street, the Corso, leading up to Piazza Grande, flanked by the Renaissance Palazzo Comunale, the cathedral and the Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi. Numerous wine cellars and shops offer tastings in cool tunnels carved into the tufa rock, often beneath the town's historic palaces. The surrounding countryside, dotted with vineyards and cypress trees, offers classic Tuscan views, particularly from the old town walls. Nearby stands the Church of San Biagio, a freestanding Renaissance building set in the countryside, regarded as an important architectural landmark in the region. The climate is temperate continental, with hot, dry summers that suit the September grape harvest. The town makes a convenient base for exploring the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as neighbouring villages such as Pienza and Montalcino.