AN AFTERNOON IN MONTEPULCIANO
The crown jewel of the Tuscan region (no points for guessing) is its world class red wines. Yet so many tastings today feel rushed and clinical, an item to check off rather than an experience to truly relish!
I wanted something different, something warm, personal, and rooted in the stories of the people. We started with our research and soon enough stumbled upon just this incredible place!
Perched on a medieval hilltop town of Montepulciano, this vineyard sits at the end of a long beautiful path lined with tall Tuscan cypresses. As you drive into the walkway, the view opens onto a rolling vineyard stretching as far as the eye goes. To the left stands a charming old chateau, with a glass and stone patio. The chateau houses around 12 rooms for guests who want to enjoy a vineyard retreat.
As soon as we stepped out of the car, we realized the air was a heady blend of fruits, flowers and earth. Waiting to greet us was a group of women, gracious and smiling!
Family owned estate run entirely by women from curing the vine rows to the churning in the heart of the cellar.
This vineyard, a vintage family estate now run by two sisters, is tended entirely by women, from the rows of grapes to the heart of the cellar. We began with a tranquil walk through the vines, learning about the ‘grape sleeping season’ before wandering into their compact but fascinating production area. Massive steel vats brimmed with grape slurry in varying stages of becoming wine, powered entirely by women.
This vineyard produces only 5,000 bottles a year, shared exclusively with a select circle of partners and clients and they plan to keep it that way.
After the tour, we settled into the patio for our wine tasting. The chef emerged with their charcuterie board of cheeses, fresh fruits, jams, crackers, and cured meats. We took our seats around an antique chestnut table, its centerpiece adorned with pinecones, candles, and dried blooms.
We had just settled down when one of the sisters holding a bottle of deep red, began to pour. As the ruby liquid shimmered in our glasses, she shared charming anecdotes about being women in the wine industry. One pour led to another, and laughter and stories flowed as easily as the wine.
Aged upto 18 years, the wines are showcased in a cellar wall converted into a living wine chest… aesthetics!
It felt less like a tasting and more like an afternoon among friends, sharing tales about our lives away from India, our love of travel, and the more inexplicable things that connect people across the globe! We asked about staying a night at their beautiful vineyard retreat, only to be told it’s booked months in advance (no surprise there)
When it was finally time to leave, a couple traveling from the Caribbean arrived and joined us for one last toast. As we waved goodbye, we knew we’d be back, not just for the wine, but for the warmth and women who made that afternoon unforgettable!
