De' Ricci Cantine Storiche in Montepulciano — Attraction in Unione dei Comuni Valdichiana Senese

Montepulciano, a small medieval village that is famous for its beauty, has the honor of hosting one of the most historic wine cellars in all of Tuscany.

Cantine De’Ricci has a centuries-long history that will captivate any visitor, not just wine aficionados. Entering the cellar lying deep beneath the city of Montepulciano, the first thing you'll see is the imposing underground room with round arches and cross vaults of which are reminiscent of a Roman-Gothic cathedral. The tuffaceous soil in which the cellar is dug, combined with careful ventilation, allows the wine in the cellar to be kept at a constant temperature and humidity all year round.

You can book a tour of Cantine De’Ricci, which comes with a tasting and local products to snack on.

The tour guide explains that the De’Ricci family is very well known in the history of Montepulciano, dating back to 1150. The most interesting part of the story though is that the last remaining family member in the bloodline decided to become a nun. As a result, the family lineage has ended and the cellar/winery was then passed on to another trusted family (the Trabalzini family).

The Trabalzini family recently acquired the Fontecornino estate that's within a 15 minute drive of Montepulciano and turned the estate into the main winery for the production of all their wines, combining the traditional wooden fermentation vats with modern stainless steel tanks.

In addition to the tour of the cellar in Montepulciano, you can also sign up for a 2 hour lunch/tasting that is held at the...

A perfect activity whilst visiting Montepulciano. The town itself has been producing wine since the Etruscan era, with a reputation for its rich reds dating back to the Middle Ages. Montepulciano is world-famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most historic and prestigious wines, and De’ Ricci is one of the most iconic cellars to experience this tradition.

We booked a tour of their breathtaking underground cellar, where we were told all about the history of the brand and their 700-year-old winemaking practices. I found it fascinating to learn not just about the winery itself, but also the deep connection between the town’s culture and its wine heritage. Our tour guide was fantastic – incredibly knowledgeable and engaging – and the cellars themselves were unlike anything you’d see elsewhere in the world.

After the tour, we sat down in an elegant dining room and enjoyed a tasting of 3–6 different wines, beautifully paired with a small plate of antipasto. The wines were outstanding, and the atmosphere made it feel like a truly authentic Tuscan experience.

I really believe this is a wonderful experience for anyone visiting Montepulciano, and would especially recommend it to wine enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in centuries of tradition. An unforgettable winery tour not...

My husband and I had the most incredible time at De'Ricci Cantine, and I must say, it was a truly unforgettable experience. What stood out the most was the family's hands-on approach in ensuring the winery's continued success.

Meeting the passionate grandson, who exuded a genuine love forwinery and it's wines, and we asked him what his favourite wine is and Understandably it was the wine named after his grandfather. His enthusiasm was infectious, and you could see the sparkle in his eye as he shared the family's legacy.

The tasting experience itself was divine. My husband and I opted for the six-wine pairing with a tasting plate that beautifully complemented the wine flavors. Each sip was a journey of taste, and the carefully curated pairings enhanced the entire experience. It was a true sensory delight.

Moreover, the rich history of De'Ricci Cantine added depth to our visit. We found ourselves marveling at the legacy and tradition that has been passed down through generations. It's not just a winery; it's a...