La Vineria di Montepulciano — Restaurant in Unione dei Comuni Valdichiana Senese

Worst service I’ve ever had. It is my understanding the waiters name was Andre. We confirmed our reservation as soon as we received the email at 2:15. We arrived 10minutes early to La Vineria and to our surprise had given our table away. Andre offers us a the smallest table in the building. When ordering, we wanted to order the special cheese & meats platter for two people (we were a party of 2 people) he strongly advised us to take the platter for 1 person in quite a dismissive manner. The platter arrived and it was clear that the platter would barely suffice for one person. It became apparent that he only advised us to get the smaller platter due to the small size of the table which is highly disappointing. Andre’s behavior was the worst service I’ve had in my life. I’ve worked as a server and a barman in a restaurant in my student time and if I would have behaved like him, the owners would have fired me on the spot (and rightly so)

That said, the food was decent. We ordered two cocktails one Tuscan sprits (very good) and one whiskey sour which in fact was not a whiskey sour. See photo’s

We spend 57 euro on this and we regret every cent and had to look for a different restaurant to actually have dinner. This is a disgrace and I would highly recommend any other restaurant in montepulciano. I can’t speak for their second location, I hope they have better staff.

Reply to answer:

It is astonishing that instead of addressing my concerns professionally, you chose to double down with condescension and personal attacks. Your reply says far more about your establishment than my review ever could.

First, dismissing my experience as “unrealistic” is insulting and dishonest. I arrived early, confirmed my reservation, and was told my table was no longer available. That is not a matter of “expectation,” it is a matter of fact — and an unforgivable failure in hospitality. Hiding behind “management systems” is a flimsy excuse for poor planning and worse execution.

Second, your argument about portions being “subjective” is laughable. Two adults ordered a platter for two and were bullied into ordering for one — not out of culinary wisdom, but because you crammed us onto a table that could barely hold two glasses of water. The result was exactly what I described: a platter insufficient even for one. Spinning this as “quality over quantity” only confirms the arrogance with which you treat your guests.

Third, your defense of Andrea reveals just how deep the problem runs. You write that service is “an art” requiring empathy and adaptability. Exactly. What we experienced was the opposite: dismissiveness, condescension, and a lack of the very basics of hospitality. My background in service means I recognize the difference between personality and professionalism — Andrea showed neither. The fact that you not only defend but celebrate this behavior tells guests everything they need to know about your standards.

Finally, your attempt to belittle me personally (“knowledgeable customers” vs. me, as if I am unqualified to have an opinion) is the clearest sign of all: you do not accept criticism, you attack it. A restaurant that cannot listen to feedback and instead lashes out at its own paying customers has no business lecturing anyone on hospitality.

In the end, your food was passable, but your arrogance — in both service and response — makes La Vineria a place I would urge any traveler to avoid. There are plenty of restaurants in Montepulciano that understand the simple truth you seem to have forgotten:...

I currently live in a small town near Montepulciano and part time in New York. I have eaten Italy from top to bottom and lots in the middle!

La Vineria di Montepulciano is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. The Ercolani family has been a pillar of Montepulciano for decades. Anytime we are in Montepulciano we go immerse ourselves in their incredible food and wine offerings. It’s always a five star experience and they have 2 locations now.

In addition, The Ercolani Cantina ( wine and gourmet food shop) offers free tours of the ancient underground tunnels below, a bird’s eye view into making boutique wine, followed by a fantastic wine tasting. It is something you will recommend to anyone visiting Montepulciano.

Now back to La Vineria. We had a fantastic lunch there today. Service and food ,solid five stars as usual

They should have a 4.9 rating but unfortunately, they don’t due to one star reviews they have received on google. 99 percent of them are rude and unfounded.

Lets me mention a few.

Slow service? You’re in Italy. Not a strip mall in Florida. It’s about taking in the Italian experience. Either leave yourself more time to get back on your tour bus or grab street food instead . Don’t give them one star because you don’t understand how to budget your time or relax.

If a restaurant closes at 10 pm and you show up at 9:30 for dinner and they won’t seat you? That’s understandable and standard restaurant protocol . To keep staff there till after 11 pm so one table can be accommodated is costly and inconsiderate.

If you don’t make a reservation, walk in and see an empty table and they don't seat you at it is because someone had the courtesy of making a reservation and hasn’t shown up yet. Not an available table.

If you bring in a stroller the size of a small Italian car and there’s no place for it, don’t give a one star review. Choose a more suitable restaurant for your family. Don’t leave a one star when you didn’t eat there because YOU didn’t do your research before you booked a reservation.

2 glasses of wine for 13 euros is too expensive for you? Drink at home.

Not suitable for people over 50 years old? Stay at the retirement home. I’m 63. Love the experience .

Stars are very important to restaurants and all businesses . All restaurants have an off night with food and service occasionally then feel free to give them the rating you think they deserve, but don’t one star an establishment, of any kind, because you don’t get it....

A Superbly Crafted Repast at La Veneria di Montepulciano

Dining at La Veneria di Montepulciano was more than just a meal—it was an immersion into centuries-old culinary traditions. From the first spoonful of superbly crafted soups, the depth of flavour and meticulous preparation were undeniable, setting the tone for what was to come.

For the main course, we shared an array of exceptional farmed meats—veal, pork, and chicken—each sourced from the finest regional producers. The pork, in particular, carried the legacy of DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) certification, a mark of origin that guarantees traditional breeding methods and quality. Our waiter, passionate about Montepulciano’s food heritage, described how Tuscan pork is raised with the utmost care, following time-honoured practices that ensure tender, flavourful meat. This was not just veal but a product of centuries-old regional expertise, where breeding and rearing techniques have been refined to perfection.

Paired with a Montepulciano DOC wine, known for its deep ruby hues and balanced tannins, the meal unfolded as a celebration of local excellence. Every bite spoke of tradition, every sip a reflection of the land, and together, they formed a dining experience that did not disappoint.

This was more than a meal—it was a taste of history, heritage, and the senses...