Cantina Contucci
Taste a millennium of winemaking at Cantina Contucci, a historic winery in a Renaissance palazzo on Montepulciano's Piazza Grande.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Cantina Contucci
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taste a millennium of winemaking at Cantina Contucci, a historic winery in a Renaissance palazzo on Montepulciano's Piazza Grande.
"Explore centuries-old cellars and savor Vino Nobile in the heart of Montepulciano."
Self-Guided Cellar Tour
No reservation needed for the cellar tour; explore at your own pace. :ticket:
Wine Tasting Options
Sample Rosso di Montepulciano or opt for a flight of Vino Nobile selections. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cellars
Underground cellars
Wander through ancient tunnels where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has aged for centuries in oak barrels.
Vino Nobile Tasting
Tasting room
Savor the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and other local wines, often paired with charcuterie.
Renaissance Palazzo
Piazza Grande
Experience wine production within a stunning Renaissance palazzo, a unique feature in a historic town center.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Your Wine Experience
Explore Montepulciano's Charm
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Insider Tips
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Self-Guided Cellar Tour
No reservation needed for the cellar tour; explore at your own pace. :ticket:
Wine Tasting Options
Sample Rosso di Montepulciano or opt for a flight of Vino Nobile selections. :wine_glass:
Family History
Learn about the Contucci family's 1000-year winemaking legacy.
Gluten-Free Options
Accommodating staff offer gluten-free bread for tastings. :bread:
Tips
from all over the internet
Self-Guided Cellar Tour
No reservation needed for the cellar tour; explore at your own pace. :ticket:
Wine Tasting Options
Sample Rosso di Montepulciano or opt for a flight of Vino Nobile selections. :wine_glass:
Family History
Learn about the Contucci family's 1000-year winemaking legacy.
Gluten-Free Options
Accommodating staff offer gluten-free bread for tastings. :bread:
Combine with Town Visit
Explore Montepulciano's Piazza Grande before or after your visit. +1 :cityscape:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cantina Contucci for its rich history, authentic wine-making experience within a Renaissance palazzo, and the quality of its Vino Nobile. The free self-guided cellar tour is a highlight, and the staff are noted for their friendliness and knowledge. Some visitors found the tasting experience particularly enjoyable, with good charcuterie options. While generally positive, some reviews focus more on the wine tasting than the historical aspects.
"Self guided tour was excellent. No reservation necessary. Lots to see, today not crowded. At end or tour you can sample Rosso di Montepulciano, if interested in purchasing they let you sample three of their Nobile selections. We weren't purchasing so we went to the cantina where we were greeted warmly by Giacomo. We purchased the flight of five wines and charcuterie, they even had very good gluten free bread for my wife; with local oil of course. The Pecorino we had today trumped, by far, the four or more other places we have visited from San Gimignao, Monteriggioni and Montalcino.
Favorite wine of the tasting, the Reserva of course. The Palazzo Contucci was a very good blend of the Mulinvecchio and Pietra Rossa. We have officially added Nobile to our list of wines to continue to learn about and enjoy."
John Farrugia
"If you’re visiting Montepulciano, make sure to stop by Piazza Grande, where you’ll find one of the town’s traditional wineries with historic underground cellars, where the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano matures.
The visit to the cellars is free of charge and definitely worth your time – you’ll walk through centuries-old tunnels where the wine ages in oak barrels. After the tour, you can enjoy a tasting of a wide selection of wines, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to explain everything and help you choose the perfect bottle or souvenir from this beautiful region.
It’s a wonderful way to experience the local wine culture and take home a true taste of Montepulciano."
Martin Vanta
"The oldest wineries in the area and it’s so wonderful. You can walk in on your own and then go to the tasting upstairs. If you know the time you’ll be in the area you can plan a tour and stay."
Jared Rentz
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cantina Contucci is located in Piazza Grande, the main square of Montepulciano. If arriving by car, park in one of the designated parking areas outside the historic center and walk up. Public transport options are limited directly to the town center, so driving or a taxi from a nearby train station (like Chiusi-Chianciano Terme) is common. +1
Montepulciano is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Florence and Rome, making it a feasible day trip or stopover. Train travel is possible to nearby stations, followed by a bus or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A self-guided tour of the cellars is available without a reservation and is free. For private tours or specific tasting experiences, advance booking is recommended.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information, especially if you plan to visit during holidays or off-peak times.
The self-guided tour of the historic cellars is generally free. Wine tastings and special experiences will have associated costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ancient underground cellars where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is aged, learn about the Contucci family's millennium-long winemaking history, and admire the Renaissance palazzo. +1
Yes, wine tastings are a highlight. You can sample Rosso di Montepulciano or choose from various Vino Nobile selections, often accompanied by local charcuterie and olive oil.
While the cellar tour is self-guided, tastings are often guided by knowledgeable staff who can explain the wines and help you choose.
It's one of the few wineries still producing wine within the historic center of Montepulciano, located in a Renaissance palazzo on Piazza Grande.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While primarily a winery, tastings often include charcuterie boards with local products like cheese, cured meats, and olive oil. Gluten-free bread is available.
Yes, Montepulciano's historic center is filled with trattorias and restaurants offering Tuscan cuisine. You can also find excellent sandwich shops like La Schiaccia dell’Opio nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the atmospheric ancient cellars, the elegant tasting room, and the exterior of the Renaissance palazzo in Piazza Grande. The surrounding town also offers stunning views.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the cellars, allowing you to document the historic wine-aging process.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a shorter, self-guided cellar tour to keep younger attention spans engaged. If you opt for a tasting, inquire about non-alcoholic options or snacks for children. The staff are generally friendly and accommodating, as noted in reviews.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
+1 The chance to sample different vintages and learn about the Prugnolo Gentile grape from knowledgeable staff is invaluable. Pay attention to the Reserva and Palazzo Contucci wines, which have been highlighted as favorites by visitors.
+1🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Exploring the ancient cellars feels like stepping into a medieval past, with barrels aging in tunnels that have seen centuries of history. The fact that the winery operates within a Renaissance palazzo on Piazza Grande is a significant historical point. It showcases how life and commerce were integrated into the heart of historic towns centuries ago.
+1 Combine your visit with exploring Montepulciano's other historic landmarks for a comprehensive historical immersion. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
+1At Cantina Contucci, the winemaking tradition is not just a business; it's a family legacy passed down through generations. The Contucci family has been producing wine from their estate since 1008 AD, making them one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Tuscany. This deep-rooted history is palpable as you walk through their ancient cellars.
+1Visitors can experience this legacy firsthand through tastings, where they can sample the current vintages of Vino Nobile and understand the nuances of this celebrated wine. The unique terroir of Montepulciano, combined with traditional winemaking techniques, results in wines known for their elegance, structure, and aging potential.
A Winery in the Heart of History
+1The palazzo itself is a testament to the town's rich architectural heritage. Exploring the winery means stepping back in time, not just into wine production, but into the very fabric of Montepulciano's past. The underground cellars, carved into the tufa rock, are a labyrinth of history, where barrels have rested for centuries.
This unique setting offers a dual experience: you can immerse yourself in the world of wine while simultaneously exploring a charming medieval and Renaissance town. It allows visitors to easily combine a wine tasting with sightseeing, making it a convenient and enriching stop on any Tuscan itinerary.
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