10:30 Private visit of a winery producing the well-known “Orcia” denomination wines. You will taste wines based on the Sangiovese grape as well as different blends with Merlot and Cabernet. You will learn about its production and aging, and will taste a wide variety of Orcia wines, including a white.
Just a few steps from the winery is the lovely small town of San Quirico Val d’Orcia, which makes a perfect gelato stop. The town and surrounding area is famous as the setting for many films, the most recent of which is about the Medici family starring Dustin Hoffman.
Afterwards we will continue to the “ideal” Renaissance town of Pienza.
13:00 Lunch with a glass of wine in one of the most beautiful restaurants of Pienza, famous for its history and excellent chef.
15:00 After lunch you will have time to explore lovely Pienza, with its romantic streets of “the Kiss,” “Love” and “Fortune.” The town was totally rebuilt to make it adhere to Renaissance ideals, and make it a harmonious place to live. This project was introduced in other towns, but Pienza was the most successful. It is famous not only for being the birthplace of Pope Pius II, but for its flower festival (late March) and cheese production. Pecorino (sheep’s milk cheese) from Pienza is famous all over the world, and can be aged from 6 months to a few years.
