10:00 Our morning will begin with a classic Italian breakfast of coffee and a croissant (it can be made less Italian with the addition of cheese and ham). Afterwards we will have a short drive to learn about Orcia DOC wines.
10:30 Guided visit of a winery which produces the “Orcia” denomination of 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 one white.
Just around the corner from the winery is the lovely small town of San Quirico Val d’Orcia, a perfect spot to stop and sample some gelato. The town is famous as the setting for numerous movies about Tuscany, the latest of which is a drama about the Medici family starting Dustin Hoffman. Afterwards we will continue on 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 this romantic town whose street names are dedicated to “The Kiss,” “Good Luck,” and “Love.” It was totally rebuilt in the 15th century 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.
