bxl4373

We are going to Tuscany for four nights in May. I like both IL Poggiolo and Fonte Bertusi.
While there we would like to visit Siena and wineries for tasting. We will have a car but I am wondering if either of these Agriturismos can arrange a wine tasting tour so we don't have to drive? We have never been to this area of Italy and was not sure where else to visit. We like nature, art and will love seeing the countryside. This vacation is to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Judy

kybourbon

Do you have links for those? There are multiple places named Il Poggiolo.

If you are staying on a farm you will need a car unless you just want to sit at the farm the entire time. You could probably arrange a few tours that might pick you up, but otherwise you would be stranded in the country.

bxl4373

Kybourbon. The links are www.poggiolo.info/ and www.fontebertusi.it/ We will have a car for four days.

zoecat

I have stayed at Fonte Bertusi many times and I am returning again in less than a week. I like the views from Fonte Bertusi better than Poggiolo. The breakfast room/terrace is a wonderful way to start the day. Also, each apartment has its own patio/seating area just outside the door. Not sure if this is the case at Poggiolo. I find having the patio very nice for meals and relaxing. There is a great selection of local wines available in the reception room.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about Fonte Bertusi and I'll try to help.

I'm sure that Manuela at FB can arrange a wine tour for you. Email her and ask.

bobthenavigator

Both are good options--you will not go wrong. Do not expect a Napa type of wine tour--just pick a winery of two to visit. Look at Fattoria Barbi south of Montalcino.

nina

Are you sure you can stay just 4 nights at Fonte Bertusi? I just inquired about a 4 night stay for next July and they told me they had a one week minimum.

As for a Winery tour, Altesina and Avignonesi are my two favorites.

Barbi is okay, IMO.

BTW, if you aren't going to have a car, wouldn't you like to be closer to a town so you could wander around at night? I found this place in Montalcino and it seems perfect for someone without a car.

http://www.intuscany.net/apartments/suite_artista.htm

nina

Oops, it's AltesinO, not AltesinA

zoecat

Nina,

>>Are you sure you can stay just 4 nights at Fonte Bertusi? I just inquired about a 4 night stay for next July and they told me they had a one week minimum.<<

I think it depends on the time of year. July is one of the busiest months in Tuscany. May is a slower period.

>>BTW, if you aren't going to have a car, wouldn't you like to be closer to a town so you could wander around at night? I found this place in Montalcino and it seems perfect for someone without a car.<<

The OP will have a car.

nina

Oh right, I guess I read the part about being picked up for a wine tour and made the wrong assumption.

I was wondering how someone could stay at an agriturismo without a car!

bxl4373

Thanks for the info. Fonte Bertusi will let us stay for four nights. I will look into the wineries suggested.
Zoecat, What towns do you visit when you are at Fonte Bertusi and have you ever taken the nature train they have listed on their link page? I would also like to visit Assisi but I am not sure if it to far away. Thanks
Judy

nina

Judy, lucky you, I really wanted to try Fonte Bertusi but we just don't have the time...I think I'll start a website listing just agriturismo's that allow less than a weeks stay in the summer, I'm sure we Americans (who don't take month long vacations) would appreciate it, I did enough research.

zoecat

Although I have wanted to, I have never taken the Nature Train. The timing was never right. You can read about it here-

http://www.terresiena.it/trenonatura09/index.html


There are many wonderful, charming towns and villages to visit within 10-30 minutes of Fonte Bertusi-

Pienza
Montepulciano
Monticchiello
S. Quirico d' Orcia
Montefollonico
Petroio
Castelmuzio
Montisi
Bagno Vignoni
Castiglione d' Orcia
Rocca d' Orcia
S. Giovanni d' Asso
Buonconvento
Montalcino

1-1.5 hours away-

Pitigliano
Sorano
towns on M. Amiata and the mountain itself
Radicofani
Sarteano
Cortona

There are also the nearby abbey's that should not be missed-

Sant' Antimo
Monte Oliveto Maggiore

If you are there on a Wed you might consider taking the garden tour at La Foce. It is a lovely tour and only done on Wed afternoons-

http://www.lafoce.com/

There are some beautiful drives on the "white" roads throughout the area as well as the drive going north through the Le Crete landscape. Make sure you pick up a detailed (1cm = 2km) map. The Pienza newstand shop located as you walk into town sells a good selection of maps and guidebooks. There is also a tourist office to the right as you walk into town.

My two favorite guidebooks for the area that you can pick up prior to your trip-

Insight Guides Tuscany
Rough Guide Tuscany

So, you can see that there is plenty to keep you busy for your 4 days. And I haven't even included relaxing time by the pool or just taking a walk through the some of the most beautiful landscape you will ever witness. If you can extend your visit, do so.

I think it is a 2 hour drive over to Assisi. It is lovely. Maybe you should plan a future trip to Umbria and including Assisi then. Umbria is fantastic and worth at least a week. I'll let you decide.

bxl4373

Zoecat,
Thank you so much for the wealth of information. I did email Manuela regarding wine tours. Unfortunately we will not be there on a Wednesday as I'm an avid gardner. We will just have to save Umbria and the garden tour for next time. I will pick up a guide book for Tuscany and research the towns you mentioned. I hope you have a wonderful vacation!
Judy

zoecat

Happy to help.

If you are an avid gardner, plan to visit the enticing park, Bosco della Ragnaia in San Giovanni d'Asso. It is a park cut out of the woody landscape by American artist, Sheppard Craig, with the help of local youngsters. Many alluring walks and small tranquil spaces through an eight-hectare forest. The garden isn't gated; entrance is free.

http://www.laragnaia.com/homeeng.html

I also wanted to add that May is the perfect time to visit the area. Few tourists, great weather (usually) and everything is soooooo green. It is my favorite time of year in Tuscany.

greynomad

I have stayed at il Poggiolo and loved it. There are private areas to sit and a big garden (including private parking which is very hard to find in Montepulciano)There is a big vegetable/fruit garden and you are free to help yourself.It really feels like a home. The sisters are lovely. We stayed at the downstairs apartment (5 of us) but there are smaller ones. Apartment doesn't sound right...it is more like a lovely home.

kybourbon

greynomad - You are talking about a different Il Poggiolo. The OP is talking about one in San Quirico and you are talking about one in Montepulciano.

S. Quirico
http://www.poggiolo.info/

Montepulciano
http://www.appartamentialpoggiolo.it/

kwren

I think I'll start a website listing just agriturismo's that allow less than a weeks stay in the summer, I'm sure we Americans (who don't take month long vacations) would appreciate it, I did enough research.

Nina - did you ever put this list together? We're looking for a place for 4 days!
Funny - 2 of the places I found today are Al Poggiolo and Il Poggiolo!

Piccolina

bmk

kcnewby

KWREN I have been looking for you... Sorry to hijack your post but can you look up "KWREN I need to ask you something" as I posted this hoping to get an answer to a question on some advice you gave me. Thanks