Tuscan vineyards open in October
 

Hello,

My husband and I will be in Montepulciano in October (10/4-10/18). During these 2 weeks, we are planning day trips, usually within an hour or so of our apartment. We would like to visit some local vineyards. Some questions please.

1) During previous fall trips to Provence, many vineyards were closed during and immediately after the harvest. Stores and cooperatives were open, but not the vineyards themselves since everyone was working on the harvest itself. Does anyone know when the harvest generally occurs in this section of Tuscany, and should we except this closure to be the norm?

2) Does anyone know of reasonably nearby vineyards that also serve lunch on their grounds?

As our plans gel, I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thank you in advance for your help.

-Margret

We took a tour one March at the Avigonesi Vineyard and enjoyed it very much. It is in Montepulciano but probably 45 minutes from the town and not very far from Cortona.

At that time, they offered the tour with wine tasting and a sampling of local meats and breads. Of course, you can also purchase wines.

I'm not sure if they have tours in October as their Web site was down today.

Thanks Lorax. DO you happen to have the web site? I did a search and could not find it.

Any other thoughts?

Hi Margret,

Harvest depends on when the grapes are ready. Yes, we have found the vineyards too busy to open during that time, especially a bit ago in Montefalco where the only entry we had was through our B & B owner, who knew everyone in town and arranged private visits for us.

Near to Montepulciano, in Montalcino, try for Banfi, Barbi, and Poggio Antico...all have restaurants. We have had lunch at Banfi and Poggio and nibbles at Barbi.

Thanks so much, Traviata. Do you need to make reservations for tours of the vineyard and for lunch at the restaurant? Also, does anyone know if the restaurants are closed if the vineyard is closed for the harvest?

Thanks again,

Margret

Hi Margret,

I almost always make restaurant reservations because I don't want to be disappointed and find a place closed on the day that I am there. The places mentioned should have dining rooms open because they are free standing and independent of the vineyards...but, again, check the day they are closed.

We usually travel in October and November and the past several years have become more and more crowded at that time...another reason to book ahead for what is special to you.

we are going to Tuscany early Sept. Do you make restaurant reservations before leaving home or just wait until you arrive at destination?

I do both...it depends on the restaurant. If I know it is very popular and I want to be there on a Saturday night, then I'll book at least three weeks ahead.

Hi Margret,
My sister & I had a very nice lunch at Barbi last November.
If you go to my blog and check out the November 26th posting, I have a little write up.
You may want to check out the rest of November and December postings....more Tuscany info.

http://baileyzimmerman.blogspot.com

My wife and I stayed just outside of Siena last October and visited several wineries without issue. Barbi just outside of Montalcino, has a very nice restaurant and a guided tour with tasting in the afternoon. We enjoyed this.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT -
La Porta in Monticchiello, just 4 miles south of Pienza is a must. Incredible view and food. I suggest lunch, but a reservation is a must. 0578-755163

We were in Tuscany around the same time though a little bit later in October. We also went on the Avignonesi Tour and loved it --- after showing you the different areas of the vineyards, we had a wine sampling --- you can call them the day before to make reservations.

We also went to Barbi and just dropped in and the lady was nice enough to give us some wine samples without a tour.

I don't know where you are staying, but you should check with your apartment landlord and they will be able to give you the most up to date advice, because many of the vineyards have odd hours.

By the way, we LOVED Montepulciano in October --- there were very few people and we felt like we had the town to ourselves. Since you are staying for two weeks and will have an apartment, I would highly recommend that you go to the local Montepulciano market (I think it was on Wednesday but you can check with your landlord). The produce there was fantastic and it was so wonderful to interact with the locals amidst a market with views of the mountains.

bkm

Margaret,

E-mail ahead of time and make a reservation for the vineyard tour. When we went one year, there was a wine festival in another part of Italy and many of the vineyards were not giving tours that week.

It's always better to be safe than sorry.


Carol