Bianca & Matthew
Things To Do
Tenuta di Monaciano Wine Tasting
The estate is located in the historic Chianti Classico area, and its vineyards cover 60 acres and are beautiful. The estate offers guided tours of the winery and tastings of the wines produced. The grape varieties include Sangiovese, which makes up a minimum of 80 percent of Chianti Classico, and other red grape varieties including Merlot, Alicante Bouschet, Ciliegiolo and Colorino.
Horseback Riding Through Tenuta di Monaciano
The estate is nestled on a gentle path through woods and vineyards that run through the Chianti region. These are guided tours and there are various trails to enjoy.
TENUTA DI MONACIANO COOKING CLASS
Tuscany is an Italian region that is very famous for its traditional cuisine. It's recipes have been handed down for centuries from generation to generation. Tenuta Monaciano will organize cooking classes for us to discover all the secrets of the true Tuscan cuisine.
Siena
If you have time, we recommend visiting Siena as its only 15 minutes from our villa. If you drive, there is parking on the outskirts of the city, but it can be tricky. Siena is very much a walking city full of great restaurants, shops, and historic places to explore. Below are some of our favorite spots: 1) PIAZZA DEL CAMPO: This wonderful square located in the center of the city has medieval origins and has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1995. It is famous because every year the PALIO, an equestrian competition, is held here. 2) PUBLIC PALACE: the governmental seat of the city since medieval times. This palace is also used as a museum. Inside you can see frescoes by famous Italian painters. From this palace you can also access the Tower of Magic, where you can climb 400 steps to the top and enjoy a beautiful view of the city 3) THE DUOMO: The city's cathedral captivates visitors with its all-white marble facade. But don't forget to visit the interiors for a real "wow" effect.
WHERE TO EAT IN SIENA
To explore a city of art like Siena, one must also try to get to know its truest flavors: here we recommend 5 restaurants where you can find true Tuscan Sienese cuisine. 1) Osteria le logge - Via del Porrione 33 This restaurant with an old-fashioned atmosphere offers dishes made with respect for tradition, starting with great care for the raw materials. 2) Osteria la Mossa - Piazza del Campo 29 Recommended for its location, we suggest this osteria to enjoy an aperitif and its bruschetta made with typical local cold cuts. 3) Guido Restaurant - V.lo Pier Pettinaio 7 This trattoria offers original Tuscan recipes, from appetizer to dessert. 5) La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Via Giovanni Dupré 132 An 1100s tavern offering historic recipes revised in a modern key. 6) Gallo Nero Restaurant - Via del Porrione 65 A medieval restaurant that often organizes themed dinners and menus typical of that age.
DISCOVERING THE CHIANTI AREA
From the Monaciano Estate, you can find the famous Chianti Road, which will take you to discover wonderful expanses of vineyards and historic villages in which you can stop. This route is recommended by car or bicycle. You will be able to coordinate renting a bicycle. Alternatively, if you are fond of walking, you can take one of the paths of the Strada dei Castelli, discovering beautiful mansions, ancient abbeys, villages and nature. Finally, descending a few kilometers further south, you can cross an incredible and evocative landscape, that of the Crete Senesi, which has contributed to the imagination of Tuscany, with rows of cypresses and rolling hills.
SAN GIMINIANO
San Giminiano is a beautiful medieval village located in the hills around Siena. In this wonderful village you can walk through the original narrow streets from the medieval period, visit the famous towers and the main square. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a typical dish in one of the village's delicious trattorias.
PIENZA
Pienza is another beautiful medieval village in the Sienese hills. Compared to San Giminiano, its architecture dates more to the Renaissance period, a time when this village was restored by order of a famous pope of the time. The pope ordered that this village become more beautiful than Siena; it will be your pleasure to find out if his wishes were granted. Pienza is also famous for the production of Pecorino, a famous and very tasty cheese from the area. In the main street of the town you will find many stores where you can buy it.
MONTEPULCIANO
This is nother village near Siena that we suggest you visit because of its history, buildings and beautiful little squares. If you are a wine lover, this is an obligatory stop. Here you can taste Montepulciano wine, a very famous appellation in Italy, in one of the many local wine shops. If you then have a little extra time, we suggest here some wineries to visit to see up close how Montepulciano wine is produced and have some tastings straight from the barrel! 1) Cantina Poliziano: the first to have come up with a cru wine of Nobile di Montepulciano. 2) Ricci: one of the most historic wineries in the area (dates back to 1300!), located in the center of Montepulciano. 3) Canneto: close to the center of Montepulciano, has a beautiful panoramic terrace where you can enjoy a tasting with a view. 4) Borgo Tre Rose
RELAX AT THE SPA
Chianti has not only great wine, good food and villages to explore. It is also the perfect place to relax in warm waters. In particular, all Tenuta guests can enjoy a special discount at L'Antica Querciolaia di Rapolano Spa.
LAGUNA DI ORBETELLO
About 30 minutes away from Siena is the Orbetello Lagoon. It is a natural wildlife reserve (you can see pink flamingos) and visit the village, from which it takes its name, Orbetello.
Firenze
Only an hour and a half drive from Siena is the beautiful city Florence. This is our absolutely favorite city in all of Italy and is very accessible by train from Siena. If time permits and you have never been to Florence, we recommend a visit to this city. You will only need one day to walk the central streets, but if you also want to visit the main museums, churches and palaces, we recommend at least two/three days.