Val d’Orcia

The Val d'Orcia is the Tuscany of the imagination — a UNESCO-listed valley of golden hills, solitary cypresses and cypress-lined roads south of Siena. It is also home to two of Italy's most prestigious reds. At Montalcino, Sangiovese (here called Brunello) makes Brunello di Montalcino, among the country's first and most collectible DOCG wines, powerful and built to age. A short drive east at Montepulciano, the same grape (locally Prugnolo Gentile) makes the elegant Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Around them, the gentler Rosso di Montalcino and the Orcia DOC give you the same character to drink younger.

The valley's villages are the reward as much as the wine. Pienza is a tiny Renaissance "ideal city" famous for its pecorino cheese; Montalcino and Montepulciano are walled hill-towns with cellars cut into their slopes and long views over the vineyards. Bagno Vignoni, with its steaming thermal pool in the main square, makes an unusual stop between tastings.

Siena is the gateway, about an hour north, and a car is essential for reaching the hilltop estates. Late spring and early autumn are ideal — the fields are green or gold, and the September–October harvest brings the cellars to life. Use the guide below to plan a Brunello-and-Vino-Nobile route and where to stay in the valley.