Montepulciano and Montalcino in the Val d’Orcia of Tuscany are world famous for amazing red wine (Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino rely on the Sangiovese grape varietal).
The territory has contrastingly different landscapes throughout; big ascents and fast winding valley roads are surrounded by more rolling terrain scattered with numerous medieval ‘borghi’ precariously perched on the hill sides such as Montisi and Gerfalco.
There are enough flat roads to get your breath back, but they don’t last for long. The area is devoid of heavy industrial traffic and there is little tourism early and late season.
Weather is fantastic, with an idyllic breeze from the coast cooling down high daytime temperatures.