A day road trip to discover the homeland of Brunello
Starts and ends: Agriturismo Il RigoRoute lenght: 55 km – optional extention Sant'Angelo: 74km
For you second day in Val d'Orcia, or in alternative to the 1° loop of this serie, we recommend the "Brunello loop", passing through some of the most famous vineyards of Italy, on the hill of Montalcino!
The route head than the Monte Amiata, where you can enjoy a drastic change of the landscape, to come back home, stopping for an aperitivo in Bagno Vignoni.
1. San Quirico d'Orcia
Head to the Cassia (SR2) and turn right. Drive to San Quirico d'Orcia, where werecommend a visit to the Italian Horti Leonini gardens (if you're fond of gardens, read our post about our favourite ones in Valdorcia), the little Romanesque church Santa Maria ad Hortos and the Collegiata church. Head back to the SR2 and continue for a couple of km. Right before the turn for Montalcino, look out the left side to see the most famous cypress-wood of the world!
2. Montalcino
You'll then reach Montalcino. Climbing up the hill, you'll see many wine producing farms. Our favourite ones are situated along the road for the abbey of Sant'Antimo: Nostra Vita (reservation is required) and Fattoria dei Barbi, where you can stop for a visit at the museum of Brunello.
3. Abbey of Sant'Antimo
The abbey of Sant'Antimo is worth the trip. The travertine church stands alone amidst rows of grape vines and olive groves.
4. Sant'Angelo in Colle
After the visit, consider driving up to Sant'Angelo in Colle. Wind up a gravel road around the heart of the production of Brunello. Otherwise, proceed on the curvy and scenic route SS323 in the direction of Castiglione d'Orcia.
5. Castiglion d'Orcia and Rocca d'Orcia
The medieval castle Rocca di Tentennano is sometimes open for visits.
6. Bagno Vignoni
Before coming back home, stop for an aperitif in Bagno Vignoni and take a walk around the ancient thermal pool, where Santa Caterina used to bathe! You can also reserve a ticket for the wellness centre and enjoy a relaxing massage or a swim in the hot water.
SAN QUIRICO D'ORCIA
Where to eat:
Bottega di portanuova € - + 39 340 3576797
vald'o €€ - +39 0577 174 0071
Fonte Alla Vena €€€- +39 0577 897034
Intralci (wine bar and tastings) - +39 0577 1515680
Where to shop:
Bottega delle carni (butcher)
Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi (wine)
BAGNO VIGNONI
Where to eat:
Il Loggiato €€ - +39 0577 888973
Il Barrino €€ (aperitivo) - +39 0577 887 112
MONTALCINO
Where to eat:
Boccon DiVino €€€: +39 0577 848233
il pozzo €€ (sant'angelo in colle): +39 0577 844015
il rigo’s driving loops
