Montepulciano Caveau di Evelina Experience 3 old vintages tasting

If you’re a wine lover planning a trip to Tuscany, there’s one experience that promises a charming blend of history, flavor, and atmosphere — the Montepulciano Caveau di Evelina Experience. This guided tasting takes you into the atmospheric underground vault of the Croce di Febo biodynamic winery, where you’ll sample three historic vintages of Nobile di Montepulciano. It’s a rare opportunity to peer into the past, savor time-honored wines, and enjoy some authentic food pairings—all in a small, friendly setting.

We’re quite taken with the idea of discovering old vintages in such a magical setting. The ambiance of a cave cellar, combined with the professionalism and warmth of the guide, makes this tour stand out. On the flip side, it’s a two-hour experience, so if you’re after a longer or more elaborate wine tour, you might want to look at other options. This experience is ideal for small groups of passionate wine enthusiasts who value intimacy, authenticity, and learning about the ancient art of winemaking.

Key Points

• Unique underground setting provides an intimate and atmospheric tasting experience.
• Focus on three historic vintages offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of the same wine across time.
• Paired with delicious local food, including cheeses, charcuterie, and olive oil, for a well-rounded tasting.
• Limited to 8 participants ensures a personalized and engaging experience.
• Professional, friendly guides enhance the educational value and enjoyment.
• Cost is $169.93, which offers good value for the depth of experience, especially considering the exclusive access and food pairings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Setting: An Underground Wine Sanctuary

The highlight of this experience is undoubtedly the cellar itself — a cave vault carved into the underground heart of Montepulciano. Walking into the cellar, you’ll be greeted by walls lined with bottles of vintages spanning decades. This isn’t just a place to taste; it’s a museum of wine history. The cellar’s dim lighting and cool stone walls create an almost magical atmosphere, perfect for appreciating the nuances of aged wines.

The cellar’s very nature as a biodynamic winery adds an extra layer of meaning. Biodynamic farming, with its emphasis on harmony with nature, often produces wines of great character and authenticity. Tasting these old vintages is like flipping through a photo album of the vineyard’s evolution, with each bottle telling a story of climate, soil, and craftsmanship.

The Itinerary: A Step-By-Step Journey Into the Past

The experience begins at the Amoremio wine shop on Via di Voltaia Nel Corso, a central spot in Montepulciano. From there, you’re led into the underground vault for the tasting, which lasts about two hours. The journey is structured around three vintages, each with its own story, aroma, and flavor profile.

First Vintage: The Oldest

You’ll start with the most aged of the three vintages, allowing your palate to notice how the wine’s color has deepened and the scent has evolved. Expect notes that are complex and layered, with hints of dried fruit, earth, and perhaps a touch of leather. This vintage acts as a living history lesson on how wine develops over time.

Second Vintage: The Intermediate

Next, you’ll taste a vintage that’s slightly younger but still aged enough to showcase matured flavors. This is a perfect way to compare how the same grape and soil produce different expressions just by the passage of years.

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Third Vintage: The Most Recent

Finally, the newest vintage offers a contrast, displaying fresher, more vibrant characteristics. The tasting will reveal color differences, aroma contrasts, and taste evolution within the same varietal, emphasizing how time, climate, and winemaking techniques influence wine.

Food Pairings: Enhancing the Experience

Throughout the tasting, you’ll enjoy delicious local foods that complement the wines perfectly:

• A charcuterie board with local cured meats
• A traditional panzanella salad, bursting with Tuscany’s signature flavors
• A pairing of three cheeses from master cheese refiner De Magi
• Rustic bruschetta topped with fresh, traditional oil
• The chance to taste the winery’s own extra virgin olive oil, echoing the rustic charm of the region

These pairings aren’t just add-ons; they’re carefully curated to bring out the best in each vintage, highlighting the wine’s aromatic complexity and texture.

The Guide and Group Size: Personal and Informative

The tour is led by live guides who speak both Italian and English, making the experience accessible and engaging. Competence and friendliness shine through as guides share insights into biodynamic farming, wine aging, and regional history.

With only 8 participants max, this is a small-group experience that fosters lively discussion and personalized attention. Many reviewers have praised the guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm, noting how they make wine education approachable and fun, even for novices.

Practical Details and Value

At a price of $169.93 per person, the experience offers notable value, especially considering the exclusivity of tasting old vintages in such a historic setting. The inclusion of food pairings, olive oil tasting, and the intimate atmosphere make it more than just a wine tasting — it’s a culinary journey through Tuscany.

The two-hour duration means you can comfortably fit this into a morning or afternoon schedule. Be sure to check starting times in advance, as availability can vary.

Accessibility is considered; the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs. However, travelers are advised to bring a long-sleeved shirt—a practical tip for the cool, stone cellar environment.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour appeals most to wine aficionados, history buffs, and anyone eager to understand how wines evolve over decades. Food lovers will enjoy the thoughtfully curated pairings, which elevate the tasting to a full sensory experience.

It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate authentic regional products and value small-group, personalized experiences. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the history of Montepulciano wines in a memorable setting, this tour fits the bill.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is highly praised, some visitors might find the two-hour duration slightly brief if they’re eager for an extended, more comprehensive tour. Also, the focus on three vintage tastings means it’s quite specialized; travelers expecting a broader winery tour might want to explore additional options.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking an authentic, intimate encounter with Tuscany’s wine past, the Montepulciano Caveau di Evelina Experience offers a rare opportunity. The combination of historic vintages, delicious regional food, and a magical underground setting makes it stand out among wine tastings in the region.

It’s particularly well suited for small groups who enjoy learning and sharing a quiet moment over fine wine and food. The professionalism of the guides and the exclusivity of the old vintages make this tour a memorable highlight for any trip to Montepulciano.

If you’re after a meaningful connection to Tuscan winemaking tradition, this experience will give you both education and delight. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply eager to deepen your appreciation for Italian wines, you won’t be disappointed.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily a wine tasting, the focus on history and food might still appeal to those who prefer non-alcoholic options, but note that the main activity is wine-focused.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately two hours, including tasting and food pairings.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes three vintage wines, food pairings (charcuterie, salad, cheeses, bruschetta), and tasting of extra virgin olive oil.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 18 years.

What should I wear?
A long-sleeved shirt is recommended for comfort in the cool cellar.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Is it possible to book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing upfront, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Amoremio wine shop and ends back at the same location.

Would this be a good gift?
Absolutely—a thoughtful gift for wine lovers or anyone interested in Tuscan culture.

In summary, the Montepulciano Caveau di Evelina Experience offers a beautifully curated taste of Tuscany’s vintage wines, set in a captivating underground cellar, complemented by hearty regional foods. It’s an ideal pick for those who appreciate history, authenticity, and a personal touch in their wine adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: