Cantine Gattavecchi

Cantine Gattavecchi occupies the underground cellars of a deconsecrated 13th-century church in Montepulciano, where you'll taste Vino Nobile wines surrounded by centuries-old stone walls. The cellars stretch through multiple levels carved from volcanic tufa, with some tunnels dating back to Etruscan times. You'll sample three to five wines depending on which tasting you choose, learning about the family's winemaking traditions that span six generations.

The experience starts in the original church space above ground before descending into the labyrinthine cellars below. The temperature drops noticeably as you walk through narrow passages lined with aging barrels and bottles. Your guide explains the geology while you taste, pointing out where medieval monks stored communion wine and how the Etruscans first carved these tunnels. The stone walls create an almost cathedral-like acoustics that makes every explanation feel more dramatic.

Most wine tastings in Montepulciano feel formulaic, but this one genuinely transports you. The basic tasting costs EUR 10 and includes four wines plus a brief cellar tour, which beats the EUR 15 to 20 you'll pay elsewhere for less atmosphere. Skip the expensive reserve tasting unless you're seriously considering buying bottles. The regular Vino Nobile selections show the terroir just as well, and you'll spend more time exploring the fascinating underground spaces.