Driving through the Val D’ Orcia is among the greatest experiences for a driver or passenger. The five towns of the area are separated by a soft, winding road that splits the landscape of vineyards and olive groves. Postcard views of cypress trees grouped as one, or climbing another hill are ubiqituous.
My first stop was Montalcino, where it is all about the wine. That is not to say the town is not beautiful….it is, but normally one visits Montalcino for the Brunello. The town has some delightful wine bars, “Osticcio” and “Alle Logge” are two of my preferred, offering both lovely wines, and stunning views.
Do not leave Montalcino without a visit to the nearby Abbey of Sant Antimo. Time your visit to coincide with the Monks Gregorian Chants.
Next up on my agenda was Pienza, famous for the pecorino cheese, found on most panini in Tuscany and beyond. Pienza is quaint, and even more so in the mornings and evenings when the day’s tourists return to their home base. You will not find a better place to sit and relax than the short Via dell’ Amore, tucked behind the Duomo and running along the Valley.
Plan ahead and make dinner reservations at the family run Latte di Luna, you will need them. Try the pici and the pork. Buon Appetito!
