The unusual Basilica di San Biagio built by Sangallo in the XVI century [Photo, Josep Renalias]

Far from busy roads and from the usual tourist trail, the splendid isolation of Montefollonico is probably what makes it particularly charming and appealing. Located between the Val d’Orcia and the Val di Chiana valleys, southeast of Siena, the town holds very ancient origins.
The name itself derives from the Latin word fullones, name given by the Romans to cloth workers, used to wash clothes and fabrics right here.
The first evidence of the area being inhabited dates as far back the Neanderthal man with the Lithic tools found in the area of "Il Tondo" (now the public garden). In the following centuries we have accounts of a territorial dispute in the year 715 for the ownership of the church Pieve di San Valentino. The history of the village as such began in the 13th century with the foundation of the church Pieve di S. Leonardo by the Cistercian monks from the monastery nearby, who by dedicating themselves to fulling wool gave the village its name Mons a Fullonica. After various events Montefollonico was incorporated into the Tuscan Grand Duchy in 1555.

Montefollonico is known as the town of the Vin Santo (holy wine), a particular type of sweet wine that is drunk with desserts, particularly with the traditional cantuccini biscuits. Offering the Vin Santo is the traditional welcoming of local people to visitors, one of the most ancient acts of Tuscan hospitality.
“Lo gradireste un goccio di Vin Santo” – Would you like a drop of Vin Santo? is the annual festival dedicated to Vin Santo, taking place at the beginning of every December. Every year, the village is pervaded by a legendary medieval atmosphere, animated by musicians, jugglers, and fire dragons, that will lead the visitor on a journey beyond time, to a fantastic world of kings, dames and knights…

The Cantine Innocenti

San Leonardo e Santa Caterina D'Alessandria

Montefollonico, Porta Triano

The estate lies between Montepulciano and Montefollonico and consists of about 32 hectares of which 12 ar specialized vineyards, situated between 330 and 350 metres above sea level on medium-textured clay soils of pliocene origin.
The cellar buildings, dating back to end of the 13th century, are in the small, well-preserved medieval town of Montefollonico.
The original features of the architectural style and the interior have been maintained as far as possible so that the visitor can enjoy the typical atmosphere of an old Tuscan cellar.
A narrow alley-way which now forms part of the building leads to a terraced garden on the ancient walls, where tastings can be held and from which a spectacular view over the whole of the Val di Chiana can be enjoyed.
The owner, Vittorio Innocenti, who gave up teaching philosophy many years ago to dedicate all his time to the estate and the cellars, is helped by his wife Maria Rosa, theatre historian, his son Tommaso, who is currently finishing a course of study enabling him to take over the management of the estate, and his brother Mario, responsible for the care of the vineyards.

Schedule a wine tasting with Mr. Innocenti. The winery is inside the Montefollonico walls. The garden in the back offers a great view.

The Cantine Innocenti di Innocenti Gonzi Tommaso
Via Landucci 10/12, 53040 Montefollonico Siena | tel: 0577 669537 website: www.cantineinnocenti.it

Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano | Wines in Tuscany

The convent of Santa Maria de Folonico, better known as Conventaccio, belonged to the Benedictine monks, probably linked to the monastery of Abbaddia San Salvatore which since the 11th century had properties in the area. The abbey building had a considerable size. There are remains of the crypt and the nave of the church with Gothic arches. From the "Conventaccio", a path leads to the Pieve di S. Valentino (parish church of St. Valentine).

Podere Santa Pia, view from the terrace. To the south is the little isle of Montecristo (on the left), the name of which captured the imagination of Alexandre Dumas. On a clear day you can even see Corsic (on the right), 250 km away