This Town Is The Best Base To Explore Italy's Iconic Tuscany Region, Per Rick Steves

Tuscany is regarded as one of the best regions to visit in Italy, and it's easy to see why. With its cultured cities, beautiful undulating landscapes, gorgeous seaside towns, and heart-warming cuisine, it rolls up some of the best the country has to offer in one sumptuous package. And that's before you even get into its world-famous viticulture; Tuscany is home to the illustrious Sangiovese grape, used to make some of the region's illustrious wines. Travel writer Rick Steves is certainly partial to a drop, and he singles out Montepulciano on his website as the perfect base camp to explore the region. It is one of the must-visit spots in Tuscany, and with so many wineries to choose from, it is worth lingering for a while to drink your fill.

Tuscany has no shortage of stunning hilltop destinations, from the soaring towers of San Gimignano to the atmospheric Pitigliano, clinging dramatically to its clifftop. Montepulciano is among the best, a swooningly beautiful medieval town dominating the surrounding vineyards from its limestone ridge. Aside from easy access to some of the best wine in the world, Montepulciano is well-positioned for many different day trips. You can check out Steves' pick for the best medieval city experience in nearby Siena, visit the thermal baths at Bagno Vignoni or the natural hot springs at Monte Amiata, or discover the incredible frescoes in Orvieto or ancient Etruscan tombs in Chiusi.

The historic center of Montepulciano is wonderful for an amble through its narrow streets lined with fine old villas and mansions. There are architectural treasures like its showpiece, the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale keeping watch over Piazza Grande with its battlements and landmark tower. Piazza Grande is the focal point of the town and hosts many events, outdoor theater performances, and festivals throughout the year. If you're visiting on the last Sunday of August, be sure to cheer on the competitors of Bravio delle Botti, a traditional uphill barrel race.

When all is said and done, sightseeing in Montepulciano mostly takes a backseat, as wine tasting is one of the essential travel tips when visiting Italy. As Rick Steves points out, the town's vintners are very passionate about their craft, and the wine has a hallowed status, most notably Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The full-bodied wine, aged for two years, is made from a minimum of 70% Sangiovese grapes and is known for its earthy tones and fruity bouquets. It is also popular for its superior drinkability, which makes it an excellent pairing with a range of dishes — Steves recommends it with lamb, game, or cheese. Of all Montepulciano's many wine cellars, Steves highlights the Contucci cellar, which has been producing wine for over 1,000 years. The winery is open all week, but book ahead if you want the full tour.

If you are staying in Montepulciano for a few days, you'll be pleased to know that some of the food matches the wine in terms of quality and elegance. As you'd expect, some of the best restaurants also have ready access to excellent cellars. For a real treat, reserve a table overlooking the vineyards at Osmosi, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant run by chef Mirko Marcelli. The cuisine blends local produce with ingredients from further afield, and dishes like duck, lamb, and cuttlefish pair with a stellar wine list for an unforgettable experience.

For a romantic dinner, slip into your best outfit for a meal at Le Logge del Vignola, an intimate white-table-cloth establishment tucked away on a narrow side street in the old town. It is a little formal — expect besuited waiters and immaculate attention to detail — but the menu offers quality regional dishes at a price that won't break the bank. There are also some top-rated Traveler's Choice Award-winning places on Tripadvisor worth checking out. La Vineria Di Montepulciano is a hip modern space that focuses on local food and a no-waste policy, which means beautiful charcuterie boards stacked with local produce and simple-yet-delicious Tuscan classics. Just outside of town, dine among the olive trees with fine views of Montepulciano at Ristorante L'Oliveto, or head out to La Taverna di Fucile for excellent farm-to-table fare. Needless to say, the cuisine at all these spots is complimented by delicious wines.