Wine Cathedral, Montepulciano, Tuscany winery, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are not words you often expect to find in the same place. Yet hidden beneath the historic center of Montepulciano lies one of the most extraordinary wine cellars in Italy.
In this episode of Mediterranean Diaries, I explore the legendary underground cellars of De’ Ricci, often referred to as the “Wine Cathedral” because of their soaring vaulted halls, enormous aging barrels, and cathedral-like architecture carved beneath the town itself.
Together, we’ll descend beneath Montepulciano to discover centuries of Tuscan winemaking history, learn how Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is still produced and aged today, and experience a side of Tuscany that many travelers never realize exists.
But what makes this experience truly memorable is not only the cellar itself. It’s meeting the family behind it and seeing the pride, tradition, and craftsmanship that continue to define life in this corner of Tuscany.
If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, researching Montepulciano wineries, looking for authentic wine experiences in Italy, or searching for unique things to do in Tuscany beyond the typical tourist route, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of Italy’s most remarkable hidden places.
Mediterranean Diaries is a series exploring Italy, Greece, and France through local experiences, extraordinary destinations, and the people who bring them to life.
Next stop: the Amalfi Coast.
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What’s in This Video:
00:00 The Wine Cathedral Beneath Montepulciano
01:30 Exploring De’ Ricci Winery in Montepulciano
02:12 Inside Tuscany’s Most Extraordinary Wine Cellar
02:36 The History of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
04:30 Why It’s Called the Wine Cathedral
06:01 Hidden Underground Tunnels Beneath Montepulciano
09:13 Meeting the Family Behind De’ Ricci Winery
11:22 Authentic Tuscany Wine Tasting Experience
12:02 Traditional Tuscan Lunch in Montepulciano
13:08 What Makes This Tuscany Winery So Special
13:39 Reflections on Tuscany, Tradition & Winemaking
15:00 Next Stop: The Amalfi Coast
For more ITALY TRAVEL TIPS:
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Living in Florence: How to Spend a Day in Florence Like a Local | Mediterranean Diaries Ep.2: https://youtu.be/4YyUQtxFp4s
Florence Shopping Guide: Where Locals Actually Shop | Mediterranean Diaries Ep.3: https://youtu.be/xrN9aJ3f650
Chianti, Tuscany – The Complete Travel Guide to Italy’s Wine Heartland: https://youtu.be/Q0i44FI-b1Y
TUSCANY in FALL: Why It’s the Season EVERYONE Wants to Be Here | Tuscany Travel Guide: https://youtu.be/ttMQo_WaWEk
HOW TO TRAVEL TUSCANY: MONTEPULCIANO I Tuscany, Italy I Italy Travel: https://youtu.be/hntYUkTcasY
HOW TO SEE FLORENCE IN ONE DAY – Your PERFECT Travel Guide! I Florence, Italy I Italy Travel: https://youtu.be/euDvklzMAlI
MONTEPULCIANO, ITALY – YOUR PERFECT Travel Guide I Tuscany, Italy I Italy Travel: https://youtu.be/_Iq8dGVJRY8
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3 Comments
Fabulous, if you’ve visited Tuscany, what’s the most memorable winery you’ve discovered?
We'll be at De'Ricci in August for my birthday 🙂
You are so right Anastasiya! What a beautiful, incredible and special winery. Oh how I would love to experience it. The wine 🍷and food I could almost taste. Beautifully displayed too. I wish I was there right now. I hope you got to finish your pumpkin soup Anastasiya.❤🤣