Overview
The San Gimignano Towers, With Wine
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
The Altezza winery tour is part of the Tenuta Torciano estate — one of the established wine tourism operations in the San Gimignano area, known for combining genuine cellar tours with a full dining experience overlooking the famous towers. The tour runs approximately 2 hours and includes a guided walk through the historic cellars and barrel room, a tasting of estate wines, and a 4-course Tuscan lunch paired with four premium reserve wines.
The dining terrace offers panoramic views of San Gimignano's towers — one of the best vantage points in the area, and particularly spectacular in the late afternoon light of an April Thursday when the group will be there.
The Wines
What to Expect in Your Glass
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
The estate's signature white — the only DOCG white wine in Tuscany. Golden yellow, dry, with a characteristic bitter almond finish and mineral notes from the local clay-sand soils. Best drunk young and slightly cool. This is paired with the antipasto and first course.
Chianti Classico
Made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Chianti hills. The black rooster (Gallo Nero) on the label indicates DOCG Chianti Classico — a stricter appellation than basic Chianti. Cherry fruit, medium body, earthy finish. Perfect with the pasta and meat courses.
Super Tuscans
Beginning in the 1970s, innovative Tuscan winemakers started blending international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) with Sangiovese in proportions that didn't meet DOC regulations — so they were classified as basic vino da tavola (table wine) despite being Italy's finest and most expensive wines. The category is now formalized as IGT Toscano. Torciano makes several in this style.
The 4-Course Lunch
Tuscany on a Plate
- Antipasto: Local cured meats, pecorino aged on the estate, bruschetta with estate olive oil and fresh tomato
- Primo: Handmade pici pasta with wild boar ragù or truffle sauce
- Secondo: Grilled or braised meat from local heritage breeds
- Dessert: Cantucci (almond biscuits) with Vin Santo for dipping
Practical Details