Of Italy’s many tempting wine regions, those devoted to producing its legendary crus are essential stops for oenophiles wanting to sample the marvels of a celebrated DOCG territory at the source. Brunello di Montalcino, which like its powerhouse counterpart in Piedmont, Barolo, has been dubbed the “king of wine” (although they rely on different grapes; the former sangiovese, the latter nebbiolo), is harvested in the flowing hills around the town of Montalcino, south of Siena. It is a part of Tuscany that provides some of the most mesmerizing landscapes in the country.

The pandemic, has, of course, put a hold on enotourism throughout the world, but fans of the wine can plan for a future trip to Montalcino. [Check the latest travel restrictions and requirements with Italy’s Ministero della Salute and the U.S. Embassy in Rome.]