Montepulciano (10 km) is a charming and interesting town built on the slopes of a hill dominating the south-eastern part of Tuscany and the border with Umbria. The town is known as the Pearl of the Renaissance because of its many splendid 14th century “palazzi” and the Temple of San Biagio, one of the largest High Renaissance churches to have been built during the period. Montepulciano is famous for its fine red wines the best known being the Vino Nobile.