Things To Do

Take a cooking class with Tuscan-Chef, Alessandro Piccinini, at the little kitchen in nearby Montisi. The Chef's cuisine is based on fresh ingredients and typical Italian cooking techniques. The Chef is also available to prepare dinner at Villa Ampella. Book early because Chef Alessandro is popular! 

Located in nearby Montisi, Il Barrino is a family-owned restaurant located above the local coffee shop and bar. Il Barrino uses local ingredients and they have an extensive wine and champagne list. The owner, Gianluca speaks English and is knowledgeable about wine and champagne.

Palio is a medieval-style horse race held twice a year in July and August in Siena. Horses and their jockeys ride bareback, dressed in appropriate colors to represent ten of the seventeen neighborhoods in Siena. The race itself circles the main Piazza, which is filled with a layer of dirt, and runs for a few laps. There [...]

Ristorante del Castello is just fifteen minutes away from Villa Ampella in San Giovanni d'Asso. The restaurant is located in a 16th Century Castle and owned by Chef Massimo and his family. The restaurant is seasonal and generally opens in the Spring. It specializes in Florentine steaks and pastas with freshly shaved truffles. 

Visit the quaint town of Pienza, which is famous for Pecorino cheese. Local cheese shops will vacuum pack cheese for you, if you want to bring some cheese home. Pienza is approximately 15 km/9 mi from Villa Ampella La Torre. It is relatively flat with fabulous views overlooking the Val d’Orcia and many wonderful local [...]

Unleash your creative side and take a watercolor class with Landscape Artist Elizabeth Cochrane. Elizabeth is an established artist who moved to Tuscany in 1997 because she found Tuscany to be “a perfect painting environment.” She teaches classes to people of all ages and abilities, including beginners.  

The Truffle Museum is located in San Giovanni d’Asso, in the cellars of the 14th-century Castello di San Giovanni. It is generally open from March to November. The museum explores the history of the truffle, including the legend that it originated from a lightning bolt, as well as the actual scientific explanation. The museum also […]

Spend the day in Siena, a famous Tuscan hill town, which is approximately 43Km/27 miles from Villa Ampella La Torre. Siena is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants lining the Il Campo or square, which is where the Palio horse race is run. The [...]

A family owned winery in Montalcino that is committed to their ancient roots, yet uses modern winemaking techniques. Gianluca Teruzuoli, whose family owns the winery, lives at the vineyard with his wife and young children. The winery tour is informative. The wine tasting includes wines, cheeses, and meats that Gianluca’s wife and father make. Santa Guilia […]

Casato Prime Donne is run by women and produces top rated Brunello wines according to Wine Spectator and others. Located down a drivable white/dirt road in Montalcino Casato Prime Donne is a little off the beaten path, but worth the trip.              

Visit Altesino, which is located on an 80 hectare estate with beautiful views of the Montalcino countryside. Altesino produces Brunello wines and conducts intimate wine tours and tastings. They will also pack and ship wines.