Location: Marche, Italy
Price: $53.01 per person
Duration: About 2 hours (check availability for exact start times)
Spending a couple of hours at this boutique winery just outside Urbino offers more than a wine tasting — it’s a genuine look into sustainable, organic winemaking with breathtaking views. For around fifty dollars, you get to taste five different wines—from sparkling to reds—plus high-quality DOP-certified olive oil, all set in the rolling hills of the Montefeltro region.
What really makes this experience stand out are the detailed vineyard walks and intimate guided tastings. You’ll learn how the estate’s eco-friendly practices shape their wines and olive oil, which adds a layer of meaning to each sip and drop. We also love the chance to stroll through the vines, appreciating both the natural beauty and the careful craftsmanship behind each product.
A small consideration: the tour lasts about two hours, so it’s perfect for those with a flexible schedule. It’s also a group experience limited to ten people, making it cozy but potentially less suitable if you prefer larger, busier tours.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or simply curious about organic farming in Italy, this tour offers a thoughtful, enjoyable introduction to the region’s authentic flavors.
Key Points
- Authentic Organic Wines: Five tastings from sparkling to red and white, crafted with care and reflecting the estate’s sustainable practices.
- Vineyard Walks: Guided strolls through the vines provide insight into organic farming and the estate’s biodiversity efforts.
- Educational Experience: Learn about grape varieties like Biancame, Verdicchio, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese grosso, and the influence of terroir.
- High-Quality Olive Oil: DOP-certified olive oil paired with freshly baked bread adds a flavorful dimension to the tasting.
- Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Value for Money: At just over fifty dollars, this experience combines education, authentic regional flavors, and scenic views.
The Location and Setting
The winery, called Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo, is conveniently close to Urbino (about 20 minutes by car) and also reachable from San Marino (around 50 minutes). The estate is perched in the hills along the Foglia River, offering stunning vistas of the Montefeltro countryside. This is the kind of place where the scenery alone makes the visit worthwhile, with rolling vineyards stretching into the distance and the scent of olives in the air.
The estate operates within the La Badia Wildlife Oasis, which underscores their commitment to biodiversity and environmental preservation. Certified organic by CCPB, the farm employs eco-friendly methods that respect the land and local fauna. This eco-conscious approach isn’t just a marketing point — it’s woven into the flavor and quality of their wines and olive oil.
The Vineyard Walk
The experience begins with a guided walk through the vineyards. Here, your guide explains their organic farming methods, highlighting how they balance tradition and innovation. You might learn how they cultivate both international grapes and native varieties like Biancame and Verdicchio, which thrive in the local terroir.
Travelers who appreciate detailed explanations will enjoy the insights into how biodiversity and sustainable practices influence the flavor profiles of the wines. For example, the diversity of grape varieties and the healthy soil contribute to wines with a sense of place — something that industrial-scale wineries often lack.
One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way they explained how the unique terroir and biodiversity contribute to their wines,” which gives you an idea of how educational but accessible the tour is. The vineyard walk lasts about 30 minutes, providing enough time to admire the scenic beauty and ask questions.
The Guided Tasting
After the walk, you’ll head into the tasting room for a sit-down session with a live guide. The estate’s collection includes five different wines, each showcasing different styles: sparkling, white, rosé, and reds like Montepulciano and Sangiovese grosso. These are not mass-produced wines; they’re crafted with attention to detail, reflecting both tradition and the estate’s commitment to organic principles.
The tasting lasts around 1.5 hours, during which your guide shares stories about each wine’s origins, grape varieties, and ideal pairings. As one reviewer noted, “The tasting was beautiful and well-structured, and the staff was friendly and helpful,” which indicates a warm, engaging atmosphere.
You’ll also sample DOP-certified olive oil, served with freshly baked bread — simple but a true highlight. The olive oil’s quality and the pairing with bread make it clear how dedicated the estate is to sustainable agriculture beyond just winemaking.
Practical Aspects and Value
The entire experience is designed to be informative yet relaxed. It costs about $53, a reasonable price given the quality of the wines, the guided tour, and the inclusion of olive oil and bread. The small group size ensures individual attention, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Transportation is straightforward; the meeting point is at the winery’s gate, which is accessible by car, and instructions are clear. The tour is flexible in timing, but it’s best to check availability in advance since start times vary.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Would Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for those who want to understand the connection between organic farming and wine quality. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy scenic countryside, authentic regional flavors, and small-group intimacy. If you’re curious about sustainable practices or want a memorable tasting in a beautiful setting, this tour ticks all those boxes.
For travelers looking to deepen their appreciation of Italian wine and food, especially in the scenic Marche region, this boutique winery visit offers a great value. The combination of scenic vineyard walks, educational tastings, and delicious olive oil pairings makes it more than just a tasting — it’s an authentic experience that connects you with local craftsmanship.
The relaxed pace and small-group format mean you won’t feel rushed, and the knowledgeable guides help you truly understand what makes these wines and oils special. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about organic farming, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and enlightening.
If you’re after an authentic taste of Italy’s biodiverse landscape and sustainable agriculture, and want to take home some of that authenticity in a bottle or a jar, this tour should definitely be on your list.
Is this tour suitable for individuals with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guided vineyard walk is designed to accommodate various mobility levels.
How long does the entire experience last?
About 2 hours, from the vineyard walk to the final tasting. Check specific start times when booking.
What is included in the price?
You get five wine tastings, DOP-certified olive oil, focaccia bread, water, a guided visit of the winery, and a vineyard walk.
Can I purchase wines or olive oil at the end?
Yes, the experience includes an opportunity to buy your favorite wines or olive oil to take home.
Is this experience suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the focus on wine and olive oil tastings, it’s likely best suited for adults or those over 18.
What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in both English and Italian, with a live guide to answer questions along the way.
This tour offers a genuine chance to enjoy Italy’s organic wines, learn about sustainable farming, and soak in stunning views — all at a fair price. It’s ideal for anyone eager to experience the culinary and natural beauty of the Marche region in an intimate, educational setting.
You can check availability for your dates here: