Calici di Stelle in Montepulciano – 2023
The most awaited enogastornomic event of the summer in Montepulciano is back!
Calici di Stelle, an event born from the collaboration between the Association of Wine Cities and the Wine Tourism Movement, has reached its twenty-second edition in Montepulciano, enriching itself with new tasting methods and new ways to involve and promote the entire territory of Montepulciano and of the Valdichiana Senese.
Over the years, more than 20,000 bottles of Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano have been uncorked; every year a new glass has been distributed, with a different phrase screen-printed and dedicated to the world of wine; over 400 people have contributed to the realization of this event. Among them, numerous young volunteers who have committed themselves to provide information to visitors, sell star coupons, and work at the various tasting locations, making the atmosphere of this festival even more joyful.
Tasting methods
The types of tastings initiated during the 2022 edition have been confirmed, following the prevoius division: itinerant, guided and with dinner in the contrada.
- The classic mode is the itinerant one. After purchasing the star coupon with the glass and glass holder, visitors are given the opportunity to enjoy 5 wine tastings of their choice between Vino Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano (or, in recent years, a cocktail with Rosso di Montepulciano), while strolling through the streets of Montepulciano during the night of San Lorenzo. This year, over 40 wine producers have participated in this tasting mode, allowing visitors to grasp more deeply the diversities and peculiar characteristics of the productions of this territory.
- In addition to this traditional mode, in recent years, guided tasting has also been established, where, instead of strolling through the streets of the village, visitors have the opportunity to sit down and listen to wine presentations by the same companies. San Biagio, Vicolo del Leone, and the Cloister of Palazzo del Capitano were the 3 exceptional locations chosen to present unique pairings of wine and gastronomic specialties of our territory such as Chianina beef, Cinta Senese pork, oil and cheeses.
- The last tasting mode was proposed at the 8 Contrade of the Bravio delle Botti. For the occasion, the contrade were exceptionally opened, allowing visitors to enjoy a good dinner with tasting in a festive atmosphere. In this case, in addition to the dinner offered by these open-air restaurants, visitors were offered the opportunity to purchase a bottle of their choice between Vino Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano to enjoy during the evening.
The commitment towards sustainability
Calici di Stelle in Montepulciano has once again reaffirmed its commitment to society and the environment for this edition. Since 2018, the event has been supporting virtuous initiatives for the territory, establishing collaborations such as the one with Sughero Vivo. This non-profit organization is involved in the collection of cork stoppers and their sale to companies specialized in green building, with all proceeds going to the Hospice within the United Hospitals of Valdichiana di Nottola.
This year, the focus has been on involving artisans from the Valdichiana Senese. From luthiers to yarns, and ceramics, there were various proposals offered to visitors at the charming Piazza delle Erbe, achieving remarkable success with both national and international visitors. For the occasion, Vinstrip, the event sponsor, also showcased its accessories for glasses and wine bottles, along with the famous glass holder, used for the wandering tasting for countless editions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Montepulciano during this important event for the territory and actively contribute to supporting local producers of gastronomic and artisanal excellence!
