Those who book a villa in Tuscany likely plan on venturing out into her famous countryside, to drive down winding, cypress-lined roads, to take in sweeping views over rolling green hills and valleys filled with a patchwork of fields and vineyards, to stumble upon sights like endless golden meadows of sunflowers, and to discover charming little villages and striking medieval towns that look like something from a storybook. As you drive around, maybe with particular destinations in mind and attractions on your itinerary or maybe simply for the joy of the activity itself, you’ll eventually work up an appetite. Of course, if you rent a vacation rental in Tuscany, you’ll discover that almost anywhere you go, great things can be found to eat and drink but if you are after a rather magical experience, then why not a dreamy picnic of delicious treats in a beyond picturesque setting, near the famous wine town of Montepulciano?
A perfect way to sit and really appreciate the wonder of your surroundings, Caseificio Cugusi is a dairy farm and cheese producer that has become a major foodie name as they have expanded to open a shop selling their goods and other amazing local produce as well as offering incredible tastings and possibly the most Instagrammable picnic in the world...
Now run by Silvana Cugusi and expanded into the innovative and excellent business that it is today, Caseificio Cugusi was established by her father, Raffaele, who moved his mother, wife, nine kids, and 300 sheep from their home in Sardinia to the hills of Siena with a vision of what his business could be. In a post-WWII Tuscany, the countryside had plenty of unoccupied homes and he bought a large plot of land with ten empty farmhouses to establish his farm, dairy, and homes for all those he loved.
With their father’s impressive enterprise as a base, Silvana and her siblings have since expanded and further innovated the business, preserving the tradition and impeccable standards while offering guests new gastronomic experiences.
On the grounds, there is a charming farm and dairy shop, decorated in a vintage style to evoke the rich history of the business, where a large case displays their various cheeses: from their pioneering Tuscan pecorino to their World Cheese Award-winning Gran Riserva. The range of cheeses includes aged cheeses, cheeses flavoured with herbs and spices, and basic cheeses that many often stock up on but which they can boast are of especially high quality. Wines, jams, honeys, oils, and many other delicious treats produced in the area can also be purchased in the shop.
So, of course, you could simply stock up and head off to plan your own picnic but there is also the option to go for a tasting in their panoramic tasting room to enjoy the views (especially suitable if you happen to visit on a rainy or cooler day). Or you can venture out with one of their own prepared picnics to the panoramic picnic area and sit on a bench with your delicious meal while admiring the incredible beauty of those rolling hills, the olive trees, the grazing sheep, and this magical part of the world.
Guests will be provided with baskets, napkins, cutlery, glasses, and a cutting board. Then, alongside some fresh bread, you may choose a selection among the various cheeses on offer, pickles, cured meats, salad, honey, jams, and more to snack on. Wine, local craft beers, and water can be paired with it and then you can sit out and enjoy it all. Prices vary, depending on what you choose, but start at two euros and fifty cents per person for the bread and table settings. The total cost typically works out at between fifteen and thirty euros in total. Picnics are available from 10am to 6pm daily (except in bad weather) from March 29th to November 1st each year, upon advance booking (for more information, see here). Just call or email them with the number of people in your party and the date and approximate arrival time.
Plan the most picture-perfect picnic in Tuscany at this gem and make special memories while you enjoy a stay in one of our lovely holiday rentals in Tuscany!
Caseificio Cugusi
Via della Boccia 8
53045 Montepulciano, Siena
+39 0578 757558
info@caseificiocugusi.it
