If you want an authentic medieval Tuscan competition but don’t fancy battling the crowds in Siena’s palio, go to Montepulciano for the Bravìo delle Botti on the last Sunday in August. The eight contrade of Montepulciano compete for the Bravìo, a beautifully painted cloth banner by rolling barrels weighing 80 kilos in an uphill race for more than a kilometre. The barrels are rolled by two athletes called "spingitori" and the race winds through the streets of the town’s historical centre until it reaches the churchyard of the Duomo in Piazza Grande. The townspeople dress up in lavish medieval costumes and a number of important ceremonies take place on the morning of the race, while in the afternoon there is a procession to prepare the entrants for the event itself. The festival is also an excellent opportunity to sample some of the 'vino nobile' wine which comes from this area of Tuscany.

www.braviodellebotti.com
Google map: bit.ly/lxaM3S

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An estate run by the same family for generations. Absolutely spectacular scenery and beautiful old tuscan buildings that have been converted into self catering apartments of all sizes. Their service is astounding. From providing a chef, to helping you with shopping and transport. July sees the estate host an international music festival of brilliant quality in picturesque surroundings.

In the Tuscan countryside, a few miles south of Montepulciano. Visit www.lafoce.com

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