The Church of San Biagio beneath the walls of Montepulciano, a hill town about 50 miles southeast of Siena in the Tuscany region of Italy. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
The Tuscan countryside, between winter storm fronts. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
The west façade of Siena’s Duomo, in the background at right, is a Gothic structure that was designed chiefly by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Siena’s famous campo and Palazzo Pubblico in the wintertime, with the neighborhoods stretching into the distance. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
A selection of prized red Brunellos from the Montalcino region about 50 miles south of Siena. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Jacopo della Quercia’s Fountain of Joy, dating from 1419, in Siena’s campo. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Among the vineyards at Tenuta Valdipiatti, a winery near Montepulciano, is an abandoned farmhouse on the winery property. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
