Borgo Finocchieto perches on a ridge in the area of the confluence of two major Tuscan rivers, the Ombrone and the Arbia, which later join with the Merse and the Orcia to flow into the Tyrrhenian south of Grosseto. Nearby the stark clay cliffs of the Crete Senese give way to the rolling green of the river valley. The Borgo's position at one of the highest elevations in the area (246 meters) afford it an unparalleled view of the surrounding countryside, spanning three hundred degrees.
To the northeast is Buonconvento, where one can see the medieval walls and two towers of its historical center. Beyond Buonconvento, past undulating hills, it is possible to make out the tower of the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and perched on a hilltop nearby are the clay brick walls of the tiny hamlet of Chiusure. From Buonconvento, one can also follow the line of the Via Cassia as it snakes its way south, stopping at the earth colored roofs of Torrenieri and continuing on to San Quirico d’Orcia. From Finocchieto’s highest windows, it is even possible to see the town of Pienza with its white church tower on clear days.
When visibility is good, the blue outline of Monte Amiata dominates the southeastern landscape. A local saying goes, “if Amiata wears a hat, bring an umbrella,” so farmers look there first for their weather. Beginning at Torrenieri and heading west are the vineyards of Montalcino, including Altesino, Val di Suga, and Paradiso, which among others are visible from Finocchieto. These vineyards work their way up the hill to the town of Montalcino with its Rocca fortress and various church spires. Montalcino’s northwestern side gives way to thick forest, with farmland below. The panorama ends with another farm and finally, the crenellated walls of Villa La Torre.
The fields surrounding Finocchieto are working fields in rotation, the most common crops of the area being grain, wheat, orzo, or oats, but often including sunflowers and corn. It is also typical to find meadows of lucerne, clover, and colza. Nearby rivers and a largely temperate climate make the rich clay fields useable for most of the year, while resting during the winter months.
The yellow, tiny-budding flowers in early spring are broom, or ginestra, while the bright green fields of spring are typically wheat. In May striking red fields of poppies, papaveri, color the landscape. These give way to sunflowers, corn and rapeseed that line the roads in summer. Year round, one can see the proliferation of vineyards that cover an overwhelming percentage of the land around Montalcino, mixed with olive groves and the classic cypresses that line roads and gather in clusters.