Montalcino
The home of Brunello, Italy's top red wine, where you can taste on the spot in a medieval fortress; vineyards and monasteries surround the town.
Montalcino sits on hills northwest of the Val d'Orcia. Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most expensive red wines. The 14th-century castle fortress contains a wine bar (enoteca) where you can taste Brunello by the glass from many wineries, and you can climb the walls for views. Most wineries around the town require advance booking for visits. About 10 km south of town, the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, often hosts Gregorian chant. It is about 40 km from Siena, best visited by car. If you plan to taste wine, arrange a driver or stay overnight.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Abbazia di Sant'Antimo
- Cypresses of San Quirico d'Orcia
- San Quirico d'Orcia
- Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
- Podere Belvedere
- Bagno Vignoni
- Rocca d'Orcia & Rocca di Tentennano
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta