MONTALCINO TOUR – SIENA, TUSCANY

“Montalcino” is fairy-tale medieval Italian village situated in “the South of Siena” almost, surrounded by mighty walls and dominated by an ancient castle of authentic architectural perfection. “Montalcino”, to the west of “Pienza”, is a beautiful historic town nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Val d’Orcia Natural Park and renowned worldwide for the extraordinary production of the precious Brunello di Montalcino. The village has remained almost intact since the 16th century. Once you have reached the top of “Montalcino”, a real spectacle opens up before your eyes: a continuous succession of winding hills dotted here and there with yellow and red flowers, ancient oaks, picturesque olive trees, panoramic country roads winding through harmonious vineyards and isolated cypresses here and there.

The town of “Montalcino” has become rich and famous thanks to “Brunello”, one of the best “Italian wines” and one of the most appreciated in the world. The village was already renowned for its red wines in the 15th century. However, the precious formula for the fantastic “vin Brunello” was invented in 1888 by “Ferruccio Biondi Santi”, who first had the idea of eliminating the grape varieties of the traditional “Chianti recipe”, such as Canaiolo and Colorino, using only the Sangiovese variety instead. Before “Brunello” is ready to drink, it must be aged for a minimum of 5 years, 2 of which in oak barrels, while “Rosso di Montalcino” is ready after only one year of aging.

“Montalcino” is not only wine, it’s also art and culture. The historic centre is dominated by the mighty Rocca, a fortress built in 1361 to mark the passage of the town under the rule of Siena. The view from the bastions of the fortress is truly spectacular; it goes from “Amiata montain”, through “the Crete to Siena”, and crosses the entire “Val d’Orcia” to the hills of the “Maremma”.

The fortress has remained practically intact since the Middle Ages and often becomes the ideal setting for festivals, events, and concerts, such as the famous “Jazz & Wine Festival”, held in July each year, where the pleasure of listening to jazz music, both Italian and international, is perfectly combined with that of good drinking!

Another attraction in “Montalcino” is the characteristic long, narrow tower of the “Palazzo dei Priori”, which overlooks the main square known as “Piazza del Popolo”, with its beautiful Gothic loggia.

Don’t forget to take some time to breathe in the special medieval atmosphere of this magnificent “Tuscan village”. Walk slowly through its narrow, quaint streets, which offer extraordinary views over the valley below, and then sit back and relax as you slowly sip a glass of the unsurpassed red wine.           

Join us and enjoy our tour in the fairy-tale village of Montalcino!