Montalcino: Guided tour and lunch with tasting in the castle

During this exciting experience, you’ll visit a typical winery in Montalcino, where grapes are grown, tended and harvested to create unique, elegant and exclusive wines that are appreciated all over the world.

You’ll find yourself in a medieval castle in the heart of the Via Francigena, with an estate covering some 400 hectares. The castle was completed in 1441, and it’s occupied today by the family that owns it. This place is known worldwide for its authenticity and the superior quality of its wines.

In the course of your visit, you’ll admire the beautiful vineyards and take a tour of the parts of the castle that constitute the winery, while learning the history and the ups and downs of the castle and its owners. You’ll have lunch in the castle, and during it you’ll taste the wines produced here.

It’s a genuine journey into Tuscan flavour, accompanied by local wines. You’ll sample a typical Tuscan platter and enjoy a delicious seasonal pasta dish; each course paired with the appropriate wine to allow you to appreciate all its properties and flavours, as true sommeliers know how. To conclude your meal, you’ll enjoy a classic Italian dessert, accompanied by an excellent coffee.

This food and wine tour ticks all the boxes for winery visits in Montalcino, but without the crowds. In fact, seating is limited and you’ll benefit from the presence of an expert devoted solely to you. It’s an intimate, authentic and exclusive experience that few have enjoyed.

Vegetarian options are available, but please let us know in advance.

Please note: We can cater for any dietary requirements. We ask you to please let us know about any intolerances at the time of booking.

What to expect:

Tour of the barrel cellar

The castle is where the entire winemaking process takes place. You’ll visit the barriccaia or barrel cellar, a scenic place which, as you’ll learn, was once used as a prison. It stays pleasantly cool in the summer. You’ll be fascinated by the beautiful barrels and the aroma exuded by their fine wood. During the visit, your guide will explain the winemaking process, telling you about all the special details that help create some of the world’s finest wines.

Sangiovese

This is the first wine you’ll taste. They call it “entry level”, but you’re sure to love it.
The rich flavours and captivating colours will take you on a journey into the world of varietal Sangiovese, discovering all its variations and peculiarities. On the palate you’ll experience the differences that soil, vineyard exposure and altitude can make in creating an elegant, fruity wine that’s the perfect match for your starter.

Rosso di Montalcino DOC

A very special wine that scrupulously adheres to the DOC specifications.
You’ll learn how it’s aged in steel vats, then in beautiful Slavonian oak barrels. Only about 20,000 bottles of this wine are produced each year, so you’ll be among the fortunate few to enjoy its flavours. You’ll discover the differences in flavour, aroma and appearance of the various vintages, and learn to appreciate all the hidden aspects that your expert guide will explain.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Simply one of the best wines in the world. The grapes that go into creating this wonder are harvested carefully by hand, so that only the best fruit is selected to ensure the high quality of this superb Italian product.
Approximately 30,000 bottles a year are produced at the castle, and every one contains a perfect mix of aromas and flavours that will blow you away. With its structured and lasting flavours, this is an elegant and intense wine that will leave you with lasting memories of this wonderful region.

Lunch in the castle

During lunch, you’ll notice that the temperature is cooler inside the castle. Here you can appreciate the wines with the appropriate accompaniment. You’ll enjoy a typical Tuscan platter of local cured meats and cheeses, along with traditional Tuscan crostini.
Next, there’s a delicious a pasta dish that varies with the seasons. For example, it might be pasta all’aglione, a traditional Tuscan sauce that’s typical of Siena and the Val d’Orcia.
Finally, round off your meal with a classic Tuscan dessert and an excellent coffee.