Montalcino
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Latest page update: 11 December 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The picturesque hilltop town of Montalcino is located in the province of Siena with a population of approximately 5,000.
It is renowned worldwide for its production of Brunello di Montalcino wine, considered one of Italy's finest red wines. The town is characterised by its medieval fortress, charming streets, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. |
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Montalcino: home of the Brunello wines
Located in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, Montalcino is renowned for its majestic fortress, the Fortezza di Montalcino, offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Wander through the enchanting medieval streets lined with charming shops and restaurants, and visit the impressive Gothic-style Palazzo dei Priori.
Wine enthusiasts flock to Montalcino for its world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wine, produced in the nearby vineyards. Explore the historic wine cellars and indulge in tastings of this prestigious wine.
Nearby attractions include the picturesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a serene Romanesque church surrounded by lush countryside, and the scenic hilltop village of Pienza, known for its Renaissance architecture and delectable pecorino cheese. Montalcino offers visitors a captivating blend of history, culture, and gastronomy amidst the stunning Tuscan landscape.
Wine enthusiasts flock to Montalcino for its world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wine, produced in the nearby vineyards. Explore the historic wine cellars and indulge in tastings of this prestigious wine.
Nearby attractions include the picturesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a serene Romanesque church surrounded by lush countryside, and the scenic hilltop village of Pienza, known for its Renaissance architecture and delectable pecorino cheese. Montalcino offers visitors a captivating blend of history, culture, and gastronomy amidst the stunning Tuscan landscape.
Comune di Montalcino
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Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Population: 5,623 (in 2024 - source) Size: 310 km² Elevation: 564 metres Close by: Abbey of Sant'Antimo, San Quirico d'Orcia, Pienza Recommended accommodation: Hotel Vecchia Oliviera |
What are the best things to do in Montalcino?
- Brunello Wine Tasting: Indulge in wine tasting tours featuring Brunello di Montalcino, one of Tuscany's most prestigious red wines. Visitors can sample wines at renowned wineries in the Montalcino area, learn about the production process, and enjoy scenic vineyard views.
- Montalcino Historic Centre: Explore the charming historic center of Montalcino, known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia. Visitors can wander through Piazza del Popolo, admire landmarks such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Fortress of Montalcino, and explore artisanal shops and boutiques.
- Brunello Wine Museum: Visit the Museo del Vino di Montalcino, dedicated to the history and production of Brunello di Montalcino wine. Guided tours offer insights into the wine-making process, the terroir of the Montalcino region, and the cultural significance of Brunello wine.
- Wine Cellar Visits: Explore the underground wine cellars of Montalcino, where Brunello wine is aged and stored. Guided tours provide access to the cellars' barrel rooms, tasting rooms, and aging facilities, allowing visitors to learn about the wine-making traditions of the region.
- Montalcino Abbey: Visit the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, located just outside Montalcino, and admire its Romanesque architecture, elegant interiors, and Gregorian chants. Guided tours offer insights into the abbey's history, religious significance, and medieval artwork.
- Culinary Experiences: Delight in Tuscan cuisine with food tours and tastings that showcase local specialties such as pici pasta, wild boar dishes, and pecorino cheese. Visitors can sample delicacies at traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and food markets while experiencing Montalcino's culinary culture.
Where should I eat in Montalcino?
- Osteria Le Logge: Located in the heart of Montalcino's historic center, Osteria Le Logge offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring traditional Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy specialties such as pici pasta with wild boar sauce and grilled meats, accompanied by a selection of Brunello wines.
- Taverna Grappolo Blu: Situated in a charming alleyway just off the main square, Taverna Grappolo Blu is known for its warm hospitality and delicious Tuscan fare. The restaurant offers a menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and regional specialties, including homemade pasta, ribollita soup, and slow-cooked meats.
- Trattoria Il Pozzo: Nestled in the rolling hills surrounding Montalcino, Trattoria Il Pozzo offers panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and a menu showcasing the flavors of the region. Guests can dine al fresco on the terrace and enjoy dishes such as tagliatelle with truffles, grilled Chianina steak, and classic Tuscan desserts.
- Enoteca Osteria Osticcio: This cozy wine bar and restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its extensive wine list and creative Tuscan cuisine. Enoteca Osteria Osticcio offers a menu featuring innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a selection of Brunello and other Tuscan wines.
- Ristorante Il Leccio: Located just outside Montalcino's city walls, Ristorante Il Leccio offers a tranquil setting surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The restaurant's menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and traditional Tuscan recipes, with highlights including homemade pasta, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.
Montalcino Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Montalcino?
- Castello Banfi - Il Borgo: Set amidst the vineyards of the Banfi winery estate, Castello Banfi - Il Borgo offers luxurious accommodations in a restored medieval village. Guests can stay in elegantly appointed rooms and suites, enjoy wine tastings and tours of the winery, and dine at the on-site restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine paired with Banfi wines.
- Hotel Dei Capitani: Located in the heart of Montalcino's historic center, Hotel Dei Capitani offers comfortable accommodations in a historic building dating back to the 15th century. Guests can stay in charming rooms with traditional Tuscan decor, enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, and explore the town's attractions on foot.
- Castello di Velona Resort, Thermal Spa & Winery: Perched on a hill overlooking Montalcino and its vineyards, Castello di Velona Resort offers five-star luxury accommodations in a restored castle dating back to the 11th century. Guests can stay in spacious rooms and suites, relax in the thermal spa, and dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant serving gourmet cuisine paired with local wines.
- Hotel Il Giglio: Situated just outside Montalcino's historic center, Hotel Il Giglio offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Guests can stay in cozy rooms with modern amenities, enjoy a buffet breakfast, and relax by the outdoor swimming pool.
- Agriturismo Barbi: For a rural retreat near Montalcino, consider staying at Agriturismo Barbi, a farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. Guests can stay in rustic-chic rooms or apartments, enjoy wine tastings and tours of the Barbi winery, and explore the beautiful countryside on foot or by bike.
What's the closest airport to Montalcino?
Florence Airport (Peretola) (FLR):
Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport (PEG):
- Located in Florence, approximately 135 kilometers northwest of Montalcino.
- Florence Airport serves domestic and international flights.
- From the airport, you can reach Montalcino by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Montalcino takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station and then catch a train to Siena Train Station. From Siena, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Montalcino.
Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport (PEG):
- Located in Perugia, approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Montalcino.
- Perugia Airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
- From the airport, you can reach Montalcino by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Montalcino takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Perugia Train Station and then catch a train to Siena Train Station. From Siena, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Montalcino.
What's the closest train station to Montalcino?
Siena Train Station:
- Located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Montalcino.
- Siena Train Station is served by regional trains connecting Florence, Chiusi, and other nearby cities.
- From Siena Train Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Montalcino. The journey takes around 1 hour by bus or taxi.
What private transfer options are there for Montalcino?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Montalcino takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Montalcino?
- Siena: Since Montalcino is located near Siena, you can consider renting a car from one of the car rental agencies in Siena. Siena is a larger city with more rental options available, including at the train station and the city center.
- Regional Airports: You could also consider looking for rental options at airports such as Florence Airport (Peretola) or Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei), though they are further away from Montalcino. Some rental agencies may offer shuttle services to pick up your rental car from the airport.
