lisa peretz

I will be starting off the day from just outside of Siena and would like to visit these places. The guidebooks give conflicting info about times and what's offered in respect to tastings, Etc. Has anyone visited these two places who can clue me in. (Fax, email??) Thanks.

kam

Had lunch at the Badia several years ago. They've got to have a website. Try searching under cooking schools as well since theirs is very well known. The "official" town for the Badia is Gaiole in Chianti--fax is 011-577-749235. You might also search for the Gallo Nero (black rooster) site for Chianti wineries. Good luck.

Barbara

We truly enjoyed a stop at Coltibuono, but Castel di Brolio was a major disappointment. In everything we had read, including a local brochure, we were led to believe the tour included the interior or the castello. Not so --you are only free to walk around the grounds, which you are told only after you have paid the entrance fee. When we and many others complained and asked for a refund, we were treated rudely and the refund was refused. It was pouring rain, and some of the people had hiked up the very long uphill road to reach the castle. The experience left a bad taste in our mouths. The winery experience, which we had done first, was ok.

lisa peretz

Barbara, I was thinking of stopping at Castello Brolio as the first stop of the day heading out from Siena on the way to Badia a Coltibuono. Could you tell me a little bit about the way its set up? You mentioned that you had a tasting first? Before going to the castello? Is there a tasting room not on the grounds? I could use some first hand info. <BR> <BR>Also, if anyone could be specific about how Badia a Coltibuono is set up, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!!!!

Paul

Lisa - the web site for the restaurant is: http://www.chiantinet.it/ristbadia/welcome.html They have a link to a page which discusses their guided tours. We hope to be able to get there for dinner this year.

sally

Lisa/Paul: <BR>I cannot comment on the wine tour at Badia; however, I can tell you that my husband and I had a glorious lunch there 2 years ago!!. The setting of the Abbey is beautiful, but a bit hard to find; we thought we had gone far enough and almost turned around. Hunger drove us on and we finally got there and were glad we perservered. Have been able to find at least one wine of theirs here in US and enjoy it frequently. Do go to Badia and eat a meal if time permits.

lisa peretz

Paul, you're awesome!!!! I just visited the site and it's very informative. AND, I just received a fax back from them as well.

Kathleen

Wine Spectator had an article a few months ago about a glass museum (glass related to the making of wine, of course) and I thought that it was at Castello Brolio. Does anyone remember this or have more information? <BR> <BR>PS - Have eaten at Badia a Coltibuono 3 times - it is truly an experience for both the food and the setting. Lunch is my favorite - for the view.

Paul

Hi Lisa - glad that helped out!! I've been drooling at the menu ever since I found the site. I'm glad to hear that others have eaten there and found it memorable. I've tried to get there for the last 2 years, but time has always been a problem. This year, we'll be in Toscana for 2 weeks, so it's on the itinerary. What did they say in the fax?