Fortezza in Montalcino
 

Did a search and the Fortezza had many favorable comments re wine tasting, views etc. Since we have time constraints, would this be a good alternative to the tour at Fattoria dei Barbi? Thanks...

I have no first-hand experience, but the management at the agriturismo where we'll be staying during our visit to the area (Lucignanello Bandini in San Giovanni d'Asso) gave us a list of recommended restaurants etc. There was only one they specifically said not to go to because it is a tourist trap - Fattoria dei Barbi.
I don't know if that also applies to the wine, but I have to imagine that maybe it does.

we actually found the restaurant fairly decent. But with limited time I'd vote for Fortezza. It's within the city of Montalcino so it's not quite as atmospheric but if you walk the top of the wall you can get nice views and the selection of wines is much better--all kinds rather than just Barbi. They use reidel glassware or something quite equivalent and take their wines seriously. You can do some very serious tasting there and sitting at a picnic table in the courtyard of the fortezza is a very pleasant experience. Go to the fortezza.

The fortezza is interesting and there are some good views. There are several wine shops in Montalcino and several good restaurants.
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That begs the question I always have when people ask about " winery tours". The question is " what is it you expect". If it is tasting and buying good wine then the enoteca is the answer. If you want to see wine made or the actual vinyards then that is another story. I found the forteza to be a good alternative for tasting wines.

I don't drink wine at all, but spent a lovely time walking the ramparts of the fortezza. Plus, you get a very nice ramble through Montalcino on the way to the fortezza. I find Montalcino charming, with very good food.

Beatle,
These are two different activities, Bob is right. Obviously a wine tasting is better with a greater selection.

mw2006,
Fattoria dei Barbi wine tour is set up for tourists and the restaurant has been mentioned in several tourists guides but I think that 'tourist trap' is a little harsh. Before the restaurant was written up in tourist guides it was outstanding, now it is good (in my opinion, I am not a foodie).

Henry

I'd like to add my defense of the Fattoria dei Barbi! I don't know what the definition of a "tourist trap" in Italy is but we were there last year and it wouldn't fall into my definition. It was a working farm, with a winery, an enjoyable guide and a fairly extensive tasting of their Rosso, Brunello, grappa, and olive oil. The lunch at the Taverna was singularly the best meal we had in Italy - and my grandmother was born and raised outside Parma so I think I'm a fair judge of good Italian food. They also had an interesting museum of Brunello and Montalcino on the property. It was noon-ish on a Thursday in August, and the visitors seemed to be travelling independently - no groups or tour buses if that defines a tourist trap. I'd suggest going to their website to see if it holds any appeal to you. I know it was more than we could have hoped for.

Thank you all for the great comments. Due to limited time, I think we're leaning toward Fortezza.

I've visited the Fortezza a few times over the last few years. It has grown more touristy, more commercial. and less convivial over time. In that area and only a short distance from there is the Banfi estate which also serves a good lunch with interesting Banfi wines including their wondeful fragrant Brunello. You can find information on the estate and lunch reservations on the web.

bookmarking for Montalcino info

bookmarking for Brunello.

Hi Beatle (love the name!),

I stayed in Montalcino for 3 nights a year ago, How can it be a year!, and loved it. I tasted at the Fortezza because they pour such a large variety of labels and wines and are very knowledgable. It's not inexpensive, but very worthwhile. Most of the other tasting rooms in Montalcino only represent their own vintner and pour only one or two wines.

Be sure to stay and have dinner at Grappolo Blu. Luciano will recommend a fabulous wine to go with your meal. He's an expert believe me! And Mariapia's traditional Tuscan meal are to die for.

Buon viaggio!