What a great plan. I don't know whether to post a new thread or just piggy back on this one. There are 4 of us who have rented a Villa 4km from Siena. After a cruise ending in Rome we are booked for 7 days from September 29 to October 6. Our plans are open. We have rented a car for our whole stay and the two things we all love are food and wine. After reading this post certainly Avignonesi will be on our itinerary. Another on our list is Castello Banfi near Montalcino. I've checked tripadvisor and found quite a few reviews of various restaurants. It seems that the authors of the posts here are very knowledgeable concerning the Siena area. Any ideas concerning restaurants, wineries and day trips would be greatly appreciated.

Bob,
Sounds like you will be in the area same time as us.
These aret wo restaurants that I have marked down from Fodorites recommendations.
In Pienza- Latte di Luna and
In Montalcino - Grappolo Blu

I magine that you saw StuDudleys tusany scenis drive. In case you did not here is the thread.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

I am sure others here will give you more help.

This may help:
GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA---2006
I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!

$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone $ Good lunch choice in this spa hamlet

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value

CASTELLINA: Al Gallopapa $$ Creative & varied menu in Chianti

I can add La Parapa in Bagno Vignoni: incredibly outstanding. Wonderful desserts. Lots of locals; in fact, I think we were the only tourists there.

Castello Banfi has turned itself into a bit of a village: winery, two restaurants, very upscale lodgings and more. Probably a good winery stop, but since I don't drink, I really don't know.

Clients are staying there this month.

Thanks for the great information. I found every restaurant mentioned on Slow Travel and the reviews are great. I was considering a stay at Castello Banfi, but after seeing the price decided to get a Villa and then just visit and drink their wine. I don't think 7 days will be near enough time to do justice to the area, but will certainly give it a try.