PeggyE

I can't wait to try the Brunellos in Montalcino! But would anyone recommmend making the reservsations for lunch & then tour at Castello Banfi? How long is the tour? We also want to visit the Enoteca Fortezza in town. I don't want to over plan but of course I'd hate to miss something that would be a highlight. All input welcome! We are leaving Sept 5th. Thanks

Budman

We did both the lunch & tour. I would recommend it. We had the 3 course lunch for 42 Euro with 3 different wines -- Sav Blanc, Sang/Cab/Mer blend, then the last course was a Brunello. The food was very good, not outstanding, but the wine was free flowing -- just keep asking to have your glass charged, and they accommodated.

The tour was a couple of miles from the Visitor Center, and everyone headed there in a convoy.

Banfi is one of the larger wineries in Italy. If you've never toured a winery before, it's an interesting experience.

Lunch lasted about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the tour 1 to 1.5 hours. You have to make a reservation for both.

The Brunellos are excellent and pricy. Enoteca Fortezza had wine tasting. I don't remember the exact price for 3 small pours, but it wasn't cheap.

PeggyE

Thanks again Budman. We have toured many wineries in Paso Robles & Napa but never in Italy! I think we will go ahead & make the reservations. We could cancel if we decided different. You said you asked to have your glass "charged"? or "changed"? Gotta know the secret to free flowing wine!

Budman

"charge" as in "to fill" or "refill" -- Just call one of the waiters over and ask them to "fill-er-up."

StephenG

We also did the lunch and tour and thought it worthwhile. I would also reccomend as a contrast and great experience to go to Castelo Volpaia in chianti. To see a winery with stainless steel fermenter rising up in a 12 century at one time church is amazing. All the winery operations are in a hill town from that time.

cls2paris

I did the lunch and tour also. We had the 3 course menu and they pair a wine to what your course. I have toured a couple of wineries in the states and this was a nice contrast. I would suggest doing both. You can taste wine in their Visitors Center, but it is not free of charge. I was surprised to learn that Banfi is owned by an American company. I don't usually recommend something like this but be sure to visit the ladies' room in the building outside the restaurant. As you sit, you are facing a window and looking at a great view of the countryside. Have fun!

PeggyE

Thank you again. We are looking for suggestions for the Chianti region also so I will look into Castello Valpaia. We do have Verrazzano on the list. It is getting so close and now the excitement is starting to build! Thanks for the info!

Budman

Darn!!! Did I miss that view?

Wineandtravel

We too are preparing for our vacation to Italy, with 9 days in Tuscany. I too am looking forward to experiencing the wines of Tuscany as well as the scenary. Some friends just returned from there with the following recommendation:
Dievole Vineyards 12 km outside of Siena. You can visit their website at http://www.Dievole.IT. It looks lovely and they really enjoyed the wine and tour. Can't vouch for it myself, but we intend to go there in Oct. Have a great trip.
I'm new at posting to this site and have no idea why the web address posted twice.
Lori