Montalcino and wineries are an inseparable pair. Located in the heart of Val d’Orcia, Montalcino is characterized not only by its breathtaking, pristine landscapes but also by terrains perfectly suited for thriving vineyards. Unsurprisingly, it boasts four wine denominations, all crafted within the municipality:
Sant’Antimo DOC,
Rosso di Montalcino DOC,
Brunello di Montalcino DOC, and
Moscadello di Montalcino DOC. It goes without saying that if you’re planning a stay here, a visit to a winery is a must. But which are the top ten to visit? Let’s discover them now!
Fattoria dei Barbi
Founded by the Colombini Family in 1352,
Fattoria dei Barbi spans 350 hectares, divided into vineyards and fields. It has been producing
Brunello di Montalcino since 1892 and was
the first company to export this prestigious wine to the United States,
Asia, and
Europe. If you're interested in a deep dive into barrels and centuries-old bottles, you can book a tour of the winery, where the staff is happy to share the history of each product and let you fully appreciate them through a delightful
tasting experience. Learn more about
Fattoria dei Barbi.
Conti Costanti
Another historic winery in Montalcino,
Conti Costanti offers one-hour tours of its cellar, followed by a
tasting and access to the
shop, where you can purchase all the products to enjoy at home in complete tranquility. Tours are organized in
two afternoon slots, and reservations are required. Learn more about
Conti Costanti.
Piombaia
Piombaia offers visitors various tasting options: a
classic tasting, featuring three wines and extra virgin olive oil produced by the same company; the
vintage vertical tasting, designed for
Brunello di Montalcino enthusiasts, where you can sample
four different vintages. This experience highlights how aromas vary depending on the climate, harvest, and agriculture. The experience is paired with local organic breadsticks. Additional options include a
blind tasting, a fun and original session where the enologist presents five wines without revealing their vintages and types, and a
snack tasting, which combines a platter of cured meats, cheeses, and bruschetta with three wines. Learn more about
Piombaia.
Villa i Cipressi
Established in the mid-1970s when
Hubert Ciacci expanded the small
beekeeping company started by his father, Villa i Cipressi began producing both
Rosso and
Brunello di Montalcino in the 1990s. Tastings last about an hour, and reservations are required. Learn more about
Villa i Cipressi.
Poggio Rubino
This small family-run winery,
Poggio Rubino, offers two tasting options:
vintage wines and
reserve and selection. The first serves wines from notable vintages, while the second features exclusive selections. Both include a
plentiful platter of local cheeses and cured meats. Learn more about
Poggio Rubino.
Tassi
Located in Via Capanna,
Cantina Tassi offers three different tastings:
classic,
latest vintage, and
old vintages. Each includes a comprehensive journey starting with a presentation of the vineyards, followed by a tour of the production and aging areas, all enriched by the stories of the protagonists, the Tassi family. Learn more about
Cantina Tassi.
Azienda Bellaria
Azienda Bellaria is a magnificent combination of a
winery,
olive mill, and
restaurant. In addition to producing various wines and olive oils available for purchase, it features an original
tasting room built within an
aging cellar, adorned with barriques and barrels, which create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For top-notch service,
reservations are mandatory at least 48 hours in advance, with a maximum of twelve attendees. The venue is located at Via Bellaria, 232.
La Corte dei Venti
Since 1462,
La Corte dei Venti has boasted a prestigious vineyard that has garnered numerous
awards. At this winery, you can choose from
three tastings, which include the three iconic Montalcino wines—
Sant’Antimo,
Rosso, and
Brunello di Montalcino—paired with bruschetta topped with
extra virgin olive oil also made on-site. Tastings are held inside a recently renovated
farmhouse in a genuine and welcoming atmosphere.
Citille di Sopra
For those seeking a wide range of tastings,
Citille di Sopra offers six options, all including
Rosso di Montalcino,
vintage Brunello, and bruschetta topped with house-made
extra virgin olive oil. Tastings take place in a bright and welcoming location, literally surrounded by Tuscan vineyards. The house specialty is
wild boar cured meats, directly produced by the owner.
Il Cocco
The
Il Cocco estate has been an agriturismo since 1972 and a
certified organic business since 2000, which completely excludes the use of
herbicides and
pesticides harmful to human health and biodiversity. Tastings can be paired with lunch.
How to Contact the Wineries
To get in touch with the ten wineries listed above, visit
Enjoy Montalcino. There, you will find establishments recommended by Montalcino’s tourism professionals, capable of offering the best advice to make your experience truly unforgettable.
