Montalcino is an enchanting village in the heart of Tuscany, famous for its wine and timeless charm. If you are planning a visit, there are many experiences to enjoy to discover the true soul of this place. From strolling through its medieval streets and discovering artisan shops, to excursions in the surroundings and breathtaking sunsets, here is what not to miss in Montalcino.
Stroll through the village and visit the shops in the center
One of the best ways to savor the authentic atmosphere of Montalcino is simply by walking through its streets. The historic center is a maze of cobbled alleys, picturesque squares, and ancient walls that tell centuries-old stories. As you stroll through the center, you'll find small shops selling typical products, such as the artisan pastry and pasta shop
Uova e Farina, located inside the historic Mariuccia pastry shop, or
Pura Crocus, specialized in saffron cultivation and the production of saffron-based products such as honey, beer, or cantucci. Another shop not to be missed is
Sartoria Principe, a small tailoring shop run by two sisters, which has made "Made in Italy" a true philosophy of life. Finally, for a touch of beauty and self-care, we recommend visiting
Farmacia Salvioni and trying their Salvioni 1905 cosmetic line, rooted in tradition and based on the ancient apothecary's art practiced by the Salvioni family since the sixteenth century.
Excursions around Montalcino
For nature lovers, the surroundings of Montalcino offer many opportunities for hikes and walks. Among the recommended destinations, besides the renowned
Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a place of great spirituality surrounded by nature, there are
Bosco della Ragnaia and the Etruscan fortress of
Poggio Civitella. The first is located in San Giovanni D'Asso, a wooded park created by American artist Sheppard Craige, where you can see artworks and installations by the artist along the trail. The second, just a few kilometers from Montalcino, represents one of the few preserved and visitable Etruscan fortresses, offering visitors the chance to delve into the ancient history of the region and appreciate the architectural and cultural testimonies left by the Etruscans.
Wine tastings: a journey through local flavors
Wine tastings in Montalcino are a must for wine and food enthusiasts. Many historic wineries and wine estates offer guided tours of their fascinating cellars, where you can discover the secrets of winemaking and taste different vintages of Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino, and other local wines. Tastings often include pairings with local products such as cheeses, cured meats, and extra virgin olive oil, making the experience even more authentic and engaging. At
Villa i Cipressi, an organic estate, the experience is enriched by the chance to learn about their honey production, while
Poggio Rubino, a small family-run business, welcomes guests warmly, making each tasting a special and authentic moment. The biodynamic estate
Piombaia offers a unique experience starting with an explanation of the biodynamic method, followed by a walk through the vineyard, a visit to the cellar, and finally the tasting. For a more traditional and historic experience, you can visit
Fattoria dei Barbi. Here, the historic Taverna welcomes winter visitors to taste Brunello, accompanied by cheeses from the Barbi dairy, cured meats, and bruschetta with the estate's olive oil. At
Casisano and
Conti Costanti, you can enjoy the magical experience of tasting a fine Brunello while admiring the panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia. At
Tassi, you'll embark on a journey through the history of the Tassi family and the various types of vineyards on their estate, followed by a tour of the production and aging areas, concluding with a tasting of their finest wines.
The timeless charm of Montalcino: an experience to enjoy
If you're planning a trip to Montalcino, these experiences will allow you to fully embrace the beauty and authenticity of this corner of Tuscany. Whether you are an art lover, nature enthusiast, or wine aficionado, there's always something special to discover. Visit
Enjoy Montalcino to explore the best
experiences or book your winery visit.