Montalcino is home to the delicious Brunello wine, as well as sweeping views of Tuscany. Here’s how to enjoy every moment of your visit.
Sure, I’m a beer lover, but even brew enthusiasts can appreciate a good glass of wine. Especially when that glass is in Montalcino, the Italian hill town famous for its world-renowned Brunello.
AKA, the wine that costs minimum $50 dollars back in the states.
AKA, my favorite wine in the world.
Given the absolute perfection that is Brunello, Montalcino is (understandably) regarded as heaven for wine lovers … and not much else. But the city itself also offers a rich history dating back to the 13th century and, of course, those idyllic hill town views.
So whether you love wine, Italian history, panoramas, or all of the above (me!), you’re sure to enjoy a trip to the beautiful, delicious town of Montalcino.
Montalcino Must-Dos
Stroll Along the Exterior of the City
First things first, the views in Montalcino are spectacular. Follow the pathway along Montalcino’s medieval city walls for breathtaking views of miles upon miles of cypress trees, rolling hills and grassy vineyards.
Or, to get an even more elevated vantage point, climb to the top of the Fortress of Montalcino for 360-degree views of Tuscany — and a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.
Lunch with a View
If you want to have your views and drink them, too, stop at one of Montalcino’s many vantage-point restaurants for a delicious, carb-filled bite.
We went to the Enoteca Osteria Osticcio, and although it was a bit more upscale than we typically like (we’re fans of fewer frills, more character), its floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the countryside were worth the extra price.
And, the delicious Brunello paired with pasta didn’t hurt, either.
Enoteca de Piazza Wine Room
As you’d imagine, Montalcino has vineyard upon vineyard for tours and tastings. If you’re looking for a quicker way to taste all the grapey goodness that Montalcino has to offer, stop by the Enoteca de Piazza Wine Room.
The Enoteca de Piazza has dozens of Montalcino wines ready for tasting, some from the past couple of years, and others dating back to my glorious tween-age years (and the price tag to prove it).
But it gets better. Getting that delicious wine to your mouth requires three simple things: a card, a glass, and a beautiful invention I can most accurately describe as a wine vending machine.
Yes. You heard me right.
A wine vending machine.
You prepay for the samples you want ($15 – $20 will get you about four or five samples, depending on the quality of wine you try). You get a card with that amount, insert said card into a slot above the bottle of wine you want to try, then fill your glass with a generous sample. Drink. Repeat. Drink. Enjoy the views from the back of the wine room. Drink. Repeat. Drink. Repeat.
It’s a relatively inexpensive way to taste all that Montalcino has to offer, and let’s be real: The novelty of a wine vending machine just never wears off.
Know before you go
If you prefer a real wine tasting over a wine vending machine (I guess I get where you’re coming from … but wine vending … OK I’ll drop it) then make sure to schedule your tour ahead of time. Each winery surrounding Montalcino has different hours and tour schedules. Also to note, most are only accessible via car, so map out your vineyard-crawl ahead of time to hit all the hot spots.
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