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Castello Banfi Wine Resort
The Hotel, the two Restaurants, the Enoteca, the Balsameria and the Glass Museum.
Castello Banfi il Borgo is a multi-experience in a unique place immersed in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
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Castello Banfi - Il Borgo
Poggio alle Mura
- Val d’Orcia
- Florence
- Montalcino
- Montepulciano
- Monteriggioni
- Pienza
- Pisa
- Rome
- San Gimignano
- Abbey of Sant’Antimo
- Siena
Castello Banfi is a luxury hotel in Montalcino, nearby Siena in Tuscany. A wonderful venue for your wedding and your holidays.
Il Borgo
Each of the ample rooms and suites is distinctly designed and original, embellished and decorated by hand, with premium fabrics and exclusive accessories which underline the inherent elegance of Il Borgo.
La Sala dei Grappoli
Restaurant
Located in the shadow of the historical Castello Banfi, La Sala dei Grappoli welcomes you in an elegant and refined atmosphere.
La Taverna
Restaurant
A classical Tuscan restaurant in the shade of our medieval castle of Poggio alle Mura.
L'Enoteca
The Enoteca/Wine Bar recreates the atmosphere of a true Tuscan wine shop where, alongside our estate still and sparkling wines, grappa, extra virgin olive oil and Condimento Balsamico Etrusco, are available numerous local artisan food and crafts.
29 July 2022
Glass production: history, curiosities | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
When talking about wine, there is no way one can ignore the objects used to contain it, and specifically bottles and glasses. In some cases, even, when talking about a good wine, it is referred to as a “good bottle”, while there is a genuine classification for glasses and goblets, since each wine deserves its own type to bring out its full range of characteristics.
We have come a long way to get to the production of glass goblets such as the ones we use today. Although glass has been used since ancient times, it was only in Imperial Rome that it was systematically used to make glasses and bottles.
If you want to see some evidence of this lengthy creative process and craftsmanship, there is no better place than the Bottle and Glass Museum. Located at Castello Banfi Wine Resort, this museum, which is named after G. F. Mariani, contains ancient artefacts and pieces of modern art that show the different stages in glass-making history.
A brief history of glass
Humankind has been able to work glass since the third millennium BCE: in Mesopotamia, glass paste was used for decorative purposes, while from the 7th-6th centuries BCE, the Greek and Phoenician civilisations began to make jars for perfumes and unguents as well as glass jewellery.
As already mentioned, there was a genuine glass-making industry in place during the Roman period, around the first century CE, when artisans began to use glass-blowing techniques (imported from the Middle East) to make items that were more similar to those we use today, such as glasses, bottles, lanterns, and in some rare cases, windows.
Italy’s golden period of glass-making came in the Middle Ages, when glass was used to make the magnificent coloured windows we see today in churches and cathedrals all over Europe, and when the master craftsmen of Murano withdrew to their island to jealously guard the secrets of their glass-making techniques.
Glass-making in stages
What is glass made of? What are the basic substances in this material? Glass is an amorphous solid, which means it has a random crystalline lattice arrangement and it is created through the solidification of a liquid without successive crystallisation process. In the majority of cases, glass paste is made from silicon oxide (SiO2), a material with a very slow crystallisation speed and a relatively high melting point (1800 °C).
Due to the high energy costs of keeping furnaces at this temperature, it is preferable to make glass from other recycled glass, which has a lower melting temperature.
Glass-making in stages
Glass making has different stages. The first stage is the preparation of the materials: silica sand is sifted and dried (and if necessary, mixed with other chemicals, according to the required finish) while, in the case of recycled glass, it is necessary to separate the secondary substances.
The next stage is melting, which takes place in furnaces at controlled temperatures of around 1600°C. The mix of glass is then cut and placed in moulds.
The third stage is forming, when the glass takes on its required shape, such as that of a bottle. The vitrified paste is placed in a mould and it adheres to the sides, taking shape thanks to a pressing action. The glass is then blown to give it its final shape and empty space on the inside.
Bottle and Glass Museum
The ideal place in which to immerse yourself in the history of glass is, as we mentioned, the Bottle and Glass Museum at Castello Banfi Wine Resort.
The collections in this museum are among the world’s richest, because they encompass various centuries of history, starting with the Roman rooms and on to the glass masterpieces of Picasso, passing via the fascinating glass pieces from Venice.
The five rooms have been carefully studied to offer a charming, immersive experience to visitors, not only because they will be in the exceptional location of the stalls and the old mill of a mediaeval fortress, but also because they can follow the evolution of the wine glass in the very area in which the world’s finest wine is made: the Tuscan hillsides, in the area of Montalcino.
Museum artefacts
The Roman collection includes artefacts in vitreous paste from the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, jars and containers in blow glass for balms and unguents from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, and bottles and carafes in blown glass from the 4th and 5th centuries CE. This is one of the most fascinating and extensive collections, brought back to its ancient splendour thanks to restoration work carried out by the Laboratorio del Vetro di San Giovanno Valdarno in Arezzo.
The collection of Venetian glass and glass from Murano has been added to over the last few years with two masterpieces acquired by the Fondazione Banfi: a “reticello” bowl from the 16th century, and a large display glass with enamelled brass elements.
Lastly, the modern pieces in glass include a stunning “Portatrice” by Pablo Picasso, a unique piece that shows the multifaceted talent of this artist.
H3: Museum Info
The Museum is open all year round, so if you are holidaying in or around Montalcino, you can always come and visit to satisfy your curiosity about the history of glass-making. From 9 March to 12 November, the rooms are open to the public from 10.00 to 19.30, while from 12 November to 9 March, they are open from 10.00 to 18.00.
Tickets are available from Enoteca Banfi at a price of 4 euro and concessions are available.
20 July 2022
Wine tour Tuscany: how to do it? | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
How to organise a wine tasting tour in Tuscany? Here are all the tips: how it works, where to go and for how many days.
Wine tours in Tuscany: how they work and how to organise one
Until a few years ago, this was still considered a niche activity, reserved to experts and connoisseurs, whereas now, it is popular with simple wine lovers. We are talking about wine tours in Tuscany.
More and more Italian and foreign tourists are choosing to set off on wine tasting tours in Tuscany, land of Brunello and Chianti, as well as of some of Italy's most important winegrowers. A wine tour is an experience to be tried at least once in your lifetime. It is immersive, educational, and offers the opportunity not only to taste fine wines, but also to learn a great deal about them and how they are made, from vineyard to bottle.
Wine tours in Tuscany: how they work
What should you expect from a wine tour in Tuscany? It is the type of experience that can be planned for a single day, a weekend or even several weeks, according to the area chosen and the number of wineries you want to visit. Even if the reservations can be managed independently or through a travel agent, this experience is always tasked to the cellar that will be hosting you each time.
Visiting the vineyards
One of the most charming parts of the tour is doubtless a visit to the vineyards, where those at work will show you the different types and varieties of grape, the growing techniques, and the history of the area which, in the case of Tuscany, is also interwoven with Italian art and literature. As you look at the rows of vines and the ripe bunches of grapes, you can feast your eyes on this beautiful region, the magic of the ripening grapes and the spectacular sight of the hills and mediaeval villages before you.
Visiting the wineries
The next step is a visit to the cellar, the nerve centre of every winery, where the production processes take place and where, the treasured bottles of historic vintages are to be found. This is where the guide will explain how each wine is made, from the fermenting process to ageing, showing you how modern technologies are always combined with traditional, historic methods. This part of a wine tour in Tuscany is certainly the most educational and fascinating; a unique experience and opportunity to admire the secrets of the winery close up.
Wine tasting
Finally, the part that all lovers of fine wine are waiting for; the actual tasting. According to the package or menu chosen, the winery will offer a selection of wines for tasting, served in the most suitable glasses, while a sommelier will take you through the tasting process from eyes, to nose, and mouth. In many cases, wine tasting is combined with the opportunity to sample local speciality foods.
Wine Tours in Tuscany: simple rules for organising
Here is some advice about organising a wine tour in Tuscany.
Choose the time of year
The choice of time period for organising a wine tasting tour in Tuscany is a very important one, not just because in different periods you can admire the scenery in different seasons, but also because the activities available during your visit are subject to change. September is doubtless the ideal month, because you can be present at the harvest - and sometimes, even take part- while summer is recommended for admiring the grapes as they reach peak maturity. The winter months are less to be recommended, since some wineries may be closed or operating at reduced hours.
Visit few wineries at a time
If your tour is to be a short one, we recommend not trying to visit as many as possible: choose just a few, but of good quality. A few, carefully selected wineries, and only one or at most, two per day. This is because each winery has its own story to tell and marvels to show you, and it is only fair that you enjoy the experience without rushing.
Private car or car with driver
If you don’t have your own vehicle, and if you want to enjoy a wine tour to the full, then we advise hiring a private driver who can accompany you from one winery to the next, if you intend to visit more than one, or who can drive you in the morning and return to collect you at the end of your visit.
Wine tasting tour in Tuscany at Castello Banfi Wine Resort
Castello Banfi Wine Resort organises wine tours in Tuscany for all wine enthusiasts, with different types of guided visit and wine tasting menus able to satisfy even the most discerning palate, for a magical experience in the shade of the old Castello Banfi di Poggio alle mura, on the Banfi estate.
Guided winery visits
Guided visits to the Banfi winery are available in the morning and afternoon. In the morning, the tour that begins at 11am also includes lunch, with a choice of three- or four-course tasting menu (paired with selected wines). The afternoon tour includes a tasting of four wines.
As well as these proposals, it is also possible to book a two-hour private wine tour which, as well as the visit to the vineyards and winery, adds a visit to the Balsameria and lunch at the La Taverna restaurant.
11 July 2022
Wine resort in Tuscany: the best one| Castello Banfi Wine Resort
What features should a wine resort have for an unforgettable experience among Tuscan hills and wines? All the advantages of the Castello Banfi Wine Resort.
Choose the best wine resorts in Tuscany
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, with good food, and views of the Tuscan hills, then a wine resort is the perfect choice. Staying in a wine resort in Tuscany means immersing yourself in the beauty of unparalleled views, surrounded by the fragrance of ripening grapes and fairytale castles, where you can enjoy the area’s finest wines.
The wine resort phenomenon is a relative newcomer to Italy and it represents an exclusive type of holiday. In just a few years, the number of wine resorts in Tuscany and the rest of Italy is destined to grow. In Tuscany alone there are 65 such facilities that can be classified as wine resorts. Of course, we are talking about the land of Chianti and Brunello, an area where there is no shortage of fine wine, hospitality and stunning views.
What is a wine resort?
But what is a wine resort? For wine lovers it is a place in which to explore the area where the finest labels are made, face to face with the people who work there, enjoying tastings of the highest level, surrounded by nature. For lovers of relaxation, it is a little corner of heaven in the hills, where they can be pampered and spoilt as they sip on a fine wine, maybe from the comfort of a spa pool. For couples it is the ideal location for special events, dining from a menu of typical local specialities and fine wines, in a fairytale setting of castles and mediaeval villages.
There are three main characteristics that every wine resort needs to have: hospitality, stunning views and of course, great wine.
Wine resorts: the characteristics
A wine resort is generally run by medium-large wineries that can offer tourists the possibility to stay in historic homes, old castles or converted mills, as well as to taste typical products and to enjoy guided tours of the wineries and vineyards.
Attention to detail is one of the characteristics needed by a wine resort: the traditional old buildings are renovated and furnished taking care to preserve their ancient splendour, but they can still offer all the comforts of a modern luxury hotel. There is no shortage of wine resorts with wellness centre, spa, gym, pool and everything you need for a splendid, relaxing stay. It is no coincidence that many resorts in Tuscany are chosen as locations for events and weddings.
Another essential characteristic that separates a wine resort from its more “traditional” cousin in the Tuscan hills, is the unavoidable link with wine. A holiday in a facility of this type is also an immersion into the world of wine and its production: in some periods of the year, it is also possible to take part in the harvest, as well as to visit the wineries which often still contain the traditional tools, a priceless heritage from both a cultural and historic point of view.
As well as fine wine, we should not forget great food. A stay at a wine resort in Tuscany is an experience for all the senses: many wine resorts also offer Slow Food where you can enjoy the typical dishes of the region, prepared by top chefs, according to tradition and using local produce.
Finally, the views: the beauty of the land of Chianti and Brunello simply speaks for itself, with its sunny hills with their rows and rows of vines, under a bright blue sky, accompanied by the smell of ripe grapes and dotted with villages and castles.
Hotel Castello Banfi Il Borgo, one of Tuscany’s best wine resorts
Out of the best wine resorts in Tuscany we find Castello Banfi Wine Resort, created inside the walls of an old mediaeval castle, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and hills, in the stunning setting of Castello di Poggio alle Mura. This facility, which is part of the Banfi, winery has all of the characteristics needed by an excellent wine resort: hospitality, great wine, and stunning views.
The rooms at Hotel Castello Banfi Il Borgo, furnished by famous interior designer, Federico Forquet, have every comfort and stand out for the attention to detail, fine fabrics and decorations added by hand. Shared spaces, such as the elegant Reading Room overlooking the castle courtyard or the modern wellness centre, have been designed to pamper our guests in every way. La Sala dei Grappoli, the wine resort’s restaurant is a super-elegant dining room in the shadow of the historic Castello Banfi, and it serves excellent local dishes and traditional Tuscan specialities, with a seasonal tasting menu designed specifically to make the best use of typical regional produce, accompanied by the finest selection of Banfi wines.
Lastly, and it could not be otherwise, seeing that this is one of Tuscany’s best wine resorts, Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers guests the opportunity to visit the Enoteca, an elegant traditional Tuscan shop selling Banfi’s finest labels but also artisanal products and fine foods from the area.
30 June 2022
Palio Siena 2022: dates and info | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
When is the Palio di Siena 2022? Here is all the useful information on dates, programme and other useful tips on where to eat and sleep.
Palio di Siena 2022: dates, programme and useful information
After a two-year wait, due to the limits imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the people of Siena and anyone else who loves this historic sporting event can finally rejoice: it's time for the Palio di Siena 2022.
The first palio of the year, the one known as the Palio della Madonna di Provenzano, held on 2 July has not long finished and already our thoughts are on the August event, the Palio della Madonna Assunta.
Palio di Siena: August dates
This event, which attracts hundreds of tourists from all over Italy and the rest of the world, as well as involving all the inhabitants of Siena's quarters or Contrade, is being held in Piazza del Campo on 16 August 2022.
If you are wondering when the next Palio di Siena will be, then you should know that the date of the race is actually August 16th, but on the four days running up to the race itself, you can enjoy a series of events linked to the Palio, and these form the historic and cultural heart of the race. Therefore, the entire event lasts from August 13th - 16th 2022.
Ticket prices and times for the Palio di Siena
There is no charge to watch the Palio di Siena; the event is free for those who want to experience the thrill of being up close to the horses as they race, or who want to savour the sparkling competitive spirit of the Sienese and enjoy the event like a proper local.
The important thing is to find a place before the access points are closed, generally about 4:00 pm, when the race track itself is cleared. Taking into account the times for the Palio di Siena and the fact that the horses set off after 7:00 pm, it is quite a long wait, but always well worth it. The important thing is to come prepared, which means a hat to shade you from the sun, and some bottles of water.
Alternatively, if you want to see the race from above, looking out from the balcony of one of the characteristic palazzos overlooking Piazza del Campo, or comfortably seated in one of the bars surrounding the piazza, then we recommend contacting the bar management or the owners of the palazzos directly.
There is no official ticket office, which is why there is no way to find out the cost of a ticket for the Palio di Siena in advance. The same can be said about the stands set up on the outskirts of the piazza. This perfect compromise between comfort and the spirit of the contradaiolo is only available by asking about and hoping that there is an available place. The price for this type of ticket for the Palio di Siena starts from about €60.
Some tips for attending the Palio di Siena
According to the new rules, in force since 2017, children under the age of 12 cannot enter Piazza del Campo on the day of the Palio. Therefore, it you want to attend the event with the whole family, then it is a good idea to reserve a place in the stands. The website ilpalio.org, authorised by the Consorzio per la Tutela del Palio di Siena, the consortium that protects the Palio, makes its own official email available (siena.@ilpalio.org) to help tourists to find the right place from which to watch the event.
If you want to spend a few days in Siena so that you can enjoy all the events dedicated to the Palio, or you want to spend some time in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, then an interesting solution for overnight accommodation comes from Hotel Il Borgo, located in an old stone village near Montalcino and just an hour away from Siena. At the Castello Banfi Wine Resort you can also enjoy the best of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in our ristorante La Sala dei Grappoli with its sophisticated menu and selected wines from Banfi.
The Contrade at the Palio di Siena in August 2022
Sunday 10 July, a few days after the Palio that saw the Dragon Contrada win the race, the three contrade that will join the other seven with the right to race on 16 August. Here are the contrade taking part in the Palio di Siena on August 16th:
Tartuca, Lupa, Giraffa, Civetta, Leocorno, Nicchio, Valdimontone, Onda, Selva, Chiocciola
Palio di Siena 2022: programme
The Palio di Siena is more than a simple sporting event or historical re-enactment. It is an authentic celebration that involves the whole city of Siena over several days, with a sporting and cultural programme entirely dedicated to the city itself. The contradaioli (people from each Contrada) prepare for the Palio all year round, living it on a daily basis, but if you choose to visit Siena during the Palio, you will certainly not feel left out: the passion of the contradaioli, their enthusiasm for the race and their competitive spirit, together with an atmosphere of days gone by make staying in the city an even more magical, compelling event.
The “Tratta”
The August Palio starts on August 13th, with the so-called Tratta, when the 10 horses are chosen to take run in the final race. The horses are taken through their paces in Piazza del Campo, and the most suitable are then selected (there are usually at least thirty horses taking part).
The most awaited moment of the day is the assignment of the horses. Contrade and riders are then put together by draw, and for a tourist who is seeing the Palio di Siena for the first time, this must be one of the most exciting moments of the whole event. In the afternoon, it is time for the First Trial, which takes place around 7:15pm.
General Trial Dinner
The second and third days are entirely dedicated to the trials, while the evening before the race, which is August 15th, there is a mounted charge by the Siena’s Carabinieri and the General Rehearsal Dinner, held by each individual contrada. This event, which is quite like the feasts held in Mediaeval times is also open to tourists and non-contradaioli, but it is necessary to book in advance and to remember that the whole event is managed individually by each of the contrade.
Race and other events
On August 16th, the day of the race itself, the Palio di Siena programme has even more events: from the Messa del Fantino, the riders’ mass, celebrated by the Archbishop in the chapel alongside the Palazzo Comunale, to the final trial, known as the Provaccia, and then the blessing of both horse and rider, concluding with the fabulous historic parade (start: 3:50 pm from Piazza del Duomo) and finally, the thrill of the race (7:15 pm).
The prize-giving to the winning Contrada takes place straight after the race, with the handing over of the Drappellone, the painted silk hanging, which is first taken to the Cathedral for a “Te deum” of thanks, and then to the Contrada. This year, the Drappellone is the work of artist Andrea Anastasio.
20 June 2022
Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022: info | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
Jazz & Wine in Montalcino is back. Discover all the useful information on dates, programme events and tips on where to eat and stay during the event.
Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022: dates, events and useful information
The Montalcino nights will once again ring out with the hot, passionate sounds of jazz, accompanied by fine wines to tickle your taste buds while the music delights your ears: we’re talking about Jazz & Wine in Montalcino, the summer Festival eagerly awaited by lovers of good wine and great music.
The event, now in its 25th edition, is being held from 19 - 24 July, when the thrilling setting of Castello Banfi and Fortezza di Montalcino will be hosting artists from the international music scene, such as Jacques Morelenbaum, Ron Carter and Mario Biondi.
This year’s artistic director is Eugenio Rubei, following in the footsteps of his brother, Paolo, previous artistic director who recently passed away. The Rubei family, from the Alexanderplatz Jazz Club in Rome, together with the Municipality of Montalcino and Castello Banfi. Banfi has always promoted good music, culture and talent, and this year it has decided to give enthusiasts an unforgettable experience under the stars, with jazz music in all its many facets.
Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022: il program
Just like every year, Jazz & Wine in Montalcino has a truly exceptional program, with seven evenings dedicated to music and fine wine.
Opening concert at Castello Banfi Wine Resort – 19 July
The Festival begins on 19 July with a performance by famous cellist Jacques Morelenbaum, accompanied by guitarist Lula Galvão, drummer Rafael Barata and vocalist Paula Morelenbaum. The unique setting for this performance with a Brazilian rhythm is the historic Castello di Poggio alle Mura, now better known as Castello Banfi, which, from 9:45pm, will be transformed into the perfect stage for Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022.
Concerts in Fortezza (Montalcino) – from July 20th
On 20 July the concerts will be moving to Fortezza a Montalcino, a place with great evocative power and historic beauty, which will captivate music lovers before they even hear the first notes. First on stage is jazz legend Ron Carter, accompanied by Jimmy Greene on sax, Renee Rosnes on the piano and Payton Crossley on drums.
On 21 July is the grand première of the Orchestra Nazionale Alexanderplatz, created thanks to the hard work and passion of Eugenio Rubei and conducted by Maestro Franco Piana.
On 22 July, the Fortezza will be hosting one of the most long-awaited guests of Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022: French artiste Richard Galliano, the genius who revolutionised jazz with his accordion, who has decided to celebrate his 50 years in music in the stunning setting of the Festival of Montalcino.
23 July will see the performance of an extraordinary jazz trio consisting of John Patitucci (bass), Rogerio Boccato (drums) and Yotam Silberstein (guitar), to give jazz fans a Saturday evening that’s all about a magical performance of Brazilian rhythm.
Finally, on 24 July there will be an important tribute to Paolo Rubei by one of his dearest friends and colleagues, Mario Biondi, who, together with the Daniele Sannapieco 5et quintet will close this edition of Jazz & Wine in Montalcino with a magical mix of jazz and soul: an evening truly not to be missed.
The program for Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022 has a great deal to offer in terms of extraordinarily talented international artists, who will delight enthusiasts with their art and music. Ticket prices vary from 15 to 25 euro according to the chosen evening, and they can be purchased directly from the Vivaticket circuit.
Jazz & Wine in Montalcino: where to eat and stay
During Jazz & Wine in Montalcino, the wine is equally as important as the music: the event offers all enthusiasts the possibility to savour the best in Tuscan wines, to find out more about the traditional wineries, and to visit the areas where the sun kisses the land to create authentic masterpieces in a bottle.
This is why your programme simply must include gastro tours and time to relax in the stunning Tuscan hills. The ideal place to stay during Jazz & Wine in Montalcino is the Castello Banfi Wine Resort , the backdrop for the festival’s first concert: the exclusive Hotel Il Borgo, in its timeless setting, with mediaeval towers and centuries-old trees is ready to accommodate lovers of fine wine and music with the same courtesy and professionalism as always.
During the Jazz & Wine in Montalcino, you can visit the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, enjoy long rides on horseback, tempt your palate with a visit to the Banfi wine cellars, and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine at La Taverna or you can also enjoy the extraordinary experience of dishes by Michelin-star Chef Domenico Francone at Sala dei Grappoli, or relax with a wonderful professional massage. All of these activities are the perfect way to rediscover your inner peace and recharge your batteries before becoming fully immersed in the musical experience of Jazz & Wine in Montalcino.
