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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.
Poggio alle Mura
Castello Banfi is a luxury hotel in Montalcino, nearby Siena in Tuscany. A wonderful venue for your wedding and your holidays.
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.
Located in the shadow of the historical Castello Banfi, La Sala dei Grappoli welcomes you in an elegant and refined atmosphere.
A classical Tuscan restaurant in the shade of our medieval castle of Poggio alle Mura.
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.
09 June 2023
Summer in Tuscany: 5 original ideas | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
Summer in Tuscany? Here are 5 places to visit that are off the beaten path but wonderful. Read more about Castello Banfi Wine Resort’s recommendations.
Summer in Tuscany is an unrivaled experience, a symphony of emotions and delights for the senses. Among the gently rolling hills and ancient olive trees, the landscapes are enlivened by vibrant and charming colors, framed within a breathtaking and enchanting setting. The cultural wealth of this land offers the opportunity to see firsthand masterpieces from every era.
However, it is not only Florence, Pisa, Siena, Montalcino, and the Chianti hills that hold such treasures. Many small towns and villages in Tuscany are filled with hidden gems, scenic landscapes, and artistic marvels. Additionally, a plethora of recreational activities in harmony with nature will make your summer in Tuscany the most beautiful memory of your vacation.
In this region of rare beauty, summer becomes a feast for the eyes, a journey into the most authentic Italy, where one breathes in the spirit of a land rooted in history, art, and tradition. So, here's what to see in Tuscany during the summer and what alternative activities to indulge in for fun and relaxation.
Summer in Tuscany is not just about going to the beach: there are many attractions that this region offers to both Italian and foreign tourists in summertime. Trekking, for example, proves to be a unique and captivating experience. Amidst vineyards, hills, olive groves, and ancient villages, one breathes fresh air and experiences a full immersion in nature, far from the daily bustle. The winding trails lead to fairytale-like panoramas, and every step stimulates the sense of adventure and exploration. For trekking enthusiasts and those who love biking or horseback riding, Tuscany in summer is the ideal destination.
But summer in Tuscany also means concerts, festivals, medieval reenactments, and good food. The food and wine initiatives linked to local food excellences are an integral part of a refined tourism that is no longer so niche. Surrounded by lush nature, landscapes full of history, and welcomed by the unmatched Tuscan hospitality, wine enthusiasts in Tuscany during summer enjoy all the magical experiences this region has to offer.
When spending summer in Tuscany, where can one go and see away from the big cities full of tourists? Here are 5 low-tourism destinations that can offer you an unforgettable vacation.
Montefioralle is a small and romantic village in the Chianti area, offering breathtaking scenic views. Strolling through its narrow alleyways, admiring the ancient houses still adorned with colorful flowers at the windows, and savoring a delicious gelato in the shade of the medieval castle is an alternative way to enjoy the summer in Tuscany and truly grasp its essence.
Enchanting and characteristic is also the village of Pitigliano, in the heart of Maremma, a small town perched on a tufo hill that overlooks the surrounding countryside. It is also known as "Little Jerusalem" due to the significance of its Jewish community dating back to the 16th century, which consequently influenced the city's urban layout.
In Pitigliano, one can admire the synagogue and the Jewish ghetto, the fascinating Etruscan necropolis, the majestic Medici aqueduct, the beautiful Fountain of the Seven Spouts, and the splendid Palazzo Orsini, a fortress that now houses the Archaeological Museum and the Library.
The historic center of Bolgheri is a truly enchanted place, with the majestic Castle of the Counts of Gherardesca, artisan shops, squares rich in history, and the Viale dei Cipressi [Cypress Boulevard - ed.], made famous by poet Giosuè Carducci. The poet spent several years in this village, always a source of inspiration. If you're wondering what to do in Tuscany during the summer, a visit entirely dedicated to the poet is certainly an experience worth having.
The village of Vinci, located about fifty kilometers from Florence, is famous for being the birthplace of genius Leonardo da Vinci. Despite its fame, it remains a relatively undiscovered tourist destination, making it a perfect choice for an alternative and cultural summer in Tuscany. The main attraction of the village is the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, which houses one of the exhibitions dedicated to the great Renaissance artist. The museum is located within a charming building itself: the Castle of the Conti Guidi, ancient lords of the village, also known as the "ship castle" due to its characteristic shape.
Exploring the city in the footsteps of Leonardo is a new and culturally rewarding experience. The church of Santa Croce, the Library, and the Piazza adorned with Mario Ceroli's sculpture "L'uomo di Vinci" are all marked by Leonardo's presence in the village.
Poggio alle Mura is the ideal place to spend a summer in Tuscany that goes beyond just the beach. This enchanting location near Montalcino revolves around the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a medieval fortress surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, transformed into a magnificent resort. Here, you can experience the pleasure of staying in a real medieval castle without sacrificing the luxury and comfort of modern days. The beautiful suites of Hotel Il Borgo perfectly blend tradition and innovation, while the common areas offer the opportunity to relax amidst breathtaking landscapes and views. In this captivating place, you will also find the Glass Museum, which houses glass masterpieces from all eras, including the renowned "Portatrice" by Picasso.
Therefore, summer in Tuscany is a journey to discover the scenic, historical, artistic, cultural, and culinary beauty of a wonderful and unforgettable region. We look forward to welcoming you! Have a great summer!
19 May 2023
Wine tourism in Italy: standards and data | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
Tuscany and wine tourism: discover all the secrets of the quintessential combination of Italian tourism on the Castello Banfi Wine Resort’s blog.
Wine tourism, a precious blend of culture and wine tasting, is as a sensory experience of rare pleasure, to be experienced in places full of charm and allure. These destinations captivate not only due to the richness of their soils but also for the artistic, cultural, and scenic treasures they hold. In Italy, and particularly in Tuscany, a region renowned for its prestigious grape varieties and ancient traditions, wine tourism finds one of its highest expressions. Wine tourism in Tuscany offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the winemaking culture, savor exceptional wines, and embrace the authenticity of a thousand-years-old tradition, providing an unforgettable experience.
Tuscany and wine tourism represent a symbol of Italian excellence in the tourism sector, as per the latest data, approximately 14 million visitors flock to the green hills and lush vineyards of this region every year. They come to explore the historic wineries, where the artistry of winemakers blends with the beauty of the landscapes. Moreover, they indulge in a few days of relaxation surrounded by nature in the charming villages and wine resorts, such as Castello Banfi Wine Resort in Poggio alle Mura.
Let's briefly delve into the data on wine tourism in Tuscany. According to the latest Coldiretti/Ixè report, wine tourism in Italy involves 58% of Italians. Good food and good wine are indeed among the main reasons why a city is chosen as a tourist destination for 56% of respondents. In the case of Tuscany, where wine and food tourism intertwine with art and nature tourism, the numbers are even higher.
Wine tourism in Tuscany is now a well-established phenomenon and one of the most attractive in Italy. Regarding wine-related tourism, the region ranks third, following Piedmont and Campania (according to data from Isnart for Enit), in terms of "food and wine" tourist packages. Based on the 2022 data on wine tourism in Tuscany, provided by the Regional Statistics Office, there were over 13 million tourists and more than 42.7 million overnight stays, showing a significant increase compared to 2021.
The remarkable success of wine tourism in Tuscany is also evident on social media channels. Visits to wine tourism-related offer pages grew by 136.29% from March 2021 to February 2022.
Furthermore, wine tourism in Tuscany fuels not only the tourism sector but also the production sector, with a considerable turnover. According to the latest estimates from the Ismea-Qualivita Observatory, the PDO and PGI Wine sector in Tuscany is worth 1004 million euros (86.9% of the total certified productions in the country). These figures are confirmed by Roberta Garibaldi, vice president of the Tourism Committee of Ocs, one of the leading experts in wine tourism in Tuscany and Italy.
The primacy of Tuscany in the wine tourism sector is ancient, in fact, it is thanks to this region that wine tourism was born in Italy, with initiatives such as Cantine Aperte and Calici sotto le stelle in 1993, along with the Movimento Turismo del Vino [Wine Tourism Movement - ed.].
However, the guidelines for wine tourism were officialized only in the 2000s, with the creation of the "wine roads," protected itineraries that enhance locations and productions. It was only in 2019 that the so-called Decree on Wine Tourism was issued, regulating winery visits, billing for wine tourism activities, the qualifications of personnel, and the guidelines regarding the requirements and minimum quality standards for wine tourism activities.
Although the decree applies throughout Italy, some regions are further refining the legislation to better protect and promote this form of tourism, and Tuscany is among them. The wine tourism law in Tuscany saw significant development in the spring of last year with Regional Law 24 May 2022, no. 15 (Regulation of olive oil and farm holiday hospitality. Amendments to the l.r. 30/2003).
This law regulates wine tourism in Tuscany regarding:
Of particular interest is the new definition of wine tourism, which we report in full: "Wine tourism and olive oil tourism mean all the activities related to the knowledge of wine and extra-virgin olive oil carried out at the place of production, including visits to places of cultivation, production or exhibition of tools used for vine and olive cultivation, wine and olive oil tasting and commercialization, also combined with food, educational and recreational initiatives within wineries and vineyards, oil mills and olive groves.”
The enactment of a wine tourism law in Tuscany is of fundamental importance, serving as a shield for the protection of local producers and the support of their precious winemaking activities. This measure guarantees a solid regulatory framework, capable of preserving centuries-old traditions and promoting excellence in the sector. At the same time, this law becomes a tool of protection for visitors, ensuring safety, quality, and authenticity standards in the experiences offered. In this way, the enhancement of the wine heritage is combined with conscious and rewarding hospitality for all those who choose wine tourism in Tuscany as a form of travel and discovery.
12 May 2023
Sant'Antimo Abbey: opening hours and path | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
How to visit the Sant'Antimo Abbey? At Castello Banfi you can find all you need to know on prices, how to get there and pictures of the monument.
Located in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by gently rolling hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, the Sant'Antimo Abbey is an architectural jewel nestled in the peaceful countryside of Montalcino, just a few kilometers from Castello Banfi Wine Resort. This ancient Benedictine abbey, dating back to the 12th century, is a sublime example of elegance and spirituality, a living testament to a glorious past that continues to attract numerous tourists, both believers and non-believers.
The Sant'Antimo Abbey is much more than a mere tourist attraction; it is a sanctuary of peace and reflection, a place where history merges with spirituality. Every stone, every fresco, and every sculpture has a story to tell and a message to convey. That is why photos and images of Sant'Antimo Abbey cannot fully capture the atmosphere that one breathes there, but they can stimulate the curiosity of tourists who visit this area of Tuscany.
The origins of the Sant'Antimo Abbey in Montalcino date back to Charlemagne, who is said to have built a rectangular chapel with an apse called Cappella Carolingia in 781, which today serves as the sacristy.
Travelers approaching the Abbey from the nearby Castello Banfi Wine Resort are immediately welcomed by its size and the height of the bell tower, majestically rising among the hills. As they draw closer, they are welcomed by a romantic facade that reveals an austere and ancient beauty: the pure and simple lines, the elegant arches, and the windows adorned with intricate details evoke a sense of grace and harmony.
Once inside, after passing through the portal with its sculpted lintel, visitors are welcomed by a feeling of calm and contemplation. Natural light filters through the stained-glass windows, decorating the stone floor with shades of light and shadow, creating some of the most beautiful images of Sant'Antimo Abbey in Montalcino.
The presbytery, dominated by the main altar, is a masterpiece of art and devotion overlooked by a medieval crucifix. Meanwhile, the crypt houses the tomb of Sant'Antimo with its relics.
Next to the abbey stands the Cloister, an enchanting corner of paradise once overlooked by all the buildings belonging to the abbey. It features a quadrangular porticoed courtyard where one can stroll in the shade, enjoying the peace and silence of the place. Nearby, there's the Ospitalia, a guesthouse that still accommodates small groups dedicated to prayer and spiritual retreat.
Livelier and bustling with life is the Monastic Pharmacy, located in the ancient Treasure Room, offering the opportunity to experience the results of the Benedictine rule of "Ora et labora" [Pray and work - ed.]. In the Pharmacy, numerous body care products based on medicinal herbs cultivated near the Abbey are sold, reflecting the ancient wisdom of the monks. Additionally, products from the land's labor, such as honey, herbal teas, candies, and fruit preserves, are also available. The craft beers of Sant'Antimo Abbey, prepared with a secret recipe, are renowned throughout the region. Another notable product is the "Amaro di Sant'Antimo," made from Erba Carlina, which was once used to alleviate the suffering of Charlemagne's soldiers during their visits to the Abbey.
Part of the Benedictine complex is also the Oliveta, a rich and lush area of the monastery dedicated to the cultivation of olive trees, from which high-quality extra virgin olive oil is produced. Additionally, there is an Apiary for crafting artisan honey, and the Garden of Santa Ildegarda, where medicinal plants used to treat the sick can be admired.
The Sant’Antimo Abbey in Montalcino offers the following opening hours to the public:
Please note that on Sundays and public holidays, the Holy Mass is celebrated at 10:00 AM, and entrance is allowed only after the service has ended.
If you want to visit the Sant'Antimo Abbey in Montalcino comfortably, staying at Castello Banfi Wine Resort is the best choice. The resort is also nestled in an oasis of peace amidst the green hills adorned with vineyards and olive groves, providing an excellent starting point for reaching the abbey in the morning after a hearty breakfast. Moreover, it is only a few kilometers away from this renowned tourist destination.
The road that separates the resort from the abbey is also an attraction. It is easy to travel, without dangerous hairpin turns or heavy traffic, making it a charming route that leads to an even more enchanting destination.
Leaving from Castello Banfi Wine Resort, you can reach the Sant'Antimo Abbey through two routes:
17 April 2023
Terms for wine tasting | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
From clarity to smoothness, here's a list of suitable terminology to describe the characteristics of wine during a tasting session.
An increasing number of Italians are opting to indulge in a wine tasting experience offered by the most prestigious wineries or savor a tasting menu that pairs gourmet dishes with carefully selected wines at high-end restaurants such as Ristorante La Sala dei Grappoli near Montalcino. This is why to fully immerse oneself in the experience, it is also beneficial to learn a comprehensive and accurate wine tasting terminology, enabling one to fully grasp the harmony of pairings and the myriad of nuances concealed within a glass of wine.
Knowing which terms to use is important even if you want to fill out - or read - a wine tasting sheet, a valuable ally that allows you to organize the sensations experienced during the tasting experience.
The most common form is the wine tasting sheet from AIS (Italian Sommelier Association), but there's also the FISAR (Italian Federation of Sommeliers, Hoteliers, and Restaurateurs) sheet. Both are built upon analyzing the three fundamental aspects of sensory analysis carried out during the tasting session:
So, here's a short list of wine tasting terminology that is useful for filling out a wine tasting sheet and for truly appreciating the value of a fine bottle, capturing all the nuances and peculiarities it holds.
Describing the visual characteristics of wine is the first step in the tasting experience. In fact, the experience begins with sight, and a fundamental role is played by the color, clarity, and fluidity of the wine.
The color of wine is the first element to consider during the visual examination. Distinguishing different shades of color and their reflections requires practice, but with time, one can learn to differentiate a straw-yellow wine from a golden-yellow one.
The clarity of a wine depends on the presence of suspended particles, such as yeast, sediments, or other substances that could make the wine cloudy or opaque. A clear wine appears crystalline and bright, indicating higher quality and care in the winemaking process, especially when it comes to sparkling wines.
In wine tasting terminology, fluidity is a characteristic measured through the "technical gesture" of swirling the glass and observing the legs left on the sides. The wider the legs, the less fluid the wine.
The second sense involved in tasting is the sense of smell. The bouquet of aromas and scents released by the wine is a result of not only careful grape selection but also attentive aging in specific barrels, enriching the wine's natural scent.
The intensity of the wine is perceived through the initial impact of the wine on the sense of smell. Tasters usually bring the glass to their nose, slightly tilt it, and take slow, regular sniffs.
The description defines the type of aromas characterizing the wine (floral, fruity, etc.) and to recognize the individual fragrances that tantalize the sense of smell.
The gustatory examination is the final part of the tasting process, where the meaning of the entire experience materializes when the first drops of wine touch the tongue and palate, opening the doors to infinite sensations.
Wine effervescence is applicable only to sparkling wines and refers to evaluating the size and persistence of the bubbles in essentially how long they remain in the glass after pouring. The presence of bubbles can also clarify if the wine pairs well with certain foods, particularly with degreasing properties thus it is important to note this characteristic in the wine sheet if it is paired with food.
Wine persistence in the context of wine tasting terminology plays a prominent role. It indicates how long the initial taste sensation produced by the wine lingers on the palate, even after swallowing.
The body of the wine refers to the sensation of fullness, weight, and consistency experienced in the mouth during wine tasting. It indicates the presence of solid substances like tannins, residual sugars, and extracts, which contribute to the wine's structure.
The amount of acids present in the wine determines its acidity, which can be perceived as a sensation of sharpness or freshness on the tongue. It provides vitality and structure to the wine, balancing the sweetness of residual sugars and the perception of tannins in the case of red wines.
Sapidity is a less common characteristic compared to other tastes in wine, such as acidity or sweetness, but it is equally important in wine tasting terminology. It depends mainly on the presence of mineral salts in the soil, which winemakers carefully select.
Wine sweetness is due to the presence of residual natural sugars that were not fully converted into alcohol during fermentation. In the terminology of wine tasting, terms like "brut," "extra-dry," "dry," "off-dry," "medium-dry," or "sweet" are used to provide an approximate indication of the perceived level of sweetness in wines and sparkling wines.
The alcohol content, listed on the wine tasting sheet as well as on the label, represents the percentage of alcohol present in the wine in relation to the total volume. It is a measurement that informs about the concentration of alcohol in the wine and is expressed as a percentage. The alcohol content of the wine can influence its sensory perception and body. A wine with a higher alcohol content may be perceived as more full-bodied, warm, or intense, while a wine with a lower alcohol content may appear lighter or fresher.
03 April 2023
Easter food in Tuscany | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
Lamb, typical cold cuts, and traditions: that's how Easter is celebrated in the Tuscany region.
Spending Easter in Tuscany is an extraordinary opportunity to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich food tradition of this enchanting region. Food becomes a sensory experience that unfolds through authentic flavors, refined delicacies, and fairytale landscapes. Traditional dishes prepared with carefully cultivated and lovingly chosen ingredients, along with medieval castles perched on green hills adorned with vineyards and olive groves, come together in a symphony of taste and emotion that narrates the soul of Tuscany.
Each dish served on the Easter table carries centuries of history and a deep connection with the land and its genuine products. So, what do people eat for Easter in Tuscany? What are the traditional Easter foods that one can savor in this region?
To answer the question of what is enjoyed during Easter in Tuscany, it is best to start from the beginning, with the appetizers, mainly based on cured meats and cheeses. In Tuscany, talking about cured meats and cheeses is like opening the doors to a celebration of flavors, a true sensory feast, given the vast variety and, above all, the quality of these products.
The local cured meats, such as the delicate prosciutto crudo, the aromatic finocchiona, and the flavorful Tuscan salami, release captivating aromas and flavors. Meanwhile, the sheep and cow's milk cheeses, among which the exquisite pecorino toscano stands out, offer to the palate a divine creaminess and an unparalleled embrace of taste. Every bite conveys a gustatory ecstasy, a harmony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and prepares them for an Easter lunch rich in taste.
Even chicken livers are an enduring classic of Tuscan cuisine, especially during Easter. Sautéed in a pan with garlic, onion, sage, and white wine, and served hot on traditional Tuscan crostini, they have a tender texture and an intense flavor, a true delicacy to be enjoyed with family on a day of celebration.
Finally, the Easter table is never complete without the "torta pasqualina," a savory pie made with puff pastry and filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, ricotta, hard-boiled eggs, and grated cheese. The typical preparation calls for creating one or more layers of filling within the pastry, with layers of spinach and ricotta interspersed with whole hard-boiled eggs. This pattern creates a succulent and flavorful dish, much loved for its combination of tastes and textures.
An Easter tradition to uphold in the kitchen, not only in Tuscany but throughout Italy, is that of making homemade pasta. Whether it is pici, tortellini, or lasagna, the first course of this special Sunday must be prepared by hand.
So, what do people eat for Easter in Tuscany? In general, pici are preferred, a pasta with a centuries-old tradition, similar to very thick spaghetti, dressed with a dense and flavorful ragout. Alternatively, there are the Mugellani tortelli, large homemade fresh pasta filled with flavorful seasoned potatoes.
The undisputed protagonist of the traditional Tuscan Easter main courses is lamb, either baked or roasted, accompanied by aromatic herbs and the so-called "pan ramerino," a traditional Tuscan bread with a crispy, golden crust and a soft, fragrant crumb.
But when one wonders what is enjoyed during Easter in Tuscany, the answer that satisfies everyone is "buglione d'agnello," a lamb stew marinated in wine. Preparing it according to tradition requires time, precision, and a cast-iron pot in which to cook everything. The marinade must be at least eight hours long to ensure that all the flavors thoroughly infuse the meat. Not to be forgotten as an accompaniment, lightly toasted Tuscan bread crostini are served directly in the dish. The word "buglione" in the Maremma dialect means "a mix of things," precisely because all the ingredients are cooked and served together.
Knowing what the traditional Easter foods in Tuscany is just the first step towards an immersive experience in the festive traditions of this magnificent region. To fully appreciate its beauty, it is essential to savor these typical dishes in an authentic Tuscan restaurant. In this regard, there is no better place than La Taverna, a characteristic Tuscan restaurant located in the old cellars of Castello Banfi, near Montalcino. The restaurant is furnished in traditional style, with tables made of fine wood reminiscent of the wine barrels that once rested in those very rooms and the exposed vaulted ceilings and magnificent tapestries depicting the lush Tuscan countryside. It is the perfect setting for a family Easter lunch, featuring the traditional dishes of the region.
More refined, yet certainly no less welcoming, is the Ristorante La Sala dei Grappoli, nestled in the shade of the historic Castello Banfi. The restaurant is located in a room with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and walls decorated with splendid golden grape clusters, creating an ambiance where you can indulge in a true luxury enogastronomic experience.