Castello Banfi, Montalcino

Aficionados of Italian wine, particularly Brunello, will be well aware of Castello Banfi near Montalcino, Tuscany. The 7,100 acre estate has been producing quality wines since 1978, offers a full compliment of eno-tourism activities and a range of elegant, 5 star boutique accommodation.

The centre piece of the estate are the enchanting 12th century era castle and 17th century era hamlet which sit high on a hill overlooking the vineyards and the surrounding, typically picturesque Tuscan countryside.

There you have a choice of beautiful, and very spacious, rooms and suites, two excellent gourmet restaurants, a traditional Tuscan enoteca, beautifully manicured gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a small gym, a massage pavilion and a cookery school.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

The choices are between ‘deluxe’ double rooms which, at 40 m², are large enough to be considered suites in most hotels and then there are the actual suites; classic, junior, superior and deluxe, they range in size between 66 m² and 110 m² and can sleep up to four. Check your options on the booking page here.

They are all beautifully designed, classically furnished and full of regal charm. They also come with large bathrooms with walk in rainfall showers (some also with baths) and all modern hotel mod cons; satellite TV, WiFi, air-con, mini bar, safe and Nespresso coffee machine for eg.

FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:

The 12th century castle and adjoining hamlet with their imposing ramparts and ancient stone walls are beautifully atmospheric and a pleasure to stroll around. The views from all sides are spectacular and a day spent relaxing on the garden lawns by the swimming pool is a day well spent. You are also free to wander the vast, 7,100 estate, about one third of which is vineyard, the rest a mixture of olive groves, orchards and woodland.

Brunello di Montalcino is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding Montalcino in the province of Siena and Banfi is one of its most famous producers. Guests can tour the vineyards and the winery in the company of the hotel sommelier and then retire for free tasting in the enoteca. You can also arrange picnics among the vines and arrange visits to other local producers via the hotel concierge.

It is a boutique hotel which has only 14 rooms and suites, but plenty of dining options. Food is almost as important as wine here and you can choose between La Taverna (casual), Sala dei Grappoli (more formal, fine dining and with taster menus) and Enoteca Alle Mura, which houses the entire range of the estate’s, and other local, wines and where alongside wine and olive oil tasting you can enjoy some small bites like home-cured prosciutto and various cheeses. The breakfast is a generous feast with a great spread of fresh locally sourced food, buffet style as well as a la carte.

Guests can join various activities on the estate such as horse riding, bike tours, art and cooking classes, as well as treat themselves to some massage therapy; holistic, ayurvedic and sports massages.

THE LOCATION:

Castello Balfi lies just to the south west of Montalcino, near the edges of the Val d’Orcia. Siena is less than an hour away by car, Montepulciano about the same, with the two nearest airports being Florence under two hours away Pisa a little more. The coast and some of Tuscany’s best beaches are within 45 minutes of the castle.

WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:

“One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. It was an outstanding experience from start to finish….”

“This is a spectacular hotel. I visited with my partner for a special occasion and the staff went beyond my expectations to make our trip memorable. Could not recommend enough!…”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO CHOOSE YOUR ROOM OR SUITE AT CASTELLO BANFI:

Location Category:

Castle Stays in Italy

Castle Stays in Tuscany

Castle Stays near Florence