Even for those who aren’t wine aficionados, the charming town of Montalcino, located 80 kilometers south of Florence and about 40 kilometers from Siena, is an ideal destination in Tuscany. Anyone familiar with Italy’s Renaissance art will recognize the picturesque landscape that surrounds this medieval hilltop town. History enthusiasts will be captivated by Montalcino’s significant role in the political life of the Middle Ages. For wine lovers, Montalcino is a treasure trove, renowned as the home of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG—one of Italy’s most prestigious red wines, crafted with care from Sangiovese grapes. Thanks to Brunello, Montalcino has undergone a remarkable wine and economic renaissance over the past fifty years, expanding from just 11 registered wineries to an impressive 200.
Wine shop with an automatic dispenser – an unique attraction
Montalcino offers a wealth of options for wine tasting, as wine tourism serves as the economic backbone of the town. Notably, if you prefer not to wander from one wine shop to another, you can sample a variety of labels all in one place using an automatic dispenser. Enoteca di Piazza is the first wine shop in Italy where visitors can use a prepaid card of their choosing to taste wines from over 100 wineries. In addition to Brunello and Rosso—Montalcino’s flagship wines—the dispenser also features Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti Classico, and a selection of Super Tuscans. This innovative wine shop operates year-round.
Just outside the town, one of the must-visit spots in Montalcino is the La Magia winery. For over four decades, the Shwartz family has been producing exceptional terroir wines from grapes grown at an elevation of 400-450 meters, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sant’Antimo Abbey, an architectural and spiritual gem worth exploring. The crown jewel of the winery is its 15-hectare vineyard, exclusively planted with Sangiovese. This expansive vineyard is registered as Brunello DOCG, making it a true gem of Montalcino. Since 1982, the winery has also released a limited number of bottles featuring labels designed by renowned contemporary artists—an endeavor that the Shwartz family takes great pride in, as passionate art lovers. Visits to the winery, including tastings, are available by prior appointment.
The Brunello Museum and Wine Labyrinth
For those willing to dedicate a bit more time, Fattoria dei Barbi not only offers its award-winning wines but also maintains the Brunello Museum, which features a thoughtfully curated exhibition about one of Italy’s most celebrated wines and its rich history. A highlight of the museum is the “Brunello Labyrinth,” an impressive display showcasing over 200 wines from Montalcino. If that isn’t enough to entice you, Fattoria dei Barbi also provides guided tours of its historic cellar, which has welcomed over one and a half million visitors.
With its Renaissance monuments, exquisite wines, and breathtaking landscapes, Montalcino is truly a perfect Tuscan destination.
