Montalcino, Italy

We loved Montalcino, although we stayed there 3 nights. Not a winery, but a lovely B&B is Palazzina Cesare, right near the main square and the Fortezza. There's a wonderful enoteca nearby that offers 100 wines for tasting. It's in the Rick Steves' guide. We ended up buying 18 bottles and having them shipped home. Great restaurant: Taverna Grappola Blu.

Roz, I'd also highly recommend Taverna Il Grappolo Blu in Montalcino. I dined there last year and the the food was fantastic. The Bruschetta was the best I've ever had (and now the "gold standard" by which I rate all other Bruschetta)! Have a look at Their Website for further information. Happy Travels!

Hi Roz,
Not sure if agriturismos allow only one night stays, but we had a nice 6 night stay in an apt. at La Crociona, only 2k. (I think) from Montalcino. Nice place with their own winery selling the famous Brunello and other qualities of wine. They treated us very well and the price was a reasonable 70 euro per night. They allowed us free wine tastings every day while day visitors had to pay a fee. Most mornings, a baker's truck would drive in and we could buy fresh bread and buns for our daily needs. I would enquire for sure. They may let you stay for one night if they're not fully booked. Also just down the road was Fattoria Barbi winery and St Antimo monastery. Loved Montalcino restaurants and enotecas. Great location all around! Buon fortuna, Sherry

Two of the old line wineries, Argiano and Il Poggione have tours and very nice accommodations. you can get info from websites and contacting them. But I agree with other posters that staying in the town, we like Hotel Dei Capitani, and driving around to wineries is a lot of fun.

You might also want to look into the Castello Banfi and their winery. We are leaving in 2 weeks, and it is one of the places we are planning on visiting.

Agree with the comments from others. Two years ago in May we stayed at Crociana(6 nights) for 60 euros per night. Had a spacious apt and there is a pool and they will do laundry for you. Toured the Banfi Winery and S'antimo Abbey-actually made a return visit to hear the monks chanting. Great meals at Grappolo Blu and Barbi. Basimondo Trattoria is located near S'antimo and is good for lunch. We day tripped to Volterra, Pienza, Montelpulciano, San Quirico, and Cortona-easy driving to all. Would stay on an agriturisimo again-excellent way to hold down lodging costs.

I assume you will be driving? If not, you would need to rent a bike/taxi. You may want to consider a winery near Sant'Antimo monastery. We were hoping to bike down to it and a winery, but plans fell through. We've heard great things. That said, we had no troubles finding plenty of wine to sample in town.