Harvest season at Montalcino. Perfect time to taste Brunello wine
September and October are the months for the Tuscan vendemmia (Italian for grape harvest). It’s a wonderful way to learn a lot about the local wine traditions and also the local culture. Those who tried it report that the atmosphere in a working winery is something unique! Experience vendemmia in Montalcino and its surroundings and see the magic of harvest season.
Welcome to Montalcino, the land of world-renowned Brunello wine
Above all, Montalcino is celebrated for its wines. The precious formula of the fantastic Brunello was invented in 1888 by Ferruccio Biondi Santi, and its delicate taste has become beloved all over the world ever since. Amongst the most renowned wine producers in the area are Biondi-Santi, Schidione and Banfi. Take a tour of the local wineries and learn the secrets of Brunello production firsthand.
Visit the world-famous Castiglion del Bosco winery
Located in the northwest of Montalcino, Castiglion del Bosco is a world-famous Tuscan winery. Its Brunello di Montalcino wine is in second place in the Top 100 Wines of Italy 2020. Wine lovers and even wine experts have a dream to visit Castiglion del Bosco at least once to see how the Brunello wine is created. The winery’s peculiarity is the rocky, nutrient-poor soils, which are perfect for yielding wines of superb structure and complexity.
See the magic at the Castiglion del Bosco during harvest season
This is the time of celebration for everyone, eagerly anticipated throughout Montalcino. During the harvest season, you’ll have a chance to see where the real magic happens by visiting the fermentation and aging rooms. Your personal wine expert will walk you through six Castiglion del Bosco wines. And at the end of this experience, you’ll be rewarded with a local cheese plate, home-grown cured meat, Castiglion del Bosco olive oil, and fresh bread. Before visiting Castiglion del Bosco, make sure to reserve a wine tour in advance.
Gift a wine tour to your loved one at Podere le Ripi winery
Close to Montalcino you’ll find Podere le Ripi winery - a cradle of traditional Tuscan wines. Take a wine tour and learn the whole story of Podere le Ripi wine. On the tour, you’ll start from the local vineyards, visit old wine cellars and end up in the tasting room. While tasting the fine Brunello wines, you’ll know how the savor differs from one wine vineyard to another, as each one has different geological characteristics. September, the harvest season, is the perfect time to learn about the grape harvest traditions and immerse yourself in the Tuscan wine culture. Wine experts at Podere le Ripi are already waiting for you at the wine tour.
Stop by at the medieval city and walk through the cobblestone streets
Visit the little town of Montalcino, which is seated on top of the picturesque Italian hills. It’s located on the west side of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Orcia Valley. The town has scarcely changed since the 16th century and is still surrounded by its original defensive walls.
You can come to the town in 3 ways as there are 3 entrances: Porta Murelli to the north, Porta Castellana to the east or Porta Cervara to the south. Your must-see here is the most prominent example of Montalcino medieval architecture – a fortress of the pentagon shape. It was built in 1361 to mark the passage of Montalcino under the domination of Siena. Today the fortress hosts various festivals, concerts and events, such as the famous Jazz & Wine Festival held in July.
Are you dreaming about drinking wine in Italy? Then set off for the grape harvest season in Tuscany! Visit Montalcino and the local wineries nearby to dive into the process of winemaking and experience the unique taste of Brunello wine you will remember forever.
