Montalcino

A medieval city-on-a-hill, Montalcino affords astonishing scenery and a glimpse into a region relatively unchanged for the past 500 years. It also offers unparalleled varietals for wine enthusiasts. As home to the illustrious Brunello wine, Montalcino can safely be described as an oenophile’s dream. The town’s narrow, steep streets and medieval walls that encircle the center contribute to the authenticity and charm of the region.

See & Do In the mecca of wine country, Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona (Loc. Molinello; (39) 0577-835616) and Casanova di Neri (Podere Fiesole; (39) 0577-834455), both family-run wineries, have a more intimate feel and provide a good understanding of the region’s favorite libations.

Castiglion del Bosco offers cooking classes that allow guests to prepare and taste some of Italy’s most traditional and delicious recipes. Ingredients are selected from Castiglion’s organic kitchen garden and then chopped, sautéed and heated to perfection. Sant’Antimo Abbey, a 12^th-century monastery 35 minutes by car from Castiglion del Bosco, is home to monks clothed in traditional attire who sing Gregorian chants.

Read more about how to spend a day in Montalcino.