Castello Banfi: A Tuscan Icon

The Soul of Montalcino, A Castle in the Tuscan Hills

Rising above the vineyards of Montalcino, between Siena and the Maremma, Castello Banfi occupies the historic Castello di Poggio alle Mura, a site whose story reaches back centuries. The complex developed largely between the 9th and 13th centuries, although archaeological traces suggest much earlier origins. Today, the restored castle and surrounding estate offer an elegant expression of Tuscany, where landscape, history and wine remain inseparable.

At the heart of the property, Hotel Il Borgo transforms the former stone village beneath the castle walls into an intimate Tuscan retreat. Rooms and suites overlook vineyards and countryside, while days unfold at an unhurried pace between the gardens, pool and surrounding landscape. The estate also encompasses an Enoteca, the Glass Museum and the atmospheric Balsameria, creating a destination that extends far beyond a traditional hotel stay.

Food is another essential part of life at Castello Banfi. Michelin-starred La Sala dei Grappoli offers a more contemporary interpretation of the region, while La Taverna celebrates the flavours and traditions of Tuscan cooking in a relaxed setting. Naturally, wine accompanies the experience throughout, connecting the cuisine directly to the vineyards that surround the castle.

Just beyond the castle lies the heart of the estate: the Banfi winery, inaugurated in 1984 and conceived from the beginning around a combination of tradition, research and technological innovation. Banfi has spent decades studying Montalcino and Sangiovese, including extensive zoning and clonal-selection projects. Its Brunello di Montalcino is produced from estate vineyards and fermented in the distinctive Horizon vats, which combine stainless steel and French oak, before ageing in French-oak barrels and barriques. Visits to the winery and vineyards, followed by tastings, offer a closer look at the philosophy behind one of Montalcino's internationally recognised wine estates.

The GR8 Experience at Castello Banfi offers a deeper discovery of Montalcino and the Tuscan countryside. Private winery visits and tastings, exceptional dining and experiences across the estate can be tailored around each guest, with every detail carefully arranged by the GR8 team. From the vineyards to the historic castle, the experience brings together the wine, history and landscape that define this remarkable part of Tuscany.