Shopping, Parking & Getting Around

Given that we’re in the home country of one of Italy’s most famous wines, it would be criminal not to shop for Brunello di Montalcino in several of our favourite vineyards. The choice reflects the complete experience - a combination of the wine, the sense of place and true hospitality.

This romantic, charmingly set wine estate is run by an eclectic family whose roots don’t lie in wine. Owner Giuseppe Sesti started out as an astronomer and opera-director before rescuing a tumbledown Tuscan hamlet. Sesti brings his eclectic knowledge of the stars to bear on the biodynamics of wine-making. The results are impressive, from the starry Brunellos to the simpler Rosso di Montalcino.


Address: Sesti Wine, Castello di Argiano, 53024 Montalcino (SI)
Tel: +39 0577 843921

Run by Laura and Marco, this small, welcoming Montalcino wine estate is noted for the owners’ enthusiasm, expertise and generosity of spirit, which is ably communicated. In addition to fine Brunello, try the versatile and affordable Rosso del Palazzone, which goes with most meals. Also on offer are estate-produced virgin olive oil, a Grappa di Brunello Riserva and a Super-Tuscan, dedicated to the owner’s parents.

Address: Localita Le Due Porte, 245, 53024 Montalcino
Tel: +39 0577 846142
Web: www.ilpalazzone.com

Hilltop Montalcino lies south of Siena, off of the SS2, about a 45-minute drive. Approaching from the north, leave the SS2 just south of Buonconvento. From the south or east, you can arrive via San Quirico d'Orcia, the heart of the Val d’Orcia, or via Grosseto. Parking in Montalcino can be tricky, particularly in the height of summer, when you might need to park outside the city walls.  More convenient is to both enter the town and park around the Fortezza, where there are several car parks. Explore the town on foot, beginning with the Fortezza. Unless you book an organized tour, you’ll need a car to visit the wine estates. As for lovely drives from Montalcino, expect a range of dreamy routes through the Val d’Orcia that combine rolling hills and hilltop villages with a mystical atmosphere.