Castello Banfi Il Borgo

Castello Banfi Il Borgo, an award-winning luxury hotel built next to a medieval castle encircled by vineyards, forests, and fruit orchards, is a captivating, peaceful slice of heaven. The romance of Tuscany is fully embodied in the stunning views of the Italian countryside, architecture, and authentic cuisine, to give you the ultimate taste of "la dolce vita."

Location

Perfectly poised between Siena and the small city of Montalcino, a mere 16 kilometers away, sits the gorgeous Castello di Poggio Alle Mura. Once a farmer's village, the ancient stone building is now a modern luxury resort, boasting history, heritage, and wine.

With vineyards surrounding it, the gorgeous hotel offers free wine in the rooms and suites, as well as wine tours and tastings. Though the castle itself is not open to visitors, viewing from the outside is just as breathtaking. Moreover, many guests come simply for the day to take in the wine cellars, glass museum, and shop. They also come to stock up on their favorite red from the Banfi winery.

Rooms

The resort has 14 beautiful Tuscan-style rooms. They are designed by renowned interior designer Federico Forquet and create a magical, romantic atmosphere. Besides, they are in the stone buildings that encircle the hilltop castle.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortress was known as Poggio Alle Mura, when it became safe to live outside of the walls but staying close for protection was still preferred. Each of the stunning rooms of Il Borgo – the small stone structure village – features gorgeous views, rolling hills, olive groves, trees, and lush green grass in the summer. Moreover, the terracotta tiled floors and wood-beamed ceilings are part of all the rooms. Wine-lovers seeking a special treat can also choose a guest suite with its own exclusive wine cellar.

All rooms feature complimentary pay-per-view television and Wifi. There are also safe valuables and a free minibar, which always has wine and other drinks. Additionally, the lavish bathrooms contain hairdryers and large showers with rainfall heads for ultimate relaxation.

There are also towel warmers for chillier months and idyllic bath amenities. The eclectic artwork and color schemes vary from room to room. Besides, several rooms include a writing desk, table, and dressing area.

Restaurants

During your stay at Castello Banfi, you can choose between great food at two gorgeous restaurants. La Taverna is open to visitors for lunch and hotel guests seeking a more casual meal, sacrificing none of the quality. With classic Tuscan fare served in the shade of the castle, La Taverna offers traditional Montalcino cuisine, prepared with local ingredients and the utmost care.

Additionally, La Sala dei Grappoli gives guests the chance to enjoy the finer things in life. It has a stunning interior décor reminiscent of a Tuscan garden. There is also an outside patio with panoramic views of the rolling hills and countryside for sunny days. It uses only the finest seasonal ingredients cooked to perfection, accompanied by an outstanding selection of Banfi wines and world-class service.

Furthermore, a beautiful arched room in the corner of the Borgo is there for mornings at the buffet. It features freshly brewed coffee, home-baked pastries, and other mouth-watering dishes.

Enoteca

The word enoteca, derived from the Greek and described as a "wine library," perfectly denotes L'Enoteca at Castello Banfi Il Borgo. Bask in the atmosphere of a true Tuscan wine shop. Here, you can sample delectable wines and Grappa, as well as locally produced artisan food and crafts, Olive oil, and Salsa Etrusca.

It opens from 10 in the morning to half-past seven at night. Moreover, the enoteca offers the opportunity to taste classic Tuscan prosciutto and Sheep's cheese, paired perfectly with local wines.

Glass museum

During your stay at Castello Banfi Il Borgo, a must-see is the "Museum of Bottle and Glass." You will find it in the Castello di Poggio alle Mura. During this riveting experience, you'll learn about the various periods of glass production from the 5th century to modern-day glass making.

The ancient Roman glassware display boasts some incredible pieces. It has also been called the world's largest private collection. Ancient equipment, antique wine bottles, and even the incredible "The Water Girl" by Pablo Picasso are also available for viewing.

Balsameria

For foodies and balsamic vinegar enthusiasts, head for the amazing Balsameria. This is where the original Balsamico Etrusco is produced and will be an absolute treat. With only three liters of this nectar being bottled every year, it is rare and precious. Therefore, use it sparingly on risottos, meats, fish, and other bitter-sweet recipes. However, if you're feeling indulgent, buy yourself a bottle and drizzle on fresh strawberries, aged cheeses, or even ice cream.

Activities

The Banfi winery, which sits only a 5-minute drive away, offers marvelous tours. Choose between the Banfi Excellence tour, which lasts about three hours, and a 4-course pairing at La Taverna restaurant. There's also the Banfi tour, a shorter, one-hour tour that offers 3 wines at the Enoteca and lunch at La Taverna. Lastly, there is a private tour with a special tasting of four wines at the Enoteca.

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, a cooking class with the Banfi chef might be just the thing. Learn about indigenous ingredients and how they pair with the local wines. Moreover, have a guided tasting and a five-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings at Sala dei Grappoli. Besides, there is a winery tour with the sommelier, as they are all part of this magical adventure.

Takeaway

Lovers of historic charm will certainly find what they're looking for in Castello Banfi Borgo. Enjoy a dip in the luxurious outdoor pool, which overlooks the Sangiovese vineyards. Or, hide in the pages of a good book in the reading room. You can also enjoy the smooth flavors of the Banfi wines, some of the most prestigious outside of the United States. Moreover, walking through a charming rose garden, taking in the astounding views of the Tuscan vineyards, Cyprus trees, and flowers, will feel like a dream, like stepping back in time.