Montalcino: all you need to know to visit this stunning wine town in Tuscany
Montalcino travel guide: best things to see, wine tasting addresses, restaurant recommendations, tips for visiting Montalcino with kids
Montalcino is a historic, beautiful hilltop town in Tuscany famous for the production of delicious wine: the famous Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino.
It is also and is a lovely destination for a day out in Tuscany.
In Montalcino, you find a beautiful medieval center, stunning views over the surrounding countryside and, of course, lots of restaurants and wine shops where to taste what the town does best: wine!
We have been to Montalcino several times.
Val d’Orcia is one of our favourite destinations for a family vacation in Tuscany and we love to pop into Montalcino town for a glass of wine and a platter.
In this guide, we share our top tips for a successful visit at any age!
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This post is written on the basis of our personal experience in Motalcino, during several family vacations to the area.
Montalcino at a glance
- Recommended length of stay: few hours/half day
- Best reached by: car
- Most suitable for: wine lovers
- Stroller friendly: mostly not
- Child-friendly: not much for kids here but yes, Montalcino is kid-fridnly in vibe and atmosphere, despite its strong wine vocation
The best things to do in Montalcino
Visit Montalcino’s Rocca (the Fortress)
Montalcino’s fortress dates from 1361 and is the most impressive sight in Montalcino town.
The Fortress is perched at the top of the town and has imposing walls and turrets, surrounding what is now a large yard with a wine shop and outdoor tables.
Access to the Fortress and its main yard is free.
Relax in Piazza del Popolo
Downhill from the fortress, you find the ancient center of Montalcino and the breathtaking Piazza del Popolo, its main square.
Montalcino’s Piazza del Popolo has a Medieval / Renaissance aspect and is dominated by Palazzo dei Priori, the seat of Montalcino’s municipal power and reminiscent of that of Palazzo Vecchio in Siena.
The piazza is a beautiful and significant gathering space in Montalcino.
In summer, the piazza becomes the stunning backdrop of the popular ‘Montalcino Wine and Jazz Festival’, which fills the town with live music concerts and wine-tasting opportunities.
Stroll in Montalcino centro storico
Montalcino is on the slopes of a steep hill with meandering alleys, streets and stair passageways.
Mostly closed to car traffic, Montalcino’s town center is Medieval in feel and has delightful balconies, patios and small alleys offering sweeping views of Val d’Orcia.
Walk up to Montalcino’s Duomo
Montalcino’s duomo is at the other and of town from the Fortress, and it is modern.
Built between 1818 and 1832, it is not as impressive as more ancient churches in the area; however, it is a pleasant site.
In front of it is a cute green area with fantastic panoramic views. Primarily because this location makes our list of the best things to see in Montalcino.
Montalcino’s churches
As well as the duomo, Montalcino is home to several ancient churches, some in beautiful Romanesque style, reminiscent of churches found in delightful San Quirico nearby.
Some worth a mention are Sant’Egidio, San Francesco and Sant’Agostino.
Buying wine in Montalcino
Montalcino is famous for its world-praised red wines: Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello.
The city is full of wine shops and opportunities for winery visits.
Great wine-tasting places in Montalcino we liked are:
- Enoteca La Fortezza – inside the Fortress
- Grotta del Brunello – Address: costa di Piazza Garibaldi 3, 53024 Montalcino
- Enoteca Pierangioli – Address: Piazza del Popolo 16, 53024 Montalcino
- Padelletti Wine shop – Address: Via Giuseppe Mazzini 36, 53024 Montalcino. Here, we had a lovely chat with the owner, who told us loads about the local wine, all for free, while directing us to the best bottle for us (reasonable prices too!)
- Caffe’ La Fortezza – lovely cafe’ with platters and wine-tasting menu – Address: Viale della Liberta’ 6, 53024 Montalcino
Explore Montalcino wineries and farm restaurants
Outside of the town, fantastic wineries and restaurants in Montalcino are:
Castello Banfi Wine resort – a stunning property with cellars, restaurant and luxury accommodation options. The castle is family friendly
Poggio Antico – a wonderful winery perched high up on the hills, with exceptional Brunello and fabulous views.
Montalcino with kids
Montalcino doesn’t have much for kids.
However, the town is pretty to explore; the central area of the fortress is flat and kid-friendly, and restaurants and wine-tasting shops are welcoming to kids.
During our visit, we mostly entertain the kids getting them to spot flags and imagine life at the time of the Fortress; however, usually what seals the deals is the delicious food of this town!
This is a great place to visit for a platter or light lunch.
Montalcino is not stroller friendly.
While the main two streets in the town are primarily flat, very many parts of town are steep and not manageable with a stroller. Bring a carrier for the day!
Where to eat in Montalcino
La Taverna di Baietto, Via Matteotti 20-22, 53024 Montalcino
Locanda Demetra (farm restaurant), Podere La Buca 221, Via Bellaria 54023 Montalcino This one is top!! They also host cooking classes!
Where to stay in Montalcino
Banfi Wine resort – high end, stunning property, family friendly
Drogheria and Locanda Franci – beautiful accommodation with rooms, a villa and cellar. Family friendly.
How to get to Montalcino
Montalcino is accessible by car. The most convenient parking area is at the fortress and is pay and display.
