One of Tuscany’s highest towns (actually a city), Montalcino is at the centre of the prestigious Brunello wine region. The centro storico is encircled by fortified walls, and from the top of the hill and the fort ramparts, there are magnificent views across the surrounding valleys.
Whilst much of the activity in Montalcino centres on wine and food, with numerous Enoteca and restaurants where you can enjoy a glass of Brunello or Rosso di Montalcino, you can also spend the day immersing yourself in local history and culture at the museum which houses one of the most important archaeological, medieval and modern art collections in the province of Siena.
Throughout the year local festivals are held celebrating Montalcino’s rich history, including the Festival of the Thrush which is celebrated on the last Sunday of October, and when the four Quarters of Montalcino parade through the streets in magnificent costumes before competing against each other in an archery competition, recalling the hunting of wild boar in medieval times.
Nine kilometres to the south of Montalcino, in a timeless rural landscape surrounded by yet more Brunello vineyards, can be found the Abbey of Sant’Antimo.