CASTELLO BANFI

Banfi was founded in 1978 thanks to the will of the Italian-American brothers, John and Harry Mariani.
From the beginning, the goal of the two brothers was to create a state-of-the-art winery combined with the most advanced science in the vineyards for the production of premium wines.
Together with the Mariani family, Ezio Rivella, one of Italy's foremost enologists, who understood that due to the richness of the soils and the privileged microclimatic position, the property would have great capacity of development.
In those years, the brothers, John and Harry, also purchased Bruzzone, a historic winery in Piedmont. Founded in 1860 and specialized in the production of sparkling wines, today is known as Banfi Piemonte.
The Castello Banfi estate extends to the south of Montalcino, to the borders of the Val d’Orcia. Of the 7,100 acres of land, about one third is under vine in a constellation of single vineyards, the remainder occupied by olive groves, fruit trees (mainly plums), woods and scrub.
The tremendous undertaking for vinification is followed by a long silent rest in wood, where the great wines of Banfi, principally reds, evolve over the passage of time and refine their most distinctive characteristics of strength, elegance and longevity. More than 7000 customized barrels, laid out in orderly rows, and large casks make up the heart of Banfi, which beats in the silent and peaceful ambience surrounding our winery.
Castello Banfi, the historic fortress that crowns the estate, is an elegant setting for vacations, celebrations, a special event or a day visit.
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Il Borgo will pamper you with its luxurious rooms and its manicured gardens ideal for enjoying the comfortable tranquility of the Tuscan countryside.
At the Castello you can immerse yourself completely in the enological and culinary traditions, tasting of noble wines and of refined delicacies in the Enoteca and tasting of lovingly prepared Tuscan dishes in the Taverna. You could also delve into the rich history of glass in the Museum of Wine and The Bottle or discover the secrets of a unique condiment in the Balsameria.

The Enoteca/Wine Bar recreates the atmosphere of a true Tuscan wine shop where, alongside the estate still and sparkling wines, grappa, extra virgin olive oil and Salsa Etrusca, you will find numerous local artisan food and crafts.
Here, surrounded by the imposing views of the adjacent Castello di Poggio alle Mura, you will have the opportunity to taste outstanding local sheep’s cheese and classic Tuscan prosciutto paired to the estate wines.
The building lies below the castle itself, once serving as a wine cellar of sorts in medieval times and being built up over the ensuing centuries. Inside, you can find the entire range of Castello Banfi wines, from San Angelo Pinot Grigio to big wines like our Brunello di Montalcino, BelnerO, SummuS ed ExcelsuS, which can be purchased by the bottle, case or in various gift packs.
Pets are not allowed.


Savor the authenticity of Tuscan cuisine and the freshest ingredients at the two restaurants: creative menus and a rich selection of Castello Banfi wines await you.
For lunch, La Taverna, where tradition and authenticity meet under an ancient vaulted ceiling and for dinner, the elegant and refined Sala dei Grappoli.

La Taverna
A classical Tuscan restaurant in the shade of the medieval castle of Poggio alle Mura. Taverna Banfi, open for lunch, is positioned beneath the vaulted arches of the former barrel cellars of the castle where Brunello once rested in large oak casks.In a very pleasant atmosphere, the menu offers the traditional dishes of Montalcino and Tuscany, enhanced by the freshness and authenticity of local ingredients.
To respect the calm of the guests, pets are not allowed.

La Sala dei Grappoli
Located in the shadow of the historical Castello Banfi, La Sala dei Grappoli welcomes you in an elegant and refined atmosphere.In the summer, weather permitting, dinner is served al fresco on the terrace from which the spellbinding sight of the lights of the historical Castello Banfi can be enjoyed.
A seasonal menu allows you to select among traditional Tuscan dishes, presented with a modern touch and accompanied by outstanding Banfi wines.To respect the calm of the guests, pets are not allowed.
We advise the customers that, due to the architectural restrictions of historical landmarks, restrooms for the disabled, guests of La Sala dei Grappoli, are located in the building adjacent to the restaurant, at an outdoor distance of 130 meters.

This ancient stone hamlet rose in the 1700s under the nurturing shade and protective walls and towers of Castello di Poggio alle Mura and served as the dwelling of farmers who toiled for the noble landowners. Today it has been re-styled into the luxurious rooms and suites of this crown jewel of Tuscan hospitality.
At Castello Banfi – Il Borgo you will find a refined and exclusive atmospher where you can relax immersed in the Tuscan countryside, in one of its most historic, evocative and best preserved sites.
On the exterior, the historic Tuscan architectural style, unchanged over the centuries, can be appreciated; while renovations have enriched the interior with all modern comforts. Within, every single detail is looked after.
Each of the ample 6 rooms and 8 junior suites is distinctly designed and original, embellished and decorated by hand, with premium fabrics and exclusive accessories which underline the inherent elegance of Il Borgo. Each detail was looked after by Federico Forquet, one of the most renowned interior designers of all Italy.
Guests may indulge in exclusive vino-therapy products, derived from the Sangiovese Brunello and idealized for the pleasure and well being of the body.
Gathering spaces within the Borgo structure alternate between larger spaces and more intimate niches, allowing for thorough indulgence in relaxation and pleasure that will become a lasting memory of your time at Il Borgo.
Strategically positioned just over 12 miles from, the town of Brunello, and 44 miles from Siena or, in the opposite direction, the marvelous Tuscan seaside, Il Borgo offers the pleasure of living and discovering Tuscany at its most authentic.
The peace and serenity of the Tuscan countryside, above all, is perhaps best enjoyed from the swimming pool which, from its envious position, dominates the bucolic vineyards of Brunello.

Beneath the north wing of the Castello Banfi lies the long, evocative Balsameria, appearing as if a wine barrel cellar in miniature.
Salsa Etrusca, much more refined than most of the balsamic vinegars on the market today, is a nectar obtained using the traditional methods of the ancient Etruscans. The grapes are harvested late, when their sugars are concentrated, and gently pressed. The must is filtered and then simmered to reduce it in volume and futher concentrate its flavor. After cooling, it is transfered to wooden casks for 4 – 8 months. During this aging, the process of “balsamization” begins. Successively the balsamic is racked into progressively smaller barrels (from 60 to 25 liters) of different woods (oak, chestnut, cherry, ash and mulberry) until the filling of the last barrel, 25 liters, from which is emerges as salsa balsamica, following a period of aging that can take about 12 years.
Each year, only three liters of Salsa Etrusca are bottled
Castello Banfi’s Salsa Etrusca is only available at the Enoteca and in select gourmet shops in Italy, given that its production is very limited.

The “Museum of Bottle and Glass,” named for Giovanni F. Mariani, can be found within the 13th century Castello of Poggio alle Mura, today known as Castello Banfi. This museum illustrates the various eras of glass production through history, from the 5th century BC to our current day. Perhaps the most interesting display within the entire museum focuses on the ancient Roman glassware, which according to some authorities is the world’s largest private collection of such pieces.