Book Now

The Brunello Trail: wine, history and Romanesque splendor

1 Day

A journey into the heart of Tuscany to discover the enchanting hilltop village of Montalcino — surrounded by the legendary vineyards that give life to one of the world’s most celebrated wines: Brunello. Savor its finest vintages paired with traditional Tuscan dishes, all within the evocative atmosphere of a stunning countryside estate

From there, just a few miles away, the road leads to Castelnuovo dell’Abate and the ancient Abbey of Sant’Antimo — a place of rare, timeless beauty. Home to Benedictine monks for centuries and founded, according to legend, by Emperor Charlemagne himself, Sant’Antimo stands as one of the most extraordinary examples of Romanesque architecture in all of Italy, its honey-colored stone glowing softly amidst the rolling Tuscan hills

  • 1
  • Italia, TOSCANA
  • Tuscan Excellence
  • Cultural, Food and wine tour
  • Italiano, Inglese, Francese
  • VAN Ford Transit Custom nero
  • Firenze
  • Piazzale Porta Romana, parcheggio lato mura
  • presso tenuta Val di Suga, Montalcino
  • 567 mt

from Montalcino to Sant'Antimo Abbey

A journey into the heart of Tuscany to discover the lands of Montalcino — a village surrounded by the legendary vineyards that give life to one of the most celebrated wines in the world: Brunello. Savor its finest vintages accompanied by traditional Tuscan dishes, all within the evocative atmosphere of a splendid agricultural estate.

From there, just a few kilometers away, the road leads to Castelnuovo dell’Abate and the ancient Abbazia di Sant’Antimo — a place of rare and timeless beauty. Home to Benedictine monks for centuries and founded, according to legend, by Emperor Charlemagne himself, Sant’Antimo stands as one of the most extraordinary examples of Romanesque architecture in all of Italy, with its honey-colored stone glowing softly among the rolling Tuscan hills.

The tour would not be complete without a short visit to the famous fortress of Montalcino, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Built in 1361 and located at the highest point of the village, it offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Val d'Orcia.

Highlights

  • The magic of the ancient Abbey of Sant'Antimo, the charm of Brunello, and the wonder of the Montalcino Fortress

Itinerary highlights

  • Day
    01

    Sant'Antimo Abbey

    Nestled in a pristine valley just a few kilometers from Montalcino, the Abbey of Sant'Antimo appears like a medieval mirage among centuries-old olive trees and Brunello vineyards. It is one of the most important masterpieces of Romanesque architecture in Italy, a place where time seems to have stood still and where architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
    The abbey's foundation is shrouded in myth: legend has it that none other than Charlemagne ordered its construction in 781. The emperor, returning from Rome along the Via Francigena, decided to build a monastery as a votive offering for saving his army from a terrible plague.

    What we admire today is the splendid 12th-century reconstruction. During the Middle Ages, Sant'Antimo became one of the richest and most powerful abbeys in Tuscany, a crucial spiritual and cultural center that controlled vast territories.

    Highlights not to be missed:
    The glowing stone: The structure is built of travertine with alabaster veins. During sunny hours, the walls catch the light, creating golden and translucent hues that make the atmosphere almost mystical.

    The Gregorian Chant: Inside, the extraordinary acoustics of the nave amplify voices. If you are lucky, you can still hear the evocative Gregorian chants echoing through the solemn silence of the church.

    The hidden details: Sharpen your eyes to catch the finely carved capitals, including the famous Daniel in the Lions' Den, a masterpiece by the Master of Cabestany.

  • Day
    01

    Val di Suga estate

    Val di Suga is one of the most iconic and fascinating wineries in Montalcino, celebrated for its ability to express the incredible variety of this territory through its three historic Brunello crus (Vigna del Lago, Vigna Spuntali, and Poggio al Granchio), each born from completely different slopes and soils. Nestled in a postcard-perfect landscape, the estate masterfully blends deep-rooted Tuscan winemaking tradition with modern and sustainable vinification techniques, offering visitors guided tours and tastings that transform into true sensory journeys to discover the elegance and complexity of Sangiovese.

  • Day
    01

    The Fortress of Montalcino

    The Fortress (or Rocca) of Montalcino is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture built in 1361. Located at the highest point of the village, it offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Val d'Orcia and is famous for housing a prestigious wine shop where you can taste the iconic Brunello.
    It features a pentagonal layout with five imposing corner towers. It is the ancient stronghold that defended the Republic of Siena against Florence.
    Access to the inner courtyard is free, while a small fee is required to climb the walls and walk along the patrol pathways.

included in the price

  • -Van transportation (max 8 seats)
  • -Winery tour at the Val di Suga estate
  • -Tasting of the estate's Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino paired with lunch (bruschette, cold cuts, and cheeses), water, and coffee

Non included in the price

  • -Audio guide at the Abbey of Sant'Antimo: €4 per person
  • -Abbey of Sant'Antimo, "Via della Luce" (Way of Light) route – upper-level visit (includes audio guide): €7 per person
  • -Montalcino Fortress: access to the elevated ramparts requires a paid ticket (full price €5, reduced €2) and allows you to climb the towers and walk along the patrol pathways.

assistenza.alltradebusiness@gmail.com

See it online https://www.larrystuscany.it/viaggi/the-brunello-wine-history-and-romanesque-splendor/