Castello Banfi Wine Resort

The Hotel, the two Restaurants, the Enoteca, the Balsameria and the Glass Museum. Castello Banfi il Borgo is a multi-experience in a unique place immersed in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Our family is passionately dedicated to the Pursuit of Excellence in making the prestigious wines of Montalcino as well as our hospitality offerings at Castello Banfi, the historic fortress that crowns our estate, an elegant setting for vacations, celebrations, special events or a day visit.

Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Castello Banfi Il Borgo is ideal for enjoying the comfortable tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside and helping to intensely discover a more authentic Tuscany.

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. You can completely relax, enjoying our discrete attention or take advantage of our complete involvement to help you intensely discover a more authentic Tuscany.

THE BANFI CASTLE OF POGGIO ALLE MURA
For its strategic position between Siena and the Maremma Tuscan seaside, together with the fertile soils that surround it, the Castello di Poggio alle Mura has been desired and contested over the centuries. The complex as we know it today developed for the most part between the 9th and 13th centuries but its origins are most certainly even more ancient.

Certain subterranean excavations still visible today and some stone urns and ceramic vases unearthed during the most recent restorations lead us to conclude, in fact, that there was a settlement on this spot in the era of the ancient Etruscans.

The “conci” – white stones traditionally used in the construction of Roman arches – today found in the main portal of the castello seem, on the other hand, to indicate the sites successive transformation into a Roman Villa.

The first officially documented citation was in 1318, the year when Poggio alle Mura appeared in the descriptive catalogue of the era – the “Table of Possessions” – as reporting to the civic administration of Camigliano and belonging to the heirs of messer Mino di Neri dei Ranuccini.

Afterwards, with its passage from the Ranuccini family to the Colombinis, the estate passed from an open military base structure to a fortified central fort (palatium seu fortelitia).

It is the history of the Counts Placidi, however, which above all is most tied to that of the Castello. This noble Sienese family with important roles in the government of the city-state came into possession of the structure in the course of the 15th century as tribute for its distinguished role on behalf of the Republic of Siena inits war against Florence.

The property was successively confiscated from them by the same Republic of Siena on two occasions, and assigned to the “Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala” in 1483, with the exile of the Noveschi – the political party supported by Placidi – and in 1487 when the Placidi were declared rebels.

In 1529 the counts, however, regained possession of their Castello and from that point ruled it undisturbed until 1959, the year in which Poggio alle Mura was acquired by Giovanni Mastropaolo, an Italian businessman who made his fortune in South America.

The last transfer of the property came in 1983 when the Castello, in precarious structural condition following damages sustained in the course of World War II, became part of the Banfi vineyard estate. It was the restorative work of the Mariani family – proprietors of the estate – began immediatly after the acquisition which brought it back to its former splendor.

Currently the fortress represents a mixture of historic and architectural forms. It has a compact, square design with two internal courtyards and a crenellated tower, used for observation on the north side.

On the opposite side, there is the so-called “fortress tower” which includes a stairway that could be retracted in case of siege. On the exterior, there is an access ramp resting on arches.

Of particular interest are the 15th century courtyard, with its arches standing on octagonal pillars, and alongside of it the rare and ancient ice house with its characteristic beehive shape. Also of note are the marble markers noting the restorative work done in the courtyard in 1654.

HOTEL IL BORGO
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 is 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 atmosphe 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, confirming our complete dedication to the well being of our guests and the satisfaction of their every desire.

ROOMS & SUITES
Each of the ample rooms and 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.

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.

The entire premises have been furnished and decorated by Federico Forquet, one of the most renowned architects in all of Italy. The gracious pergola that centers our internal garden offers the ideal refuge for contemplation and relaxation, or to simply sip a glass of fine wine.

The peace and serenity of the Tuscan countryside, above all, is perhaps best enjoyed from our swimming pool which dominates from its envious position the bucolic vineyards of Brunello.

SUITE POGGIO ALL’ORO 
Extremely elegant and wide, 110 sq mt/1.184 sq ft, this magnificent location includes an extremely large bedroom with king size bed (200 x 200 cm/79” x 79”) and separate sitting area, large Tuscan style wardrobe and dresser, bathroom with walk-in rain-fall shower and separate bathtub, double sink and heated towel racks; a living room with a sofa bed with direct access to a second bathroom with large walk-in rain-fall shower, double sink and heated towel racks.

A unique wine Suite with an exclusive list of rare vintages from our Poggio all’Oro Riserva collection. The elegance of the furnishings and their precious fabrics tell the story of elegant Tuscan tradition.

SUITE RISERVA
A splendid Suite of 85 sq mt/914 sq ft, includes an extremely large bedroom with king size bed (200 x 200 cm/79” x 79”), Tuscan style wardrobe and dresser, a living room with a sofa bed, two bathrooms with heated towel racks, double sink and large walk-in rain-fall shower. Its windows overlook the stunning views of our vineyards and surrounding Tuscan countryside.

SUITE CLASSIC
Extremely comfortable suites, from 66 sq mt to 77 sq mt/710 sq ft to 829 sq ft, include a large bedroom with king size bed (200 x 200 cm/79” x 79”), Tuscan style wardrobe and dresser, separate living room with a sofa bed, bathroom with heated towel racks, double sink and large walk-in rain-fall shower. From the suite windows you can admire the breathtaking view pf the Tuscan countryside.

JUNIOR SUITE
Elegance, comfort and refinement in Tuscan style characterize the Junior Suites. The range of our Junior Suites is from 56 sq mt to 65 sq mt/603 sq ft to 699 sq ft, included a large bedroom with king size bed (200 x 200 cm/79″ x 79″), a Tuscan style wardrobe and dresser, separate living room with a sofa bed, bathroom with heated towel racks, double vanity and large walk-in rain-fall shower. Eventhought every Junior Suite is different to the other, from all of them it can be enjoyed a wonderful view over the Tuscan landscape or Castello.

DELUXE ROOM RISERVA
Supreme refinement and Tuscan elegance for the Deluxe Room Riserva. With 40 square meters/430 square feets it offers a fascinating and roomy setting which includes the bedroom with an ample king size bed (200 cm x 200 cm), a Tuscan style armoire with drawers and a spacious bathroom with a rainfall shower, heated towel rack and double vanity.

Every Deluxe Room Riserva enjoys an extraordinary view of Castello Banfi’s Borgo or the resplendent Tuscan countryside.

LA TAVERNA RESTAURANT
Traditional flavors under the ancient arches. A classical Tuscan restaurant in the shade of our medieval castle of Poggio alle Mura. La Taverna Banfi is positioned beneath the vaulted arches of the former barrel cellars of the castle where Brunello once rested in large oak casks.

LA SALA DEI GRAPPOLI RESTAURANT
Located in the shadow of the historical Castello Banfi, La Sala dei Grappoli welcomes you in an elegant and refined atmosphere. Savor the authenticity of italian and mediterranean cuisine and the freshest and local ingredients: creative menus and a rich selection of Castello Banfi wines await you.

A seasonal menu allows you to select among traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes, presented with a modern touch and accompanied by outstanding Banfi wines.

THE BANFI WINES
Distinguished by a soul strongly linked to the territory from which they come, they will guide you to discover the enological world of Banfi. From the typical denominations of Montalcino and Tuscany, up to some of the most renowned ones of Piedmont and the world.

The Enoteca recreates the atmosphere of a true Tuscan wine shop where, alongside our estate still and sparkling wines, grappa, extra virgin olive oil and Salsa Etrusca, you will find numerous local artisan food and crafts. Opening hours 10am – 7.30pm

A unique tour which will guide you on a journey through the places and excellences that make Castello Banfi such a special destination. An itinerary that will enchant you, starting from breathtaking landscapes, to the delicious wine pairing lunch at our la Taverna restaurant.

At Castello Banfi, memorable and elegant hospitality awaits guests visiting the marvelous land of southern Tuscany, opening the doors of its cellar to lovers of fine wine. If the vineyards are the soul of Castello Banfi, the winery is its very heart.

Designed to preserve the integrity of healthy fruit from our surrounding vineyards, the cellar takes advantage of years of research on the soils of Montalcino and the clonal selection of vines grown here. The winery is at the vanguard of contemporary winemaking, fruit of thoughtful innovation.

The most recent innovation is an area that can best be described as a micro-winery within the winery, conceived to exalt the wealth of our grape selection. A new area which, in keeping with Banfi’s philosophy, is entirely open to visitors thanks to confortable and innovative architectural solutions, inlcuding the new footbridge that crosses the entire vinification area.

THE BALSAMERIA BANFI
Beneath the north wing of the Castello Banfi lies the long, evocative Balsameria, appearing as if a wine barrel cellar in miniature. In this place, once used as a remote storage for the castle, our precious Condimento Balsamico Etrusco is born and evolves.

Condimento Balsamico Etrusco, 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 Condimento Balsamico Etrusco are bottled from each of the smallest barrels, which is successively topped off from the proceeding barrels. The barrels also decrease in size because of evaporation, which also concentrates flavor.

Thanks to this complex aging system adapted by Banfi, it is possible to transform simple grape juice into our precious Condimento Balsamico Etrusco, with its dark brown color, intoxicating and complex perfume, its rich viscosity and captivating taste.

An excellent condiment to drizzle sparingly on risottos, and particulary adapted for using on white and red meats, steamed or roasted fish, on an omelette or in other bitter-sweet recipes. For its aromatic characteristics, it is also ideal with certain fruit-based desserts. A must-try drizzled on fresh strawberries, aged cheeses, and even vanilla ice cream.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS
In a richly historic setting, elegant and exclusive, immersed in the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside, Castello Banfi offers various spaces and frameworks in which to plan different moments for your guests, including the wedding ceremony, reception and banquets

We can arrange several food & beverage options for your guests’ comfort thanks to the different settings available at our property. Our friendly and amenable staff is at your complete disposal to grant all your wish.

LA FONTANA & THE ROSE GARDENS 
The shade of our pergola and the aroma of our lovingly cultivated white roses offer a tranquil space from which guests can admire the stupendous panorama of hills that roll gently follow the contour of the river as it follows its course toward the sea.

SPA & WELLNESS
Guests of Castello Banfi – Il Borgo can make use of a miniature gym furnished with training equipment: exercise bike, elyptical machine, and weight bench with dumbells. Stretching and yoga can be undertaken in our outdoor spaces, and the weights and mats can be taken to our courtyard or gardens to make the most of our fresh Tuscan air.

THE SWIMMIN POOL
Our heated swimming pool lords luxuriously over the Sangiovese vineyards which produce our prestigious cru Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino.

THE READING ROOM
A tranquil space facing the inner courtyard of the Castello, the reading room offers a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The furnishings, refined and elegant, are the ideal setting to fully indulge in reading, relaxing, and tasting the prestige wine of Castello Banfi.

BOTTLE & GLASS MUSEUM
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.

Within the historic walls, in the old stable and olive pressing room, which still holds equipment dating back to 1857, the display rooms have been attentively assembled to explain the history of glass and the evolution of the wine bottle.

In these rooms you will find collections of antique wine bottles, ancient and modern glassware from Venice, including the stupendous “The Water Girl” by Pablo Picasso.

The beautiful collection of Roman glass begins with small objects in molded glass traced back to the 5th and 4th century BC, and continues with blown vases and balsam bottles from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, ending with blown bottles and carafes dating to the 4th and 5th centuries CE.

Some pieces recently underwent a conservatory restoration at the glass laboratory of San Giovanni Valdarno, in Arezzo, to restore them to their splendor and luster of thousands of years ago.

Among the Venetian pieces which are fascinating for their color and delicate structure are those which were worked with a 16th century ‘basket weave’ pattern and a large 16th century display chalice with elements in brass, purchased by the Banfi Foundation to enhance the collection and make it even more interesting to visitors of the museum.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Enjoy a horse ride through the vineyards, with a Maremmana horse, the authentic Tuscan breed . Our experienced guide will take you for about three hours, through the panoramic paths around the Castello. One of the most enjoyable way to get to know and fall in love with our countryside.

GOLF
The Reception team offers all guests of Hotel Il Borgo personalized assistance to book and organize a full day, half day or just a few hours at the desired golf course. Do not hesitate to contact us directly.

• Puntala Golf Club – 18 holes – The golfing paradise of the Tuscan Maremma. The course, in a panoramic location overlooking the Mediterranean, was designed by Giulio Cavalsani. A group of foreign journalists rated the course 5th in Europe, both from a technical and a landscape profile. From every hole you can enjoy a superb view, like few in Europe: the sea to the front, with the lush hills of Mediterranean vegetation to the back and always a clear sky on the horizon.
• Ugolino Golf Club – 18 holes – The Ugolino Golf Club represents an iconic place in the history of Italian golf: the beautiful golf course, located in the hills at the gateway to Chianti, has hosted countless competitions and various National Championships over the years. The Ugolino Club has also been home to numerous International Opens and the most exciting memory was the dispute of the Italian Open on May 1, 1983, won by Bernard Langer after an exciting play-off with Severiano Ballesteros and Ken Brown. Hole 13 of the golf course is titled Castello Banfi Il Borgo
• Val Di Chiana Golf Club – 9 holes – Recently built, the Val di Chiana golf course offers a unique golfing experience, in a rural setting of typical Tuscan beauty.

OLIVE OIL TASTING
Discover one of the most prestigious product of Tuscany. Enjoy a visit at a local olive oil mill and taste the authentic Tuscan flavours. The experience lasts about one hour and a half, including: guided tour at the olive mill, tasting of extra virgin olive oil, aperitif with local cheese, honey, bruschetta and red wine.

TRUFFLE HUNTING 
A wonderful adventure in a private truffle land, learning how to identify the different species of tees, the ideal habitat for the truffles growth with a professional guide. The experience includes a 1 hour of truffle hunting and a Tuscan lunch.

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO TOUR 
Driving through the Brunello vineyards you will visit two wineries, enjoying a tasting of their wines. You will also visit the town of Montalcino with its famous Fortezza and the Sant’Antimo abbey.

VAL D’ORCIA TOUR
Experience the culture and gastronomy of one of the most scenic corners of Tuscany by visiting the medieval cities of Montalcino, Montepulciano and the renaissance village of Pienza.

SIENA, MONTERIGGIONI & SAN GIMIGNANO TOUR 
Visit the famous town of Siena with its magnificent Duomo and Piazza del Campo, where every year the renowned horse race “Palio” is held. Visit Monteriggioni with its stunning views and San Gimignano with its medieval towers.

MONTALCINO
Situated in the Sienese countryside, north-west of Monte Amiata and at the end of the Orcia River Valley, Montalcino stands out like an island in the heart of Tuscany. It offers truly captivatingn panoramas of vineyards and woodland in perfect harmony.

Montalcino reveals itself in the most precious gift of its land, demanding and generous at the same time: its wine, the famous Brunello which is the result of passion and hardwork of the local wine producers.

Strolling through the medieval city you can admire the architectural testimony to the glorious history of Montalcino: the 13th century fortress with its Medici towers and ramparts, the medieval buildings and churches.

In this area you can find different archeological treasures in an area dating back from the paleolithic and neolithic ages to the ancient Etruscan and Roman civilizations like those found on our estate near the Castello di Poggio alle Mura.

ABBEY OF SANT’ANTIMO
To fulfill a completely spiritual experience, the nearby Abbey of Sant’Antimo welcomes those who desire simply to admire its Romanesque architecture as well as those who seek reflection and prayer in its reverent silence.

The origins of the abbey, a side trip from the ancient pilgrim route that wound from Canterbury to Rome, the Via Francigena, are tied to the emperor Charlemagne; legend has it that he kneeled on this exact spot and swore to God the he would dedicate an abbey on the site if he and his troops could be spared from the plague that was devastating the entire area.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 610 EUR per night

Source: www.castellobanfiwineresort.it