Montalcino: Brunello Wine Day Trip from Siena with Lunch

Summary

Brunello tasting in Montalcino with Tuscan lunch and abbey stop

You’ll wander vineyards in Montalcino, taste Brunello wines straight from cellar barrels, share a homemade Tuscan lunch on a working farm, and find quiet inside Sant’Antimo Abbey—all with a local guide who keeps things personal. By day’s end you’ll carry home more than just flavors; there’s something about that hilltop air that lingers.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel so small standing among those rolling hills outside Siena—Montalcino just kind of humbles you. Our guide, Giulia, met us by San Domenico and right away she had this way of making everyone relax. The drive south was quiet at first, just the hum of the van and that early Tuscan light slipping through the windows. I kept catching whiffs of wild herbs when we stopped near the vines—maybe rosemary? Could’ve been my imagination but it stuck with me.

The first winery was family-run; you could tell by how the owner greeted Giulia with a hug and then us with a shy smile. We wandered between barrels stacked in cool cellars while she explained how Brunello di Montalcino needs five years before it’s ready. I tried to look like I understood all the talk about oak versus chestnut barrels but mostly I was just thinking about how earthy it smelled down there. The tasting itself surprised me—the Rosso was brighter than I thought it’d be, almost playful compared to the Brunello which felt more…serious? Hard to explain unless you’ve had both side by side.

Lunch came at another winery—a big table set up under an old fig tree (I think it was fig). There were cold cuts, cheeses, bruschetta dripping with olive oil, pasta that tasted like someone’s grandmother made it, and wine that kept appearing in my glass before I even noticed. The winemaker sat with us for a bit and tried to teach me how to pronounce “Montalcino” properly. Li laughed when I butchered it—guess my Italian still needs work. Anyway, after dessert wine and almond biscuits (which are way better than they sound), we walked around the farm. It all felt very unhurried.

We stopped in Montalcino town for a while—climbed up to the fortress where Siena’s last soldiers held out against Florence ages ago. There’s something about those stone walls that makes you want to whisper instead of talk. Last stop was Sant’Antimo Abbey—so quiet inside you could hear your own breath echoing off the old stones. On the drive back to Siena, everyone was kind of sleepy but happy. Sometimes I still think about that view from the hilltop or how good coffee tastes after wine and cake—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brunello wine tasting and sightseeing

• Meet guide at San Domenico church
• Travel to Montalcino wine hill
• Visit first winery and explore cellars
• Taste Rosso and Brunello wines
• Tour Montalcino town and fortress
• Visit family-run winery and farm
• Enjoy traditional Tuscan lunch with wines
• Visit Abbey of Sant'Antimo
• Visit third winery and wine tasting
• Drive back to Siena

Top questions

How long is the Brunello di Montalcino wine tour from Siena?

The tour is a full-day trip starting at 9:30am and returning in the evening.

Does this day trip include lunch?

Yes, a traditional Tuscan lunch is included at a family-run winery along with wine pairings.

How many wineries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three different wineries in the Montalcino region for tastings.

Is pickup included for this wine-tasting trip?

You meet your guide at San Domenico church in Siena; transportation is provided from there.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The main menu includes local cheeses, bruschetta, pasta with various sauces, and desserts; specific dietary requests aren’t detailed but may be possible if arranged ahead.

Will we have free time in Montalcino town?

Yes, there’s time to explore Montalcino’s squares and streets at your leisure during the tour.

Is Sant’Antimo Abbey part of this itinerary?

Yes, you’ll visit Sant’Antimo Abbey for a peaceful break during the day trip.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to eight people for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport from Siena, guided visits and tastings at three different wineries (with plenty of Brunello di Montalcino), time exploring both Montalcino town and Sant’Antimo Abbey, plus a traditional Tuscan lunch served right on a family-run farm before heading back in the evening.