We have a 3pm winery visit on Wed. in Montalcino. Do you think we'd be able to listen to gregorian chants,taste at the Fortezza, have lunch and then go to the winery, or are we dreaming? Oh, and as for lunch, I've read many postings on Grappolo Blu, would you say go there? Thank you for all of your help in planning this trip! Maren

I think it's doable. You'll have to get to Sant'Antimo for 9:15 a.m. (it's the longest service, because it's a mass, but the next one is only at 12:45 p.m.), mass will be finished by about 10:00 a.m., take a little time to look around the church and the crypt. It's not far to Montalcino, so you should be able to do tastings at the Fortezza. (Finding parking might take a little time.) I don't remember when the Fortezza closes its doors; hopefully not too much before you can get into a restaurant for lunch. (I haven't eaten at Grappolo Blu; I'm sure someone else can advise you on that or you can look in the restaurant reviews; it's probably reviewed.) If you have lunch from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m., you should easily make it to the winery for 3:00 p.m. Make sure you have a good map and good directions.

I would vote for Trattoria Sciame, If you are running it is just a block off the Forttezza. Graplolo Blu is very good but I like the grandmas kitchen feel to Sciame. I would do San Antimo in the morning meander back to montal cino for lunch kill a couple of bottles at lunch, have a cafe then go to the winery. If there is time go back to the Fortezza. I think it is much better tasting the wines there with the producers and with a meal.

Peace

I like the Sciame as well,very good food I think we went there 3 times last trip.I agree wine is best with food.But you many try a few for good measure.Which winery are you visiting?

PS If you like to hike there is a nice trail from St antimo to montalcino.I believe bus service is available.not for the day we are talking about but another day.RR

Why don't you tour Banfi and have their spectacular lunch. We did it several years ago and it was truly memorable. I remember there being quite a few courses and with each course a different wine is offered. The wine bottles are brought to your table with each course and left on the table so can drink as much as you like. The room is on a upper floor with windows overlooking the vineyards. A light dinner, if any, will do after that lunch. You do need to make reservations in advance. Bon Appetito!!

Montalcino is a small town but the wineries cover a large area surrounding the town. San Antimo is south of town - where is your 3PM visit? If it is north of town it could be a long haul between the two. We went from Altesino to Argiano one day: close to a full hour's drive.

Hi there, we are visiting Biondi Santi, sorry I didn't check back sooner, I was busy printing off everyone's great ideas and thank you for yours, leaving in the morning, will report back!!!! Maren

Biondi Santi is not far from town.Maybe two KM.
Near Barbi and La Crociona where we stayed.RR

We love the pasta at Grapalo Blu, but agree that the Banfi lunch is wonderful (not cheap).