A fabulous 12th-century castle in Tuscany: the perfect place for wine and food gourmets.

The Castello Banfi wine resort is worth a visit for first-class brunello, a Michelin-starred restaurant and panoramic views of Tuscany. It sits on 7,000 picturesque acres of vineyards near Montalcino, Italy. When we wine lovers close our eyes and envision the perfect trip to Tuscany, the place we imagine is probably very similar to Castello Banfi Wine Resort. Set on a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with majestic cypress trees, the crowning glory of this picturesque village is the fabulous Banfi Castle (with its crenellated tower), which dates back to the 12th century.

Castello Banfi is a luxury wine resort in Tuscany

Castello Banfi is famous for its prestigious' 'Vineyards near Montalcino, Italy. Castello di Poggio alle Mura, a historic estate where visitors can now enjoy wine, food and live in luxury, has centuries of tradition. Much of the complex was developed between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, although excavations have brought to light pottery and other artifacts believed to date back to the ancient Etruscans.

But after damage sustained in World War II, the estate began to slowly deteriorate. The Mariani family purchased the complex in 1982, committing to extensive renovations that returned the property to its former glory. Today, Banfi occupies more than 7,000 acres of contiguous land, making it Montalcino's largest wine estate.

Excellent vacation at Castello Banfi Wine Resort

The estate's historic terrain is ideal for producing Castello Banfi's award-winning collection of Brunello, Super Tuscan wines, pinot grigio and chardonnay. Visitors can experience all of these while tasting, touring the winery or staying in the luxurious and historic accommodations.

Each of the 14 elegant rooms and suites at this stunning Relais & Chateau hotel is unique. All are furnished with luxurious Italian furniture and décor designed by renowned Italian architect and interior designer Federico' 'Forquet. The interiors, including the reading room, were designed by Federico Forkett.

I stayed in the gorgeous Poggio all'\''Oro suite, a 1,200-square-foot oasis in an 18th-century former farmhouse next to the castle. It has a huge bedroom and living room with wood beams, patterned fabrics and inset botanical designs, a separate sitting room and not one but two spacious bathrooms with rain showers. Each room has shuttered windows through which you can admire the idyllic Tuscan countryside. And because this is a wine resort, the suite also offers an exclusive list of rare wines from the Poggio all'\''Oro Riserva collection.

Other hotel features

• Michelin-starred restaurant La Sala dei Grappoli.
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• Restaurant La Taverna, serving traditional Tuscan local and regional cuisine.
• Riding along the vineyards of the Banfi estate.

Guests can visit Castello Banfi for wine tasting, a meal or an overnight stay. For more information or to book a tasting, meal or overnight stay, visit Castello Banfi Wine Resort.