Castello Banfi, Montalcino

Although it was a scortching 87°, we took a day trip to Castello Banfi and the ancient city of Sant'Antimo across the valley. The valley between the two towns has some of the richest, most nutritiuos soil in the world that makes for delicious grapes and some VERYY delicious wine. Castello Banfi nowadays is a famous wine producer in the Tuscany region that produces Brunellos, Syrahs, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons and blends.

Largest Showcase of Ancient Roman Glass

The Banfi Museum boasts the largest collection of ancient roman glassware from the 5th century BC to current day.  It was interesting to see the progression of wine bottles from roman times to today, especially after the introduction of glassblowing from the Middle East in 1st century AD. The rooms are organized to explain the history of glass and the evolution of the wine bottle. There is even a modern collection of glassware from Venice, including Pablo Picasso's, The Water Girl.

After a tour of the museum, I was tired from all the learning and needed to sit down for a glass of wine...or three. I was offered a tasting tray of three Banfi wines from the area: Poggio alla Mura, Rosso di Montalcino, and Brunello di Montalcino. All 100% Sangiovese grapes and aged 2, 4 and 20 years respectively. I'm no wine conossieur and I didn't even really like reds but my oh my did those three glasses taste delicious.