When to book a Brunello tasting in Montalcino?

Book your Brunello tasting in Montalcino as soon as your dates are set: aim for one to two weeks in advance in a quiet period, and rather three to four weeks for a weekend, the September grape harvest or peak season. Many estates receive visitors by appointment only; arriving without a reservation can therefore leave you without a visit, even if you see vineyards open from the road.

If your stay is flexible, choose a weekday and book in the morning or early afternoon: you will have more time slots to choose from and avoid rushing between two estates. Guided tastings with a cellar tour often last about 1 h 30 to 2 h. As for the price, generally plan on around €40 to €90 per person, depending on the number of wines and the presence of old vintages; more in-depth tastings can cost more. Harvest season is interesting to see the work of the estate, but it does not guarantee a quieter visit: the teams are busy, so be sure to confirm your time slot before leaving.