Montalcino, 21 August 2009 - The Taverna Banfi is once again the only restaurant of an Italian winery to receive the prestigious 'Wine Spectator Magazine's Restaurant Award of Excellence', an award given on the basis of the wine list of which it "offers an excellent selection together with food and at a competitive price."
Taverna Banfi awarded with excellence by Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator, considered one of the most influential international trade magazines, presents the award of excellence each year to just under 3,000 restaurants worldwide.
The Taverna, located under the vaults of the old cellars of the medieval castle of Poggio alle Mura where the large wooden barrels used to age Brunello di Montalcino once rested, presents traditional Montalcino and Tuscan dishes, enhanced by the freshness and simplicity of local ingredients. Its selection of hors d'oeuvres, first courses, meat, fish and desserts is in fact prepared according to local tradition and is inspired by the seasonality of typical products; three, four or five-course tasting menus are available, as well as a rich à la carte menu.
Always open for lunch, the Taverna Banfi opens its doors to visitors who are also pleased to stay for dinner between April and November. On one side of the Taverna it is still possible to admire the castle dungeon, where bottled vintages from 1960 to 1970 are kept, while the other side offers a breathtaking view of the Tuscan landscape below.
Banfi Wine Shop
At the nearby Enoteca it is also possible to taste excellent local cheeses and classic Tuscan ham paired with Banfi wines. There is also an important selection of art books, dedicated to the world of wine, cuisine, Tuscan history and architecture, as well as various ceramic, glass and jewellery objects produced by our local craftsmen. Visitors are also invited to visit the Bottle and Glass Museum, named after Giovanni F. Mariani, which houses the largest private collection of Roman glass in the world, as well as to participate in the guided tours, available daily, of the Banfi cellars.
The Taverna Banfi offers its services to both visitors passing through and guests of Castello Banfi - Il Borgo, the hotel structure adjacent to the castle that offers 14 luxurious rooms and suites. Finally, within the castle walls it is possible to organise weddings or special events. Reservations are possible by contacting reservation@banfi.it or via the website www.banfi.it.
