Here is Cheryl Yee's interview with the resident chef of the Sala dei Grappoli, Domenico Franconemet after a wine maker dinner organised in Malaysia.
A taste of Tuscany - an article on Unreserved
Superlative banquet
Patrick Loh, journalist for the Malaysian magazine 'Manifesto wine', recounts his experience with Castello Banfi. A superlative dinner featuring Banfi wines and the cuisine of the Sala dei Grappoli's resident chef, Domenico Francone.
Inspired by Tuscany
Starmetro magazine, part of Malaysia-based The Star Online, dedicated an article to our resident Chef Domenico Francone of the evening restaurant 'Sala dei Grappoli'.
At a tasting dinner, Chef Domenico paired Tuscan cuisine with a selection of Castello Banfi wines. Much appreciated, the integration of typical Malaysian ingredients with elements of Tuscan and Sicilian cuisine made the evening unforgettable.
Click here to access the article published on the newspaper's website.
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Castello Banfi Il Borgo is one of the 20 best hotels for wine lovers according to The Times
"If you are a wine lover looking for the perfect holiday, look no further": this is how the article begins, talking about Castello Banfi - Il Borgo, which was awarded second place in the ranking compiled by The Times and The Sunday Times, dedicated to the best locations for wine lovers and more.
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ABC News Good Morning America named Castello Banfi Il Borgo
ABC News' Good Morning America named Castello Banfi Il Borgo among "The 10 most secluded holiday spots in Tuscany." The news is also featured on Yahoo! News online.
A great recognition for the extraordinary hospitality offered by Castello Banfi in the region!
Below is part of the article.
Castello Banfi Il Borgo among 'The 10 most secluded holiday resorts in Tuscany
One of the most beautiful places in the world, the Tuscany is characterised by its vineyard-covered hills, its rich medieval history, as well as its delicious wines and cuisine.
Travellers in this central region of Italy are spoilt for choice, from agriturismo to quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxury spa hotels. Whether travellers are travelling with the family to see the idyllic landscape, or are looking for a romantic getaway, these 10 properties offer secluded stays, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful green surroundings. [...]
Banfi Castle The Borgo
Castello Banfi Il Borgo is an 18th century farming village that grew up next to the medieval castle of Banfi. The village ('Il Borgo' in Italian), has been restored and converted into a luxury resort, and is part of a 7,100-acre property, where high quality red wines are produced. The hotel's 14 rooms and suites reflect this heritage, and each is named after the labels produced by Banfi. Expect plenty of historical charm throughout the property; picturesque stone buildings with wooden beams, brick arches, and terracotta floors. The elegant swimming pool has breathtaking views of the vineyards, and there are also two restaurants, a wine shop, and a glass museum.
Castello Banfi - The Village recommended by Andrew Harper
In the latest issue of Hideaway Report by Andrew Harper, Castello Banfi was selected among the most striking properties in the Montalcino area.
To receive a recommendation from Mr Harper, the establishment must possess exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and in-depth local knowledge.
Castello Banfi - The Village recommended by Andrew Harper
The elegant Tuscan style of our rooms and suites, the memorable cooking class, La Sala dei Grappoli and its refined cuisine, the Bottle and Glass Museum, the swimming pool overlooking the vineyards: Harper discovers the Castle and our hospitality during his trip to Italy.
Castello Banfi - Il Borgo: bucolic exhilaration, according to the editorial staff of "TOP 100 Hotels in Italy
"Not just a holiday but a lifestyle; not just relaxation, taste and fun, but culture, art and history fused into an authentic emotion, beyond time: Castello Banfi - Il Borgo is an oasis framing a dream in the Tuscan countryside, a place to live, an unforgettable experience...".
This is the opening of the report dedicated to Castello Banfi - Il Borgo, which is included in the Top 100 best hotels in Italy, compiled annually by Edizioni Avant Gards.
To find out more, we invite you to read the full report.
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Banfi and the Christmas Gospel concert. The Chicago High Spirits in Montalcino on 21 December
After several years of absence, the classic Christmas Gospel concert returns to Montalcino organised by Banfi.
As a testament to its love of jazz music (Jazz & Wine in Montalcino) and to celebrate the upcoming Christmas holidays, Banfi is hosting on Sunday 21 December at 21.30 (Church of Sant'Agostino, Montalcino - Free Entrance) i Chicago High Spirits.
Banfi and the Christmas Gospel Concert
The group of Chicago High Spirits is composed of eight elements, which lead us to the essence of Spiritual and Gospel Song music, with unequalled power and persuasive force, the result of the performers' work and instinct. The singers have sumptuous voices, with accents that are at times raucous and at other times dulcet, and they shine for the variety and diversity of their repertoire, distinguished by their superb harmony, great cohesion and vocal power.
The talented New York vocalist stands out in the group Joy Garrison, who had already thrilled the large and enthusiastic audience at the opening concert at Castello Banfi of the 2013 edition of the Jazz & Wine in Montalcino festival with his performance.
The constant commitment of the members is the basis of their successes all over the world; collaborations with internationally renowned performers include Bocelli, Zucchero, Crawford, Amii Stewart, Ricciarelli, Gasdia. Their appearances at the Vatican Concert for the Pope in Mondovisione in 1995 and at the Artists' Jubilee were important.
Castello Banfi official sponsor of the 5th edition of Tuscan Rewind
The fifth edition of the Tuscan Rewind, the evocative dirt track race for historic cars.Â
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"This event is growing in the estimation of many drivers and above all foreign drivers, attracted by the history of these special stages and the fascinating location," emphasises Vito Piarulli, inventor of Tuscan Rewind. "Tuscan Rewind is also taking root locally, with important partners confirming their support and with new sponsors approaching. Castello Banfi, partner of the first hour, is now main sponsor and active supporter on race days, also offering an aperitif, with its famous wines, to all crews on Friday late afternoon".
Castello Banfi official sponsor of the 5th edition of Tuscan Rewind
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The race will see among its protagonists some of the greatest Italian and international rally champions of all times.Once again this year, Castello Banfi, which has been following Tuscan Rewind since the first edition, in addition to providing the Estate's great wines to award the winners of the numerous races and categories, is offering the winner of the Historic category a weekend stay in the splendid Castello Banfi-Il Borgo.
Condé Nast Traveler: Castello Banfi Il Borgo at #19 in the list of Europe's best hotels
19. Castello Banfi il Borgo, Tuscany, Italy
Reader ratings: 90,467
Nestled among 7,100 rolling acres of vineyards and olive groves near Montalcino, Castello Banfi, producer of some of the region's best known wines, has opened its doors to overnight guests. The dwellings of the people who worked at the castle have been transformed into sumptuous accommodation that encapsulates good living in the Tuscan style. The 14 rooms, housed in 18th-century stone structures adjacent to the 12th-century castle, have retained some elements of the original structure, from wood-beamed ceilings to sunken windows and terracotta floors, and are done up in a bright, elengate palette that includes silk draperies with delicate patterns, upholstered sofas and absurdly comfortable beds with romantic canopies. The special treatment includes a complimentary bottle of brunello, an LCD TV hidden in a fake bookcase, and high-speed Internet - a rarity in these parts. The Taverna serves well-prepared Tuscan dishes and, of course, an extensive wine list. An infinity pool dominates the bucolic view of the vineyards.
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