Antico Brunello

The place is beautiful, with stunning views, but the service is very basic and you’re mostly on your own, even at 550 EUR a night. We had to carry our luggage up several staircases, and at the pool we waited more than an hour for coffee or water. I messaged the GM, who replied that as a farmhouse their obligation to guests was to provide room keys, and that was all. I’d still recommend it, as long as you know what to expect. The hotel was also having loud, disruptive construction while we were there, which wasn’t mentioned on the website. If you’re planning to spend the day by the pool, ask whether the work is still going on. My experience was much like Andy P’s review.

The included breakfast was wonderful, with buffet items and a choice of eggs and coffee. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the property and wine cellar are beautiful, with large, stunning views. The cellar tour is worth doing. Its location made it easy for us to explore nearby towns. The price is high, but we enjoyed our stay.

17 June 2024 The setting and views are fantastic, the staff and service were excellent, and we had a great meal. Still, at this price I found the extras frustrating. We got only one bottle of water for the whole stay; I’d rather pay a few euros more per night and have as much as we want. Booking each night separately would get you a bottle every night. There’s little benefit to staying if you’re there for the wine. They make it, but guests don’t even get a complimentary glass. Tastings and cellar visits cost extra, and a bottle in the restaurant costs 7 euros more than the shop price. In Montalcino, wine shops have enomatic dispensers where you can taste, and buy bottles for less. We saw the 2012 Brunello for 98 euros twice in town, compared with 135 euros at the winery shop. It was even cheaper in the UK. This seems commercially shortsighted. Castello Banfi gives guests 15% off each bottle, which makes the stay feel more worthwhile. They’d still earn more selling directly than through a wholesaler or retailer. With such a lovely winery, I can’t see the benefit of staying.

My wife and I were both enchanted by our stay at Argiano. The room was cozy and comfortable, the staff attentive, and dining was high quality. The Tuscan landscape here is breathtaking, with views stretching as far as you can see. It felt like a unique experience.