While I was looking for wineries to visit on our trip, I came across Castello di Monterinaldi and decided to email them to request a visit with the lunch option. I had looked at the WMD option, but the full day and the minimum bottle requirement was just too much for what we wanted to spend. Upon hearing back, I noticed a half-day option with only a 12 bottle minimum purchase.

The experience was incredible. Everyone was very friendly and informative. We started off with a tour of the facilities. Then getting the chance to sit down with the winemaker and owner was great by itself, but we learned more about wine here than any other "class" we've been to. We had also taken a wine class in Sienna and it was basically just a wine tasting with absolutely no information about wines. (I'll save that experience for another review.)

The second half of our visit was another pleasant surprise. We had selected the lunch option, and for the price, I was just thinking it would be a simple small lunch so we didn't have to worry about driving to another place to eat. Instead they had a private table set up for us in the living room of the estate (which is gorgeous.) We had an amazing four course meal paired with their wines. I couldn't have dreamed of that kind of meal for the price.

This was one of our favorite experiences of the trip! If we get to go back to Italy, we will definitely be making a stop back here. (Even it it's just for the food. :)

We left early to see the beautiful countryside surrounding Monterinaldi; we thought it was incredible but never expected that the best was yet to come. Fabrizio, our wonderful host, gave us a tour of the facility (the harvest had just begun) and explained the process of winemaking very clearly. Then we were treated to an exquisite meal; starting with the antipasti plate, then a most delicious (yet simple) pasta; followed by white beans and roast beef (mouthwatering); and finally dessert. All of these dishes were paired with the most wonderful wines. There were 7 of us and we never felt rushed; in fact it was a magical day for all of us!! Thanks Fabrizio - I hope your wines make it to BC (Fabrizio had just received the OK that day from Ontario Liquor Board-I'm jealous!)

I had the great experience to visit with my husband and our friends. We got a tour that was great but the lunch that we had was the best we had in all of Italy. Course after course of wonderfully prepared food paired with exceptional wine. They treated us like royalty and fed us like kings.

We called only 30 minutes before arriving and they were kind enough to make a tour on the spot for us and another nice couple that drived in. We had a tour at the cellar and wine tasting. The experience was wonderful. I finally learned the legend of the black rooster. Highly recommended!