Agriturismo Palazzo Bandino - Wine Cellar, on Reservation Restaurant and Spa

In April I spent a month at Palazzo Bandino. The vines were almost bare with just a few budding leaves. Marta told me I should come back again in the fall; they harvest the grapes in September and the olives in October. How could I refuse. As I pulled off the highway and headed down the dirt road I said to myself “I’m Home”. This second trip was even greater than the one in April. I did a lot of cooking in my apartment and Marta was surprised that I was such a good chef. As, promised, I got to witness the harvesting of the grapes and drink some of the first juice. Watched the harvesting of the olives which was not what I expected. All the leaves throughout the area are turning colors which provided a spectacular Autumn vista every day. I get to see the 3 boys before and after school each day. One day there was a knock on my door. When I opened it, nobody was there. A few minutes later there was another knock but this time I was quicker and just caught a jacket ducking behind the wall. How great to be staying in someone’s home and being adopted by the kids who treat you like family, tricks and all. This second stay was twice as long and I got to visit and make friends with many of the other guests. All I heard were positive comments of how great the spa was (which I frequented often), how great the dinners were, sampling 7 different wines but the comment I heard most was they felt they got the best value for their dollar. They were all jealous hearing I was there for 2 months. Guests who stayed 1 or a few days all enjoyed the stay, but it was those who stayed the longest that really got to appreciate everything that Palazzo Bandino has to offer. You truly are treated like part of the family. One couple boasted this was their 17th stay. I still had all my good friends in town to visit from April, but I met even more I kept getting adopted into families. I attended 2 festivals and five birthday parties. Chianciano is my town and Palazzo Bandino is my home. All good things come to an end. As I was driving up the dirt road with suitcase in the back I said, “I’m leaving home to go home”.

Beautiful agro-hotel where they make all their food, olive oil, and most importantly their wine. Super close to Pienza, Montepulciano and other amazing Tuscan cities. Accommodations are very clean and straightforward. Highly recommend

Absolutely beautiful property in the countryside of Siena. The wine and olive oil iare delicious and the food is wonderful. This business has been in the family for 8 generations and they have honored and maintained the history and culture over the years. We chose well. :)