Castle of Poggio alle Mura

September is the month of the grape harvest so why not take a trip to the Castle of Poggio alle Mura, near Montalcino (Siena) in one of the finest wine growing areas in Italy, famous for the Brunello wine. Picturesque, with slender battlemented towers and interesting inner portico, the castle stands on a hill near the confluence of the rivers Orcia and Ombrone. The complex is thought to be of Etruscan origin and was built in various stages down the centuries. The entire area was the scene of terrible battles between Siena and Florence and is now almost entirely dedicated to the production of wine. Tour of the castle includes the wine museum and the chance to purchase products from the farm.