At Montalcino the stake on the last hole is a magnum of Brunello; at Vinci the estate beside the course bottles wine and olive oil. In Tuscany golf and wine meet in specific places, while Bolgheri remains a destination above all for the glass.
Three names are enough to describe Tuscan wine: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri. For the golfer there is one more question: where can you play, and where can't you? Two of the three zones have a genuine golfing reference: at Montalcino there is a private course with a hole dedicated to Brunello, in Chianti there are historic clubs near Florence, while Bolgheri is a wine destination more than a golf one. And not far away, above Vinci, a nine-hole course has its own estate that bottles wine and olive oil.
Brunello di Montalcino: the hole worth a magnum
Brunello di Montalcino has been a DOC since 28 March 1966 and a DOCG since 1 July 1980, and it is made from Sangiovese, known locally as Brunello, a clone identified in 1879 by the ampelographic commission of the province of Siena. The production rules require five years of ageing, with at least two in oak barrels and four months in bottle; the Riserva requires six. Wines that do not meet the requirements can be declassified as Rosso di Montalcino.
It is also the wine most closely tied to a golf course. Castiglion del Bosco is an 18-hole course designed by Tom Weiskopf with Phil Smith, Weiskopf's only project in continental Europe. After the 18th comes the 19th hole, the "Brunello Hole", a short par 3 where anyone who wants to settle the match plays for a magnum of Brunello. The club is private, and non-members have two routes: Rosewood guests book in advance, while other individual golfers can apply online (with a certified handicap) for Unaccompanied Play, subject to the club's confirmation. There is no published green fee list.
For a place to stay, the natural address is the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco: 42 suites in the village and 11 villas, and the restaurant Campo del Drago, with two Michelin stars and a wine list of more than 700 labels. The winery was among the 25 founding members of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium in 1967. In autumn the hotel hosts the Dinner with Brunello evenings in the members' cellar: in the 2026 calendar the dates are 26 October and 2, 9, 24 and 30 November.
Chianti Classico: the Black Rooster and the Florence clubs
Chianti Classico, recognised as a separate DOCG in 1996, is made from 80 to 100% Sangiovese and has as its emblem the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) of the medieval Chianti League. Castellina, Gaiole, Greve and Radda in Chianti lie entirely within the zone; Barberino Tavarnelle, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi and San Casciano in Val di Pesa lie partly within it. There are three categories: Annata (minimum ageing of 10 months), Riserva (24 months) and Gran Selezione (30 months).
The reference course for Chianti is the Golf Club dell'Ugolino, at Impruneta. A word on geography: Impruneta is not among the Chianti Classico municipalities, and the club speaks more generally of the "first hills of Chianti", with olive trees and vines. The course, an 18-hole par 72 of about 5,670 metres, is the heir to Florence's first 18-hole course of 1889 and in 1983 hosted the Italian Open won by Bernhard Langer. The 2026 rates are 130 euros for 18 holes and 80 for nine, with no seasonal difference, along with agreements with some properties in Impruneta, Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli.
Vinci: a nine-hole course with wine and oil
At Bellosguardo, above Vinci, the course has nine holes with double tees, among olive trees and vineyards, for about 5,815 metres and a par 71 over 18 holes. According to the Tuscan tourist board, every hole is dedicated to Leonardo. On the property is the Fattoria Bellosguardo, with four rooms: it produces red and white wines and extra virgin olive oil, which can be tasted and bought. The course is closed on Mondays. The price list headed 2027 shows 60 euros on weekdays in high season (April to October) and 50 in low season.
Bolgheri: the wine of the Livorno coast
Bolgheri DOC is produced entirely within the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, in the province of Livorno, with a first set of rules dating from August 1983 and a distinct DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia in the same zone. Here the journey is above all about wine.
Curiosities
- Brunello by post. At the Brunello Hole at Castiglion del Bosco, the magnum is the stake.
- A clone from 1879. The Sangiovese of Montalcino, known as Brunello, was identified by the Siena ampelographic commission in 1879.
- Leonardo on every hole. At Bellosguardo, according to the tourist board, every hole is dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play golf at Montalcino?+
Yes, at Castiglion del Bosco, a private club: Rosewood guests book in advance, others apply online for Unaccompanied Play, subject to confirmation. The club does not publish a price list.
How long is Brunello di Montalcino aged?+
According to the production rules, five years (at least two in oak and four months in bottle); the Riserva six.
How much does it cost to play at the Golf Club dell'Ugolino?+
In 2026, 130 euros for 18 holes and 80 for nine, with no seasonal difference.
What is the Brunello Hole at Castiglion del Bosco?+
It is the 19th hole, a short par 3 played after the 18th: anyone who wants to settle the match puts up a magnum of Brunello as the stake.
What are the categories of Chianti Classico?+
Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione, with minimum ageing of 10, 24 and 30 months.
Where can you taste wine at a golf course?+
At Bellosguardo the estate on the property produces wine and oil that can be tasted and bought; at Castiglion del Bosco the cellar hosts the Dinner with Brunello evenings organised by Rosewood in autumn.
