Fattoria dei Barbi was founded in Montalcino in the late 16th century and was one of the first Italian wineries to export its Brunello di Montalcino in Europe, America and Asia.
Owned by the Colombini family since the beginning, the company is now managed by Stefano Colombini who continues to innovate and research the ever-improving quality of wines labelled Fattoria dei Barbi, also obtaining numerous awards from important magazines in the sector.
Innovators and pioneers of important innovations since the very beginning, such as the export of bottled wine and the construction of the first Italian wine shop by the family in 1938, one of the aspects on which the historic company is based is the study of new methods capable of combining tradition and innovation within authentic products, capable of bringing out the typical flavours of each terroir.
The vineyards extend for sixty-six of the total 306 hectares that make up the estate between the territories of Montalcino and Scansano, for a production of eight hundred thousand bottles (two hundred thousand of Brunello di Montalcino).
The excellent wines produced by the Fattoria dei Barbi Winery include: Brunello di Montalcino (vintage, in the Vigna del Fiore, Riserva and Selezione Colombini versions), Brunello Grappa, Toscana IGT, Rosso di Montalcino (vintage or in the Selezione Colombini version), Vermentino white wine and Vin Santo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Fattoria dei Barbi winery located and in what part of Montalcino does it produce?

Fattoria dei Barbi is located in Montalcino, with an estate covering 306 hectares in total across the Montalcino and Scansano territories, of which 66 are under vine. It is one of the historic wineries of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG appellation, with roots dating back to the late 18th century.

Who founded the Fattoria dei Barbi winery? Is it a family business?

Yes: the Colombini family has owned land in Montalcino since 1352 and Fattoria dei Barbi since the late 1700s, making it one of Italy's oldest wineries. Today the winery is run by Stefano Colombini, who continues the family's generations-long work of innovation and quality research while maintaining direct ownership of the estate.

What approach does Fattoria dei Barbi take in the vineyard and cellar?

The winery has always been a pioneer in the industry: it was among the first to export bottled Brunello to France in 1817, to sell it by mail order in 1832, and the Colombini family opened in 1938 what is considered Italy's first wine shop. This blend of tradition and constant innovation still guides the search for new methods that showcase the terroir of each individual vineyard.

What wines does Fattoria dei Barbi produce? What is its flagship wine?

Production, reaching 800,000 bottles a year (of which 200,000 are Brunello), includes Brunello di Montalcino in Annata, Vigna del Fiore, Riserva and Selezione Colombini versions, as well as Rosso di Montalcino, Vermentino, Vin Santo, Grappa di Brunello and Toscana IGT wines. Brunello remains the flagship label, produced in significant quantities by the appellation's standards, while maintaining a strong link to family tradition.

Is Fattoria dei Barbi a renowned winery? Has it received awards?

Yes: since the 19th century, Fattoria dei Barbi wines have won awards around the world, and its blue label has long been one of the most recognizable among Brunello di Montalcino wines. The winery was also the first in Montalcino to export its wine to Europe, America and Asia, a first that has cemented its international reputation well beyond Tuscany.

Can you visit the Fattoria dei Barbi winery? Do they offer tastings?

Yes: the historic cellar, home to over 300 oak casks and thousands of bottles of aging Brunello, has been open to the public for over 50 years and has welcomed more than a million and a half visitors. Guided tours run daily at 11:00 and 15:00, by reservation, exploring the history and production methods of the Colombini family.

Are Fattoria dei Barbi wines distributed abroad?

Yes: Fattoria dei Barbi was the first Montalcino winery to export bottled wine to France (1817), sell it by mail order (1832), and export it to America (1962), England (1969) and Japan (1975). This international vocation, unique for its time, has made Fattoria dei Barbi's blue label one of the best known in the world among Brunello di Montalcino wines.