The evenings are balmy, the vineyards are starred with fireflies at night, tourists are showing their legs and Montalcino is shedding its ornery off-season identity and hosting a series of great events.

On 18th and 19th June there is the first edition of the Montalcino Music Circus, two evenings of blues set up on a stage in Piazza Padella (Saucepan Square, where Vineria Le Potazzine has outdoor tables and serves food.... might be worth booking on 0577846054. There is also seating at the Il Leccio Bar Enoteca. Tel. 0577 846084). The evening is free and there will be two stands serving food, beer and wine. The first night is Lou and the Blues http://www.louleonardi.it/ and the second is M.I.B. (Men in Blues) an 11 piece blues band headed by Seargent Pizzo.

And there's more... 19-21 June is another first edition - Festa Europea della Musica! Concerts of every possible genre (classical, opera, baroque, rock, jazz, flamenco..) from 11.30 am to midnight in four different areas of Montalcino. The programme is on :  http://www.carrozze.it/montalcino_festa_della_musica/index.html

From 9th to 15th July Montalcino is hosting the 4th edition of Musica Reale, an international Chamber Music Festival. Details of the program can be found here : www.musica-reale.com/festival-2010  World-famous musicians from Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will be playing in Montalcino's 18th century Teatro Degli Astrusi. Tickets are on sale at the door from 17.30 or via Montalcino's tourist office. There is an apertif at 18.15 and the concerts start at 19.00. Season tickets are available. For information contact Peter Sokole at info@musica-reale.com.

From 14th-24th July there is the 13th edition of Jazz and Wine. These concerts are held in the fortress and start at 21.45. Information can be found via the Proloco (the Tourist Office, tel. 0577 849331). If it seems at all chilly, take a blanket! 

On Sunday 20th June and Sunday 18th July Montalcino holds an organic farmer's market (plus other bits and bobs) in the main square . This isn't worth planning a holiday around but there are some lovely honeys and goats cheeses available.

And as if this wasn't enough there are foraging lessons every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday... information below.