expected price of '99 Brunello di Montalcino

I do not know about Italian wineries, but the ones in the US tend to charge more than you could get their wine in a wine shop or liquor store locally. I got a bottle of Trefethen at the winery for about $35 (this was in '94) - and when I got home, I found I could get the same bottle for about $30.

Since there won't be taxes and import duties, you might make out OK, but mind the restrictions on the amount you are allowed to take back to the US. If you want a case or two - be sure to declare it and write them a check for the duty on your way back (no big deal, just you will have to factor that in).

Two years ago, a number of Brunellos were avaialble at the store across from the fort for $20-25. That was about €25-30.

There is not much of a vineyard tour setup there. The wineries in general are small, and just did not have sampling rooms and were not open.

We stayed a week and had a wonderful time.

The problem will likely be the strength of the Euro; due to its strength the '98 Brunello's are the same price as the '97s in Canada. And not as good of course. That's not anything you can avoid; having said that I think the prices will be fairly lower, if you don't end up declaring it. Once you declare I doubt you'd save much though when I was in Montalcino in