Explore the World Renowned Castles and Vineyards of Chianti
L’Aiaccia is at the heart of Chianti wine country and is surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards, many of which are centered on medieval castles including the world renowned Castello di Brolio. Tours, with or without wine tastings, can be booked at the castles and vineyards. Below, in order of distance from L’Aiaccia, are some of our favorites:
Rocca di Castagnoli
L’Aiaccia overlooks this excellent vineyard tucked into the walls of the tiny medieval fortified hamlet of Castagnoli. The Rocca, as we call it, holds relaxed wine tastings in a lovely room overlooking L’Aiaccia. A few steps away is the elegant restaurant, Il Celliere, which serves beautifully prepared upscale Tuscan cuisine – look for the large mural featuring L’Aiaccia in the dining room. This vineyard supplies our house wines. (RoccadiCastagnoli.com)
Castello di Meleto
Castello di Meleto is an 11th century castle and wine estate originally the property of Benedictine monks of the nearby Badia a Coltibuono and then the Ricasoli family until about 30 years ago. Strategically important because it lies near the border between Sienese and Florentine territory, Castello di Meleto through its history experienced many battles. It contains a remarkable jewel box tiny theater dating from 1742 that has been recently fully restored. (CastelloMeleto.it)
Castello di Brolio
Castello di Brolio, an easy 15-minute drive from the house, is literally the birthplace of Chianti Classico wine. When disease blighted the grapes in this part of Italy in the 1870’s, Barone Bettino Ricasoli, a prominent wine entrepreneur who also happened to be a two-time Prime Minister of the newly unified Italy, grafted American grape vines onto the Italian ones and created the combination of grapes that became known as Chianti Classico. The castle itself has been the home of the Ricasoli family for over 800 years and is located on the top of a hillside with spectacular views across to Siena. Tours include the public parts of the castle and its grounds, as well as a tour of the winery and a wine tasting. The terrific cycling-themed Eroica Caffe is across the street from Castello di Brolio’s wine shop. It is a great spot to take a break or have a light lunch. (BaroneRicasoli.com)
Castello di Ama
Castello di Ama is located in the tiny hamlet of Ama below Radda in Chianti, nestled in the middle of a seemingly endless view of vineyards and olive groves. Wine has been made here since the 12th century, but the current winery was founded in the 1970’s and has been of the most awarded in all of Italy, having twice won the Winery of the Year and producing wines that have placed on Wine Spectator’s Top 10 list. The lovely restaurant at the winery can only be booked in conjunction with a wine tour. The winery also hosts a world-class installation of site-specific contemporary art, so make sure to walk around the village when you visit. (CastellodiAma.com)
Badia a Coltibouno
The Badia a Coltibuono is an 11th century Benedictine monastery set on a hillside with spectacular views across the Arno River to the mountains of Umbria. The property was bought by a prominent Tuscan family in 1846 and has been operated as a winery and olive oil producer by them for 6 generations since then. One of the sons of the 5th generation married the famous chef and cookbook author Lorenza de’ Medici, who started the culinary school at the Badia. Classes at the school are a real treat, as are the tours of the Badia and its grounds.(Coltibouno.com)
Castello di Volpaia
At the heart of a tiny beautiful 12th century hilltop hamlet, almost 2000 feet above sea-level with spectacular views across countryside of Tuscany, is the organic, family-owned vineyard owned by the Masheroni family since the 1970s. The Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 took the No. 3 spot on Wine Spectator’s Wine of 2018 List. Though tiny, the town is home to four restaurants. In tiny town square, Forno Volpaia bakes the best bread we have had in Tuscany – a delicious focaccia – along with terrific pizza. Volpaia.it
This is by no means a definitive list. Marvelous vineyards small and large abound in Chianti. Tours and transportation to and from L’Aiaccia can be arranged. A more complete overview of the Chianti vineyards can be found at this web page: Chianti Classico Wine Tour