Castellina in Chianti
Siena always in sight
Castellina in Chianti is nestled right in the heart of Chianti Classico, about 15 kilometers northwest of Siena and 35 kilometers south of Florence. As you drive along the famous Chiantigiana (SS 222), you'll spot this charming little town perched high on a hill from a distance. The landscape around Castellina is pretty dramatic, with elevations ranging from 180 to 626 meters above sea level. From up on the hill, you get a breathtaking view that reaches all the way to Siena. And what really stands out are the endless vineyards rolling over the gentle hills.
Home to amazing wines
Castellina in Chianti is a real paradise for wine lovers! This area is packed with tons of famous wineries, like Castello di Fonterutoli (pictured above), Castellare di Castellina, Buondonno, Nittardi, San Fabiano Calcinaia, Castello La Leccia, Casa Emma, and Pomona – just to give you a taste. And you definitely can't miss Antico Podere Gagliole, which is right outside Castellina. The Swiss Bär-Bettschart family tends to their vines here on ten hectares, all surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, making some of their amazing wines. Then there's Tregole, another little treasure probably sitting on one of Castellina's highest spots. Besides their top-notch wines, this winery boasts a view you'll remember for a long, long time.
Wineries in Castellina in Chianti
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Gagliole
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Tregole
Pure Tuscan vibes
Castellina in Chianti might be small, but it's packed with history and sits right in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Surrounded by gentle hills, vineyards, and olive groves, you'll get a real taste of Tuscany here. Take a leisurely walk through the medieval Via delle Volte or Via Ferruccio, soak in the amazing views, and treat yourself to cozy cafés and delicious local treats. The little shops in town are perfect for finding beautiful handmade crafts, and the enotecas are brimming with the region's best wines. For foodies, a must-visit is the fantastic Macelleria Stiaccini, famous for its Chianina beef – absolutely perfect for that legendary Bistecca Fiorentina!
Pentecoste Wine Festival
Castellina's Via delle Volte is a medieval walkway that runs along the old city walls, blending history with that special Tuscan charm. It was originally built for defense, but now it's a super romantic spot for a stroll. Little windows and old loopholes give you amazing views of the vineyards and hills, and as you walk, you'll find restaurants and shops offering local goodies. A big highlight is the “Pentecoste a Castellina” wine festival on Pentecost weekend, where local winemakers show off their best wines, all with delicious food and a lively party vibe. And on Friday evening, there's an exclusive dinner right in the Via delle Volte, celebrating Tuscan food in a truly unique setting.
Association of Winegrowers of Castellina in Chianti
The Castellina Winegrowers' Association kicked off in 2003 to support and look out for the wine producers in Castellina in Chianti. Nowadays, it boasts 39 members who craft wines recognized all over the world. Castellina in Chianti is in the Siena province and spans 9,980 hectares, with about 1,682 hectares dedicated to vineyards. That makes it the area with the most vineyard land in the whole Chianti Classico region! What's really cool is that a big chunk of these vineyards are either organic or transitioning to organic, showing just how committed these winemakers are to being super sustainable.
Art and History in Castellina in Chianti
The parish church in Castellina in Chianti is full of amazing art and history. After being rebuilt in the 20th century, it now features cool stuff like a fresco by Bicci di Lorenzo, a Renaissance statue of Saint Barnabas, and a fancy urn holding the relics of the patron saint Faustus. Plus, there's a Renaissance ciborium, a 17th-century crucifix, and a modern organ, making it a real cultural treasure right in the middle of Chianti. And just outside town, you'll find another historical gem: the Etruscan tombs at Monte Calvario. This incredible burial site from the 6th century BC has four underground chambers, each facing a different direction. They tell such a long story about the region's past and are totally worth checking out!
Ristorante Albergaccio di Castellina
This restaurant is a true gem right in the heart of Chianti Classico, and honestly, it's one of my all-time favorites! The terrace offers incredible views, whether you're there for lunch or dinner. And in winter, I love it just as much because the cozy open fireplace inside makes it feel so wonderfully warm and inviting. Food-wise, Albergaccio totally wows with a clever mix of traditional Tuscan dishes and a light, creative touch. Every single dish isn't just delicious, it's also beautifully presented – because, let's be real, you eat with your eyes first! Thanks to their fantastic kitchen and service team, every visit here is an experience you won't forget.
For today's podcast episode, I'm visiting the Fattoria e Villa di Rignana winery in Panzano in Chianti, and Cosimo Gericke, the owner, is right here with me.