Archive for 'Chianti'

Chianti is a truly magnificent place to visit when travelling through Tuscany and here’s a perfect example of a scenic day trip you can go on when you come here!

Why not book into a spectacular five star luxury villa in Chianti that sleeps up to 24 people? You could enjoy a memorable trip here with family and friends, savouring delicious food and of course, the local wine!

Known as the ‘Gateway of Chianti’ the beautiful town of Greve in Chianti is a perfect place to begin your adventures through this superb wine-making region.

Its main square is actually triangular in shape and has been a popular and busy market spot for neighbouring towns and villages throughout the centuries.

Beautifully built porticoes line the square (triangle), protecting tourists and locals passing through on rainy days. Be sure to make a visit to the little church of Santa Croce, an intricate medieval structure redesigned in a Renaissance style. It displays a marvellous painting inside by Bicci di Lorenzo called ‘Madonna and the Saints’.

The town of Radda in Chianti would be the perfect stop for tourists and wine lovers as this is the home of the famous Tuscan Chianti wine!

Radda in Chianti is neatly tucked in between the valleys of Arbia and Pesa between the provinces of Siena and Florence.

Tourists who wish to explore the area for a few days can perhaps stay in a luxury vacation rental in Radda in Chianti where there are panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan hills covered in thriving vineyard.


This ancient town is surrounded by huge stone fortress walls that date back to a time when a grand castle was built here to rule over the precious wine producing region. The ruins of Volpaia castle can still be seen today; its towers are still clearly visible.

Dating back to medieval times, Castello di Volpaia is a fortified village behind a circular defense wall. It's notable not only for allowing visitors to see some remarkably well-preserved architecture despite repeated devastation, it also is home to the winery that produces the famous Chianti Classico wine.

Volpaia is a delightful day trip for those who wish to taste Chianti in its home, while learning more about the history of this interesting castle and fortified village.

Although parts of it have crumbled due to battles throughout history, you can still see the ancient chain of walls and many remains of this fascinating castle.

One of the leading highlights of the Castello di Volpaia is the tower church, which is dedicated to Saint Eufroino.

There are many reasons to visit the small town of Barberino Val d'Elsa, which is located in the vicinity of the larger city of Florence in Tuscany.

Not only is it a prime example of medieval architecture that retains its original walled fortifications, but it also is home to many important works of art, exquisite chapels, and other sights to visit.

You can learn more about the history of the famous Barberini family, who have their origins here in this exciting municipality. The town is named after the valley of the Elsa, which surrounds it in lush splendor.

Within town, you'll find many things to see in Barberino Val d'Elsa. This includes the Church of San Bartolomeo, for example, which has fragments of a painting by the famous Giotto, as well as a bronze bust crafted by the artist Pietro Tacca. By following the Via Francesco da Barberino, you will work your way through the well-manicured streets up to the Sienese Gate, or Porta Senese, which dates back to 1365. Those interested in learning more about the area's ancient past can visit the Antiquarium Museum, which holds Etruscan artifacts found in the different necropolises scattered throughout the area. If you have seen the famous Cupola in Florence, you may want to take a look at the Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo, which has a perfect reproduction.

The Chianti region does not have clearly distinguishable boundaries based on morfological, geographical or climatic criteria. The only unifying element of the region is the production of a high quality red wine since the 12th century. The name, which comes from the Etruscan "Clante-i", was mentioned for the first time in documents from the 8th century in defining the territories of the ancient Lega (League), the administrative district that included the current communities of Radda, Gaiole and Castellina. 

In 1932 the Chianti wine area was completely re-drawn and divided in seven sub-areas: Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano and Rùfina. Most of the villages that in 1932 were suddenly included in the new Chianti Classico area added in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti which amended its name in 1972. Wines labeled Chianti Classico come from the biggest sub-area of Chianti, that sub-area that includes the old Chianti area.

The other variants, with the exception of Rufina from the north-east side of Florence and Montalbano in the south of Pistoia, originate in the respective named provinces: Siena for the Colli Senesi, Florence for the Colli Fiorentini, Arezzo for the Colli Aretini and Pisa for the Colline Pisane. In 1996 part of the Colli Fiorentini sub-area was renamed Montespertoli.