A Guide to Chianti’s Historic Wineries to Visit During Your Stay
Chianti isn’t just about the scenery: it’s one of the world’s most important wine-growing regions, with wineries that embody centuries of Tuscan winemaking history. When you stay at Villa Bordoni, you’re in the perfect spot to explore some of the area’s most fascinating estates, where rural tradition, historic architecture, and, of course, great wines come together. Here’s a guide to the wineries worth visiting.
Borgo Castelvecchi
Just a few minutes from Villa Bordoni lies Borgo Castelvecchi, one of the most charming places in the area. The village, with its historic winery, combines wine production with the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan village, with vineyards stretching all around the historic buildings.
Here, you can take part in guided Chianti Classico tastings and get an up-close look at the winemaking process, as well as visit the ancient cellar carved into the rock, which was once used for aging wine. It’s a perfect stop for anyone who wants to enjoy an authentic wine experience without straying too far from the villa.
Verrazzano Castle
Located in the heart of Greve in Chianti, Castello di Verrazzano is one of the best-known names in the area, linked to the family of the explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. The estate has been producing wine for centuries and offers tours that include the vineyards, the historic cellars, and an area dedicated to the curing of locally produced cured meats.
The tastings here often pair wine, olive oil, and traditional Tuscan products, offering a complete experience of the region’s flavors.
Ama Castle
In the Gaiole in Chianti area lies Castello di Ama, an estate that combines winemaking with contemporary art: the village is dotted with installations by international artists, creating a journey that blends culture and wine tasting. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for an experience different from the usual winery tour.
Antinori in Chianti Classico
A short distance away, toward San Casciano Val di Pesa, stands the Antinori winery in the Chianti Classico region, a striking architectural project designed by star architect Marco Casamonti. The structure, largely underground and integrated into the hilly landscape, features a modern visitor experience that includes a panoramic restaurant and spacious areas dedicated to wine tasting. It’s a recommended stop for anyone passionate about contemporary architecture as well as wine.
Brolio Castle
The Brolio Castle, historically linked to the Ricasoli family—considered one of Italy’s oldest wine producers—is also located in the Gaiole in Chianti area. The castle, with its panoramic garden and medieval walls, offers one of the most beautiful views of the entire Chianti valley, as well as a wine-tasting tour that traces centuries of winemaking history.
Practical Tips for Visits
Many wineries require advance reservations for tastings, especially during the high season (April through October). Some estates, such as Borgo Castelvecchi, are located just a few minutes from Villa Bordoni and are ideal for a visit even in the late afternoon, allowing you to return to the villa in time for dinner.
For those who want to organize a full-fledged wine tour, it’s possible to plan two or three visits in a single day, alternating between large wineries and smaller, family-run estates, to get a complete picture of the variety of wines produced in the Chianti Classico region.
Guests staying at Villa Bordoni can also request personalized recommendations and assistance with booking wine tastings at partner wineries in the area.