GRAPE ESCAPE

Toast Tuscany’s delights on this full-day grape escape to Chianti Senese. Wine lovers will enjoy visits to two estates, learn all about the production of one of the world’s most famous wines and feast their eyes on the splendid scenery of southern Chianti.

You may not know that the word Chianti originates from the Latin term clangor meaning “clamour”, which refers to the noise produced by the blasts of trumpets, rolling drums and clashing swords that resonated throughout the countless battles that shook the area. As a border territory between the two rival cities of Florence and Siena, Chianti often found itself at the centre of tumultuous events and was far from being the peaceful Eden you can admire today!

Beautiful landscapes, charming towns and fine red wines have made Chianti a must-see for visitors to Tuscany. The region boasts an age-old tradition of vine cultivation that dates back to Etruscan times, however it was only in 1716 that Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici officially defined the boundaries of the Chianti wine area. Today, a true Chianti must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes and can be recognised by its distinctive label, the black rooster – a symbol steeped in a curious legend. Florence and Siena agreed to put an end to their long quarrel over the borders of their territories by each sending out a knight on horseback when the rooster crowed, at daybreak on a given date. The place they met would become the new border between them. The two cities both did their best to outwit their rival. In Siena, the white rooster was treated to a lavish meal in the hope that a full stomach would produce a vigorous morning crow, while in Florence, the black rooster was left hungry so that it would rise earlier, allowing their knight a head start. The latter strategy proved to be the right one for the Florentine knight set off long before his opposite number in Siena and successfully claimed most of Chianti for Florence. Since then the black rooster has been the emblem of the region.

You will meet your private driver outside your accommodation and relax on the ride to a renowned winery located near Gaiole in Chianti on the premises of a former monastery. The abbey was founded in 1051 by the Vallombrosian order of Benedictine monks who lived here for almost eight hundred years. The religious community was suppressed in 1810 when Tuscany fell under Napoleonic rule and the monks were forced to leave. The estate was later bought by a Florentine banker, the great grandfather of the present owner who has managed to build and maintain a solid reputation both in Italy and abroad. He continues to pursue his ancestors’ dream by committing to high quality and environmental sustainability. One thousand years have gone by but the estate still uses organic production methods to safeguard its natural assets. Here, after a tour of the historic ageing cellars, Italianate garden, courtyards and frescoed halls, you will sit down to a tasting of the estate’s wines. A delicious lunch will then be served at the on-site restaurant.

Later, set off for another Chianti winery, located near Castelnuovo Berardenga. The property covers six hundred hectares, of which ninety-five are cultivated with vines, and lies between the Chianti Classico area and the Crete Senesi, a geological position to which it owes its unique landscape, terroir and scents. On a visit to the vineyards and cellar, accompanied by a member of staff, you will discover the estate’s philosophy and mission. Investing in new techniques, embracing biodynamic production, constantly experimenting and striving to preserve the ecosystem are at the core of this winery’s values. Its activities are centred around the production of first-class wine and olive oil. In addition, some areas cultivated with wild herbs and medicinal plants, cereal-sown fields and woods, make a special contribution to the conservation of biodiversity. Top off your day with a tasting of the estate’s wines and a toast… cheers to the rooster!

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you back to your accommodation in Florence.