Wine tasting at Tuscan castles

Add a touch of atmosphere to a wine tasting by enjoying one in the historic setting of a Tuscan castle, many of which are also home to some of the region’s finest restaurants.

This medieval castle, presiding over a landscape of forests and vineyards near Montalcino, holds the DOCG of the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. It also features two restaurants serving local cuisine in a historic stone building with outdoor patios where diners can simultaneously enjoy fabulous views.

Web: www.castellobanfi.com

Ancient Castello di Brolio is the location of one of the most important vineyards in the Chianti Classico area. In fact, its creator, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, was responsible for formulating the grape mix of Chianti Classico during the late 19th century. Take a guided tour of the castle, discover the estate’s finest wines on a visit to the ‘tasting room’, and try the traditional Tuscan menu at the castle’s restaurant.

Web: www.ricasoli.it

This 13th-century castle close to the village of Gaiole is another stunner, again owned by the Ricasoli family. Surrounded by acres of vines, the main grapes grown in its grounds include Sangiovese, for Chianti Classico, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other wines. As well as guided tours and tastings, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant, Fornace di Meleto.

Web: www.castellomeleto.it

Dievole is well known for fusing traditional methods and scientific innovation. So although viticulture has been practiced here since the 11th century, it has an interesting story to tell about the modern techniques it uses. Find out more for yourself on a wine tasting or tour.

Web: www.dievole.it

A producer of top wines including the 100-per-cent Sangiovese Chianti Rufina Riserva, this castle farm straddles two prestigious Chianti areas: the Chianti Colli Fiorentini and the Chianti Rufina. Enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting, and dine at the restaurant, La Sosta del Gusto.

Web: www.vinoturismo.it

One of the oldest wine estates in Chianti Classico, Castello di Gabbiano’s ancient cellar, where wines are left to age for up to 24 months in large, French oak casks and barrels, sits beneath a 12th-century castle. Its restaurant, Ristorante il Cavalliere, has a lovely setting on a hilltop overlooking the vineyards.

Web: www.castellogabbiano.it

Set in the Chianti Classico hills, this castle is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forests. Its wines include various Chianti DOCGs, together with a range of the more modern Chardonnays, all made from organically grown grapes. 
Web: www.san-vito.com

A 12th-century castle with Renaissance gardens hosts this family-run, internationally renowned estate. As well as guided tours and wine tastings, try the fare in Cantinetta. The wine bar and bakery sells wine produced at the castle, locally made extra-virgin olive oil, freshly baked breads, pastries and biscuits as well as high-quality, traditional yet simple dishes.

Web: www.verrazzano.com

Originally cultivated by monks a thousand years ago, this castle and its Renaissance gardens in the Chianti Classico region produces  fine DOC/DOCGs in organic soil. Eat at the elegant yet contemporary restaurant in the refurbished stables and surrounding gardens.

Web: www.coltibuono.com

This imposing 12th-century hilltop fortress in Montalcino was bought in 1984 by the artist Sandro Chia, who has spent several years transforming its land into vineyards and olive groves to produce exquisite Tuscan wines, grappa and olive oil. Brunello di Montalcino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are among the wines produced here.

Web: www.castelloromitorio.com

An ancient yet well-preserved castle dating from the 15th century sits at the heart of the Florentine hills producing a variety of Tuscan wines. As well as guided tours of the castle and the cellars, you can enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by Tuscan dishes.

Web: www.castellooliveto.it

Vines and olive groves have thrived at this farm close to Barberino Val d’Elsa for centuries. Wines ranging from Chianti Classico to Vin Santo can be sampled on tours of the vineyards and the cellars, and you can also enrol on a cooking course.

Web: www.fattoriacasasola.com

Amid the cypress-studded vineyards at Coli, the Coli brothers create some 12 million high-quality bottles of wine per year. Find out more on a tour. ​

Web: www.coli.it