Buried deep within the elegant Cyprus trees and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside is the Chianti wine region, known for its stunning natural beauty and exceptional viticulture. Vineyard hotels in Chianti place you in the center of it all, servicing both vino aficionados and novices with equal enthusiasm, while surrounded by some of Italy’s most breathtaking vistas. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the very best Italian wine with a Vineyard hotel in Chianti.
The first mention of Chianti wine dates back to the 13th century, and has been produced and perfected in the region ever since. Traditionally, Chianti’s award-winning wine is served in fiasco-style bottles enclosed in a handmade straw basket. Not much has changed in the last 700 years, and the region still produces the ruby-red liquid in this distinct way, as well as more traditionally shaped bottles. In the "Chianti Classico" region – stretching from Florence in the north to Siena in the south – there are over 17,000 acres of vineyards primarily producing the sangiovese grape, which form the base of most red wine varieties in the region. Luxury hotels in Chianti will provide winetasting services in traditional Tuscan farm houses. Many also provide swimming pools and restaurants serving fresh, clay-baked Italian pizza, doughy hot gnocchi, and moist steaks; all expertly paired with one of Chianti’s many varieties of fruity red wine.
Spend your days exploring the gorgeous Tuscan countryside that surrounds your vineyard hotel in Chianti. Sleepy hilltop towns and Etruscan castles are yours to discover on a vacation in Tuscany. Visit the stunning medieval village of Gaiole in Chianti, a former market place located in the heart of the region. Packed with wine shops and farmhouses, Gaiole is the perfect stop to try even more varieties of delicious Chianti red. Surrounded by castles and fortified towns, Gaiole’s wine making culture has seeped into its history, as witnessed in the grand Castello Di Brolio – the largest of Chianti’s vineyards. It was here that Baron Bettino Ricasoli invented the unique Chianti formula the 19th century. Another town to visit while touring the Chianti region is Panzano. Its old town and castle radiates the very best of historic Tuscany, with cozy wine bars and restaurants tucked away down traditional Tuscan alleyways. Panzano castle once played an important role in the fortification of the city, and today stands as a testament to the region’s long and ever-evolving history. Nearby you can the captivating Pieve di San Leolino church, which (despite its Renaissance façade) is over 1,000 years old and features works by local artists.
A vineyard hotel in the Chianti region puts you within a stone’s throw of two of Tuscany’s most picturesque cities. The renaissance mecca of Florence is one of the country’s most visited cities, playing host to world-famous art galleries, breathtaking architecture, and historic points of interest. Walk along the banks of the stunning River Arno until you reach the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence. An afternoon wandering the halls of the Uffizi Gallery will astound with world-famous works by da Vinci and Botticelli. Further exploration of the city will undoubtedly bring you to the imposing red and white façade of the Duomo, Florence’s biggest cathedral and a focal point in the city. The cathedral and surrounding medieval buildings are best admired during sunset from Piazza Michelangelo. Vineyard hotels in Chianti will also provide access to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Siena. Famed for its traditional festivals, 14th century architecture, and mythical history, Siena is a city that accentuates the soul of life in Tuscany. Enjoy an afternoon of window shopping at the many boutiques which line Siena’s medieval streets, before stopping to rest with a gelato or glass of rich Chianti wine in the famous Piazza del Campo. If you’re feeling energetic, think about climbing the 400 steps of the medieval Torre del Mangia tower. You will be rewarded with exquisite views over the city and, in the distance, the rolling vineyards of the surrounding Chianti wine region.