In the heart of Chianti country and not far from Florence (18 miles but more like 40 minutes by car) you will find one of my favorite vineyards - Querceto in Castellina. With over 200 acres of lushes vines, olive orchards, vegetable patches, wildflower gardens, and so much more there is something here that is sure to please everyone's senses.
Below are a few reasons why this little piece of serenity has quickly become my favorite spot in Chianti.
Family owned and operated
Querceto di Castellina was purchased by the Masini family in 1945. Guido Masin's daughter Laura along with her husband, children, and grandchildren run the estate.
Organic and sustainable
Querceto has over 28 acres with six different vineyards of organic vines with 80% being the local Sangiovese grape. No pesticides, germicides, or any other chemical is used on their vines. They also rely solely on rainfall for watering the vines and at least one of the vineyards they hand-pick the grapes every harvest. To me, this is truly wine made with love and a lot of hard work.
And they have more wines to offer than just Chianti Classico – their Rosato (named Furtivo) is a local favorite and mine as well. Every time I visit, I buy a couple of bottles of Furtivo first – just in case it's gone before the end of my stay.
Their famous white wine grapes in the vineyard
In 2008, Laura's son Jacopo planted an amazing 2000 vines in a ½ acre setting with French varietals producing the only white wine in the vineyard. Livia (named after Laura's granddaughter – her baby footprint is on the label) is so popular, it sells out before it is even bottled.
This is also the area where they host their annual Cena in Vigna (Dinner in the Vineyard). Every summer locals and visitors alike wait with great anticipation for the four dates to be announced. Held one Saturday in June, July, August, and September they always sell out. I was lucky enough to secure my spot this past July. It was an amazing experience. While I know it is a lot of work for the Querceto family and their event partners, the experience encompasses the totality of "La Dolce Vita" in Italy.
It's more than just a vineyard
Wine Tastings – The best part of their wine tastings is that every tour is a private tour – just your group and your guide from the vineyard.
They have seven different tasting options. From simple guided tastings of four wines to the wine and cheese tasting (cheese from local cheese farm Podere il Casale in Pienza paired with querceto wines) to a tasting with lunch (this is my favorite and I highly recommend it) to a private dinner in the vineyard (minimum 8 people required, offered May-September, based on chef’s availability, so book way in advance)
Cooking with Laura (the matriarch) - How fun to start your cooking experience with a trip to the Castellina in Chianti food market followed up with a visit to the town butcher. Then it's back to the vineyard kitchen where recipes for a four-course menu are taught and shared in lunch after the class.
Accommodations – Quercetos's recently renovated 15th-century structures can host up to 41 people. A great place for a quiet night away from the city and/or a group event (think wedding or retreat) for a weekend.
- Nine apartments: combinations of one bedroom/one bath that sleeps 2 and two bedrooms/one bath that sleeps 3. Breakfast included.
- One bedroom suite (bedroom with a separate living area) that sleeps 2 is wheelchair accessible with an amazing vineyard view. No kitchen but linen service and breakfast every day.
- On the property - saltwater pool, bbq/picnic area, laundry area, and expansive grounds to explore.
I would be beyond happy to book a wine tasting and/or stay at Querceto di Castellina for you. I can also arrange a car and driver for you if you are staying in Siena, Florence, or the central Tuscan area. If you chose to book with them directly please let them know I referred you. I do not receive a commission but it lets the family know how much I support them.
