Italy is known for its wine. The climate and soil are ideal for growing grapes and has been a part of Italy’s culture since the time before the Romans. There are hundreds of wineries scattering the countryside, but here are the 4 most beautiful.
1. Castello di Ama, Siena, Italy
Castello di Ama winery is made up of 17th-century villas built upon the ruins of an ancient castle. In the 1970s, four friends, Tomaso Carini, GianVittorio Cavanna, Pietro Tradico, and Lionello Sebasti, set about restoring Ama. They replanted the vineyards and built a fermentation center to begin their winemaking venture. Sebasti’s daughter is the current manager of the estate, and the second generation of the other three families are still involved in the business as well.
The property has four vineyards, Bellavista, San Lorenzo, La Casuccia, and Montebuoni, named after important landmarks in the village of Ama. One of the winery’s most popular features, aside from the wine, is its mirrored wall installation. Created by Carlos Garaicoa, ‘New Wall Painting’, represents some of the most famous walls. It also has a secret window that opens onto a view of the vineyard, giving guests a perfect photo opportunity.
2. Avignonesi, Montepulciano, Italy
Founded in 1974, the winery was named after the original owners of the property, the Avignonesi family. The business made a name for itself with its flagship wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It is also known for its dessert wines Vino Santo di Montepulciano and Occhio di Pernice.
In 2009, Virginie Saverys purchased the winery. She has helped transform the business by focusing on organic production and sustainability. They now have over 430 acres of vineyards. On their website, their motto is, “Healthier wines for healthier people, but also a healthier land and a healthier environment.”
3. Castello Banfi, Montalcino, Italy
Castello Banfi was founded in 1978 by two Italian-American brothers, John and Harry Mariani. They named the company after their great-aunt Teodolinda Banfi who served as Governess for the Archbishop of Milan and also served in the household of Pope Pius XI. Banfi was supposedly a wine expert and inspired her family to carry on the tradition.
The property has over 7,100 acres of land, with one-third dedicated to the vineyards. There is also a beautiful hotel visitors can stay at called Il Borgo. The winery also has two restaurants, a wine shop, and a glass museum. Their wine is currently exported to over 90 countries.
4. Poggio al Casone, Lorenzana, Italy
Home to the Castellani brand, Poggio al Casone was acquired by the company back in the 1970s. However, the Castellani family had been making wine since the late 19th-century starting with Alfredo Castellani. His son, Duilio, played an active role in planting and harvesting, while his other son, Giorgio, led the company to export its products on a larger scale. This familial connection has been the company’s guiding philosophy since the beginning.
Covering about 75 acres, Poggio al Casone operates as a winery and resort for travelers. Aside from the wine tastings, guests can participate in cooking classes and yoga in the vineyards. The estate prides itself on the relaxing, natural environment their guests’ experience. Poggio al Casone is well known as an ideal honeymoon spot or romantic getaway.
Sources:
- 8 Beautiful Wineries [Global Grasshopper]
- Castello di Ama Art [CNN]
- Ama Vineyards [Castello di Ama]
- Avignonesi [Avignonesi]
- Avignonesi [Classica International]
- Banfi [Banfi]
- Castello Banfi [Wine and Travel Italy]
- Poggio’s Story [Castel Wine]
- Poggio al Casone [Poggio al Casone]
- Feature Picture [Pixabay]
Love a good winery sounds Amazing