Chianti Classico and Art
Exploring Vallepicciola Winery, it’s vineyards, cellar, and art: featuring the Collectors’ Experience and Wine Safari tours as well as the new “Casa in bottiglia” installation by artist Clet Abraham.
Nestled in the wine tourism destination of Val di Picciola in the heart of Chianti Classico, the Vallepicciola Winery offers an array of experiences that immerse visitors in authentic Tuscan wine culture. Year-round, the Collectors’ Experience and Wine Safari tours take guests on a journey through the winemaking process: from the first flowers and berries in the vineyard to the bottling. Not to be missed at Vallepicciola is the recently installed contemporary artwork “Casa in bottiglia” by French artist Clet Abraham, who participated in the “A(Rt) Message in A (Chianti Classico) Bottle” project promoted by the Consorzio del Chianti Classico.
Set in Pievasciata, a small village just 15 km from Siena, Vallepicciola is the Bolfo family’s premier winery in the heart of Chianti Classico, crafting excellent wines and offering an array of outdoor and indoor activities. Year-round, tourists can stroll through the vineyards and visit the state-of-the-art winery, including the cellar. Collectors’ Experience and Wine Safari are two of the most appealing tours for wine lovers.
Collectors’ Experience
Guests at Vallepicciola can delve into the rich heritage and artistry of the winery through the exclusive Collectors’ Experience, a two-hour tour that unveils the secrets behind the estate’s world-renowned wines. The journey begins amidst the picturesque vineyards that grace the rolling hills of Chianti Classico. Guided by Vallepicciola’s knowledgeable hospitality team, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the terroir that nurtures exceptional grapes. This immersive tour includes tasting the exquisite flavours of Perlinetto 25° Anniversario (Metodo Classico), Vallepicciola Bianco IGT Toscana, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Vallepicciola Rosso IGT Toscana, Parvadomus Cabernet Sauvignon IGT Toscana, Mordese Cabernet Franc IGT Toscana, and Migliorè IGT Toscana; each sip unveils the unique character and terroir expression that characterize Vallepicciola’s approach to winemaking. This exclusive experience is available by reservation only, starting at 3:00 PM, until January 2025. Rates are €60 per Person.
Wine Safari Experience
The exciting Wine Safari tour is tailored specifically for adventure enthusiasts. Guided by Vallepicciola’s drivers, guests traverse the estate’s breathtaking landscapes in a jeep, revelling in the panoramic vistas that define this iconic wine region. The adventure culminates in an intimate exploration of Vallepicciola’s winery and the meticulous craftsmanship that transforms grapes into exceptional wines: from the fermentation room, the heart of the winemaking process where the magical transformation unfolds, to the barrel cellar, where the wines patiently mature under the watchful eye of renowned winemaker Alessandro Cellai.
The grand finale is a tasting of Vallepicciola’s most celebrated wines: Perlinetto 25° Anniversario (Metodo Classico), Vallepicciola Bianco IGT Toscana, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Vallepicciola Rosso IGT Toscana, Quercegrosse Merlot IGT Toscana, and Migliorè IGT Toscana. An adventure for all – This exclusive two-hour experience is available by reservation only, starting at 11:00 AM and at 4:00 PM, until October 2024. Rates are €130 per Person.
A(rt) Message in a (Chianti Classico) Bottle
“Casa in bottiglia” by French artist Clet Abraham arrived at Vallepicciola by means of the “A(rt) message in a (Chianti Classico) bottle” project, promoted by the Consorzio del Chianti Classico, and celebrates not just wine, but also Chianti Classico, which has long inspired poets and artists. The bottle-sculpture made of polystyrene and standing 4 meters tall is a street art reinterpretation of the iconic bottle that has always defined Chianti Classico, featuring a whimsical house with a door, window, and a smoke cloud from the chimney, representing a unique visit for art lovers.
Hotel Le Fontanelle*****
It was siblings Bruno and Giuseppina Bolfo who discovered the wine-growing potential of the Val di Picciola Valley when they bought an abandoned 17th-century monastery in 1999 and renovated it into what is now the five-star Hotel Le Fontanelle.
It took seven years to carefully and respectfully renovate the structure, maintaining the energy in its massive stone exterior, building with wood from the region and delicately adding refined terracotta pavements aligned with the classic style of Chianti.
Thus in 2006 Hotel Le Fontanelle became a unique place, which, thanks to a refined and gentle welcome, offers a more authentic and immersive experience of Chianti. The 5-star accommodation offers a discreet elegance deep in the heart of Chianti. The luxury rooms and suites are furnished with terracotta floors and oak-beamed ceilings, some offer a private lounge or garden area.
The beautiful location offers a panoramic swimming pool, a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and relaxing area. Mountain bikes are free to use for guests.
Surrounding the property there was a piece of land of 3 hectares that became the starting point of the winemaking business. Five years later, the brothers bought and restored another ruin adjacent to the hotel, reaching 6 hectares of vineyards that would allow Vallepicciola to start a small wine production intended for the consumption and sale at the hotel only.