In the coming weeks we will provide more detailed information on the estates that we will be visiting as well as the families we will be meeting.

We invite you to take a look at the websites of some of the beautiful and striking estates:

Pre-Tour:
www.torreacona.com
www.frescobaldi.com
www.antinori.it

DAY 3, SATURDAY, June 1
09:00am-05:00pm 4 Estate Visits in the areas surrounding Siena. Our hosts are proposing estate visits and lunch, discussion about management, family owning, business models, new trends, thinking farming and sustainability, nature... with some extra activities such as horses, truffle hunting, olive oil and wine tasting.....some estate visits may be followed by a cultural visit on the way back to Siena.


1. BLUE TOUR: Wine and Family business
Visit to Castello FONTERUTOLI, hosted by Lapo Mazzei
www.mazzei.it

A unique land where the disintegration of alberese and sandstone rocks has resulted in a stony and complex soul. For over six hundred years, the Mazzei family has been producing unique wines with spirit and passion that are renewed from generation to generation. On the Fonterutoli estate, grapes from the 114 plots are hand-harvested, vinified, and matured separately in wood, bringing an extraordinary range of aromas and complexity. The excellence of Castello di Fonterutoli wines is recognised worldwide and represents a benchmark for all of Chianti Classico.

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An Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chianti Classico DOP from the Castello di Fonterutoli is also produced, extraordinary for its finesse and personality, thanks to the olive tree varieties triturator, leccino, moraiolo, and pendolino, and a proprietary mill that crushes the olives in the absence of any oxygen.

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Carla Mazzei dedicates herself to cultivating lavender, from whose essence originates the line of cosmetic products that bears her name.

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At Fonterutoli, as in Belguardo and Zisola, the same philosophy is embraced, aiming to enhance native varieties as an expression of the identity of a territory, respecting diversity and nature, with sustainable agriculture and precautions attentive to the delicate hydrogeological balance to preserve the soil from erosion and maximise water reserves in the soil.

All of this is done to deliver an untouched land to future generations.

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The experience at Fonterutoli captures the essence of the surroundings: it is possible to stay within the village, take a break to enjoy a typical Tuscan refreshment, and savour some of the wines from the Mazzei winery.

2. RED TOUR: Hospitality & Regenerative Farming
Visit to BORGO SCOPETO, hosted by FCS member Elisabetta Gnudi
www.borgoscopetorelais.it

Located in the Tuscan countryside, a few kilometres from the city of Siena. (15km)

Borgo Scopeto, a fortified settlement in the Siena region, has evolved from an agricultural farm to a wine producer, with a history that includes theological conferences. It was transformed into a beautiful luxury hotel and a farm with an outstanding production of wine and olive oil.

 

Visit to TORRE ALLE TOLFE, hosted by Mania Castelli
www.latorrealletolfe.com

This is a 100-hectare sustainable Tuscan farm near Siena belonging to the Castelli family. The property, which operates as an organic farm, is a mediaeval Borgo with 16 rooms in a historic villa and 3 independent flats. It also has a restaurant with its own orchard, a farm and a wine cellar producing organic wines and olive oil. Additionally, there are 4 old farmhouses scattered around La Torre alle Tolfe, which are part of the Residence Campestre for short and long stays. 

 

3. GREEN TOUR: Nature & Wildlife (FCS & YF)
Visit to CASTELLO DEL CALCIONE, hosted by the  Lotteringhi della Stufa family, Montalcino
www.castellodelcalccione.com

Il Castello del Calcione, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a historic family estate offering a range of experiences and activities. Surrounded by nature, including woods, lakes, and olive groves, the castle provides an authentic and free environment. Whether visitors are seeking culture, art, history, celebrations, relaxation, adventure, or a rural experience, Il Castello del Calcione aims to satisfy these desires. The property has a unique charm and strives to share its natural haven of peace in a creative way while honouring its history. Activities available include horseback riding, with options for three-day rides through the Senese hills and shorter excursions around the estate. Electric bike routes are also offered, allowing visitors to explore the Valdichiana or Valdorcia regions while sampling local products. Wine tastings are available, providing the opportunity to try Licinia wines paired with local delicacies and learn about different production methods. Additional activities include swimming or relaxing by a private lake, canoeing, truffle hunting, and olive oil tastings.

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4.ORANGE TOUR: History and Tuscan specialities
Visit to MONTALCINO- CARPAZO & ALTESINO wine estates, hosted by FCS member Elisabetta Gnudi
www.carpazo.it
Palazzo Altesi, a 15th century estate in Montalcino, has been owned by the Gnudi Angelini family since 2002. The estate, known as Altesino, has been a pioneer in the wine industry, introducing concepts such as the "Cru" in 1975 and the use of barrels in 1979. They also created the first Grappa di Fattoria in 1977. Altesino's philosophy is rooted in maintaining cultural heritage and striving for excellence in wine production.

Montalcino, located in southern Tuscany, is a wine-producing area that has successfully preserved its natural landscape and protected it from illegal construction and real estate speculation. This region has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 due to its distinctive cultural environment. The wines of Montalcino have a rich tradition and culture, which have greatly influenced the socio-economic development of the area. Azienda Agricola Altesino, a winery and farm, is situated in this magical and protected environment.

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Visit to TENUTA LUCE, a Frescobaldi estate, Montalcino, hosted by Fiammetta Frescobaldi-d'Arenberg.

https://www.tenutaluce.com/en/

For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. Luce della Vite was created by the Frescobaldi and Mondavi families and has flourished under the Frescobaldi ownership. Tenuta, Luce is capable of going beyond the boundaries of their territory and earning unanimous approval nationally and internationally.

In 2005, Lamberto, , Vittorio Frescobaldi’s son, inherited the direction of the Tenuta Luce project. Today, he is responsible for all production guidelines, from the vineyard to the creation of the blends of each vintage. In 2016 Tenuta Luce equipped itself with a new winery, an underground structure perfectly integrated into the land of Montalcino.

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5. YELLOW TOUR: For Young Friends (not all YF)

Visit to VILLA DI GEGGIANO, hosted by Andrea Boscu Bianchi Bandinelli

On the top of a hill covered in vineyards, stands Villa di Geggiano, belonging since 1527 to the Bianchi Bandinelli family. The exceptional condition of the dwelling - the villa and the gardens - including the perfectly kept, original 18th century treasure of furniture and decorations, is due not only to the stories of the various families that owned it in the past but also to the effort of the famous archeologist and art historian Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli (1900 - 1975). The Villa di Geggiano and its gardens have been declared a Monumento Nazionale and constitute a phenomenon which is unique both historically and in terms of landscape gardening.

 

Visit to MONTERRIGIONI

A walled town known for its medieval fortifications and watchtowers. The castle walls offer views of the surrounding Chianti region. The old town is accessed via the Porta Franca gate. Nearby are the Monteriggioni in Arme Museum, with replicas of ancient weapons, and the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria.

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