Castello La Leccia Chianti

Stay at Castello la Leccia Wine Retreat, a boutique wine resort in Tuscany designed to benefit your mind and body. Explore the different ways to stay with our offers and experiences. Special packages for honeymoons, gourmet and relaxation.

Our most fervent wish is to welcome you to our home and share with you our sincere love of this corner of Tuscany. Our organic winery offers twelve bedrooms in three different categories, ranging 21 to 55 m² in size, which all enjoy splendid views over the surrounding countryside.

Elegantly furnished, the rooms have been designed to render your stay intimate and comfortable. Wooden floors, beamed ceilings, pastel colors, precious fabrics and furniture designed by a Florentine artisan chosen exclusively for these rooms, create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

While fully ripened and healthy grapes are essential to obtain an optimum product, the wine cellar also represents an equally delicate phase of the wine production.

The grapes of each vineyard are harvested and processed separately. The fermentation, which is actioned by indigenous yeasts, takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature.

Castello La Leccia offers you the possibility to rent, for exclusive use, the castle to celebrate in style for your birthday, a private party, your wedding, family reunions or any other special event.

We are at your disposal with our charming and cozy rooms, restaurant, pool, private SPA, panoramic gardens and grounds. You will have the possibility to enjoy the entire estate and our friendly staff will be at your complete disposal to make your stay unforgettable.

The panoramic pool, open from May to September, looks out over vineyards and olive groves. Your gaze will sweep over the landscape towards the towers of San Gimignano and the unmistakable outline of the towers of Siena.

If you choose to peacefully read a book or simply retreat from the pace of modern life, you can easily find a quiet corner under a tree or in the classic Italian garden.

The smaller sitting rooms have been prepared with our guests in mind and we are happy to offer you a glass of wine to accompany these peaceful moments of your day. We are waiting for you in this corner of paradise!

THE HISTORY
Written historical sources mention Castello La Leccia as early as 1077, when the nobleman Rodolfo di Guinzo acquired part of the castle.

Considering the strategic importance of its position, the rights of the castle were divided between 16 different owners. Around the mid 1400’s, the castle, as well as most of the Chianti area was annexed to the dominion of the Ricasoli family.

Historical reports of raids and devastation, but also a deep passion for the ancient practice of wine-making, can be noted in the sorrowful letters written by Andrea Ricasoli in 1529, during the bloody conflict between Siena and Florence: “…perhaps fifty Sienese soldiers came to my dwelling in Chianti called la Leccia, where…..they burnt all that was in the place….and 200 barrels of wine in the cellars were all spilled….”.

During the XVIII Century, the castle Castello la Leccia, with its hamlet of around 70 people, began to take on the appearance of a manor house due to the modification of part of the structure. The castle and its hamlet were purchased in 1920 by the Daddi family.

After a long, careful and conscientious restoration of the castle and its surrounding gardens, Francesco Daddi, with the precious input of the Architect Alessandro Loni Coppedè, returned it to its ancient splendor in 2012.

In 2018, the baton was passed to the Swiss Sonderegger family who, with the same passion and commitment of former times, now manages Castello la Leccia. Thanks to the dedication and attention with which our team perform their duties on a daily basis, the values of respect for the environment and nature have been renewed.

ROMANTIC DELUXE ROOMS
The deluxe bedroom (30-48 m²) is an elegant room with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. Each room is individually designed.

The bedroom is equipped with a writing desk, an LCD TV, telephone, safe, minibar and a docking station for Apple or android devices. The bathroom is equipped with a shower or a bathtub, a hairdrier, a range of toiletries and bathrobes.

CASA EARTH APARTMENT
The modern and comfortable vineyard accommodation, the apartment Casa Earth, is adjacent to the Castle Castello la Leccia and has been recently renovated.

It has an independent entrance and is accessed via an internal flight of stairs. The apartment can accommodate up to a maximum of ten adults. The bedrooms, living room and kitchen are located on the first floor.

The apartment has five double bedrooms with king-size beds. The apartment rooms, all of which overlook the vineyards, the olive grove and the surrounding Tuscany countryside, have modern furnishings and are finished in a contemporary style.

Each room in the Castello la Leccia Casa Earth in Chianti has a private bathroom with shower, Wi-Fi, flat screen television, telephone, safe and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with hair driers, soft terrycloth bathrobes, slippers and a range of toiletries. The large and modern kitchen has a central island and is fully equipped to organize a cooking-class.

DINING
For our Tuscan cooking, we source all of our ingredients locally in Castellina and support the practices of sustainable farming and agriculture. The cuisine we offer combines a respect of the local ingredients and traditions with an innovative twist and a continuous search for km zero products.

We grow the aromatic herbs and vegetables on the property garden, we press our own olive oil from our olive groves, and we make our own organic wine from our vineyard.

Dining at Castello la Leccia in Chianti is all about Tuscan cooking and hospitality: a relaxed atmosphere characterized by friendly staff and a kitchen serving up seasonal dishes with traditional flavours and truly local provenance.

Breakfast is served in the garden with a spectacular view of the Castellina in Chianti countryside all around or in the original lemon conservatory, between 8:00 and 10:30 a.m..

A warm and appetizing welcome with homemade cakes made by Karina, fresh fruit, honey, yogurt, jam, eggs, cheese, cold cuts and Tuscan bread. All products are exclusively produced locally, following the km zero cuisine.

In good weather, we serve breakfast outdoors in the gardens, where you can enjoy the sweeping views over the Chianti valley towards San Gimignano and Siena: a perfect back drop.

From 12 at noon to 2 p.m. we invite our guests to partake in a light lunch nearby the pool or under the century old majestic holm oak trees, accompanied by a glass of Chianti Classico or a refreshing glass of white wine.

We suggest you conclude your first day at Castello la Leccia, with an aperitif in a location of your choice in the gardens, enjoying the sunset, followed by an alfresco meal. Alternatively, in the dining room through the windows you can savor the beautiful Tuscan landscape. From 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. you may dine in our Tuscan restaurant.

PANORAMIC POOL
Seek total isolation and the stunning view at our panoramic pool set amongst the olive groves. Admire the sunset sipping a fruity white wine and feel the scents of our aromatic herbs, lavender and roses. You will access the panoramic pool from the Italian garden.

You are immediately dazzled by our 180° panorama. Order your drink from the pool. Relax yourself reading a book under the olive trees. At lunch time, you can also order a light meal, which you can enjoy by the pool.

A mixed salad with fresh tomatoes seasoned with our organic extra virgin olive oil, a tomato and mozzarella salad, a pasta with tomato and basil, melon and “prosciutto toscano”. In the evening nothing is more enjoyable than drinking a glass of Tuscan sparkling wine by the pool watching the sunset!

MASSAGE TERAPHY
Our therapists offer wellbeing and massage therapies using organic oils. Treatments can be enjoyed in the privacy of your rooms or in our intimate wellness area.

SAUNA & TURKISH BATH
We like to ensure top relaxation to our guests while you are enjoying the private Spa. You will find the ideal space to restore your balance. Our chef will be pleased to offer you delicious Tuscan cuisine, healthy dishes and vegetarian options accompanied by a selection of organic local wines and freshly juices.

If you wish to relax here, at Castello la Leccia, we invite you to make a reservation for the private Sauna and Turkish bath at our reception. Our qualified masseuse is available and will happily give you a deep tissue massage upon advance reservation.

YOGA & SHIATSU
Our Yoga teacher and holistic health pratitioner Rudy, organizes Hatha Yoga and Shiatsu classes here at Castello La Leccia. Lessons take place in English or Italian language. Rudy has worked for years as a craniosacral, osteopathy, kinesiology and Shiatsu practitioner.

After starting to work with some local spas as a massage therapist, Rudy started to integrate traditional massages with simple and effective Shiatsu, osteopathic, kinesiological and craniosacral techniques.

This is what he has been proposing for a long time to accomodation facilities and clients. In addition to the benefits of a massage, he offers the expertise of a professional. Thus, we provide our guests a variety of natural wellness.

HIKING IN TUSCANY
Discover our 4.4 km hiking trail through the woods surrounding the castle. We recommend running shoes and comfortable clothing so you can fully enjoy the fresh air and breathe in the wonderful fragrances of nature and appreciate the spectacular panorama around Castello la Leccia.

If you prefer to explore the Chianti region on a guided hike, let Sara accompany you. Our experienced nature and tourist guide will assist you in discovering the most hidden and beautiful corners of the Chianti Classico territory.

ORGANIC VINEYARDS
With this in mind, we work to support the development of life on the ground. We use a reduced quantity of copper and sulfur for phytosanitation, we favor the use of resistance inductors to increase the intrinsic defense of the plants, we plant barley, mustard and clover between the rows of vines and we use compost derived from the pomace and stalks.

These are only a few of the factors that encourage an optimum balance of organic substances in which our vines sink their roots. All this enhances the unique characteristics of the terroir which is transferred to the grapes that we nurture carefully from flowering to harvest.

Our vineyards in the Chianti lie in five different locations surrounding the castle, at altitudes that vary from 300 to 500 meters above sea level. With a southern and south western exposure, the vines plunge their roots in clayey soils rich in limestone.

Due to these diversities our Sangiovese has a considerable body and therefore unleashes complex and structured qualities as well as sweetness and elegance. We also cultivate small quantities of Malvasia Nera and Syrah.

THE WINE CELLAR
While fully ripened and healthy grapes are essential to obtain an optimum product, the wine cellar also represents an equally delicate phase of the wine production. The grapes of each vineyard are harvested and processed separately.

The fermentation, using indigenous yeasts, takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. After the racking, the malolactic fermentation continues in cement or wooden containers.

The following phase, perhaps the most delicate, is the blend of the Sangiovese Chianti Classico that, with a provenance from four different vineyards, presents characteristics and aromas that are markedly different from one another.

Depending on the vintage, we try to emphasize the right blend by letting one or more particular vineyard take precedence. The refining of the wine takes place in both cement containers, oak barrels, “tonneaux” and smaller wooden barrique barrels.

OLIVE OIL
Our olives, all from the olive groves surrounding our castle, are harvested from plants about 15 years of age, all originating from traditional Tuscan varieties, such as Leccino, Correggiolo and Moraiolo.

The Leccia terroir is very favorable to olive growing, having mineral rich soils, in which the olive tree can sink its roots without difficulty. The terroir is furthermore situated at a decisive altitude for olive growing, thus increasing the complexity of our oils.

The very same day of harvesting, the olives are processed at the oil mill and the oil is extracted by means of the cold press method, thus giving a higher quality product. At the conclusion of the entire process, the oil is filtered and in the days that follow, it is bottled, with great care being taken not to disturb its organoleptic properties.

CHIANTI WINE TASTING
Castello La Leccia is located in the heart of Chianti Classico region. Seize the opportunity to discover this charming organic winery! The tour starts in our Italian garden at Castello la Leccia where you can admire a breathtaking view of the region including Siena, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano!

A guided visit of the cellar and our organic wines and extra virgin olive oil tasting will follow in the wine-shop. If you are not in the mood for a visit of the wine cellar we invite you to have a seat under the oaks in our garden and enjoy our light-lunch or the aperitivo at sunset.

Experience a half day guided wine tasting tour with a private driver into the heart of the region where Chianti Classico is produced. He will be more than happy to stop along the road and let you take some wonderful pictures whenever you see something that catches your eye.

A private wine tasting tour that gives you the opportunity to discover the historical wineries and the flavours and colors of the enchanting Chianti wine region between Florence and Siena!

COOKING CLASS
Here at Castello la Leccia, in our Tuscan cooking class, you can learn all the secrets of the traditional Tuscan food, Italian homemade pasta and bread made by our chefs Giulio and Luana.

The cooking classes are held in our restaurant kitchen located on the ground floor of the castle. You can later enjoy your Tuscan dish on the terrace of our restaurant with a glass of organic wine. Minimum of two people required.

TRUFFLE HUNTING 
Tuscany truffle hunting – among the woods and vines in our area of sloping Chianti hills are hidden priceless treasures; the earth’s bounty changes with every season. In fact, in summer you can follow our truffle hunter Luigi in search of the famous black truffle, while in the fall he’ll forage for the legendary white truffle.

Then, no matter what the season and what the hunt, at the end of your pursuits Giuseppina will welcome you all back home with a truffle-based Tuscan brunch. Or, after the truffle hunting, you can enjoy a light lunch or a cooking class in Certaldo.

HORSEBACK RIDING 
Experience the horseback riding through beautiful and nearly untouched nature of Tuscany. Choose from riding lessons, short leisurely rides or spend the whole day fully immersed into the vineyards exploring the countryside.

Only 10 km from Castello la Leccia there is “Centro Ippico l’Agrifoglio” in the small village of Staggia Senese. Book your horseback riding tour with Italian and English guides.

HOT AIR BALLOONING
Experience the magic of a hot air balloon ride, a bird’s eye view on Tuscany’s vineyards, olive groves and ancient villages. There’s nothing quite like flying in a hot air balloon over the Chianti hills!

Your balloon pilot and his crew will guide your balloon ride, lifting off into the heart of the Chianti wine region, only 8 miles south of Florence, bringing serenity and wonder, “the experience of a lifetime”.

BIKE, VESPA & CLASSIC CAR TOURS
We can book for you an e-bike, a mountain-bike, a vespa tour or a vintage car to enjoy the beauty of Tuscany. A Bike tour is one of the best means to discover the Tuscan countryside. Rent a bicyclefrom us and let yourself be guided by Stefano, an ex-professional cyclist who has participated in the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

If you prefer off-road cycling with twisty paths and woodland tracks, then our expert Valerio will guide you. Plan a vespa trip through one of many famous and beautiful medieval hilltop villages as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Siena.

Rent a classic car in Tuscany! In one of the most beloved areas of the world, you will discover on board of a dreamlike vintage car a great Tuscan landscape, olive groves and vineyards, gently rolling hills and gorgeous cities. We will be pleased to help you to book your car.

SIENA
Explore the wonderful city of medieval Siena, its culture, history and traditions, including the famous horse race il Palio around its main square, Piazza del Campo. A jump back to medieval times as you visit the most enchanting sights and secret corners that give this city its special charm.

FLORENCE
Tuscany is known for its fabulous landscapes, amazing artwork and architecture and its incredible charm. Yet there is only one place in Tuscany where all three of these elements combine effortlessly together and give life to a magical, romantic and absolutely one-of-a kind city: Florence.

SAN GIMIGNANO
A small walled village about halfway between Florence and Siena, is famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the other buildings offering an impressive view of the city from the surrounding valley.

At the height of its glory, San Gimignano’s patrician families had built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano still retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, San Gimignano offers visitors the chance to step back in time while enjoying its local products including saffron and its white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

VOLTERRA
Volterra is usually referred to as the Etruscan city and the City of Alabaster. If you love archaeological sites, then Volterra is the right place to head to: you’ll have the chance to visit one-of-a-kind remains dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, as well as many Medieval and Renaissance treasures.

Stroll its narrow lanes and visit the many workshops exposing alabaster hand-made products, the main jewel on this town’s crown.

VAL D’ORCIA
The Val d’Orcia invites you to slow down and explore an itinerary filled with hilltop towns, outdoor hot springs, renowned vineyards and a lively cultural calendar with jazz concerts, sagras and outdoor adventures.

Time seems to slow down in picturesque towns like Pienza, Montalcino, Castiglion d’Orcia, Radicofani, Montalcino and Bagno Vignoni. After a day visiting museums, ancient abbeys and castles, you can relax in one of the many thermal hot springs of the region, such as the ones in Bagno Vignoni or in Bagni di San Filippo.

Rooms: 24

Price: from 237 EUR per night

Source: www.castellolaleccia.com