Vignamaggio Greve in Chianti

Nestled between forests and streams on the Chianti hills, Vignamaggio is an organic farm with a historic wine cellar that has been in operation since 1404. The estate sprawls over more than 400 hectares, with vineyards, vegetable and ornamental gardens and a taste of la dolce vita for anyone who desires it.

After thirty years of lying dormant, Il Borgo di Vignamaggio has been given a new lease of life, lovingly and meticulously restored to its original splendor. Today, Il Borgo is a unique hamlet, an exclusive meeting place characterized by a fresh and poetic décor.

The XIVth century villa comprises thirteen suites, a 144-seat theater, a charming chapel with original frescos, four multifunctional event rooms, a sleepover event room with eight beds, a ballroom, and a separate dancing room with a bar. Plus, a barbershop and a retail store where we sell estate-made products.

The stunning glass Greenhouse, which connects to the main buildings, hosts an abundance of plants with panoramic views over the valley, featuring ancient cypress trees, century-old olive groves and vineyards. Outside is an expansive heated pool, with breathtaking 360-degree views across the estate.

These elegant rooms will also play host to private events, concerts, top-tier weddings, team building and corporate seminars. Il Borgo di Vignamaggio offers a versatile approach to any event – where everything is possible.

Our expert event team will take care of all your creative ideas, with impeccable service and the utmost attention to the finest event detail. We have a wealth of experience and passion in event organizing and will turn your dreams into a reality.

THE HISTORY
Vignamaggio is a historical estate in the heart of Chianti Classico, halfway between Florence and Siena. Vignamaggio has a long history, a story weaving the fascinating biographies of all her owners into the adventures of the families that worked there. Seven centuries of history and a sprinkling of folklore did all the rest.

1250
The noble Tuscan Gherardini family build their own castle at Montagliari, on a hill overlooking the Greve River Valley. Next to the castle, the family builds the church of Santa Maria della Neve.

1300
The Gherardini family are banished from Florence by the Black Guelphs and take up residence in the Montagliari castle. Forced out of exile, the White Guelph families unite in the Greve Valley to oppose the political dominance of the Black Guelphs. They organise violent attacks to obstruct the transportation of food supplies and merchandise to Florence.

1302
The city of Florence, weary of defending itself against these constant episodes of sabotage, destroys the Gherardini castle. The Gherardini family has no option but to move to the other side of the valley, to Vignamaggio.

1400
With the economic and social development of farms, the ancient settlement at Vignamaggio slowly becomes a small, elegant homestead surrounded by a few farms. Cione Gherardini, known as Il Pelliccia (meaning The Fur Coat, possibly because of his passion for hunting), lives here with his family.

1404
The first document providing evidence of winemaking at Vignamaggio is drawn up. The 1404 parchment of Amidio Gherardini (one of Cione’s sons) provides a symbolic tribute to the history of Vignamaggio’s long winemaking journey that began more than 600 years ago.

1421
To pay their debts, the Gherardini are obliged to cede their estate to the Florentine Gherardi family, rich silk merchants and allies of the Medici family. The two farms surrounding the estate, Termine and Casolese, follow a sharecropper system and are managed by two tenant families that develop the land and fields on farms.

1500
During this period, the villa develops even further. The Vignamaggio farm is featured on the map of the people of San Niccolò in Montagliari, in the book Popoli e Strade dei capitani di Parte Guelfa.

1600
Andrea Gherardi keeps the farm for a long time, buying new farms and increasing production on all of them. Vineyards, orchards, olive groves and chestnut forests surround the house, which already has a private chapel, an oil mill, some ovens, the charming internal courtyard with its well, the stables, cacio cheese room and a few chicken houses.

1700
The estate produces and sells wine, oil, wheat, barley and smaller quantities of mulberry leaves, cocoons, pigeons, fruit and wood. Vignamaggio is comprised of no less than 17 smaller farms, each one the producer of its own speciality, such as hazelnuts from the Luco farm and almonds and figs from the Termine farm.

1800
At the beginning of the century, the entire region falls victim to a destructive agricultural crisis. In 1831, the Gherardi family sells the villa, and the property passes through the hands of various owners for the remainder of the century.

1900
Vineyards and olive groves dominate the Chianti landscape, to the detriment of small-scale grain farms and fruit orchards. In 1926, the Sanminiatelli Counts turn Vignamaggio into an important art and culture centre, hosting celebrity guests and parties that are still spoken of today. In 1987, the estate is bought by the Nunziante family, who restore the buildings and gardens, renovate the cellars and open the estate to the public.

TODAY
Vignamaggio embarks on an ambitious expansion and restoration project driven by architect Patrice Taravella. The expansion of the gardens, renovation of the buildings and diversification of agricultural activities are designed to make Vignamaggio an all-round experience. The farm is transformed into an avant-garde organic agricultural estate.

LOCATION
Vignamaggio is in the geographical and oenological heart of the Chianti Classico region, 33 km from Florence and 35km from Siena, two of Tuscany’s most important cities. The villa and the surrounding farmhouses are located in Petriolo, less than 4km from the centre of Greve in Chianti and 8km from Panzano.

The estate spans more than 400 hectares between the Greve and Panzano municipal areas in Chianti. At the moment the villa is closed for renovation, but the following facilities are open. On your way here, you can enjoy views across vineyards and of ancient hamlets scattered around the hills.

ROOMS & SUITES
Halfway between Florence and Siena, Vignamaggio lies in an uncontaminated landscape of streams, forests and ancient hamlets scattered around the surrounding hills.

Vignamaggio is an estate with magnificent gardens, forests and agricultural land that covers more than 400 hectares on the hills between Greve and Panzano in Chianti. The heart of the estate is its Renaissance villa, built in 1300 by the Gherardini family, and surrounded by gardens, rows of cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.

Although the refurbishment of the villa and gardens continues, the newly renovated farmhouses and La Pensione Hotel are ready to welcome you. The fresh style of the décor, walks in the countryside and fragrant forest air evoke a feeling of wellbeing that permeates the entire estate.

LA PENSIONE
Far away from the city and seduced by la dolce vita, our guests can immerse themselves in nature yet enjoy the hotel’s central position to make the most of the picturesque hamlet’s vibrant atmosphere.

THE ROOMS
Soft colours, relaxed lines and linear furnishing characterise La Pension’s 19 rooms: each room uniquely depicts one of Bocaccio’s love stories in a harmonious interplay of colours and graphic elements.

THE LOUNGES
Spacious, colourful and welcoming lounges lead to the hotel’s small library, where you will find a wide selection of books in a variety of languages.

THE GARDEN POOL
Filled with rosemary bushes, roses and jasmine, the garden is a bucolic framework for the sensual Boccaccian life. The garden extends into the internal courtyard, where breakfast is served each morning. A stroll along a maze of stone paths leads to an open area containing the swimming pool for a dip among olive trees and lavender flowers.

IL PRATO
A peaceful corner in a clearing surrounded by oak forests and vineyards. Four distinct dwellings united by their classic, elegant farm style, and a thriving garden scattered with fruit trees and roses.

LA VILLA
At the heart of this farmhouse is its large kitchen and dining area. The spacious living room with fireplace is the perfect place to spend cooler evenings. The veranda and outdoor areas have everything you need to completely unwind outdoors. A fully equipped barbecue area allows you to enjoy unrushed al fresco dinners late into the night.

IL COTTAGE
Not far from the main house, Il Cottage is a charming stone farmhouse with two master bedrooms with private bathrooms. It exudes a warm, homey atmosphere with its elegant lounge and fully equipped kitchen, while a small stone balcony provides the perfect spot to read a book on a hot day.

IL FIENILE
Slightly setback therefore completely private, Il Fienile is the original farm barn with two master bedrooms sharing a bathroom. The exposed white-washed trusses give all rooms a light & airy feel. The cozy lounge leads onto a fully equipped kitchen & opens on a private terrace sheltered by rows of buxus hedges.

THE GARDEN POOL
The Prato garden is picturesque – soft green fields, large oak trees, fig trees, small apple trees, olive trees, thriving rosemary bushes and corners brimming with lavender.

The three stone dwellings are joined by a stone path leading to the swimming area, which is equipped with comfortable loungers for sunbathing. A few steps from the pool is a fully equipped gym with showers and a Turkish bath.

L’ORTO
In the heart of the estate, on the banks of the peaceful Greve River, lies L’Orto di Vignamaggio, a homestead immersed in nature. Surrounded by a lush, natural garden, the little stone hamlet is ideal for families and groups of friends wanting the tranquillity of the countryside, and complete privacy. It is available for minimum 3 nights or for weekly rental.

ERBAVOGLIO DUE
Farm-style furnishing with white-washed walls welcome you into the lovely billiard lounge, a few steps from a small, comfortable kitchenette. The stairway leads to the top floor where you will find two large bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom.

FIENILE
A beautiful set of arched glass doors invites you into the high ceilinged lounge, with comfy Tuscan furniture. Next to the fully equipped kitchen, the dining room looks out onto the garden.

The laundry and bathroom are on the ground floor, while on the top floor there are two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. A covered outdoors dining table seats 22 guests for memorable alfresco parties.

THE GARDEN POOL
A simple, linear garden surrounded by apple and poplar trees, tall bay leaf, holm oaks and linden trees. A beautiful green field surrounds the stone farmhouses and leads to the pool that is surrounded by a solarium where you can completely relax and soak up the sun.

IL CASOLESE
In a document from 1427, Bernardo di Bartolomeo Gherardi describes this little farm in detail, with its forests and firm soil, main farmhouse and barn. The name in Latin, casulae (meaning “small houses”), refers to these very two small stone farmhouses nestled between the olive trees.

THE ROOMS
The rooms at Casolese are spacious, feature architectural details in Pietra Serena stone and overlook the valley and forest. Each room consists of a sleeping area and a chic lounge. The furnishing blends a fresh style with natural colours and Italian design elements.

All the rooms are embellished with artist Simone Boni’s murals, depicting the nine neighbourhoods of medieval Florence. A selection of illustrated books and Bitossi décor pieces make the rooms welcoming and functional.

THE GARDEN POOL
Casolese is surrounded by a maze of paths winding through the garden, flanked by strawberry trees, rosemary and jasmine, all leading to the infinity pool overlooking the olive grove. Your outdoor dinners and breakfasts can be enjoyed on the scenic terrace, shaded by a huge mulberry tree and olive trees.

VIGNAMAGGIO SHOP
Today the piazza’s characteristic triangular shape forms a splendid perspective corridor embellished with flower adorned terraces. The piazza is bordered by porticoes filled with restaurants and shops.

In the Piazza at number 83, a few steps from Macelleria Falorni, you’ll find our shop, a welcoming corner where you can stop to taste our wines and the freshest farm’s produce, page through a book or treat yourself with a gift.

THE FARM
An avant-garde, organic farm and wine cellar of more than 600 years old, Vignamaggio wanted to re-establish the historical agricultural variety typical of farms of the past. Vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens, luxuriant fruit orchards and the rearing of semi-free-range Cinta Senese pigs cover more than 400 hectares of the Chianti Classico heartland.

Each product is the fruit of long labour by expert hands. It starts with the land, and continues meticulously – without any hurry, taste after taste – until, finally, reaching your palate. With each sip and each bite you can taste the care, the time and the level of our commitment.

WINE
Vignamaggio’s fifteenth-century cellars were the starting point of a long journey that began more than 600 years ago. Today, Vignamaggio is an organic farm with a state-of-the-art cellar and produces high-quality wines that encapsulate the characteristics of the estate’s different terroirs.

The first evidence of wine production at Vignamaggio was in 1404. On an original parchment, Amidio Gherardini, co-owner with his brother Accerito, writes about plans for the use of some empty barrels they have and agrees on an amount of wine to give to the thirsty recipient of the letter. While Vignamaggio winery is temporarily closed, please come & taste our wine at Vignamaggio Piazza.

VINEYARDS
Vignamaggio’s vineyards cover an area of more than 70 hectares, all cultivated according to organic farming principles. The main cultivars on the estate are Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano. Particular attention has also been given to the recuperation of a few local varieties like Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo.

CELLAR
Vignamaggio’s cellar is where the vinification process takes place, from grape selection to wine refinement in barriques and large oak barrels. During the harvest, grape selection is done on the terrace, which is also the roof of the cellar itself. From here, the grapes are dropped into steel tanks below, where the fermentation process begins.

THE WINES
Vignamaggio’s wines are created as an expression of the essence of this territory: our aim is to find the persistence, colour, balance, fragrance and history of these hills, in a single sip.

OLIVE OIL
The sunny slopes of Vignamaggio are covered with more than 7000 centuries-old olive trees. As the first autumn mists roll in, the branches of these small, silver-leaved trees are laden with juicy, green fruit. The olives are handpicked and pressed within a few hours, keeping the oil’s freshness intact.

Its unmistakable peppery bite, intense flavour and fruity fragrance make Vignamaggio’s extra virgin olive oil a delicious ambrosia to enjoy at any time. All Vignamaggio’s extra virgin olive oils are produced exclusively from the estate’s organic olives and contain high levels of vitamin E and polyphenols.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
One of our true classics, this Extra virgin olive oil is a blend of the estate’s four main cultivars: Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino and Pendolino. It is green with golden hues, its flavour decisively fruity with sligthly grassy notes. The intensity of its flavour is nicely balanced by the rounded notes of the Moraiola.

PRIME GOCCE
Prime Gocce is the oil from the season’s first olives harvested. It is golden with green hues and leaves intense peppery notes and a fragrance of freshly cut grass on the palate. The authentic ‘seasons’s best’ new oil, suffice to be savoured on a warm fragrant slice of bread, Prima Gocce is our ‘new season oil’ par-excellence, the freshest and the most peppery.

MONOCULTIVAR FRANTOIO
The Frantoio is a typical Tuscan olive variety that, as a single cultivar olive oil, produces a fragrant green oil with noticeable grassy notes, perfect for those who prefer a decisive and heady flavour.

FLAVOURED OILS
Vignamaggio’s flavoured oils capture all the fragrances of Tuscany. By a process of natural infusion, the precious flavours fo our vegetable gardens permeate into the fragrance of our organic extra virgin olive oil. Dress your pasta with Sage & Rosemary, Garlic & Thyme, Chilly or Truffle and it will be transformed into an explosion of flavour.

VEGETABLE GARDENS & ORCHARDS
Vignamaggio’s organic fruit orchards are set on various sites on the Piano di Montagliari floodplain, a quiet and uncontaminated area along the Greve River. Plum, apple, apricot, pear and pomegranate orchards are alternated with fields of grain.

On the coolest part of the farm, bordering the forest and river, we have our berry orchard with blackberries, raspberries and currants. Each year, in the area around Case all’Orto, we plant seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, onions, basil and other aromatic herbs.

Between the sunny terraces of Vitigliano one can spot the artichoke plantation that treats us to its exquisite organic artichokes every spring. Fruit, herbs and fresh vegetables are handpicked every day and served to our hotel guests, or used to make delicious jams, preserves or exquisite spirits.

JAMS
It is very important to us that our jams retain the flavour of the fresh fruit. This is why we use more than 70% fruit, organic brown cane sugar, and we do not add preservatives. Our jams are intensely fragrant and naturally sweet. Ideal to decorate your cakes or to serve at a special breakfast, Vignamaggio’s jams are also perfect to pair with mature fresh cheeses.

PRESERVES
Vignamaggio’s preserves are made exclusively from products from the farm’s organic vegetable gardens. Inviting and exquisite, our preserves capture all the flavours and fragrances of summer and hold onto them for the rest of the year. Precious alles to keep in the pantry or to open when overcome by nostalgia.

SPIRITS
Fragrant and captivating, our spirits showcase the versatility of fruit and vegetables and reveal their more seductive side. They are a tribute to past alchemists as well as to the night cap, made uniquely by our secret recipes using herbs and fruit.

GRAIN
Grain farming at Vignamaggio has ancient origins. Wheat, barley, spelt and oats were grown in the harder, more fertile soil at the bottom of the valley, but over the centuries were either abandoned or replaced by vineyards.

Since medieval times, grain was milled in water mills along the Greve Valley, thereby harnessing the energy generated by the river. The flour that was produced went straight to the various bread ovens on the farm.

At the time, bread was a farm workers’ staple diet and great quantities were made. Vignamaggio’s records dating from the 600s tell us exactly how many kilos of flour were produced, sold and used each year.

WHEAT
We decided to plant indigenous ancient grains that have always thrived in these areas, and are particularly well suited to organic farming methods. The Senatore Cappelli hard grain variety and the Verna tender grain variety are both characterised by a complex depth of flavour.

SUSTAINABILITY
Verna and Senatore Cappelli are tall-growing grains that produce a lot of straw, useful for keeping the animals warm in winter and for mulching the vegetable gardens. Organic field beans and barley make an excellent feed for our Cinta Senese pigs, especially when acorn season is over and foraging for treats is less rewarding for them.

PASTA
Vignamaggio’s pasta is made exclusively from the farm’s organic flours, especially the stoneground ancient grains. Stone grinding ensures that the grain berries are ground at low temperatures, releasing their unique flavour and aroma, as well as preserving all the proteins and minerals that are naturally present in the grain.

Our pasta dough is bronze cut, leaving our linguine and penne with a slightly rough texture that is perceptible on the palate, and that creates the perfect surface for the pasta to absorb more sauce.

CINTA SENESE
On the planes of Montagliari, you will often find piglets lazing about and scampering around the forest and pastures. The Cinta Senese pigs raised on the estate have 11 hectares of woodland at their disposal. They bathe in the ponds to cool off in the heat, sleep in the soft straw of their pen or run through the forest in search of acorns.

The farm’s philosophy is to put animal welfare first; our preference is semi-free-range farming, which guarantees our Cinta Senese pigs maximum freedom, but also the security of always having water, food and a warm place where, at their discretion, they can spend the coldest days of the year.

Our pigs have complete autonomy – they decide whether and when to return to the barn. They love to venture into the woods to feed on acorns, moss or berries, but they also appreciate coming back to their warm pen, where they eat some fruit, field beans or organic barley.

PROSCIUTTO DI CINTA SENESE DOP
Our Cinta Senese DOP prosciutto is an air-dried, matured ham from the pig’s thigh. This tender, full-flavoured prosciutto is excellent eaten on its own or with matured cheese, Tuscan bread and a fine glass of Chianti Classico Riserva. Our cold meats do not contain preservatives, additives, gluten, lactose or milk products.

SALAME DI CINTA SENESE DOP
This salami is made from the choicest cuts of our local Cinta Senese pigs. The salami has a rich, complex flavour, reflecting the woodland where our pigs forage contentedly for their food.

Notes of acorns and wild mushrooms are spiced with black pepper and red wine. This tender, aromatic Cinta Senese salame is wonderful eaten on its own or with mature cheeses, Tuscan bread and a glass of Chianti Classico Annata.

Rooms: 6

Price: from 252 EUR per night

Source: www.vignamaggio.com