Villa Vistarenni Chianti

Villa Vistarenni nestling in the Chianti hillside is located in the heart of Tuscany, treasure chest which contains priceless gems. The richness of detail, antique furniture and prestige, are expertly mixed with contemporary design furniture. You feel enveloped in a sense of family and belonging, as if, even for a short time, your life was tied to the true nature of this historic house.

With its own private consecrated chapel , an architectural delight of 1584, protected by cypress trees and dedicated to Magdalena de ‘ Pazzi, one of the most important and revered ecstatic saints of Catholicism, Villa Vistarenni can become a beautiful and romantic place for weddings and ceremonies.

In the beautiful historical cellars underneath the villa, excavated in the rock and vaulted by a brick cross vault, wines improve and mature in big oaken barrels and barrique. After a visit to the cellars, you can taste our Chianti Classico and along with all the other wines of the winery in our wine shop.

THE HISTORY
Visatrenni or “Fisterinne” is known to have been one of the rural settlements that in Roman-Etruscan times studded the territory around the Etruscan centre of Cetamura.

From these early very beginning it because a small village, recorded in early Middle-Age documents: the oldest of these, in the register of monastery of San Lorenzo in Coltibuono, is a contract of sale drawn up in Montegrossi in 1033, in which the bòudaries with S. Donato in Perano were established.

In 1400 the Florentine land register mentions the built up area of Vistarenni , which at the time comprised 6 or 7 houses that belonged to a large landowner of the area – Giovanni di Cecchino da Panzano. Vistarenni then became the property of the Florentine Giannozzo da Cepparello in 1621 and was in 1714 passed on to certain sections of the Chianti family Piantigiani.

That was the end of old village of Vistarenni and on that same area arose the large building of the villa-farm with courtyard, kitchen garden and ”olive mill”; a building which still perpetuats in some ways the Renaissance architectural tradition with its regular plano-volumetric structure and in the raws of windows in the white walls.

The cellars were enlarged , excavating into the rock, and roofed by cross vaults in terra cotta interspersed with depressed arches. The estate at the time covered 78 hectares. In 1852 Pianigiani property was sold to Prince Ferdinando Strozzi and was managed for about 40 years by this aristocratic Florentine family whose coat-of- arms can still be seen in some parts of the manor house of Vistarenni.

Prince Strozzi was a member of the Tuscan Assembly in 1859 and was named Senator of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. The estate consisted of 26 holdings located in Communes of Radda and Gaiole, all with farmhouses, yards or threshing floors and sheds, and were managed according to the traditional system of agricultural agreements and subsequent share-cropping.

At the end of the nineteenth century and more precisely in 1892, Baron Giorgio Sonnino, brother of Sidney – who, was the Prime Minister in 1906 and 1909 , took over from the Strozzi family. A Science graduate from the university of Pisa , Barone Sonnino lived in S. Miniato di Firenze and was elected Senator of Kingdom in 1868.

The books and documents in the villa’s library are evidence of his interests : from agriculture to public finance, from merchant shipping to African affairs, and especially the colony of Eritrea. The Estate was enlarged from that period on until it covered an overall area of 650 hectares.

The average annual production of Chianti wine was at the time over 2300 hectoliters: a wine that was particularly esteemed for its qualities of “robustness, fineness and preservability “.

Sonnino had the façade of the Villa embellished and between 1914 and 1919 the four pilaster strips of the central body , the lintels( arched and flat ) over the windows of the piano nobile and the large staircase with two flights were added to the design by the Florentine architect Ludovico Fortini.

A chapel also remains: a small sixteenth- century construction in Neo-Renaissance style, which bears the date 1584 on the lintel. It was used as the Sonnino family vault and was dedicated to the Florentine Saint Maria Magdalena de’Pazzi (1566-1607, one of the most important and worshipped ecstatic saints of the Catholic faith. More recentlyhe villa has belonged for several decades tothe Tognana Family.

PRIVATE LUXURY VILLA RENTALS
Villa Vistarenni Old Renaissance country dwelling with its beatifully converted farmhouse and apartments, is teh perfect location to live in a historical setting, to experience the culture and art of Tuscany, its wine and its cuisine.

The eighteenth-century Villa is perfect to host large families and groups of friends, in its 7 rooms with 14 beds in total , finely furnished living rooms and dining rooms with fireplaces to enjoy the Villa even during winter periods.

The villa has all the comforts for an ideal holiday: private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, free wi-fi, swimming pool and tennis court.Breakfast is always included and, on request, guests can use the historical kitchen of the villa both for private use or with our chefs.

For smaller groups, Villa Vistarenni offers 2 different solutions, both of them with 7 beds: stay in “Royal Suite Strozzi” with 3 double rooms, 1 single room, 3 living rooms, 1 dining room and kitchen or be welcomed in the “Queen Suite Savoia” with 1 triple room and 2 double rooms, kitchen and 2 living rooms.

The accommodation offered by Villa and farmhouse consists of 34 beds (18 rooms), in addition cellars of the farm have been sympathetically converted into spacious halls with a maximum capacity of 150 people but divisible as needed, with direct access to the large garden and the inner courtyard.

There are two large parking areas with over 90 parking spaces at the end of the magnificent avenue of cypresses 2 km long , and the availability of private heliport which ensure total privacy.

HISTORIC SUITE REGINA MARGHERITA
First Queen of Italy, wife of Umberto I of Savoia, she was a guest in 1898 and she slept in this room. Wide and comfortable suite furnished with classic style furniture, terracotta floor, frescos panting on walls and ceilings. 1 king size bed, 1 single room, 1 frescoed living room with sofa and two armchairs, fireplace, table for 6 people and television. Bathroom with bathtub with shower, hairdryer, toiletries products. It is possible to add an extra bed and a baby cot.

GIANNOZZO DA CEPPARELLO
The florentine Giannozzo da Cepparello was the first owner in 1621. Bride and functional room, with the ceiling with the beams showing, furnished in style, writing desk, cotto floor. Bathroom with bathtub with shower, hairdryer, bath products. It is possible to add a baby cot. Wi Fi in the common areas.

BARONE ENRICO GUZOLINI DI CERVICATI
Husband of the Baroness Elena Sonnino. Vineyard view. Bride and functional room, view on the enchanting Chianti hills, furnished in style. Bathroom with bathtub with shower, hairdryer, bath products. It is possible to add an extra bed and a baby cot. Wi Fi in the common areas.

BARONE GIORGIO SONNINO
Owner since 1892 and senator of the Reign in 1868, he was the brother of Sidney Sonnino, President of Council of Ministers from 1906 to 1909. Wide, elegant and confortable room, vaulted ceiling, furnished in style, terracotta floor. Bathroom with bathtub with shower, hairdryer, bath products. It is possible to add an extra bed and a baby cot. Wi Fi in the common areas.

PRIVATE CHEF
In order to enjoy delicious dinners in the villa or in the halls of the cellars: professional chefs will cook in the villa kitchens, for you and your guests, elegant menus selected according to your preferences and wishes.

EVENTS
Every event requires careful planning. Depending on your budget and your needs we will put together the best solution for a ceremony or meeting that reflects your personality. Our consultants are at your service to suggest the best setting, preparation and decoration of the spaces and assist with the timings of your event.

They will put at your disposal the most suitable eqipment for the occasion, tablecloths, dishes, tables, chairs and other furniture for every taste and different types of “mise en place”. Once your preferences have been decided , the chefs will propose several alternative menus for your banquet or buffet.

WEDDINGS IN TUSCANY
Villa Vistarenni is particularly suitable for weddings. It can sleep 34 people in the Villa (manor house) itself the apartments in Villa and in the sixteenth-century annexe/old farm house built of stone which has been converted and equipped for farm tourism.

The charm surrounding the villa is a perfect setting for a refined and romantic wedding or event. The beautiful facade of the villa and the natural setting of the Chianti hills would be the ideal background of your most beautifoul photos, and the most magic of moments of your life would be sealed in a perfect union of poetry and harmony.

A few yards away there is the Chapel, an architectural delight protected by cypresses stretching out toward the sky. This small sixteenth century building in the neo renaissance style is perfectly restored.

The lintel bears the date 1584 and the church is dedicated to the Florentine Saint Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi (1566-1607), one of the most famous and worshipped rapturous saints of Catholicism. It is here that you can celebrate a blessing new paragraph.

The hall of the Villa can caterer for 150 people but if you’d rather celebrate it outdoors,the garden and the courtyard of the Villa can accommodate up to 300 people. The garden is an ideal place for a unique wedding, for which every detail will be excellently detailed, making it an unforgettable moment and experience.

We allow/service only one wedding per day on an exclusive use basis. This is to ensure that you receive the care and attention you want on your wedding day. We will be delighted to assist you with the finer details of planning your day; deserve whether you are looking for advice on menu content, timing of events or any other details for your wedding preparations, we are at your disposal.

We will take care of absolutely everything on the day, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy the day to the full. The wine shop at the Villa offers a wide selection of wines, according to the traditional local and regional culture ,to give guests and visitors the opportunity to taste and to buy.

GROUPS & MEETINGS
Vistarenni is an ideal location for private meetings, gatherings and weddings. The estate offers a relaxed atmosphere, stylish venue and unmatched exclusivity and comfort. The perfect setting also for shootings,parties, film, fashion shows, vernissage, live music, business meetings, and events.

The ideal venue for private functions is in the Villa’s Ballroom, which is decorated with fine frescoes. Here past and present mingle as splendid 18th century wall decorations, antique books and paintings, gilded coffered ceilings, painted beams and period furniture live along side modern design artifacts and contemporary furniture.

The tastefully restored historic cellars of the farmhouse have been converted into spacious rooms, which can accommodate up to 150 people. Screens, microphones, amplification systems, overhead projectors, flip chart, stationery, Wi-Fi Internet and other meeting equipments are available on request.

WINE TOURS & TASTINGS
Fascinating and seductive, the history of Brolio is a treasure trove of stories to be discovered linked to the name of the Ricasoli family, the central cornerstone of the history and creation of the Chianti Classico DOCG wine.

At Castello di Brolio you can make several exclusive tours and wine tastings immersed in the magical atmosphere in such a representative place surrounded by the magic of the landscape and its historical and enogastronomic treasures.

CASTELLO DI ALBOLA WINE TOUR & TASTING
The medieval village of Castello di Albola stands on the magnificent Chianti hills, in an unique location known for the charm of its history, for the evocative power of art and for the unique landscape and agrarian context of unrivalled harmony.

Once belonging to some of the most noble Tuscan Families throughout the ages, from the Acciaioli and the Samminiati to the Pazzi and the Ginori Conti, the estate has been in the care and protection of the Zonin Family for over 40 years.

Zonin Family’s first task was to ensure that the vineyards would produce high quality grapes, and then to restore the outbuildings and the beautiful villa that had been built in the 16th century but maintained in its two massive towers the traces of the original mediaeval castle.

A new winery has also been built, in perfect harmony with the landscape. Here you can plan wine tours and tastings immersed in the beauty of the landscape surrounding Radda in Chianti.

TUSCAN COOKING CLASSES
The cooking class takes 3-4 hours and are prepared 3 of the traditional Tuscan dishes (an appetizer or a first course, a main course with side dish and dessert). The course ends with lunch or dinner served with the dishes that we have prepared accompanied by the best Chianti wine.

WINE SHOP
There is a small area in the heart of Tuscany that is rich in history and tradition and produces a wine with ancient origins: Chianti Classico. 510 meters above sea level lie the vineyards of VillaVistarenni estate and here in the beautiful cellars the wine tastings are a real sensory journey.

Eventually in the Vistarenni Wine shop you can find a large selection of our wines, which will allow you to savor the taste of this extraordinary land when you return at home. The “heart” of Tuscan Estates Wine Group Santa Margherita is located in Greve in Chianti (Fi).

From the restoration of an old distillery is born a productive and educational centre that unifies and concentrates all the estates of Chianti Classico, Lamole di Lamole, and the Maremma estates.

At 510 meters above sea level lie the vineyards of the Vistarenni estate extend, and here in the splendid cellars wine tastings are organized which represent a total multi-sensory journey where taste and aromas are the master.

THE WINE
Between the Municipalities of Radda and Gaiole in Chianti, historic centers of the production of Chianti Classico, in the heart of Tuscany, lies Villa Vistarenni with an extension of over 100 hectares. The Sangiovese grapes refine and mature in large oak barrels at a fermentation temperature of approx. 28 – 30 ° C. Our Chianti Classico DOCG shows a beautiful ruby colour, with hints of cherry.

Among the aromas there is a fine, clean maresca fruit with a slight warm sensation of alcohol. On the palate it reflects the same fresh and harmonious sensations already perceived on the nose and with the tannic structure to give complexity and persistence.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Extra-virgin olive oil Chianti Classico DOP “Lamole” is produced in the heart of Chianti Classico by hand-picked olives that are transferred to small crates and kept for a day in a well-ventilated area to help them dry. The final product is then filtered to guarantee a duration of about two years. The gold colour nuances, the intense nose aromas and the spicy notes in the mouth reveal a complete and elegant profile.

SWIMMING POOL
Vistarenni Swimming Pool is immersed in the typical green of Chianti with its secular cypresses, its olive trees, its vineyards and its scents, with a spectacular view of the Chianti hills in an atmosphere of absolute relaxation.

In our exclusive swimming pool you can tan, rest, read a book while sipping a glass of our Chianti Classico, taking advantage of comfortable sun beds and under umbrellas made available to customers including soft terry towels. Vistarenni Swimming Pool an oasis of peace and relaxation.

PILATES & MEDITATION
Pilates & Meditation :to get away, relax and recharge ( individual lesson or groupe lesson). We will practice Pilates and Meditation with the intention to recharge and regenerate ourselves surrounded by the nature.

HIKING & WALKING
How come to Tuscany and miss the opportunity of a walk through vineyards, fortified villages, cypress-lined avenues and postcard landscapes? Nothing like the natural and simple act of walking helps to fully understand a territory, its people, its history and its truest soul.

Sara Testi, environmental Hiking Guide and specialized Tour Guide, proposes walking experiences “in the” landscape for those who love to observe a place with awareness in the company of a Chiantigiana DOCG.

WATERCOLOR
We are pleased to announce that from this summer season it will be possible to take open space watercolor courses thanks to the guidance of an exceptional teacher who loves the territory of the Chianti Classico and who in many of his works portrays with a unique beauty the images of our beloved territory: Patrizia Sambri.

The wonder of the landscape that surrounds us will be a source of inspiration for your works even if it is the first time that you try this delicate and ethereal technique that brings concentration, quiet and harmony in your soul and you will perhaps discover true talents of the technique watercolor.

SPORTS & LEISURE
Guests of Villa Vistarenni can play in our tennis court surrounded by the nature and table tennis, relax along pleasant walks, hike or ride bikes (either road or mountain bike) in the heart of Chianti country along the route of the Eroica. Alternaitve they can horse-ride, visit the nearby hot springs and Spa, or play golf in the nearby fields and locations:

• 27-hole Golf Club in Montaione, Castelfalfi Tuscan
• 17-hole Golf Club Ugolino in Florence Impruneta,
• Circolo Golf Abbadia, in Colle val d’Elsa,
• Equestrian Center Berardenga-Castelnuovo Berardenga (Si)
• Go Kart circuit, Siena in Castelnuovo Berardenga Scalo

TERME DI RAPOLANO
On the border between Chianti and Valdichiana, Rapolano Terme, (a small town )is known for the presence of the spas of San Giovanni and Antica Querciolaia. Immersed in the natural surroundings of the Crete Senesi, the thermal pool of Rapolano offers high quality services and treatments to cure specific diseases, or simply for wellness and relaxation.

TERME DI BAGNO VIGNONI
One of the most evocative, the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni leave everyone speechless. The thermal waters of this Spa gush into a vast Roman bath, which is also the town square,”Piazza delle Sorgenti”. Bagno Vignoni’s charm is irresistible, here time seems to stand still.

TERME BAGNI DI SAN FILIPPO
The Terme dei Bagni di San Filippo is located in the natural Park of the Val d ‘ Orcia, characterized by suggestive calcareous deposits formed by the hot sulphurous thermal waters, which since the Middle Ages have cured many famous people, including Lorenzo dei Medici.

SIENA
A City/Museum where the Middle Ages are the principal attractions. Its historic buildings, the tangle of its streets, its cobbled stone streets, water fountains and typical small squares make this town unique.

Don’t miss the famous Palio of July 2nd and August 16th , to breathe in the traditions and appreciate the life of the past, which comes back to the present. Climb the Bell Tower of the Cathedral and the Torre del Mangia to overlook the clay-red rooftops of the city.

Slowly, between bends and ups and downs of the narrow streets, you reach the margins of the town, while the horizon, in any direction you choose, is a single, immense compendium of hills and villages.

The yellow and ochre colors are the stars of late afternoon. The wild boar is the protagonist of table, along of course with a glass of Chianti Classico: definitely a tasty start in this place of strong tastes and scents!

FLORENCE
The history, the art, the culture of Florence is revealed from Piazzale Michelangelo up to the streets and narrow alleys of the Centre and from Piazza della Signoria to Palazzo Vecchio. You shovid not miss visits to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery, with works of Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci; from here you can see the Ponte Vecchio, for sensations that you can hardly forget.

A lovely city, which preserves the charm and splendor of the past, with its art masterpieces, the colored marbles of the churches and the architectures that evoke the splendour and the role played over the centuries in the development of European art and Culture.

GAIOLE IN CHIANTI
The town nestles in the heart of Chianti hills , between wine crops, sunflowers fields and charming panoramas, near the river Massellone. In Gaiole there is one of the largest winery of the Chianti Classico area, the Castello di Brolio, where in 1872 Bettino Ricasoli created the formula of the blend Chianti Classico.

RADDA IN CHIANTI
This is a village with a medieval flavour surrounded by stone walls. Radda in Chianti is a wonderful place overlooking the valleys of the famous Tuscany region. Narrow streets and old buildings are the framework for a breathtaking landscape. The Palazzo del Podestà, with all of its coats of arms and the distinctive clock on the façade is worth a photo opportunity.

GREVE IN CHIANTI
The famous Chianti vineyards that are seen all around the world on photos and postcards are clearly visible even before crossing the boundaries of Greve in Chianti, but you can’t be said to you have experienced the real Chianti until you enter the renowned stone triangular shaped Piazza, and you breath that typical atmosphere of Chianti villages which is characterized, bet of all, by Greve in Chianti.

Walking through the calm and quiet streets of this small, but quite active town, you cannot immagine that in the past the village was involved in the centuries-old war between Florence and Siena.

SAN GIMIGNANO
Probably one of the most famous medieval village in tuscany , this town, on the top of the hill, is easily explored on foot. It contains houses 14 stunning towers: heritage of the over 70 that once lined the city.

The town offers many fabulous works of arts of the 14th and 15th centuries, kept in the Civic Museum and the Museum of Sacred Art. The Torture Museum offers an eye opening collection of ancient torture instruments, including some still used today in the world.

The rock fortress, dating back to the 14th century, is a romantic ruin that offers beautiful views of the town. At the top of the Torre Grossa, the highest in the town, you can enjoy the views of the rooftops and the surroundings.

MONTERIGGIONI
A beautifully preserved medieval village on top of a hill, surrounded by walls dating from the thirteenth century and kept virtually intact even today. Dante compared the 14 towers to Titans guarding the deepest abysses of hell. Monteriggioni has a lovely Roman church overlooking the square and boasts a public garden.

THE MALL LUXURY OUTLET
The most exclusive fashion brands in the world are located in a charming location unique; a luxury outlet of new generation, open and bright, immersed in the Tuscan countryside.

PRADA OUTLET
Clothing, bags, fragrances and other luxury items directly from the Prada factory.

CERAMICHE RAMPINI
The Craftsman Rampini located below Vistarenni, produces hand-decorated ceramics, decorated according to the best Tuscan tradition, and inspired by the art and craftsmanship of the Renaissance.

CHIANTI CASHMERE
“Chianti cashmere goat farm” is the first and largest herd of cashmere goats in Europe, and allows visitors to participate in the real rural life and buy products directly

Rooms: 7

Price: from 160 EUR per night

Source: www.villavistarenni.com