The Castello Vicchiomaggio, an establishment in Tuscany wine, is one of Italy’s top estates, and has realized its full glory after renovations made by the Matta family, who assumed ownership of this flagship castle in 1964.  Its location, only a few kilometers from Greve in the heart of the Chianti region and atop a hill with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, makes for an unforgettable experience.  Tuscany wine is reputed for its quality not only in taste, but also in technique, and nowhere else exemplifies this more than Castello Vicchiomaggio, the king of Tuscany Chianti castles.

 The Matta family originates from Tonengo, near Asti in Piemonte and gained influence and success when they moved to London and began importing French and Italian wines in the early 1960's.  John Matta and his wife Paola have been running Castello Vichiomaggio since 1982, and the quality of their product has been increasing ever since.

Good grapes are the key to a good wine, and the practice of culturing rich vineyards is no more evident than at this finest of Tuscany Chianti castles.  With attention to quality over quantity, several passes are made through the vineyard during the growing season to assure that all grapes are ripening uniformly.  A maximum of six bunches of grapes per vine ensures that quality in taste is achieved.  With all the work on these remarkably planted vines being carried out by hand, optimum grade is assured.  In 2002, John Matta was awarded the Tasca d’Almerita Trophy for “Best Italian Producer of the Year”.  Subsequently in 2005, he would be honored by the IWSC again as “Italian Producer of the Year”, with his 2003 La Prima Chianti Classico Riserva winning the “Carpineto Trophy for the Best Sangiovese” in the same competition.  The Vicchiomaggio Castle Tuscany offers wine-tasting and is noted for its quality on-site restaurant.  From both Florence and Greve in Chianti, its an easy car or bus ride away.

Rich not only in wine production, the Castello Vicchiomaggio has a notable history as well.  This castle Tuscany premier dates back to the 5th century, originally called Viccio dei Longobardi, or village of the Longobards.  During the Renaissance period (around 1450) it received its present day name, meaning village of May, and the current castle was built.

In the middle ages, the castle was the first line of defense for Florence as it feuded with Siena.  Leonardo da Vinci was a guest at the Castello Vicchiomaggio during a period of residence that saw him achieve his notable work, the Mona Lisa.  The great Italian academic, Francesco Redi published his book “Bacco in Toscana” in 1685 while staying at Vicchiomaggio.  In this work, he boasts of the virtue of wine and associates the benefits of moderate drinking.

If you would like to stay at Castello Vicchiomaggio, you can rent out one of the eight apartments in the castle itself, or find lodging in one of two adjacent farmhouses.  Both options offer old world charm with all the modern amenities, not to mention a complimentary bottle of wine.  Your special banquet, dinner, meeting or even wedding can be held on-site with a tailored menu to fit your needs.  With panoramic views of rolling vineyards and a formal Italian style garden, this estate offers a quality of experience that all Tuscany Chianti castles strive for.  Enjoy replenishing walks in and around the grounds after taking one of the castle’s cooking classes and take in the process of viticulture and the cultivation of the local olive trees. Bask in the Tuscan sunsets as you sip on some of the best in Tuscany wine, all while relaxing on the extended sunning patio at Castello Vicchiomaggio’s hillside pool.  You will swear you died and went to heaven.